Esbjörn Svensson Trio (e.s.t.) - Seven Days of Falling (CD)

Release Date: 10/01/03

“The great piano trio of the 21st century might not come from the United States. ” JAZZIZ

On Monday March 10, 2003 Esbjorn Svensson, Magnus Öström, and Dan Berglund met at Stockholm´s Atlantis studio to begin sessions for a new album. It took them eight days to record and five days to mix 'Seven Days of Falling' – an unusual amount of time for a jazz recording and more in keeping with a pop production. This whole approach reflects the philosophy of the band - whether it be their live performances, their image, or their recordings (prepared in week-long rehearsals, culminating in two recording sessions, each one four days long). Nothing is left to chance – attention to detail can be seen throughout the entire process. None of the trio took the conventional route of the jazz musician by attending university and learning about how their forefathers played, or how to be technically perfect. As a result, their ears have been open to all types of music and approaches to playing – which is probably why you get answers like 'The Police' or 'Deep Purple' or 'Radiohead' or 'Aphex Twin' when you ask them their favourite bands. 'Seven Days of Falling' features wonderful ballads 'Ballad for the Unborn' and 'Why She didn´t Come' and guides us through great musical landscapes, but it is songs like 'O.D.R.I.P.' and 'Elevation of Love' that set the pace. The e.s.t. magic that has captured so many admirers is still very much present in their compelling themes, Esbjörn Svensson’s seductive piano melodies, bassist Dan Berglund’s use of bow and sound effects (with Hendrix-like results) and drummer Magnus Öström’s accelerating drum’n’bass beats. Asked what creates the magic of e.s.t. recordings most people say that it is 'in between what is being played'. Esbjörn, Dan, and Magnus leave room for the music to breathe into the minds and souls of the audience.