Record Reviews

ETNOS ENSEMBLE ~ GARDEN REQUIEM / LYDIAN 2019/3 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is the second album by young Polish Jazz-World Music Etnos EnsembleFind albums by this artist which comprises of clarinetist Bartosz PacanFind albums by this artist, accordionist Konrad MertaFind albums by this artist, cellist Piotr GachFind albums by this artist and bassist Lukasz MazanekFind albums by this artist. A few guest musicians play on selected tracks. The album presents eleven tracks, nine of which are original compositions by the ensemble members and two are traditional Folklore melodies. The music covers a wide range of folkloristic influences, such as Balkan, Slavic and Jewish traditional music, as well as many others sources. But it is first and foremost a wonderful collection of beautiful original melodic themes superbly arranged for the ensemble. The serene, brilliantly clear and totally acoustic sound, which enables the listener to enjoy every individual note, turns this music into an uplifting experience of purity and bliss. Although the music is only marginally associated with Jazz per se, it includes plenty of improvisation, similarly to Klezmer music, which of course at its essence is spiritually akin to Jazz. All four members of the ensemble are obvious professionals, but more importantly they are all clearly emotionally involved in the process of creating this music. Although limited to just four instruments, the ensemble often sounds like a small orchestra. The album offers plenty of musical diversity and dynamics, which creates the illusion that the music is over in the blink of an eye. Overall this is a delightful album, full of great music, delicate spirituality, high aesthetics and superb musicianship. Enthusiasts of chamber Folk music and Jazz-World Fusion should find this very enjoyable and satisfying. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 16/06/2019Posted: 16/06/2019

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