Record Reviews

ENSEMBLE TUNING XIII ~ MUZYKA NA TRZY INSTRUMENTY REQUIEM / OPUS 2021/55 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2019 - 2020 Released: 2021 This is the third album by Polish Jazz drummer / composer / bandleader Rafal GorzyckiFind albums by this artist, recorded under the Ensemble TuningFind albums by this artist moniker, now with a new variant of the moniker, i.e. Ensemble Tuning XIIIFind albums by this artist. The new lineup is extended into a quartet, which now includes alongside the leader clarinetists Piotr MelechFind albums by this artist and Michal GorczynskiFind albums by this artist and pianist Jakub KrolikowskiFind albums by this artist, which explains the album title, which in English means “Music For Three Instruments” (i.e. clarinet, piano and drums). Guitarist Jakub ZiolekFind albums by this artist guests on the final track. The album presents six original compositions / improvisations, credited to various combinations of the quartet members. The album is a continuation of the two previous recordings by Gorzycki: “PlayingFind albums with this title” (2016) and “Ensemble TuningFind albums with this title” (2018). I have been following Gorzycki and his work for the last two decades since he first arrived on the Polish Jazz scene as the leader of the Ecstasy ProjectFind albums by this artist (debuted in 2000) and Sing Sing PenelopeFind albums by this artist (debuted in 2004). He is certainly one of the constantly searching and horizon expanding Polish Jazz musicians / composers, with a strong tendency to amalgamate Jazz and contemporary Chamber music. This album is somewhat surprising as it presents almost entirely Improvised Music elements, which are not necessarily the usual modus operandi as far as Gorzycki is concerned. But the two clarinets, played by my favorite Polish Jazz clarinetists, add some thrilling moments and by the fifth and longest track the ensemble finally finds the nirvana spot and the music becomes magical. Personally the labeling of the music is somewhat misleading, as this certainly is not contemporary Chamber Classical music, so why try and use that particular label? But besides labeling, this music offers a lot of unexpected vistas, demanding dot-connecting and other cerebral exercises, which are always welcome. Overall, this is a very unique, unusual and highly demanding listening adventure, but at the same time a highly rewarding experience for open-minded music lovers, who are prepared to take risks in order to expand their horizons. Hats off to Gorzycki for his consistency and tireless searching!

Updated: 02/10/2021Posted: 27/09/2021

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