Record Reviews

DYS / JORGENSMANN / MARCUS ~ ELEMENTS IN CANDOR FOR TUNE 0086 (Barcode: 5902768701869) ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 This is an album by a Jazz quintet fronted by Polish pianist Krzysztof DysFind albums by this artist, German clarinetist Theo JorgensmannFind albums by this artist and American clarinetist Michael MarcusFind albums by this artist, with a Polish rhythm section: bassist Andrzej SwiesFind albums by this artist and drummer Krzysztof SzmandaFind albums by this artist. Together they perform thirteen original pieces, four composed by Marcus, three by Jorgensmann and one by Dys and the remaining five were co-composed by various combinations of the quintet members. Although based on some pre-composed phrases, the music is predominantly freely improvised and belongs to the radical Improvised Music idiom, which of curse is loved by a tiny group of enthusiasts but fails to reach a wider audience. Although the double clarinet front line has a wonderful potential of interplay between these two players, that potential is not realized herein and the music simply makes little if any aesthetic impact. As already stated many times, Improvised Music might make sense when listened to live, due to the emotional involvement and interaction between the players and the listeners, but only very rarely it is able to carry over that interaction into a recorded document, like an album. This album is a typical case where the music simply fails to communicate and remains remote and cold, as if the musicians were playing to each other, leaving the rest of the world outside. Even the fact that the clarinet is an instrument I truly love and the musicians involved have all made formidable recordings earlier on, this album simply does not cut it for me. Of course this is only my opinion and others might be able to enjoy this music. Dys, who is one of the most talented and important young Jazz musicians on the Polish scene plays very little on this album, which is another reason why this is a missed opportunity. If the whole album was anything like the last track, the story would have been completely different. Oh well, you can´t win them all.

Updated: 10/05/2016Posted: 10/05/2016

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THEO JORGENSMANN / CONTACT 4TETT ~ WUNDERTUTE JAZZWERKSTATT 224 (Barcode: 4250317420732) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 This is an album by the veteran German clarinetist / composer Theo JorgensmannFind albums by this artist and the Contact 4tettFind albums by this artist, which also includes guitarist Evert BrettschneiderFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Kai KanthakFind albums by this artist and drummer Sascha SauerbornFind albums by this artist, who is also in charge of electronic effects. The album presents eleven tracks, three of which are original compositions by Jorgensmann, two by Brettschneider and the remaining six co-composed by all four members of the quartet. The music is a wonderful example of contemporary European Free Jazz / Improvised Music, literally electrified by the presence of electronics, electric guitar and bass, and the ever-young spirit of my Friend, Theo Jorgensmann, who seems to remain completely ageless and comfortable with whatever musical environment he is surrounded by. Although almost completely improvised and with little straightforward melodic continuity, the music is beautifully delicate and even intimate, shunning the “wall of sound” effect that many Improvised Music projects often indulge in. Jorgensmann’s fluid clarinet chant has the “Piper of Hamelin” effect, luring the listener into the intricacies of the abstract improvisations, which of course is as enchanting as music can be. The arrhythmic, but perfectly cohesive drumming drives the music forward, avoiding lethargic slipping off into the aural sphere, and the electronics, guitar soundscapes and bass pulsations keep everything alive on multiple planes, which offer a wonderful magic carpet sonic ride. Overall, this is a truly magical Improvised Music album, which is almost meditative / Ambient at times, and offers a relaxed, but not slack, musical experience of the highest aesthetic level. My sincere thanks to the musicians involved in creating this timid gem, which I can only wholeheartedly recommend to all true lovers of challenging beauty. Hats off!

