Swedish Jazz Pianist Bjorn Svensson Dies

jazz news, Canada

Esbjorn Svensson
1964-2008

Musician Dies in Scuba Diving Accident

Swedish pianist and composer Esbjorn Svensson, best known for his trio work with his group E.S.T., has died on Sunday in a tragic scuba diving accident. Svensson, who was 44 years old, leaves behind a wife and two children.

Considered one of the most influential figures in contemporary jazz, Svensson and E.S.T., his trio with Dan Berglund and Magnus Ostrum, gained international fame for their genre-breaking music. The group achieved cult status with younger jazz fans, often performing in rock venues.

E.S.T. were recognized on numerous occasions with with such prestigious honours as the European Jazz Award and the BBC Jazz Award. They were also the first European jazz group to be featured on the cover of Downbeat Magazine.

Esbjorn Svensson and E.S.T. were slated to perform at numerous Canadian jazz festivals this summer.

for more info visit www.est-music.com