Record Reviews

JACEK KOCHAN / NAKAJEE ~ LIFE, STRESS AND OTHER PLEASURES AUDIO CAVE 2022/005 (Barcode: 5908298549353) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2022 This is an album by Polish Jazz drummer / composer / bandleader Jacek KochanFind albums by this artist recorded with the NakajeeFind albums by this artist ensemble, which includes Canadian guitarist Jerry De Villiers Jr.Find albums by this artist and Polish keyboardist Dominik WaniaFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Bartlomiej PrucnalFind albums by this artist, bassist Michal KapczukFind albums by this artist and a mysterious bass guitarist Mo BooFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all by the leader. The music is completely beyond any genre classification, characterized by strong Groove, but entirely uneven rhythm patters, which create a completely unique aural experience. Kochan takes his music “further out” in comparison to his previous album, which also featured Wania and Prucnal, and although it contains clear melody patterns, the rhythm is the leading inspiration at all times, and the melodies remain secondary. As a result of this innovative approach the music is certainly quite difficult for listeners accustomed with “straightforward” rhythmic patterns and takes a while to get accustomed to even by experienced listeners. Kochan confirms his role as drummer / leader / composer, which characterizes his music since the early days, and for me reaches an apogee with this album, with all the elements falling right into place, creating a perfectly coherent sonic landscape. Of course this perfection is largely achieved thanks to the incredible contributions by the ensemble members, with Wania at the helm, who is in charge of the tricky melodic layers. Wania plays both acoustic piano and synthesizers, always with elegance and technical perfection, but more importantly with sublime taste and flexibility. Prucnal and De Villiers add solid improvisations and impressive soloing, and the basses keep the complex net in check, providing depth and anchor. Kochan is fully in charge of the rhythmic / polyrhythmic engine, which drives the ensemble forward. Overall, this is a very impressive, mature, complex and delightful piece of music, which firmly establishes Kochan as one of Polish Jazz great talents, who certainly creates his very own musical universe, quite apart from the mainstream of the local scene. Kochan certainly deserves a much wider recognition, but fame and glory where never his goals – the music and his inner truth are what matters, and this is why I love him and his music. An absolute must to listeners, who think they have already heard everything!

Updated: 10/06/2022Posted: 10/06/2022

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