Roots Archives Forum

Just heard this terrible news.

"Swedish pianist and composer Esbjörn Svensson died in a diving accident on Saturday June 14, 2008 at age 44."

Esbjörn Svensson's **[Obituary](http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/commen ... 148652.ece)** from today's Times Newspaper.

Didn't think that anyone here would know who he is. Living in Sweden and also being a major jazz fan (besides reggae) it really hurts me that such a talent has died. He did much good for the scene and if there where more musicians like him jazz would perhaps had been a more vivrant scene today.

They have played some absolutely incredible (sell out) gigs in the UK. My favourite was at 93 Feet East in Brick Lane. One of the best gigs I have ever been to.
I must admit I am still in shock over this sad, sad news.

Incidentally, I think there is a thriving *jazz scene*. Check out any of the following (off the top of my head);
Polar Bear
Empirical
Acoustic Ladyland
Justin Quinn’s Bakehouse
Basquiat Strings with Seb Rochford
Bad Plus

"Jazz On 3 – A Tribute to Esbjörn Svensson

Tonight – 20th June – at 11.30pm on BBC Radio 3

Tonight we pay tribute to Swedish pianist Esbjörn Svensson, who died last Saturday 14th June in a diving accident. He was 44.

When we first recorded e.s.t. back in 1999, it was clear that Esbjörn’s trio with bass player Dan Berglund and drummer Magnus Östrom was very special. But it would have been hard to anticipate, sitting in the Pizza Express Jazz Club, just how influential this band would become over the next decade.

With their anthemic tunes, seemingly telepathic group dynamics and commitment to the concept of the band, e.s.t. were always compelling; on record, but particularly live in concert. They headlined festivals and concert halls around the world and there’s no doubt they introduced new, and younger, audiences to jazz.

Tonight we’ve music from that 1999 gig and extracts of three other e.s.t. performances, recorded in 2001, 2002 and 2005. (In fact, we’ve recorded e.s.t. for Jazz On 3 more times than any other band).

We’ll also hear memories of Esbjörn from his friend and collaborator Pat Metheny and ACT record label founder Siggi Loch, who released many of e.s.t.’s albums. Jazzwise Magazine editor Jon Newey joins Jez in the studio to discuss e.s.t.’s legacy and there’s a chance to hear archive interviews with Esbjörn and his band-mates.

Do send us your memories of Esbjörn Svensson and e.s.t. - jazzon3@bbc.co.uk"

Website link here - **["Radio 3 Jazz"](http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/jazzon3/pip/sprrn/)**

You'll be able to listen to this tribute online for up to 7 days after tonight's broadcast.

I cannot believe he is gone.....i only discovere EST last summer (2007), bought all their albums, went to see them in Buxton, Derbyshire got the groups autograph on my ticket and Esbjorn said to me...are you not buying any CDs.. I replied, I have them all already and he smiled. I still possess tickets to see them in August at Brecon Jazz 2008.

I was talking with my wife 2 months ago about what would be the best jazz group to see & the best venue to see it, we both agreed.....it was to be E.S.T. @ Watton Marquee Brecon. Its a shame it wont be now

Thee Greatest Jazz musician I have ever heard, gone but not forgotten.


- Mike
Manchester (UK)

Dont care, or know anything about jazz but it seems like he meant alot for jazz. R.I.P.

Mike Farrey wrote:...bought all their albums....

Hi Mike

I must admit I am still in shock. Don't know if you are aware, but there is also a DVD of them **["Live In Stockholm 2003"](http://www.amazon.co.uk/E-S-T-Esbjorn-S ... 412&sr=1-1)**, which is an absolute must-have.

E.S.T - **["When God Created The Coffeebreak"](http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=7N2d1HehG ... re=related)**