Record Reviews

BARTLOMIEJ OLES ~ CAT`S SONGS - 17 HAIKU FOR PIANO AUDIO CAVE 2023/016 (Barcode: 5908298549780) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is a rather surprising album by Polish Jazz drummer / composer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist, which presents seventeen short pieces for solo piano, composed by Oles and performed by pianist Mira OpalinskaFind albums by this artist, appropriately called Haiku, referring to the Japanese poetry tradition of short poems containing seventeen phonetic units (5-7-5 syllables). The album is the first recording of music composed by Oles, on which he does not take part as a performer. The minimalist music is very melodic and despite its format limitations it is also very expressive. As Oles mentions in the album’s liner notes, there is a certain delicate wink in the direction of Eric SatieFind albums by this artist’s solo piano pieces, although he also mentions Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist’s “Children`s SongsFind albums with this title” album as a source of inspiration. This music is very distant to what Oles and his twin brother, bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist are usually associated with, which of course is Jazz and Improvised Music. The decision to record this album marks a new path in the personal development of his career and is also quite a bold step, which might raise some eyebrows among his usual listeners. Courage and artistic integrity are characteristics I always support wholeheartedly, which of course I do also now. Overall, this is an excellent collection of solo piano pieces, beautifully played and splendidly recorded, which should satisfy every music lover, regardless of stylistic preferences. This music is naked and completely lacking pretentiousness or pose, it simply is…

Updated: 23/02/2024Posted: 23/02/2024

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