Esbjorn Svensson Trio
There is no doubt in my mind that the Esbjorn Svensson Trio (E.S.T.) have been the most influential jazz group of our times. Combining many different genres (including drum n bass) into a coherent form is no easy feat, but E.S.T. have proven it is possible in their 15 years of existence (which was ended by Esbjorn Svensson’s untimely death in 2008). Although their recorded material that spanned over 10 albums was fantastic, the trio really shone in a live setting. I have never seen them in person but I have seen many of their recorded concerts and I always find it amazing how well they worked as a unit.
In this amazing performance of their track called Behind the Yashmak they show how much can be accomplished with 3 acoustic instruments. They create soundscapes and evoke moods that are beyond the vast majority of more elaborate and complex recordings. In addition, all the dnb heads should pay close attention to the elaborate drum work.
Their sense of pacing is incredible; there’s a crescendo on the beginning of the track that gives you a taster of what’s to come. It then breaks down to let the track build up progressively into an explosion of sound at around the 6 minute mark, after which we are treated to yet another buildup which leads to an abrupt end to the piece. Mandatory listening.
Tom.
