Record Reviews

SIMPLE ACOUSTIC TRIO ~ HABANERA NOT TWO 712 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 2000 This is the 4th album by the Polish Jazz ensemble Simple Acoustic TrioFind albums by this artist, which consists of pianist Marcin WasilewskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Slawomir KurkiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist. Of the eight tracks on this album five were composed by Wasilewski, one by Kurkiewicz, another by the Polish Jazz legend Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, who employed the trio as his rhythm section for several years and finally the title track by Spanish composer Miguel BlancoFind albums by this artist. Recorded just before the trio recorded the three seminal albums for the ECMFind albums on this label label with Stanko (as his sidemen), this album is definitely a turning point, which marks their arrival at the level of musical champions, paralleled only by very few other Jazz musicians in general and piano trios in particular. This was also their last album to be released on a Polish label, as they were about to be enlisted to the ECM roster as a trio in the days that followed. Personally I love this transitory album and in many respects it is my favorite album by the trio, as it finds them completely mature and fully developed on one hand and still enthusiastic, hungry and burning on the other. As a result this album includes some of their best performances, which are full of elegance, virtuosity and sophistication, but at the same time are more relaxed and less constrained than their future work. Of course these are marvelous and devilishly talented musicians, so everything they do tends to be both perfect and beautiful, but these last glimpses of their youth and innocence are truly precious to me. Whichever way one looks at this album, it remains a milestone of Polish Jazz, a superb opener for the 21st Century European Jazz and a must in any decent record collection. Since the ensemble managed to become an integral part of the history of Jazz piano trio, this album becomes an essential piece of the infinite puzzle called Jazz, which we love so much. Essential stuff!

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OLES / PIERONCZYK / OLES ~ GRAY DAYS NOT TWO 726 ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001 This is an early album by the Polish brothers: bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist (collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist) recorded in a trio setting with saxophonist Adam PieronczykFind albums by this artist. The album presents 10 original compositions, five composed by Bartlomiej Oles, four by Marcin Oles and one co-composed by them both. It is very apparent that the Oles Brothers, despite their traditional role as a rhythm section, approached the Jazz idiom head on from the very start, envisioning themselves, both collectively and individually, as complete musicians, rather than just performers, with very special emphasis on composition. The music on this album includes some beautifully melancholic melodic themes, which although executed in the Free Jazz spirit, fully convey the depth of the compositional skills. Of course they are also brilliant performers and their playing on this album is, as usual, stunning from start to finish. Combined with the power of expression of Pieronczyk, who is definitely one of the most significant Polish mid-generation Jazz saxophonist (alas sadly tragically underappreciated), the music on this album is extremely powerful, even if kept mostly low key. The emotional restrain builds up a tremendous tension, which is the underlying characteristic of this album, making it a very potent listening experience. Although recorded and released sixteen years before I finally managed to lay my hands on a copy, this album takes no prisoners and sounds completely up to date today, revealing a mature approach and exquisite technique already at the very early stages of their career. Such music is definitely too good to lay about so I urge everybody to get a copy of this album before it gets completely out of print and you will have to pay an arm and a leg to get one. Highly recommended!

Updated: 30/04/2017Posted: 30/04/2017

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SIMPLE ACOUSTIC TRIO ~ LULLABY FOR ROSEMARY NOT TWO 727 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1995 - 2001 Released: 2001 This is a reissue of the debut album, originally entitled "KomedaFind albums with this title", by the superb Polish Jazz trio called Simple Acoustic TrioFind albums by this artist, which consists of pianist Marcin WasilewskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Slawomir KurkiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist. This edition includes a bonus track not present on the original release, which is a live recording at the Polish Radio. In retrospect recording a debut album with Komeda´s music might have been slightly overreaching, since Komeda´s intricate compositions require sensitivity and experience well beyond the age of these musician at the time this album was recorded. Nevertheless they stood up to the challenge admirably, which proved that they were surely not "another" piano trio, but a formidable unit destined for greatness, which of course did materialize later. The bonus track gives a nice point of reference between the original music recorded six years earlier and the trio´s abilities at a later stage. In short this is a brilliant piano trio album worthy of an honorable place in any serious record collection and a must for any Polish / European Jazz fan. For more information read my comments on the original album. Superb stuff!

