Esbjorn Svensson, the leader of e.s.t. and one of Europe's foremost jazz pianists, has died aged 44 in a freak diving accident, it has been announced.

The musician had risen to prominence with his trio e.s.t. who had become one of Europe's leading jazz groups, with their performances branching out into other musical forms. One of the few jazz groups to take on board staging techniques developed in the rock arena, e.s.t. used innovative lighting to create a uniquely atmospheric stageshow that once seen was never forgotten.

Esbjorn Svensson earned huge plaudits as one of Europe's, if not the world's, finest jazz pianists. Unafraid to defy convention through his use of rhythms taken from rock, hip hop and electronica, Svensson nonetheless retained a fondness for the standards and was always fulsome in his praise of those who came before him.

It was announced today that the musician had died in a freak scuba diving accident near the Swedish capital of Stockholm. He was only 44, yet leaves behind him a rich musical legacy.

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