RE: [JPL] Esbjörn Svensson (April 16, 1964 - June 14, 2008)

[Bradley M. Stone]

Aloha,

This is devastating news.  I am shocked and deeply saddened.  E.S.T. was, in my mind, one of the most creative and compelling groups in modern jazz. They were certainly one of my personal favorites, their music resonated with me deeply.  Perhaps it was the incorporation of the haunting Nordic melodies, or the progressive rock sensibilities of the group - with the incorporation of electronics and "non-standard to jazz" sounds that appealed to me so much. I saw there performance at the IAJE in NY a couple of years ago - it was one of the very highlights of the convention. Sad news indeed for those of us inspired by music that is pushing the envelope while still being beautifully melodic.

The light is on, but dimmer once again.

Brad 

Dr. Brad Stone
Music Director (Jazz, Blues World)
Faculty Advisor
KSJS 90.5 FM
1 Washington Square
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA   95192-0094
 
Home Office:
9381 Durango Lane
Gilroy, CA   95020
bstone at science.sjsu.edu
(408) 848-6266


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Just heard about the premature death of pianist Esbjörn Svensson,
leader of e.s.t. in a scuba-diving accident, now confirmed by the
Wikipedia entry duplicated below.  e.s.t. was set to embark on a North
American tour next week starting with a swing through several major
Canadian jazz festivals.

N.