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JANUSZ ZDUNEK / 4 SYFON ~ BATERIE NOT TWO 730 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001 This is the 3rd album by Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer Janusz ZdunekFind albums by this artist and his quartet called 4 SyfonFind albums by this artist, which also included saxophonist Tomasz GlazikFind albums by this artist, bassist Wladyslaw ReflingFind albums by this artist and drummer Jacek BuhlFind albums by this artist. Of the fifteen relatively short tracks on this album, six were composed by Zdunek, three by Buhl, another three (or in fact one repeated three times) by guest vocalist Krzysztof GruseFind albums by this artist, one by Refling, one is a folk tune and the remaining one is by Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, the Godfather of Polish Jazz. Although recorded after the heyday of the Polish Yass movement, which happened in the late 1990s, Zdunek continues the nonchalant, almost Punk attitude towards Jazz on this album. Based on simple, repetitive rhythm patterns, which originate mostly in Rock, the melody and the improvisation is played on top, sometimes by one instrument and sometimes by both soloists. A few tracks are pretty "free" (written, not surprisingly by Buhl, who would be drawn towards the Free Jazz movement later on in his career), but they are definitely exceptions. The group´s treatment of the Komeda tune is perhaps the most typical example of the idea behind this music; rhythmic simplicity and improvisation on top, with some Rap elements and overall atmosphere of "we do our thing and don´t give a fuck what you think about it". Strangely enough it works just fine. It´s pretty obvious that these are greatly talented musicians, trying very hard not to show it. Over a decade after it was recorded, this music definitely lost some of its initial innovative approach and edge, but most of it still sounds pretty cool today. Not for everybody, but there are enough weirdoes out there to enjoy this stuff immensely forever.

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CUSTOM TRIO ~ BACK POINT NOT TWO 736 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 - 2001 Released: 2002 This is the second album by the Polish Custom TrioFind albums by this artist, which consists of saxophonist Krzysztof KapelFind albums by this artist, bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist (collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist – Poland´s most respected Free Jazz rhythm section). Saxophonist Maciej SikalaFind albums by this artist guests on one track. In between the recording of their debut album and this one, the trio also recorded a couple of albums with the legendary trumpeter Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist, one of them live with a different saxophonist (Janusz SmykFind albums by this artist). The album includes eight original compositions, five of which were composed by Bartlomiej Oles and the remaining three by Marcin Oles. For people familiar with the previous recordings by the Custom Trio will find this album quite surprising, as it is much more "docile" then any of their former work. The music is low-key, contemplative and very melodic, the rhythm section is relaxed and almost "conventional" and the saxophone improvisations, which are the focus of the album, although very Free Jazz in spirit, are all non aggressive and rounded. The overall sound and ambience of the album are very Coltranesque, which of course brings this album to a much wider potential audience, well beyond the Free Jazz buffs and into the modern mainstream. The individual statements are of course exceptional, especially those by Kapel, who emerges on this album as one of the most able Polish Jazz modernists. But of course the Oles Brothers firmly testify their amazing interplay and cooperation, which is as usual the driving force and solid ground upon which the saxophone solos are based. The album is full of virtuosity from start to finish and should satisfy even the sternest Jazz connoisseurs. It is a pity this album is rarely mentioned among the best Polish Jazz recordings originating from the first post Millennium decade, as it truly deserves. What a pity they did not continue to record any more such wonderful music.

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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CONTEMPORARY QUARTET (OLES / MAHALL / TIBERIAN / OLES) ~ PLAYS MUSIC OF BACEWICZ, KISIELEWSKI, KOMSTA, LUTOSLAWSKI, PENDERECKI NOT TWO 744 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2002 Released: 2002 This is an excellent album by four European Jazz musicians: German clarinetist Rudi MahallFind albums by this artist, Romanian pianist Mircea TiberianFind albums by this artist and Polish brothers: bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist (collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist). They are collectively called Contemporary QuartetFind albums by this artist and on this album they perform nine pieces based on compositions by five Polish contemporary Classical Music composers: Krzysztof PendereckiFind albums by this artist, Stefan KisielewskiFind albums by this artist, Grazyna BacewiczFind albums by this artist, Witold LutoslawskiFind albums by this artist and Marzena KomstaFind albums by this artist. Two additional compositions are by Bartlomiej Oles. The album beautifully emphasizes the proximity between contemporary Jazz and contemporary Classical Music, combining the written parts and improvised parts completely naturally to such extent that the listener is not able to distinguish between them. Of course the idea is to express the symbiosis between the two musical idioms, rather than show them side by side. The majority of the music (five compositions) is by Krzysztof Penderecki, who is undoubtedly the most "revisited" contemporary Classical composer by the Polish Jazz musicians. In the liner notes Oles Brothers refer to the legendary recording back in 1971 of a concert initiated by my friend Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, which involved the Free Jazz Orchestra consisting of the top Free Jazz musicians of the day performing the composition "Actions" written by Penderecki, an innovating and daring concept at the time. Over time such interactions became gradually more common, as this album proves. This is demanding music, which requires attentive listening and open-mindedness, but as usual in such cases is very rewarding. Connoisseurs of Jazz-Classical Fusion and Avant-Garde musical excursions should find this most interesting. Although recorded almost 15 years ago and somewhat forgotten, this music deserves to be re-discovered and listened to, as it obviously is absolutely ageless.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 24/01/2017

