Record Reviews

MAGNOLIA ACOUSTIC QUARTET ~ BOOZER FOR TUNE 0003 (Barcode: 5902768701029) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2013 This is a (formal) debut album by Polish Jazz ensemble Magnolia Acoustic QuartetFind albums by this artist, which comprises of saxophonist Szymon NidzworskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Kuba SokolowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Mateusz DoboszFind albums by this artist and drummer Patryk DoboszFind albums by this artist. The album presents a live recording of an extended lineup of the ensemble, which adds two slightly older and better known Polish Jazz musicians: trumpeter Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Maciej ObaraFind albums by this artist. The music includes seven pieces, six of which are originals (three by Sokolowski, two by Obara and one by Dabrowski) and one is by the contemporary Polish Classical Music composer Witold LutoslawskiFind albums by this artist. The music played by these incredible musicians covers the areas of modern European Jazz, Avant Garde and Free Jazz, firmly embracing the past and clearly pointing out the future. Based on pre-composed themes, the group´s music develops into lengthy collective and individual improvisations, which are achieved through mutual respect and collaboration, but also reflect the incredible individual talents. The overall effect is simply stunning and the fact that this music is created by such young musicians is simply unreal. The ensemble portrays the ideal balance between the soloists and the rhythm section. The pair of the Dobosz BrothersFind albums by this artist is quite likely to become the new brotherly Polish rhythm section following in the steps of the legendary Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist. Quite naturally the most impressive solo spots are reserved for the two guests, especially Dabrowski, whose contributions here are simply stellar and again clearly point out his path to stardom and his position as the future top Polish Jazz trumpet player. One of the most exciting moments of this album is the trumpet / drums duet, which is simply divine, and which should come as no surprise in view of the fact that Dabrowski recorded an entire trumpet / drums album recently with American drummer Tyshawn SoreyFind albums by this artist, also released on the For TuneFind albums on this label label. Considering the fact that this music was recorded live, which eliminates any studio trickery and results in "what was played is what you hear", all that was stated above is even more impressive. After listening to the album several times the music keeps getting better and better and Magnolia Acoustic Quartet simply emerges as one of the best new arrivals on the Polish Jazz scene in the last few years. This album presents the young Polish Jazz scene at its best: vigorous, daring, original, inventive and hellishly talented. These are the musicians that will lead the scene in decades to come, when the older generation retires or sadly is no longer with us. Judging by this album and many others that pop up recently like mushrooms after rain, we have absolutely nothing to worry about the shape of things to come!

Updated: 17/12/2018Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MAGNOLIA ACOUSTIC QUARTET ~ CINDERELLA FOR TUNE 0035 (Barcode: 5902768701357) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2014 This is the second album by Polish Jazz ensemble Magnolia Acoustic QuartetFind albums by this artist, which comprises of saxophonist Szymon NidzworskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Kuba SokolowskiFind albums by this artist and the brotherly rhythm section: bassist Mateusz DoboszFind albums by this artist and drummer Patryk DoboszFind albums by this artist. They perform six original compositions, all by Sokolowski (with one of the tunes inspired by a Yoko OnoFind albums by this artist piece). This album faces a series of obstacles: the "second album" syndrome, the fact that the guest musicians on their debut album are not present here, the fact that the music is entirely "home made", and so on. The only thing in common is the fact that this album was also recorded live. In comparison to its predecessor, musically this album is characterized by a much spacey, less melodic and freer approach, sometimes almost minimalistic. Most importantly the music is much more open and allows for delicate and intimate conversations between the quartet members. Although recorded just a short time apart, the quartet seems to be much mature, with the youthful energy and vivacity being replaced by elegant thoughtfulness. Of course this might result for some listeners / critics to evaluate this album as less impressive and immediate, but personally I happen to think that is simply different, but still very impressive. I have already mentioned the Dobosz BrothersFind albums by this artist as potential candidates to the title of upcoming sibling rhythm section in Polish Jazz. Their performances here are no less convincing and they are definitely worth of close attention. Sokolowski plays a much more extensive role on this album that previously, which allows us to discover his subtle lyricism. Nidzworski is the true free spirit, pushing the boundaries of the quartet constantly towards terra incognita. Overall this is another impressive achievement of a very promising young ensemble, which managed to overcome the a.m. obstacles with flying colors. Yes, this album is more challenging and less immediately likeable that the excellent debut, but patience has its rewards, which in this case are truly worth waiting for. Well done!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

SZYMON NIDZWORSKI ~ BEHIND YOUR EYELIDS PLATEAUX 01 (Barcode: 190295727000) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is the debut album as a leader by Polish saxophonist / composer Szymon NidzworskiFind albums by this artist, a classically trained musician who also flirted with Jazz as a member of the Magnolia Acoustic QuartetFind albums by this artist, which recorded a couple of albums for the For TuneFind albums on this label label a few years ago. On this album Nidzworski presents fourteen original compositions (one repeated twice) performed by lineups varying from a saxophone / drums duo to a nonet with brass instruments, violin, accordion and drums. On two compositions the famous Polish actor Andrzej SewerynFind albums by this artist recites lyrical texts and one of those two compositions is repeated with vocals. Although obviously very ambitious, the entire project lacks focus and the cross-genre excursions leave the listener baffled. The music is heavily influenced by Classical Music, both conceptually and sonically, but some minor elements of improvisation could be considered as Jazz, the use of the Bilgoray suka hints of Folkloristic influences, the recitation is perhaps a wink towards the Jazz & Poetry idiom, and so on. Overall the music leaves the listened dazed and confused as to the concept and direction of this project, except for a large dose of depression that remains after the haze is dispersed. There are obviously some nice moments on this album and the musicianship is beyond reproach, but those are not enough to save the project as a whole. Lovers of lethargic Nordic music might find it overall interesting, but for a larger audience it probably will be too much to handle. The album is beautifully designed and packaged, which obviously means that the marketing aspect was carefully thought out in advance.

Updated: 13/01/2018Posted: 13/01/2018

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend