15 years after Esbjörn Svensson's death, a new album reminds us of his historic impact in globalizing the art form and changing attitudes (including mine)
Thanks for the endorsement, which led to several hours of enjoyable listening. So far. The music is beautiful and the recording quality is jaw-dropping clear.
I'm still not quite a convert (preferring Bad plus and even medeski etc.) but find plenty of other Europeans [& other continents, like Indonesian kid Joey Alexander!] adding interest to the once-stultifying american jazz scene....
There are, and were, a lot of great Euro jazz bands. IMO EST started a certain commercial approach that caught on, but no one I knew considered them worth paying all that much attention to. They had a sound...but I guess I'd prefer the Bad Plus. And Ted, to say that ACT was on the cutting edge of euro jazz is...strange. They put out my 2 Free Country records when EST was at its ascendancy. I knew their catalogue, and most of it was tepid. And still is. In my estimation the one example of a truly ground-breaking euro jazz artist from ACT is Nguyen Le. He is at least as responsible as EST for putting ACT on the map long-term, and is a phenomenal artist. The truth is the Europeans hardly need us anymore. Some of their artists are more compelling than ours by a long shot. None of what I am saying should be construed to demean Esbjorn. I recognize he was a fine artist and his death was tragic as he had way more music in him. I literally owe ACT my European career. I have a deep respect for their longevity and dedication. But I don't listen to their catalogue.
I loved E.S.T. but I never got to see them live. So I went to see Rymden a couple of weeks ago who are the rhythm section from E.S.T. with a new pianist. I expected to enjoy it, but I didn't expect to be so moved that I wept. Check them out live, so much better than their recordings. Amazing bass and drums.
Again, thanks. I remember being introduced to Dodge the Dodo in a trio called Bright Size Life led by guitarist Richard Page with Iain Hunter on drums. So loved being able to play arco in a new context. Don’t think I added anything to Bergman’s work but it was so refreshing.
Among the excellent recordings released by ACT, I particularly love Swiss vocalist Andreas Schärer with his bands Hildegard Lernt Fliegen and A Novel of Anomaly.
Aside: I think you meant Montenegro instead of Montevideo?
I’ve been following ACT for a while now (you were probably the impetus?), and really appreciate this look to the earlier years. Thanks! More Qobuz playlists from you would be most welcome....
How I Joined the Euro Jazz Cult
Lovely piece. Am I allowed to say I like Jazz Sabbath?
https://youtu.be/096Cqsucoy0
Thanks for the endorsement, which led to several hours of enjoyable listening. So far. The music is beautiful and the recording quality is jaw-dropping clear.
there is no time zone for jazz nowadays - nuff said.
I'm still not quite a convert (preferring Bad plus and even medeski etc.) but find plenty of other Europeans [& other continents, like Indonesian kid Joey Alexander!] adding interest to the once-stultifying american jazz scene....
There are, and were, a lot of great Euro jazz bands. IMO EST started a certain commercial approach that caught on, but no one I knew considered them worth paying all that much attention to. They had a sound...but I guess I'd prefer the Bad Plus. And Ted, to say that ACT was on the cutting edge of euro jazz is...strange. They put out my 2 Free Country records when EST was at its ascendancy. I knew their catalogue, and most of it was tepid. And still is. In my estimation the one example of a truly ground-breaking euro jazz artist from ACT is Nguyen Le. He is at least as responsible as EST for putting ACT on the map long-term, and is a phenomenal artist. The truth is the Europeans hardly need us anymore. Some of their artists are more compelling than ours by a long shot. None of what I am saying should be construed to demean Esbjorn. I recognize he was a fine artist and his death was tragic as he had way more music in him. I literally owe ACT my European career. I have a deep respect for their longevity and dedication. But I don't listen to their catalogue.
I loved E.S.T. but I never got to see them live. So I went to see Rymden a couple of weeks ago who are the rhythm section from E.S.T. with a new pianist. I expected to enjoy it, but I didn't expect to be so moved that I wept. Check them out live, so much better than their recordings. Amazing bass and drums.
Great article, Ted. You ever listen to the Norwegian trio Moskus, or anything on the Hubro label out of Norway?
Again, thanks. I remember being introduced to Dodge the Dodo in a trio called Bright Size Life led by guitarist Richard Page with Iain Hunter on drums. So loved being able to play arco in a new context. Don’t think I added anything to Bergman’s work but it was so refreshing.
Reminds me of John Kramer
I wonder how much of Home.s is improvised? It sounds like ideas sketched out previously then spontaneous colors added in the moment.
Among the excellent recordings released by ACT, I particularly love Swiss vocalist Andreas Schärer with his bands Hildegard Lernt Fliegen and A Novel of Anomaly.
Aside: I think you meant Montenegro instead of Montevideo?
To be precise, ES didn't die in a "swimming accident", it was rather a *diving* accident.
Somehow it sounds more dignifying.
Jazz from the east (and north east) is phenomenally good:
- Marcin Wasilewski
- Tomasz Stanko
- Ulf Wakenius
...
Will definitely check this out. I've been a fan of Klaus Doldinger and his Euro-fusion group Passport since the mid-'70s.
I’ve been following ACT for a while now (you were probably the impetus?), and really appreciate this look to the earlier years. Thanks! More Qobuz playlists from you would be most welcome....
Beautiful.
Thanks for this. A new group to explore. First listens back up your strong endorsement.