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MARCIN OLES ~ ORNETTE ON BASS NOT TWO 747 ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2002 Released: 2003 This is a solo bass album by Polish Jazz bassist / composer Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist. It presents twelve pieces, four of which are original compositions by Oles and eight are his interpretations of Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist compositions. The album was recorded without any overdubbing and offers a wonderful sound quality. Marcin Oles is familiar to Polish Jazz connoisseurs as half of the Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist team, which also includes his twin brother drummer / composer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist. Together they are considered as one of the most creative and artistically fulfilling duos in European Jazz, way beyond just a role of a rhythm section. This album can be considered as a "twin album" to Bartlomiej´s solo drums album recorded a couple of years later, called "Freedrum SuiteFind albums with this title", also released on the excellent Polish Not TwoFind albums on this label Records label. A solo bass album is one of the most difficult projects within the Jazz idiom, and although some such recordings have proved to be iconic in the genre´s history, many others sadly became quite forgettable. Despite his relatively young age at the time of the recording (just under thirty years old), Marcin Oles manages to present a convincing, well balanced and obviously virtuosic set of performances, which flow smoothly from one piece to the next keeping the listener completely mesmerized. For the Coleman cognoscenti, following the Master´s compositions becomes a fun game of sorts, with the original material by Oles being every bit as interesting. It takes a lot of courage and determination to face projects like this one, as the risk is quite challenging. Nevertheless Marcin Oles proves that there is nothing he can´t handle, and more importantly he is able to turn Coleman´s music into his own realm of European Free Jazz / Improvised Music, by adding the European sensitivity and aesthetics to the American roots. As such this music goes beyond the limited Jazz mainstream context and should be of interest to all connoisseurs of ambitious, challenging contemporary music. For lovers of bass and Polish Jazz hardcore collectors, this album is an absolute must. It took me a few years to find a copy of this album at last, but do not despair – dedication and patience pay off eventually. Now a copy of this album finally makes my collection of Oles Brothers recordings complete, which is a joyous occasion.

Updated: 01/10/2018Posted: 01/10/2018

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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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MURRAY / OLES / OLES ~ CIRCLES LIVE IN CRACOW NOT TWO 749 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003 This is a live recording by a trio comprising of American saxophonist / clarinetist David MurrayFind albums by this artist and a Polish rhythm section: bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist (collectively know as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist). They perform seven pieces, six of which are original compositions (four by Bartlomiej Oles and one each by Marcin Oles and Murray) and one is a composition by Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist. Murray, one of the pillars of American Free Jazz / Improvised Music and the founding member of the World Saxophone QuartetFind albums by this artist, is obviously one of the most interesting, albeit atypical, figures originating on the American scene. He discovered the strength of the European Jazz scene rather early and performed and recorded extensively in Europe over the years, eventually moving to live in Europe. The music presents a rather unusual situation where the world-famous guest Artist agrees to perform music mostly composed by his younger partners, which of course testifies both as to Murray´s open-mindedness and the strength of the music of Oles Brothers. The music itself, although based on composed themes, is very open and spacey, as appropriate for modern Jazz. It floats and flirts with Free Jazz, but remains ultimately structured and coherent, which makes it a wonderful listening experience. Although Murray is obviously the central soloist on this album, there is plenty of soloing by the bass and the drums, which explains why the Oles Brothers were considered already at the time, relatively early in their career, as the best Polish Jazz rhythm section, a position they still steadfastly hold to this very day. The level of interplay between the musicians on this album and the overall intensity of the performances can easily serve as a proof that the inferiority complex many of European Jazz musicians suffer from in relation to their American colleagues is completely baseless and absurd.

Updated: 27/01/2017Posted: 27/01/2017

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BARTLOMIEJ OLES ~ FREEDRUM SUITE NOT TWO 754 ~ POLAND ~ New Age, Relaxation & Meditation Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004 This is a solo drums album by Polish Jazz drummer / composer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist recorded using a plethora of percussion and other instruments. It presents an extended twelve-part suite, which gave the album its title and two more original compositions, all by Oles. Bartlomiej Oles is familiar to Polish Jazz followers as the other half of the Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist team, which includes bassist / composer Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist. At the time this album was recorded, Marcin Oles released his solo bass album called "Ornette On BassFind albums with this title", which could be seen as a companion to this album in the collective Oles Brother discography. Drum solo albums are a rarity, which of course makes perfect sense, as the limitation of percussive instruments to create melody and harmony mostly confine their presence to being a part of the rhythm section. But evidently some drummers are able to overcome the limitations and utilize the drums as a solo instrument able to create a diverse and surprisingly vital palette of sounds and Bartlomiej Oles is certainly one of those few. The music on this album should not be vied in the Jazz context, but rather more as contemplative / ambient music, which could be used as a background for meditation and solemn contemplation. When accepted as such, it presents a beautiful sonic soundscape, which is aesthetic and emotionally relaxing. This album is certainly not oriented towards a wide range of music listeners and is mostly suitable for open-minded and adventurous listeners who like Far Eastern World Music inspirations and meditative music. Very interesting!

