Record Reviews

250 KG ~ PODWAZNA NASZE NAGRANIA 003 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This is a debut recording by the Polish Avant-Garde / Free Jazz duo 250 KGFind albums by this artist, which comprises of saxophonist Tomasz GadeckiFind albums by this artist and guitarist Suavas LewyFind albums by this artist. Gadecki is known to the followers of the Polish scene as half of the excellent Olbrzym I KurdupelFind albums by this artist duo. The album includes seven improvised pieces, which as the duo members state in the liner notes, are based on "carefully prepared compositional assumptions", which is a typical example of irony associated with the Polish Avant Garde, mixed with a grain of truth. And again, quoting the a.m. liner notes, any attempt to describe the music any further is simply futile and contradicts the very essence of this music, which is supposed to be listened to without any preconceptions. Improvised Music is by its very nature extremely personal and does not often cross the bridge spanning between the improvisers and their audience, regardless of everybody´s best intentions. Strangely, this music, which is as improvised as improvised music gets, is also very communicative, which is truly extraordinary. I enjoyed the conversations between the duo members from the moment the music started and hardly even noticed the time moving on, with the album being over much too soon. Gadecki and Suavas definitely seem to be on the same wavelength, intertwined within the music and bonding constantly, which after all is the essence of collective improvisation. Sonically the tone and timbre of both players is mellow and pleasant, in complete comparison to the usual Avant-Garde harshness and aggression. I´d even go as far as suggesting that this music would be listenable even to audiences beyond the inner circle of the Improvised Music hard core. So here we have one more example of the creativity and constant development of the Avant-Garde / Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene in Poland, which seems to have no borders or limits and keeps astounding its followers the world over. Such quality and imagination are seeds of hope that the world and its Culture are not yet doomed, after all. I´d recommend to other musicians belonging to the same musical sphere to listen to this album and learn from it how to be creative and not alienate your public at the same time. At least for me this one is an instant classic of the genre.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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AWATAIR ~ PLAYS COLTRANE FSR 2019/16 (Barcode: 5905279364547) ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019 This is a debut album by the AwatairFind albums by this artist Jazz trio consisting of Polish saxophonist Tomasz GadeckiFind albums by this artist, Ukrainian bassist Mark TokarFind albums by this artist and Polish drummer Michal GosFind albums by this artist. The album, recorded live, presents four tracks, three of which are compositions by John ColtraneFind albums by this artist and one is an original improvisation credited to the trio members. For most Jazz listeners the late John Coltrane period, when his music moved into "interstellar space", remains well beyond their grasp to this very day, over half a century later. Coltrane´s visionary approach to music in general, and his output closely preceding his untimely death is even more unapproachable to musicians, trying to produce anything similar to his unearthly accomplishments. In view of the above this album is threading a thin line between homage and a self parody, which characterizes most similar projects. Gadecki, who undoubtedly is one of the most interesting Jazz personalities on the Polish Jazz scene, has a fabulous record of creating some of the most ambitious and consistently excellent Polish Free Jazz projects, takes a great risk here, and I am relieved to say that he and his colleagues manage to produce a homage rather than a pastiche. Gadecki´s playing on this album is nothing short of phenomenal. He is able to produce a range of sounds from his instruments, which can be surprising even to veterans of the genre. His explorations are diverse, original and heartfelt all the way and his technique and stamina are extraordinary. He is amicably supported by the rhythm section, which is supportive and sensitive, but less impressive. Overall this is a fascinating listening experience, which manages to keep the listener on his toes for the entire duration. Having said all that I still think Coltrane and his late period music is a holy grail that should rather be left alone as a symbol of human Genius.

