Record Reviews

DOMINIK BUKOWSKI / DOMINIK KISIEL ~ DELTA SCUTI GO NORTH 01 (Barcode: 5901157049445) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021 This is the debut album by Polish Jazz duo comprising of veteran vibraphonist / composer Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist and a representative of the young generation of the Polish Jazz scene, pianist / composer Dominik KisielFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions co-credited to the duo members. The music is very contemplative and sonorous, which combined with the dense sonic aura produced by the vibraphone / piano combination immediately signals to the listener that his full attention is absolutely required. Perhaps the simplest description would be to say that this is “serious” improvised music, almost on the same level as the so called contemporary Classical music, often with the same level of complexity. Obviously this music transcends any stylistic definitions, as well as most known precedents, which means that not only is it completely innovative, but also intrinsically “progressive”, which can be only said ever so rarely about music made today. The creation of this musical experiment by musicians originating in the Jazz idiom is even more surprising to be honest, as Jazz tends to be highly dominant and rarely allows any escape route. Nevertheless, following Bukowski’s development over the years, it was always very apparent that his way of musical thinking is hardly confined to established dogmas and thinking “outside of the box” should not be surprising in his case. It is great to see that Bukowski managed to draw Kisiel so completely into this concept, especially in view of the incredible interplay between the two musicians, which often sound almost supernatural. The duo’s performances sound as if performed by a four-hand / one head creature, not by two separate entities. As the title suggests, this is a true interstellar drive ;) Overall, this is an astounding album, a brilliant illustration of the “Art of the Duo” idiom and a groundbreaking achievement of contemporary Improvised Music / Jazz-Classical Fusion or whatever one wishes to call it. It is definitely the most outstanding album originating from the Polish Jazz scene this year (2021). For listeners searching for new directions in Jazz, this is something they should not miss. Brilliant stuff!

Updated: 03/09/2021Posted: 03/09/2021

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