Esbjörn Svensson Trio: Premonition I: Earth
Track
Premonition I: Earth
Group
Esbjörn Svensson Trio
CD
Leucocyte (B0011861-02)
Musicians:
Esbjörn Svensson (piano, electronics, transistor radio), Dan Berglund (bass, electronics), Magnus Öström (drums, electronics, voices).
Composed by Esbjörn Svensson, Dan Berglund & Magnus Öström
.Recorded: Sydney, Australia, January 17-18, 2007
Rating: 89/100 (learn more)
Made up on the spot, "Premonition: I. Earth" is built upon the foundation of a bass riff that Berglund creates from a single chord. While Öström coaxes excellent coloration from his Zildjians, Svensson carefully forms an extended piano run that paces itself in tandem with the bass and drums. As he pours out fragmented lines that show both classical and jazz influences, a moderate amount electronic distortion of his notes can be detected. An artificial sonic wash persists in the background, becoming more feedback-heavy about two-thirds in.
Around the 12-minute mark, Öström's fractured beats morph into machinegun fire. Not long afterwards, the drums become the focal point, as the song reaches its climax. As Svensson and Berglund drop out, the pulse is matched or sometimes followed by what sounds like some computer-generated beat.
The Esbjörn Svensson Trio had long combined electronic effects with the organic jazz aesthetic. With "Premonition," E.S.T. successfully adds another ingredient: pure improvisation.
Reviewer: S. Victor Aaron
Tags: 2000s jazz · piano trio
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