Review of E.S.T. : Strange Place for Snow
Toeing a surprisingly fine line between acoustic-jazz accessibility and electronic-music ingenuity, E.S.T. (Esbjörn Svensson Trio) is a forward-thinking Swedish trio that adds subtle, dark ambient texture (and then some) to the traditional piano-trio format. As with the group's first Columbia release, Somewhere Else Before, there is a nice mix of well-constructed tunes with catchy, often-lilting melodies. The band is at its best when playing slow, contemplative ballads ("Serenade for the Renegade" is a highlight) that have the same kind of romantic leanings as pianist Bill Evans, yet the three occasionally pick up momentum on tunes like "Behind the Yashmak," without ever abandoning the song's lyricism. The trio also does other things to keep it fresh: they bring in some simple folk music balladry, add some classical music complexity, and even touch on the creeping influence of electro rock à la Radiohead. Strange Place for Snow should add a lot of new American voices to the deafening roar that surrounds this band in Europe. --Tad Hendrickson

Users's Reviews - E.S.T. : Relentless Energy
E.S.T. has quickly moved themselves up into my top two or three most "listened to" piano-based trios (Keith Jarrett will hold that top spot for a long, long time). They play with energy that few others bring to the table without resorting to just plain being loud. I love The Bad Plus, but they rely on the loud part more; I've just discovered Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, and they bring a lot to the table, too. Medeski, Martin & Wood are much more electric and abstract than E.S.T. I love Keith Jarrett, solo and with his trio, but that's a different kind of energy going on. Tord Gustavsen is so ECM-cool, and Lynne Arriale is less cutting-edge than these guys. Fred Hersch bring a whole different sound into the mix--much more traditional.

These guys, E.S.T., sell me with their spectacular pacing, working and building up sometimes repeated themes to almost a manic crescendo at times. Track 4, "Behind the Yashmak," is the perfect example. Nice slow beginning, but, at about 2:15 or so, the pace picks up, and we are off on an 8-minute "race" that gradually picks up speed, energy, and intensity. The ending is just spectacular--great payoff for my patience through 10+ minutes of the song. The left hand on Track 7, "When God Created the Coffeebreak" is one of the more impressive pieces of playing that I can think of off the top of my head. Track 8, "Spunky Sprawl," brings a similar feel to the table. Track 9, "Carcrash," reminds me of Karl Shapiro's poem "Auto Wreck"--a horrible image masked in soft sounds and pleasant "language."

The other thing that impresses me about these guys is the importance and prominence of the "other" two instruments in the trio. The piano might be in the lead much of the time, but the bass takes over a couple of tracks, as do the drums. They are all willing to share the spotlight and be three very equal sides of the triangle that another reviewer spoke of.

Bottom Line: I have no idea why these guys did not catch on in the U.S. better than they have, but it's our loss. They are as good as anybody else going out there and deserve a look/listen. I have gone back and purchased their early titles (From Gagarin's Point of View, Good Morning Susie Soho, Plays Monk, and several more) from a Swedish distributor (Skivhugget Records) for great prices. The CD after this one, Seven Days of Falling, is in the ball park and now comes with a bonus DVD that is pretty cool (the entire DVD is available only for play on non-U.S. DVD players. . .). Their very newest, Viaticum, is probably five-star material, as well, but I'm still getting to know it. If you like Jarrett, Bad Plus, MMW, JFJO, and/or Brad Mehldau, then you should like this crew. Buy one used and go from there. . . .

Your latest reviews - E.S.T. : Relentless Energy
E.S.T. has quickly moved themselves up into my top two or three most "listened to" piano-based trios (Keith Jarrett will hold that top spot for a long, long time). They play with energy that few others bring to the table without resorting to just plain being loud. I love The Bad Plus, but they rely on the loud part more; I've just discovered Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, and they bring a lot to the table, too. Medeski, Martin & Wood are much more electric and abstract than E.S.T. I love Keith Jarrett, solo and with his trio, but that's a different kind of energy going on. Tord Gustavsen is so ECM-cool, and Lynne Arriale is less cutting-edge than these guys. Fred Hersch bring a whole different sound into the mix--much more traditional.

These guys, E.S.T., sell me with their spectacular pacing, working and building up sometimes repeated themes to almost a manic crescendo at times. Track 4, "Behind the Yashmak," is the perfect example. Nice slow beginning, but, at about 2:15 or so, the pace picks up, and we are off on an 8-minute "race" that gradually picks up speed, energy, and intensity. The ending is just spectacular--great payoff for my patience through 10+ minutes of the song. The left hand on Track 7, "When God Created the Coffeebreak" is one of the more impressive pieces of playing that I can think of off the top of my head. Track 8, "Spunky Sprawl," brings a similar feel to the table. Track 9, "Carcrash," reminds me of Karl Shapiro's poem "Auto Wreck"--a horrible image masked in soft sounds and pleasant "language."

The other thing that impresses me about these guys is the importance and prominence of the "other" two instruments in the trio. The piano might be in the lead much of the time, but the bass takes over a couple of tracks, as do the drums. They are all willing to share the spotlight and be three very equal sides of the triangle that another reviewer spoke of.

Bottom Line: I have no idea why these guys did not catch on in the U.S. better than they have, but it's our loss. They are as good as anybody else going out there and deserve a look/listen. I have gone back and purchased their early titles (From Gagarin's Point of View, Good Morning Susie Soho, Plays Monk, and several more) from a Swedish distributor (Skivhugget Records) for great prices. The CD after this one, Seven Days of Falling, is in the ball park and now comes with a bonus DVD that is pretty cool (the entire DVD is available only for play on non-U.S. DVD players. . .). Their very newest, Viaticum, is probably five-star material, as well, but I'm still getting to know it. If you like Jarrett, Bad Plus, MMW, JFJO, and/or Brad Mehldau, then you should like this crew. Buy one used and go from there. . . .