Record Reviews

SCRATCHING FORK ~ SCRATCHING FORK FSR 2021/04 (Barcode: 5905279364875) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2017 Released: 2021 This is the debut album by Polish Jazz trio Scratching ForkFind albums by this artist, comprising of guitarist / composer Marek MalinowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Robert Rychlicki-GasowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Wojciech ZadruzynskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, all by Malinowski and was recorded over three years before it was finally released. The music, although based on melodic themes, is very open and offers plenty of space for improvisation. The sound of the guitar, which although amplified, eschews heavy electronic effects and appears to be almost completely acoustic, dominates the overall atmosphere, creating a minimalistic effect. The rhythm section provides steady riffs, which keep the music flowing through the consecutive pieces, with occasional soli by the bassist. Malinowski has a very idiosyncratic style, almost completely different from most other guitarists in the Polish scene, which takes some time to get into, but eventually proves very satisfactory and effective. The excellent support from the rhythm section is also a major factor contributing to the music’s overall success. It is very difficult to classify this music stylistically, as it moves constantly between Fusion and more Jazz oriented improvisations, as well as contemplative ambient moods. But regardless of the label one wishes to put on the music, it is certainly interesting and worth investigating to a wide range of listeners ranging from Rock to Improvised Music. It would be interesting to hear how this music developed during the time that passed since it was recorded, as the sounds on this album leave all the options quite open.

Updated: 25/02/2021Posted: 25/02/2021

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SZCZERBATE ZAJACZKI TRIO ~ SZCZERBATE ZAJACZKI TRIO NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the debut album by Szczerbate Zajaczki TrioFind albums by this artist, a Polish Jazz piano trio from the city of Torun. It consists of three young musicians: pianist Bartek StaszkiewiczFind albums by this artist, bassist Robert Rychlicki-GasowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Wojciech ZadruzynskiFind albums by this artist. The album comprises of eight compositions, two of which are standards and the remaining six are original compositions by the pianist or by the entire trio. The piano trio is of course a most demanding format and therefore any recording by young musicians just entering the world of music is unfortunately often compared to the masterpieces of that format, which is hardly fair. In Poland, which has many fabulous pianists and extraordinary piano trios, the competition on the local scene is even tougher. Therefore one must try and listen to this introductory effort with an open mind and proper proportions. There is no doubt that these musicians have a lot of potential and talent, both as players and as composers. The original music presented here is all quite interesting and well formed, being the strongest advantage of this album. Mostly low-key, it displays the typical Polish Jazz melancholy and Folklore roots, which are deeply implanted in most Polish composers. The actual instrumental and improvisational qualities of these young players are yet to be fully developed and sound a bit naïve at times, but definitely nothing they should be ashamed of. It is simply a matter of experience, both technically and mentally, until a musician is able to express himself at his full capacity. Overall it is definitely a worthy debut, which is a pleasant listening experience, and which hopefully will be followed soon by a much more mature musical project, which I look forward to hearing.

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