Unknown to me until I acquired this recording, the Svensson trio from Sweden is an accomplished unit that plays fairly straight-ahead trio jazz. Bassist Berglund plays a major part in the proceedings with counter lines to the leader’s piano and plenty of solo space of his own.
All the selections are originals from Scandinavian musicians although some sound very familiar and are reminiscent of more famous compositions. Say Hello To Mr D. begins with gentle, ruminative solo piano with bass and drums entering after about four minutes. Svensson alternates on grand piano and upright and there is a marked difference in the sound produced by these instruments. The Rube Thing is a bright swinger and Happy Heads is in the same vein but that old upright does sound tired and battered on the latter. The Day After is a lush ballad with the pianist in Bill Evans mood – quiet, reflective and with a touch as light as a feather. Berglund roams around in the upper reaches of his instrument and occasionally swoops way down low in contrast. It is an effective performance.
All three musicians sound highly competent and together suggest that they have worked in this format for some time. The programme is varied and the only surprise is that the leader chose to record a live set with that (presumably) ancient and worn piano. It sounds as though it has had umpteen pints of beer and mountains of fag ash poured into the works. The music is pretty good but I think, like me, you’ll be relieved when he walks over to the grand.
Discography
Say Hello To Mr. D; The Rube Thing; Happy Heads And Crazy Feds; The Day After (Leaving); Like Wash It Or Something; Breadbasket; What Did You Buy Today; Hymn Of The River Brown; Same As Before; Mr & Mrs Handkerchief (61.16)
Esbjorn Svensson (p); Dan Berglund (b); Magnus Ostrom (d). Sweden, March 11-20, 1995.
(Prophone PCD 028)