Updated: 16/04/2023Posted: 16/04/2023

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OLES BROTHERS / THEO JORGENSMANN ~ ALCHEMIA HATOLOGY 646 (Barcode: 752156064626) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 This is the fourth album by Polish Improvised Music heroes, brothers Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist (bass) and Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist (drums) collectively know as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist, with the German clarinetist / composer Theo JorgensmannFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live at the legendary Alchemia club in Krakow, which in the first decade of the new Millennium served as one of the epicenters of the Polish Avant-Garde scene, and includes five original compositions: two composed by Jorgensmann, one each by Marcin Oles and Bartlomiej Oles and one co-composed by them both. This music was recorded just two months after the live recording that produced the "Live In Poznan 2006Find albums with this title" album and covers mostly the same material and yet these two dates are quite dramatically different. The Alchemia concert is a pinnacle of this trio´s cooperation at the time, summarizing a process of development from the first encounter to the close intimacy achieved herein. The relaxed and contemplative atmosphere of this session and the expanded versions of the compositions, which are present on this album, create a magic moment which was encapsulated for eternity. The special ambience of the club itself might be also responsible for the extraordinary amalgam achieved here by the trio. This music is also much more "organized" than that presented on the earlier recordings, with a clear emphasis on the compositions and structures rather than the on improvised parts that dominate the earlier recordings. Of course there is plenty of improvisation and wonderful expanded solo sections, but the music, at all times, stays within clearly defined melodic and rhythmic patterns, even at the very climax and up-tempo frenzy. This wonderful balance between the freedom of improvisation and the structure, mostly imposed by the rhythm section, is absolutely stunning. Of course the individual abilities of these extraordinary musicians are at full display throughout this album, as always. It´s worth to listen to this album several times, each time concentrating on just one of the participants in order to be able to fully absorb their individual contributions. But of course only the glorious threesome achieves the full synergy, and the proper way to listen is to try and absorb this synergy into our brains. This is surely one of the finest examples of the European Avant-Garde scene at the time it was recorded and a true gem of an album, which has but a few equals. The fact that the prestigious Swiss Hat HutFind albums on this label label decided to include it in its roster is surely an acknowledgment of eminence, which in this case was fully earned. The hearsay has it that Hat Hut has another Oles Brothers session in their vaults that remains unreleased – now that is a crying´ shame!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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OLES BROTHERS / THEO JORGENSMANN ~ DIRECTIONS FENOMMEDIA 002 (Barcode: 5907604327029) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005 This is the second album by Polish Jazz musicians / composers, brothers Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist (bass) and Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist (drums) collectively know as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist, with the German clarinetist / composer Theo JorgensmannFind albums by this artist. Recorded just one year after their debut recording "MiniaturesFind albums with this title", it signifies the incredible rapport these musicians are able to create together. The album presents nine original pieces, six of which were composed by Bartlomiej Oles, one by Marcin Oles and two by Theo Jorgensmann. The music is a logical and linear continuation of the ideas that were first developed on the preceding album, deepening the trio´s coherence and spiritual unity. There is no doubt that this music is significantly more "unchained", with a lot of breathing space and bolder experimentation, expanding the boundaries of the trio´s telepathic creative process. But miraculously the new degree of freedom does not impair the warmth, intimacy and melodic contents this music so wonderfully amalgamates. It is a superb example of the "less is more" approach, where each single note counts and subdued energies penetrate deeper than volume. Of course there are plenty of energetic and spirited moments, when the music reaches ecstatic levels, but even then everything happens in perfect harmony and intrinsic tidiness, which often is completely lost in the heat of Improvised Music created by others. The idea to play relatively short pieces with changing motifs, as opposed to expanded improvised passages lasting for long periods of time, works excellently herein. These great musicians do not need to prove anything and obviously play the music enjoying the aesthetics of creation a new expression of their inner selves, rather than showing off their talents. This is definitely one of my favorite Polish Jazz albums, which is after all hardly surprising, as my work as a producer with the Israeli clarinetist Harold Rubin is in many respects quite similar. The clarinet produces a heartwarming sound, which is simply irresistible and in the hands of a Master becomes an extension of the human voice. Combined with an intelligent and extremely musical rhythm section, like in this case, the result turns into some of the most moving and poignant music one can experience. This is a classic album in every respect, which should be included on the short "must hear" list anywhere on this planet where people still listen to meaningful music. The depth of the experience this music generates is of course very personal, but I can hardly imagine a music connoisseur left untouched by it. Respect!

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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OLES BROTHERS / THEO JORGENSMANN ~ LIVE IN POZNAN 2006 FENOMMEDIA 006 (Barcode: 5907604327067) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 This is the third album by Polish Improvised Music heroes, brothers Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist (bass) and Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist (drums) collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist, with the German clarinetist / composer Theo JorgensmannFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live and includes eight original compositions: four composed by Bartlomiej Oles and two each by Marcin Oles and Jorgensmann. The music presents a wonderful Free Jazz / Improvised Music setting, full of great melody lines, exciting improvisations, fiery displays of virtuosic abilities and telepathic conversation between the musicians involved. Jorgensmann is a very dynamic, but non-aggressive player, who sounds wonderfully melodic even if he improvises freely, which creates an exceptionally easy-going atmosphere, rarely present on Free Jazz albums. The Oles Brothers are famous for being the best Polish rhythm section in Free Jazz / Improvised Music environment and this album clearly shows why. They are not only technically perfect but more importantly superbly musical, and as a result the music doest not offer a soloist supported by a rhythm section setup but rather a trio of equally important parts playing together as one. Large part of the material included here is a live version of the same material recorded by this trio on their previous album "DirectionsFind albums with this title", which was recorded in a studio. Those two albums are a splendid manifestation of how music is influenced by circumstances, the presence of an audience and so on. Basically these two albums should be combined into a double CD release – perhaps when reissued at some later date. Overall this is one of those instant "classics" which simply leave nothing out and are pieces of Culture captured for posterity. Wonderful listening experience from start to finish!

