Esbjörn Svensson Trio (e.s.t.) - e.s.t. Symphony (CD)

Release Date: 10/28/16

Orchestral versions of songs by the groundbreaking Esbjörn Svensson Trio e.s.t.

For E.S.T. SYMPHONY Swedish arranger-conductor Hans Ek has arranged an outstanding selection of Esbjörn Svensson's compositions from e.s.t.'s rich 13 album catalogue for a widescreen orchestral canvas. Performed exquisitely by the 90-piece Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Ek's orchestrations integrate organically with solo contributions from a handful of Scandi-jazz superstars of today and tomorrow. Featured are the saxophonist Marius Neset, trumpeter Verneri Pohjola, pianist Iiro Rantala and the unique pedal steel guitarist Johan Lindström, a member of Tonbruket, a band led ex-e.s.t. bassist Dan Berglund who's clearly the lynchpin of this project alongside his ex-bandmate/drummer Magnus Öström. 'I have of course tried to write in the spirit of Esbjörn, but I did not just want to imitate,' Hans Ek says. 'His compositions and fantastic playing have been my inspiration. I think this whole project is about to give another perspective to the geniality of these songs. We can let the great compositions take on a new path.' However says Ek, e.s.t.'s music's combination, of 'large scale formal developments, the impressionistic soundworld and of course the quality of the compositions,' lends itself beautifully to a symphonic interpretation. 'For each song I have tried to find a function for the orchestra,' says Ek. 'Sometimes it has the role of imitating one of the trios members. In some places I have transcribed solos by Esbjörn. Sometimes I have tried to create electronic soundscapes that surrounds the original compositions. There are also a lot of classical references in Esbjörn's playing that I have tried to pick up. It has been very important to choose a solo instrument for each song.' By both imaginatively expanding upon and saluting the broad-based contemporary sonic universe created by e.s.t., Hans Ek has created on E.S.T. SYMPHONY an enduring and entirely fitting monument to a much-missed and highly inspirational contemporary jazz trio.