New mp3 today from EST aka Esbjörn Svensson Trio. Forget about the Bad Plus or whatever other jazz crossover act you might be hearing about. Fans of Jaga Jazzist and any other Smalltown Supersound acts should take note as well, if they haven't already. It's no secret in Europe where they are considered one of the continent's best jazz acts, but everyone else needs to listen up: EST are the real deal. The instrumentation is basic: piano, bass and drums; but the sound they create is far from standard. EST fearlessly uses rock production techniques, electronics and effects to augment their music, but it's more than just that - it's also the clever songwriting and ensemble playing. EST may bear the namesake of keyboardist Esbjörn Svensson, but they are very much a band in the way they interact and improvise. I selected this song from their most recent album "Viaticum" for its solid rhythm, folksy-melody and fuzzy bass line. It may not showcase all the eclectic influences that the group are known for, but it's as good a place to start as any. Check it out.