Record Reviews

JAKUB HAJDUN ~ JAKUB HAJDUN TRIO SNJ (Barcode: 5903684230631) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz pianist Jakub HajdunFind albums by this artist recorded in a classic Jazz piano trio setting with bassist Janusz MackiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Roman SlefarskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks which are all Jazz standards, two of which combine two standards each. The music is completely within the classic Jazz mainstream idiom, sounding like many similar piano trio recordings, and yet at the time of hectic barrage of sounds we live in today it is like a miraculous oasis in a desert, delightful with its tranquility and familiarity. Hajdun is an excellent pianist, showing a great technique and feeling for the music. Perhaps not very original in his approach and interpretation, but certainly able to carry a tune in a most pleasant way, bringing joy and a smile, like all good music should. Supported by a superb rhythm section, which plays exactly as the doctor prescribed, staying in time and perfect sync with the leader, what else can one ask for? The obviously intentional retro sound and highly swinging approach sounds like honey to one´s ears after years of all that Avant-Garde katzenjammer ;) Yes, yes, I can already hear the critics saying this is something one can hear in a coffee house… Where I ask? Show me? I´d love to have my coffee (and cake mind you) in that coffee house every day while listening to this delightful music. Get lost, you snobs! In short if you like good, old, swinging Jazz piano trio, this is it. They don´t make music like this any more! The only critique I can think of is the fact that it lasts for only just over forty minutes ;)

Updated: 02/01/2021Posted: 02/01/2021

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JAKUB HAJDUN ~ UTWORY WLASNE SOLITON 1225 (Barcode: 5903684232253) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is the second album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Jakub HajdunFind albums by this artist, recorded in the same classic Jazz piano trio setting like the debut released in 2020, with bassist Janusz MackiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Roman SlefarskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, all original compositions by the leader, which offer a suite-like structure with an intro, seven themes and an outro, strongly linked thematically and stylistically. The music is melody based mainstream Jazz, offering excellent compositions and spotless execution by Hajdun and the rhythm section, which develops coherently and intelligently throughout the duration of the album. Although there is no attempt to innovate or break any musical boundaries, the music flows gracefully from one track to another, taking the listener along on a ride, which is both entertaining and satisfying. As I have already stated in my review of the debut album, Hajdun manages to create a sparkling, eventful and enjoyable Jazz music, which combines some Classical influences and Polish lyricism, and is delightful in its simplicity and straightforwardness. Overall, this is an excellent follow up to the promising debut album, which continues the same musical direction. For Jazz piano trio lovers with melodic, often romantic music, this album is everything they may wish for. Within the boundaries of Jazz there is certainly place for musicians, who can weave a beautiful tune and play it a heartfelt manner. Not everything has to be groundbreaking.

Updated: 15/06/2022Posted: 15/06/2022

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