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  | JERZY MALEK ~ PASHMINA
NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2024 - 2025 Released: 2025
This is the 10th album by Polish trumpeter / composer Jerzy MalekFind albums by this artist, recorded in an intimate trio setting with vocalist Magdalena ZwartkoFind albums by this artist and pianist Mateusz PalkaFind albums by this artist. Pianist Aga DerlakFind albums by this artist guests on four tracks and bassist Grzegorz PiaseckiFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album presents ten tracks, all composed by Malek, five of feature lyrics written two each by Malek and Zwartko and one by Polish poet Rafal WojaczekFind albums by this artist.
Although Malek’s music was always characterized by deep lyricism and melancholy, his recordings so far stayed close to mainstream instrumental Jazz tradition, which makes this album his first foray into other milieus, like Vocal Jazz or Jazz & Poetry. It is a welcome refreshing move, especially in view of the result, which works out very well, proving his musical maturity and versatility.
The music consists mostly of trumpet / piano duets, with vocal ornamentations, either sung or in vocalese form, all highly effective. This makes the music somewhat more demanding, but highly interesting, challenging and rewarding. Of course Malek is a Master of his instrument and both pianists are also already well established on the local scene, same as Zwartko, whose vocal abilities are always impressive, and who is one of my favorite Polish vocalists. As a result, despite the intimate setting, there is a lot of music happening here, which keeps changing dynamically and keeps the listener on his toes.
The album introduces a very unique element of unisono trumpet / vocals performances, which are truly thrilling, but the entire album is full of small surprises and uplifting moments, which makes it a great aural adventure definitely worth investigating.
Overall, this is a most impressive and welcome change of direction by Malek and a highly aesthetic venture into new territory, which should expand the circle of listeners interested in his music. Congrats to all participants for splendid work and hopefully this new project will have future chapters!
| | Updated: 05/09/2025Posted: 05/09/2025 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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