Updated: 11/01/2020Posted: 11/01/2020

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LONKER SEE ~ HAMZA ANTENA KRZYKU 1 ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is the fourth album by Polish quartet Lonker SeeFind albums by this artist, which comprises of vocalist / bassist Joanna KucharskaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Bartosz BorowskiFind albums by this artist, drummer Michal GosFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Tomasz GadeckiFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, not credited on the album´s artwork and assumed to be co-composed by the quartet members, with all lyrics by Kucharska. The music is a mixture of Psychedelic Rock. Progressive Rock, Trance and Free Jazz, which although hardly innovative (I mean five decades ago this was a highly fashionable music), has a unique character. The meeting between Rock musicians and the Avant-Garde saxophonist works very well and the fact that they are able to find a common language is of course commendable. However, music that is based on drone-like, repetitive simplistic melody lines, even when spiced by fiery improvisations, eventually becomes somewhat boring. It may be hype for the young listeners, who are exposed to it for the first time and ignorant of musical legacy, but for listeners familiar with this formula since decades it might be less enthusiastic. In spite of the obvious superb playing by Gadecki, the overall result leaves me cold. It also appears that in the last couple of years or so more and more European ensembles are drown into this specific creative formula, which personally quite puzzles me, especially in view of the limitations this specific approach presents. There is only place in such narrow idiom for the absolutely best. In short this album has a very specific character, but fails to evoke neither emotional nor intellectual excitement as far as I am concerned. But this is only me of course.

Updated: 24/08/2020Posted: 24/08/2020

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OLBRZYM I KURDUPEL ~ FRRRR… (EP) NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2008 This album is the debut recording by the Polish Avant-Garde Jazz duo Olbrzym I KurdupelFind albums by this artist or saxophonist Tomasz GadeckiFind albums by this artist and bassist Marcin BozekFind albums by this artist. It includes six original pieces, which time in total just under half an hour and therefore counts as an EP, although it also includes a video of a live performance by the duo, which also times at about half an hour hence one could call it an enhanced EP. Recorded a short time after the duo met and started to play together, this album is less adventurous than the material they recorded later on for their next full album, with the pieces based on predetermined themes, but already explores the ideas of spontaneous improvisation and composition. Saxophone and bass (electric bass in this case) are quite an unusual pairing, with few examples that one can draw comparisons to, which is all for the best, as they are quite an unique phenomenon. Gadecki plays very much in the early Free Jazz tradition with long, convoluted lines and progressions, while Bozek adds series of rapid pulsations during the up-tempo numbers or reserved bass chords on the more lyrical pieces. There is still a strong melodic feeling, although melodies are not played per se. There is an obvious empathy and mutual respect, which make this music tick, apparent in the way the two musicians listen to each other all the time with great sensitivity and complement each other musically. It is certainly heartwarming to find such amount of open-mindedness and experimentation these young musicians are blessed with. Olbrzym I Kurdupel is just one of many Avant-Garde Jazz ensembles active in Poland and the fact that such music is thriving there is truly amazing considering that the world at large is steadfastly plunging into moronic anti-music. Definitely worth exploring, although quite difficult to find as it was not commercially released. Free Jazz buffs will have a field day listening to this one!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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OLBRZYM I KURDUPEL ~ SIX PHILOSOPHICAL GAMES ELECTRIC EYE 012 (Barcode: 5903292102115) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2012 This is the 2nd album by Polish Free Jazz / Improvised Music duo Olbrzym I KurdupelFind albums by this artist ("Giant And Tiny" in Polish, referring to their physical appearance), which comprises of saxophonist Tomasz GadeckiFind albums by this artist and bassist Marcin BozekFind albums by this artist. Their debut, recorded in 2008, was an EP, which was warmly received at the time. The album includes six improvised pieces, co-credited to the duo members. This album presents another glimpse at the Polish Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene, which is thriving in the last decade. Musicians all over Poland perform in clubs and art centers, which are dedicated solely to this kind of music, release many albums and play with top international artists. Such vigorous activity is absent almost completely from the contemporary scene in other countries. The music is intensive and complex, demanding total dedication from the listener in order to achieve the same level of intensity as the musicians. Both musicians converse constantly, exchanging ideas on the fly and try to compliment each other rather than compete with each other. The bassist uses the bass guitar exclusively, which enables him to be much more flexible and versatile that upright bass players. The saxophonist has a wide tonal range and well developed improvisation skills. Together they create music, which is absorbing and rewarding to listeners willing to make the effort this kind of music requires. This album is definitely worth investigation for listeners of Free Jazz / Improvised Music, especially those living in places that these genres are almost nonexistent on the local scene.