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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OLES BROTHERS / THEO JORGENSMANN ~ MINIATURES NOT TWO 748 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003 This is the first album by Polish Jazz musicians / composers, brothers Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist (bass) and Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist (drums) collectively know as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist, with the German clarinetist / composer Theo JorgensmannFind albums by this artist. They recorded several more wonderful albums as a trio following this debut recording. The album presents ten pieces, two of which are contemporary Classical compositions by Polish composers Jan KrenzFind albums by this artist and Artur MalawskiFind albums by this artist, five are by Bartlomiej Oles, two by Marcin Oles and one by Theo Jorgensmann. The music is an amalgam of Jazz tradition with Improvised Music, contemporary Classical forms and the individual statements by the musicians involved. Gently floating between melodic themes and improvised sections it is all about elegance, sophistication and mutual respect, that between the musicians and their audience and that between the musicians themselves. The term "miniatures" is perhaps not quite descriptive of the contents in the strict meaning of the term, but applies to the minimalism and tenderness of these pieces, which are able to create an impressive impact in contrast to their seemingly limited scale. Jorgensmann is able to join the legendary telepathic bond existing between the twin brothers and expand it into three-way collaboration, which of course is quite extraordinary. Together the trio carries out like one multilayered voice, which performs not only with remarkable unity but also seemingly without any limitations. Such close musical encounters are always a source of great joy and inspiration. This album is an instant "classic" of the European contemporary Jazz / Improvised Music collection, which deserves an honorable place in any serious music library and is definitely worth a serious investigation by serious music connoisseurs.

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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OLES BROTHERS / THEO JORGENSMANN ~ TRANSGRESSION FSR 2016/04 (Barcode: 5905279364103) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2016 This is the fifth album by the trio which unites Polish Jazz and Improvised Music twin team of bassist / composer Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer / composer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist, collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist, and German clarinetist / composer Theo JorgensmannFind albums by this artist. The music included on this album was recorded in 2010 and originally intended for release as their second album on the Swiss Hat HutFind albums on this label Records HatologyFind albums on this label Label, but for a variety of reason was delayed and eventually released on the Polish FSRFind albums on this label label. It includes eleven original compositions, three of which are by Marcin Oles and four each by Bartlomiej Oles and Jorgensmann. The album marks a culmination of a ten years period during which the trio recorded and performed together intensively. As a result their work here is remarkably coherent and organic and the musical unity they demonstrate is truly marvelous. The music flows flawlessly between solo, duo and trio statements, with the rhythm section being elevated to a status of frontline performers. The telepathic conversation between all three musicians is staggering, as usual, and the trio becomes a complete, undividable unit. The album also marks a path towards more composed and less freely improvised music, which has characterized the trio´s progression over time. That does not mean of course that the music is restrained in any way, but the composed structures are plainly hearable and strictly adhered to, notwithstanding the enormous degree of freedom applied in the performances themselves. In retrospect this is definitely a brilliant closing chapter to the trio´s activity, which was certainly one of the most interesting European Jazz units at the time. Of course for Oles Brothers this was definitely a period of establishing their position as one of the most talented leading European rhythm sections in parallel to their ever growing career as composers. It is great to have this album finally available, thanks to the persistence of the Oles Brothers and of course Maciej KarlowskiFind albums by this artist of FSR, who finally managed to bring this saga to a happy end. The album includes the liner notes by American critic Art Lange, which were written for the intended release on Hatology in 2011, so even that piece of the puzzle was saved. Enjoy!

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted: 02/01/2017

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OLES BROTHERS / THEO JORGENSMANN / CHRISTOPHER DELL ~ FRAGMENTS & MOMENTS NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2012 This is a limited edition album celebrating the tenth anniversary of musical cooperation between Polish Jazz musicians: bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist, collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist and German clarinetists Theo JorgensmannFind albums by this artist. The album also features the German vibraphonist Christopher DellFind albums by this artist and together as a quartet they present eight original compositions: four of which are credited to all quartet members, two are by Jorgensmann and one each by the Oles brothers. The album follows the pattern set by the three earlier albums recorded by the Oles Brothers with Jorgensmann, but is also somewhat more "conventional" in a way, with clear melody lines and beautiful serene atmosphere, which turns the listening to this album into a truly relaxed experience. Jorgensmann plays beautifully, as always and the rhythm section accompanies him with superb sensitivity, with the bass taking the lead from time to time as well. Dell is the least dominant participant, which is pretty understandable considering the long and established understanding between the other three musicians, but his solos are perfectly suitable for the music as is his accompaniment behind the clarinet. Overall this is another example of the great music the Oles Brothers are always involved with, and a document of a fruitful musical cooperation between European musicians. Full of great music and perfect delivery this album should satisfy even the sternest Jazz connoisseurs and provide a listening experience worthy of being revisited.

Updated: 03/01/2017Posted:

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