Record Reviews

RAFAL JACKIEWICZ ~ SOMETIMES NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021 This is the debut album by young Polish (born in Lithuania) Jazz saxophonist / composer Rafal JackiewiczFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quartet setting with pianist Piotr DziadkowiczFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal DziewinskiFind albums by this artist. Trombonist Robert KosinskiFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The album presents seven original compositions, all by the leader. The music is strictly within the mainstream Jazz idiom, based on well-structured melodic themes, mostly ballads with typical Polish melancholy prevailing. The album flows gently from track to track, presenting a pleasant listening experience, without leaving a resounding or lasting statement. Jackiewicz has a beautiful clear sound but his improvisations are still rather limited. Dziadkowicz supports the leader amicably and plays a few coherent and delicate soli. I could not find any evidence of them both recording previously, so if this is their debut appearance on record they certainly show a lot of potential. The members of the rhythm section are much more experienced, with well documented recording legacy, which is not surprisingly reflected in their performances here. Overall, this is a very nice debut effort, which although hardly innovative, shows solid knowledge of the Jazz tradition and potential, which is surely to be reflected in the future explorations by the leader and other musicians appearing here. Well done and Good luck!

Updated: 31/12/2021Posted: 29/12/2021

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