Customer Reviews

Est Live 95

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Overview:
EST Live '95 is a much more traditional outing by the Swedish piano/bass/drums trio than what they have been doing more recently (2000 - 2008). The set is pretty much 100% accoustic and doesn't really feature a whole lot (if any) bowing from the bassist and there isn't really any tricks like muting piano strings and that sort of thing. The one exception to this is the inclusion of Dodge the Dodo from a 1999 set. That said, this is still a great set. There is telepathic communication between the musicians, great solos, and lots of clever interactions between the members of the group. It is very interesting to hear EST in a much more conventional and traditional context. Highly recommended for any fans of albums with a piano/bass/drums lineup.

Song Highlights:
Happy Heads and Crazy Feds: This song starts of with a Charlie Browish theme. Svensson solos first with a real nice piano solo, then Berglund delivers a killer bass solo that really stomps on low notes. This leads into another nice solo by Svensson. Nice theme, nice solos, great song.

The Rube Thing: This is a fast past trio romp. Svensson is just all over the place. Lots of exploration here, and Berglund's bass solo is once again out of this world and features just perfect comping and backup support from Svensson. There is even a cool call and answer section between the two musicians and a section where Svensonn and drummer Ostrom trade breaks. This really is trio magic.

Like Wash it or Something: This song starts of as a fast pace piece, but in the middle of the song it breaks down into a really odd but fascinating bass and piano doodle. (I realize doodle is not an official piano term, but I just can think of any other way to describe it). In some ways it sounds like a conversation between to computers. Very odd. Eventually it starts to pick up momentum and segues beautifully back into the main theme. Classic.

This is an excellent album -- upright bass, percussion, and piano -- all very rhythmically talented. High energy performances! When the bassist kicks on the distortion and uses his bow, watch out; the sky is falling!

Chri Breitner