Sad to hear of the death of Swedish jazz bassist Palle Danielsson who changed jazz history as a member of the groundbreaking 1970s era Keith Jarrett European Quartet, also known as the Belonging band after one of its seminal albums. Swedish Radio reports that Danielsson died on 18 May. Known for his extraordinary tonal command and ability to connect with the listener, along with Jarrett, saxophonist Jan Garbarek and drummer Jon Christensen the quartet entered the intimate emotional consciousness of many jazz listeners the world over with Belonging, and My Song among other albums known for their lyrical beauty and extraordinary emotional and technical resource.

Danielsson's extensive discography also included key albums with Polish trumpeter Tomasz Stańko on such classics as 1990s Komeda homage, Litania. The bassist was born in Stockholm and initially trained on the violin, switching to the double bass in his early teens. He studied at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm.

Belonging is a touchstone of 1970s jazz and hugely influential since frequently praised for its lyrical beauty and cohesive interplay among the musicians. Key work of Danielsson's also included appearances on albums by Charles Lloyd, Michel Petrucciani, John Taylor and Enrico Rava - he appears on the Italian icon Rava's classic The Pilgrim and the Stars for instance.

The Belonging Band records have remained favourites of mine as too are so many other Danielsson contributions to some of the crown jewels of ECM recordings he participated in likewise. And I well remember the impact of Sleeper much later in 2012 when it eventually was released. Recording in 1974-1979 whether in the studio in Oslo or live in New York and Tokyo, Personal Mountains (not released during the band’s fairly brief existence), Sleeper (again unissued during their group lifespan) and Nude Ants also mean so much to so many. On a personal note I met Danielsson just the once, around the time of the release of Litania in 1997 along with record company personnel over a meal in Swiss Cottage before going down to Camden to hear the band at the Jazz Cafe. He was a charming, very erudite and kind person from what I recall of that memorable first and last encounter. SG