Record Reviews

PIOTR DAMASIEWICZ / VIENNESE CONNECTIONS ~ VIENNA SUITE L.A.S. 001 ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is an album by Polish Jazz trumpeter Piotr DamasiewiczFind albums by this artist recorded in a quartet setting with Polish (resident in Vienna) saxophonist Krzysztof KasprzykFind albums by this artist, Austrian bassist Thomas StempkowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer / producer / sound engineer Alex YannilosFind albums by this artist (hence the title). The album presents ten original compositions, all by Damasiewicz, which include four suites (one in two parts) separated by short introduction, interludes and coda. The album is the first release on a new label called L.A.S. (listening and sounding). The music is typical Free Jazz, based on sketchy melodic themes, which are improvised upon by the quartet, a formula which did not change much since the 1960s, causing the music to sound as if it was recorded then rather than today. Such approach was revolutionary at the time and had its charm, but sadly today sounds rather dated and déjà vu. In addition the drumming is way to dominant and heavy, the bass monotonous and the saxophone lackluster, which leaves the trumpet sort of alone in the field not able to save the day. Personally I found very little pleasure or excitement in listening to this music, despite my respect towards Damasiewicz as a player and Polish Jazz Avant-Garde activist, for which he deserves only praise. Of course this is strictly my opinion and others might enjoy this music in full. Damasiewicz recorded several exciting albums for Polish labels over the last decade, but Vienna, as beautiful City as it is, did not serve him well this time IMHO.

Updated: 15/12/2021Posted: 24/12/2020

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