Esbjörn Svensson Trio

When the 44- year-old Swedish jazz pianist Esbjörn Svensson tragically died in a scuba diving accident off the island of Ingarö in 2008 the world of jazz lost a true innovator. Svensson's jazz combo known as the Esbjörn Svensson Trio (or simply e.s.t.) had beguiled international audiences with their quirky blend of jazz which drew upon influences as diverse as the Hungarian composer Béla Bartók and English pop band Radiohead. The trio were formed in 1993 and after winning a Swedish Grammy Award in 1997 for their album 'Winter in Venice' their follow-up album 'From Gagarin's Point of View' launched them onto the international stage and had significant commercial success with widespread critical acclaim throughout Europe and the USA. Although undisputedly a jazz band, e.s.t.'s unique blend of jazz, rock, electronic and classical influences enabled them to cross genres and appeal to a wide audience of music lovers. Their energetic and vibrant live appearances won supporters among young fans more accustomed to watching rock bands and it was this genre-defying abilty which was the key to their success. After Svensson's untimely death the group disbanded, although members Magnus Öström and Dan Berglund continue to tour with a project titled 'e.s.t. symphony'.

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