Esbjorn Svensson is one of the Scandinavian musicians who takes jazz to a higher plane. Last year, the talented Swedish pianist delivered a wonderful CD, titled Good Morning Susie Soho. With his trio E.S.T, where Svensson is accompanied by bass player Dan Berglund and drummer/percussionist Magnus Östrom, he plays sturdily constructed pieces with an ingenious twist here and there. He really cuts loose on pieces like the exciting 'Spam-Boo-Limbo' full of electronic noises, but also creates special atmospheres against a background of cello and tabla. Svensson hasn't been an unknown for a long time. He performed as accompanist in many Swedish and Danish jazz bands, while producing various CDs with his trio. Like From Gagarin's Point of View ('98), which made his name known in the rest of Europe. His tribute to Thelonious Monk on the record Trio plays Monk did not go unnoticed either. In Sweden Esbjörn Svensson has been elected 'jazz musician of the year' twice and also received a prize for best songwriter. Recently his new record Strange Place For Snow came out; again, a marvelous record.