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OLBRZYM I KURDUPEL ~ WORK KILOGRAM 028 (Barcode: 5907577284275) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is the third album by Polish Avant-Garde / Improvised Music duo Olbrzym I KurdupelFind albums by this artist, or saxophonist Tomasz GadeckiFind albums by this artist and bassist Marcin BozekFind albums by this artist. It captures a live performance by the duo at the legendary Alchemia club in Krakow, which is edited into six separate parts, but the entire performance can be seen as a musical continuum. Although not specifically attributed as such, the music is obviously co-created by the duo members. Gadecki is a very active and prolific member of the Polish Avant-Garde scene and takes part in several other small experimental ensembles, like 250 KGFind albums by this artist, TRC TrioFind albums by this artist and SambarFind albums by this artist. The duo has been playing together for about six years now, a period of time which was definitely sufficient for them to develop their own specific stylistic mannerisms and approach to collective improvisation, which by now is pretty recognizable. This is quite an achievement, as Improvised Music may sound pretty undistinguishable in most cases. The staccato bass pulsations and dramatic saxophone cries are most effective tools to capture the listener´s attention and create an emotional upheaval. Improvised music is of course above all a team effort, and as a team they are simply "as one man", no pun intended. I have always admired the intimacy of their almost telepathic sharing of ideas and on this album it is more strongly evident than ever before. Additionally their music is completely non-aggressive, almost "romantic" at times, and as absurd as it might sound, it is pleasurable and comforting; definitely not a typical paradigm in Improvised Music. The Polish Avant-Garde scene is obviously quite en extensive field of activity, still growing against all odds. Dominated mostly by relatively young musicians, it is vital and impressively creative. I find Olbrzym I Kurdupel to be a perfect personification of that wonderful phenomenon, always looking forward to their new work. I can only wish that their music will be discovered by as many open-minded music listeners as possible, as it certainly deserves it.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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OLBRZYM I KURDUPEL & WILLI HANNE ~ IN SIDE SHOUT REQUIEM 106 ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is the fourth album by Polish Avant-Garde / Improvised Music duo Olbrzym I KurdupelFind albums by this artist, or saxophonist Tomasz GadeckiFind albums by this artist and bassist Marcin BozekFind albums by this artist, this time expanded to a trio with the inclusion of German drummer Willi HanneFind albums by this artist. Together they perform twelve improvised pieces, not credited and therefore assumed to be created spontaneously by the participants. The music on this album is quite different from the earlier recordings by the duo, not because of the presence of the third partner, but because it is significantly more relaxed and stretched than before. Whereas the earlier recordings were characterized by their intensity and ferocious interplays, this time the concept involves a lot of silence incorporated within the music, sporadic bursts of energy followed by delicate and very quiet passages. Of course the duo remains to be one of the most interesting phenomena on the Polish scene, which refuses to stay in one place and constantly searches to break new barriers and expand the idiom of musical expression. The addition of the drummer enables a more diverse arsenal of sounds, but does not change the basic modus operandi, which means in this case that they have found a brotherly spirit in Hanne. This album might prove to be slightly more difficult to enjoy, even for the experienced Improvised Music buffs, as it requires total attention and concentration in order to follow the spirit of the music. Nevertheless it is another superb achievement, which represents the European Avant-Garde with pride. As always highly recommended to adventurous listeners who have no pre-conceptions are willing to accept the unexpected.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 14/03/2016

