Record Reviews

DAREK DOBROSZCZYK ~ SIMPLE DELIGHTS NOT ON LABEL 807 (Barcode: 5902596839529) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is the debut album by Polish Jazz trio led by pianist / composer Darek DobroszczykFind albums by this artist, which also includes bassist Jakub MielcarekFind albums by this artist (who also plays in a free form atmosphere with trumpeter Piotr DamasiewiczFind albums by this artist and the EraseFind albums by this artist quartet) and drummer Grzegorz MaslowskiFind albums by this artist (who is also a member of the Bartosz PernalFind albums by this artist / Michal SzkilFind albums by this artist quintet). Guitarist Przemyslaw HanajFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album includes eight tracks, four of which are original compositions by Dobroszczyk, one is by Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, one by StingFind albums by this artist and two are standards. The album is kept well within the modern piano trio idiom, as established by such luminaries as the Keith Jarrett trio or Esbjorn Svensson trio, which are listed among the trio´s influences. The music is mostly very melodic and shows melancholic influence popular with Scandinavian modern Jazz composers. But considering the crystal-clear sound and the obvious talents displayed by these young players, one can hope that this is not an attempt to imitate but just a starting point of their venture together. The original compositions are all interesting and well suited for the piano trio format, although it is yet early to determine if they will be unique enough to become the composer´s trademark. The overall aesthetics and atmosphere of the album certainly points out a path, which the trio intends to follow. Considering that this is their debut recording, they certainly show a lot of hope and potential. Although perhaps not very innovative or groundbreaking, this is nevertheless a very well played and beautifully recorded pleasing listening experience, which Jazz enthusiast should enjoy without reservation. It is also a remarkable debut effort and therefore worthy of well deserved praise.

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ERYK KULM ~ PRIVATE THINGS POLSKIE RADIO 2232 (Barcode: 5907812247096) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2019 This is an album by veteran Polish Jazz drummer / composer Eryk KulmFind albums by this artist recorded with his QuintessenceFind albums by this artist quintet, which includes American trumpeter Rasul SiddikFind albums by this artist and young Polish Jazz saxophonist Marcin KaletkaFind albums by this artist, pianist Michal SzkilFind albums by this artist and bassist Michal JarosFind albums by this artist. The album presents six pieces, four (one repeated twice with an alternate take) of which are original compositions by Kulm and one is by American pianist / composer Dolph CastellanoFind albums by this artist. The music is surprisingly different from most of the output created on the Polish Jazz scene, completely dominated by American Jazz influences, not only due to the presence of Siddik, a relatively well known AACM member now resident in Europe, who displays his emblematic Post-bop / Avant-Garde mixture which he has been playing for the last fifty years, but also due to Kulm´s rough compositions, which are basically just a base for the improvisations by the quintet members. The music is open enough to allow the musicians to contribute individually significantly more so than in a more structured environment. The true surprise of the album are the three young Polish Jazz musicians, who not only are able to fit into the environment set by the two veterans, but actually to make the most effective contributions musically. Kaletka, Szkil and Jaros sound like true pros and in comparison to their other recorded projects (all three took part in several recordings already), they are able to open up and move into the specific "Chicago school" with ease, elegance and considerable vigor. Of course it is great to see Kulm return to recording after several years of absence and see him in his full creative power. Hopefully this album will be followed shortly by more new projects. For lovers of the more ambitious American Jazz variety this album should be quite interesting, not only because it offers some excellent performances, but mainly because it is composed and performed mostly by Polish Jazz musicians, who once again prove that they can match if not beat their colleagues from across the pond.

Updated: 15/11/2019Posted: 30/04/2019

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LICHTANSKI SOUND LAB ~ LIVE PRK 0127 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the debut album by a Polish Jazz quartet led by saxophonist Wojciech LichtanskiFind albums by this artist with pianist Michal SzkilFind albums by this artist, bassist Michal KapczukFind albums by this artist and drummer Szymon MadejFind albums by this artist. The quartet, recorded live in the Katowice studio of the Polish Radio, performs six original compositions, all by Lichtanski. All the musicians are students of the Jazz Institute at the Katowice Academy of Music with ages ranging between 21 and 28 at the time of the recording. As usual is such cases, it is very hard to believe that this music was created by such young musicians. The level of confidence, skill and most importantly composition present herein is simply outstanding and usually associated with established artists rather than novices. Perhaps this is one of the secret ingredients, which make the contemporary Polish Jazz scene to be one of the best and most exciting in the world. Of course one has to be careful not to boost the egos of these young musicians beyond proportions, but honestly this music is simply too good to be parsimonious with compliments. It is scary to think what these young cats will come up with when they grow up? Lichtanski´s compositions are quite diverse both stylistically and dynamically, ranging from lyrical ballads characterized by that typical Polish lyricism and sweetly melancholic melody lines, to up-tempo numbers full of vigor and swinging magnificently. Yes, it is mainstream Jazz, but as such it represents the best side of mainstream, far away from the worn-out boring doodling, which is often associated with mainstream Jazz, giving it its bad name. As performer, Lichtanski has a beautiful tone, which normally takes years to acquire, which is as effective on the listener as a snake charmer. His technique is also quite remarkable. Hs companions are all first-rate players, giving him excellent support throughout. The quartet functions very well as a group, with the musicians listening to each other carefully and respecting their individual space. I´d love to hear more solos by the other quartet members, but I´m sure there will be plenty of opportunity for this in the future, as these musicians are here to stay. The pianist is the most intriguing contributor, with some blood-hurdling effectiveness during his solos, but the rhythm section is also exactly right were it´s needed, strong, precise and imaginative. In short this is one stunning debut album, which simply lifts up the spirit and leaves the listener longing for the next chapter, full of expectations. Well done indeed lion cubs!

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BARTOSZ PERNAL / MICHAL SZKIL ~ JAZZ GETXO ERRABAL 065 (Barcode: 8436010304357) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 Like several other young Polish Jazz ensembles before them, the quintet co-led by trombonist Bartosz PernalFind albums by this artist and pianist Michal SzkilFind albums by this artist won the international Jazz Festival Competition at Getxo, Spain, and as a result their concert was released by a local record label, which is also their debut album. In addition to Pernal and Szkil the quintet also includes trumpeter Maurycy WojcinskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Michal KapczukFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz MaslowskiFind albums by this artist. The live recording presents five tunes, three of which are original compositions by Pernal, one is a John ColtraneFind albums by this artist composition and the remaining one is a Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist piece. As usual in such cases it is quite amazing to witness the level of musicianship and skill presented by these young musicians. Obviously well schooled and full of individual talent they create energetic and highly sophisticated modern mainstream. The original compositions are all top notch and their treatment of the standards is unusual and very sensitive. Of course the live recording reveals also minor glitches committed in the heat of the process, but those are completely insignificant in the overall view of things. The quintet has a somewhat unusual sound with the trombone / trumpet front, which adds to its attraction. As far as the individual performances are concerned, the two co-leaders present the highest level of technical skill and inventiveness. Szkil is particularly worth following as his piano magic will surely find a large following sooner or later. The trumpeter is full of bravado and imagination, but he keeps missing a note here and there, which is noticeable. The rhythm section is excellent and adds a significant layer to the overall sound and presentation. Overall here comes another group of young Polish Jazz lions, which will create the next generation of the local Jazz scene in the years to come. Considering how great they are already, the future definitely looks bright!

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