Outstanding
"The E.S.T. SYMPHONY is a program of exceptional symphonic music featuring the compositions of e.s.t. (Esbjörn Svensson Trio) arranged for symphony orchestra and jazz soloists. The first critics have been outstanding." Europejazz.net
Beautifully and devotedly
"Esbjörn Svensson, the Swedish original who consistently turned crossovers between jazz, pop and classical music into lasting art with EST, would have got around to this orchestral venture himself but for his accidental death in 2008. With its shapely themes, subtle pacing and big climaxes, his popular trio’s music was ideal material, eloquently confirmed here by arranger Hans Ek, the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic and four star jazz soloists, including brilliant Finnish pianist Iiro Rantala and Norwegian saxophonist Marius Neset. (...) It’s all beautifully and devotedly done." The Guardian
One answer
"Pianist Esbjorn Svensson’s death in 2008 brought an abrupt end to the remarkable rise of his eponymous trio, leaving open the question of what new sounds EST might have made if Svensson had lived. 'EST Symphony' is one answer. The influential Swedish pianist had frequently expressed a desire to recast the trio’s epic, cinematic music for a larger ensemble, and here, arranged for the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra by Hans Ek, are such EST favourites as When God Created the Coffee Break and Serenade for a Renegade." Irish Times