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SAMBAR ~ MELT! NOT TWO 899 (Barcode: 5901549185638) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is the debut album by Polish Avant-Garde / Improvised Music duo SambarFind albums by this artist, or saxophonists Paulina OwczarekFind albums by this artist and Tomasz GadeckiFind albums by this artist, both playing the baritone saxophone exclusively on this album. It captures a live performance by the duo at the legendary Alchemia club in Krakow, which is edited into four separate parts. Although not specifically attributed as such, the music is obviously co-created by the duo members. Both Owczarek and Gadecki are very active and prolific members of the Polish Avant-Garde scene. Avant-Garde by definition knows no limitations or preconceived boundaries, and therefore we should actually never be surprised by anything artists active in that sphere will come up with. But there are always innovations that make us raise the proverbial brow, and this is certainly one of those. The baritone saxophone is not a very popular instrument in general and in Improvised Music in particular and a duo of baritone saxophones freely improvising is simply almost unheard of. And yet, once one listens to this album, even that surprising setup proves workable when handled by daring and creative artists. The music on this album challenges the very fabric of our conception as to what music actually is. The traditional elements of melody, harmony and rhythm are almost completely irrelevant here and one is left only with pure sound and the way our brain interprets it. In fact listening to this music is really similar to taking part in the process of actually creating it. Sadly this is also this music´s greatest weakness, not intrinsically but as a result of the inability of the vast majority of listeners to engage in such process. As a result this music will be fascinating to a very selective group of listeners but completely unacceptable (if not unlistenable) to the majority. This is the price tag associated with innovative artistic search processes and I have always had the deepest respect to those artists who are willing to pay that price. Overall this is a bold and very interesting artistic statement condemned to limited appeal. I wish the world was different, but I have no illusions on that subject. Respect!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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TRC TRIO ~ NOW NEW NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This is a live recording by the Polish Free Jazz / Improvised Music TRC TrioFind albums by this artist, which comprises of saxophonist Tomasz GadeckiFind albums by this artist, bassist Rafal MazurFind albums by this artist and drummer Connor MurrayFind albums by this artist. Gadecki is also a member of the excellent Olbrzym I KurdupelFind albums by this artist duo, which released a couple of albums earlier. The music is completely improvised and therefore not specifically credited to any individual musician but considered a common spontaneous creation. Technically the music is sub-divided into four tracks on the album, but those remain nameless and unlisted. This kind of music is a wonderful example of the spur of the moment creation which Improvised Music offers its listeners, for good and for bad. It is all about "now" and if the "now" happens to be able to create musical magic, as it does in this case, all is fine, but of course this in not always the case. There is no formula, which can foretell such result, things just happen. But when talented and completely dedicated musicians, such as these three herein, meet and create music, anything can happen. There are many wonderful moments of highly inspired performances here, with Gadecki performing some amazing saxophone magic repeatedly, with virtuosity and flair. He is certainly worth following as one of the strongest players emerging on the Polish scene. His companions stand up shoulder to shoulder with his demanding leads, proving worthy of the challenge. Of course there is the barrier separating these musicians and their audience, which in order to be able to let in this music into their consciousness has to let go of all pre-conceptions, limitations and traditional musical experience and simply flow with the sonic experience these musicians offer. The effort such music requires is definitely worth making, as this music can be deeply moving and wonderfully entertaining intellectually. The album itself is another document of the incredible Polish Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene, which keeps producing some truly exceptional music in the last decade or so, surely being one of the most prolific and most advanced scenes on which these genres flourish. With new generations of players boldly stepping in and joining the ranks as well as visiting musicians from all over the world participating and collaboration with the locals, the resulting scene is simply marvelously alive and productive. Improvised Music fans will find this most interesting and although this kind of music caters only to a tiny minority, it compensates emotionally and intellectually those dedicated enough to give it their ears.

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