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Esbjorn Svensson: HOME.S.
ByHOME.S. is inevitably unique by contrast: it comprises a set of sketches recorded in Svensson's basement only a couple weeks before his fatal accident, probably intended for more extensive flights of fancy in the trio's hands. If these aren't the pieces he would have eventually shared with the world, they are certainly not dashed-off demos either. There's an inspired germ of an idea behind each onethe contemplative sonata-like eloquence of "Zeta," the flighty "Epsilon" drifting into a pretty daydream, or the dramatic "Delta" with one of Svensson's characteristic twisty low-end lines rumbling like the stomp of an angry giant.
While a couple tracks barely have time to establish themselves before drifting off again, the tease isn't frustrating so much as tantalizing (the closing "Iota" somehow builds more classical drama than should be possible in only two minutes). Others take their time to smoothly unfold, such as the sunny mutating vamp of "Eta" which channels more than a little Keith Jarrett, or "Gamma" which meanders from doubtful to reassuring with a tinge of gospel. Trademark touches of Svensson's unclassifiable style are everywhere, always making an eclectic blend that could not have come from anyone else. It's a simple joy to hear his mind and fingers at play, exploring just for its own sake; even if this work-in-progress couldn't become another fully-developed landmark in the end, HOME.S. is nonetheless a beautiful set and a welcome gift.
Track Listing
Alpha; Beta; Gamma; Delta; Epsilon; Zeta; Eta; Theta; Iota.
Personnel
Esbjorn Svensson
pianoAlbum information
Title: HOME.S. | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: ACT Music
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