Jan Esbra - Keep moving forward (Self Release) [Alt-Pop]
- The Slow Music Movement
- 32 minutes ago
- 1 min read
*** This blog post first appeared in TSMM's March 22nd Newsletter, where you can get all the tips (and more) first ***
OK, disclaimer time. Colombian guitarist, composer, and improviser Jan Esbra, with the equally singular and talented Greg Dallas, released a pretty stunning, largely overlooked, free-flowing, improvised electronic album on TSMM a couple of years back, but that aside, if he hadn’t done something special, he wouldn’t be in the newsletter, and he’s really gone and done the business with his new release.
Despite his jazz guitar roots, his recorded output so far has indulged his fascination with electronic music, but this time he’s soared off to art rock meets far-out pop meets acid-folk via tripped-out electroacoustic jazz fusion territory. The EP really covers some ground, and without sounding like the convoluted mess my description might suggest - a testament to Jan’s compositional chops and his tight crew: André Sacalxot on flute and alto sax, Andrew Haug on piano, Dave Strawn playing bass and Daniel Rossi handling drums, whilst Jan takes care of guitar, voice and electronics.
So tune in, buckle up and expect the unexpected whilst the tracks breeze, whirl, eddy, contract and surge; the currents of cultured, seriously crafted yet free-flowing collective endeavour tied together by his dreamy, sensitive vocals. The EP is a real trip, and with his and the band’s jazz chops, I bet the live show would be something to behold. More of the same please Jan, you’re onto something.
Playlist Companion
Find Esbra in the Slow Alt-Pop Playlist.