Updated: 01/05/2017Posted: 01/05/2017

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ANDRZEJ PRZYBIELSKI ~ ABSTRACT NOT TWO 761 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2003 Released: 2005 This is the first album recorded by Polish Avant-Garde Jazz trumpeter / composer Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist with the fantastic rhythm section of Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist: bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist, and a unique document of the genius of Przybielski at work. The sessions, completely spontaneous and unplanned, capture on the spot improvisations by the trio, based of sketchy melodies and somewhat chaotic instruction given to the two "youngsters" by the legendary player seconds before the music starts. The relaxed atmosphere of this sessions and apparent good mood of the leader (the tape keeps running when he makes his little jokes) results in some of the best moments of Przybielski´s playing ever, full of energy, Godly inspiration and great talent. Unfortunately with Przybielski´s untimely death in February 2011, all we have lest are his rather scarce recordings, which should be cherished for generations to come. It´s interesting to compare this recording with the posthumously released "De ProfundisFind albums with this title", recorded by the same trio, some seven years apart. Some of the music on both recordings originated in the same themes, but is completely different of course. This music is an absolute treasure in every respect and one can only hope that more people will discover this music, now saved for posterity. Absolute must to all Avant-Garde Jazz connoisseurs!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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KEN VANDERMARK / OLES BROTHERS ~ IDEAS NOT TWO 765 (Barcode: 5907589871654) ~ USA ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 This is a an album by American saxophonist / clarinetist / composer Ken VandermarkFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with Polish rhythm section comprising 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. The album presents ten original compositions, all co-composed by all three members of the trio. Vandermark enjoyed enormous popularity in the Polish Free Jazz circles, playing often in Poland with his American ensembles and groups featuring local musicians and recording dozens of albums over time, which were consequently released in Poland. That popularity was certainly way beyond the popularity Vandermark enjoyed in his home base in Chicago or in the US in general and remains an anomaly in the Polish Jazz history, the only explanation of which is the notorious Polish inferiority complex, which awards to American musicians the rank of God, which in most cases is completely mislead. This particular recording is definitely one of the best recordings by Vandermark made in Poland, which has to be credited to the wonderful contributions made by the Oles Brothers herein, which manage to tame Vandermark´s often chaotic statements and achieve a melancholic and deeply moving statement by the trio. Both the saxophone and clarinet statements are subdued and introvert, superbly supported by the sensitive, elegant and highly aesthetic performances by the rhythm section. The rhythm section is by no means constrained to provide the rhythmic patterns, but actually performs on the same level with the soloist, in perfect conceptual unison. Although the music is credited to the trio, listeners familiar with the work of Oles Brothers will surely recognize their compositional patterns in most of the compositions present here, with Vandermark´s contribution being less detectable. Overall this is an excellent contemporary Jazz with some Free and Improvised Music elements but on the whole completely accessible by most Jazz connoisseurs. This is definitely not a very typical Vandermark statement, which of course works for the best. Highly recommended and I urge everybody to get a copy before this gem gets out of print.

Updated: 01/05/2017Posted: 01/05/2017

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BEATA PRZYBYTEK ~ WONDERLAND NOT TWO 767 (Barcode: 5907589871678) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 This is the third album by Polish Jazz vocalist Beata PrzybytekFind albums by this artist, recorded with her quartet, which comprises of pianist Dorota ZaziabloFind albums by this artist, bassist Konrad BasiukFind albums by this artist and drummer Ryszard BalcerFind albums by this artist. Guest artists include percussionist Slawomir BernyFind albums by this artist, guitarists Jacek KrolikFind albums by this artist and Jaroslaw SmietanaFind albums by this artist and veteran saxophonist Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist. On this album Przybytek says farewell to the Jazz standards songbook, which she used on her two earlier recordings, and dedicates this entire project to songs by the great Stevie WonderFind albums by this artist, selecting ten of his well-known tunes and presenting them in new arrangements, which results of course in a tribute album of sorts. Wonder´s songs, although catchy and beautifully melodic, are by no means straightforward musically and Przybytek takes quite a risk here attempting to re-invent the Master singer / songwriter by changing his original songs utilizing a Jazzy arrangement but also playing around with the melodies harmonically, twisting them and altering their tempi, usually to half the original speed. Somehow magically all this works out fine and the resulting music has a life of its own; still close enough to the source to be easily identified but at the same time significantly different to make things interesting. Her vocal performances are her best to date, showing undeniably that she sings well when not limited by stylistic restrictions, i.e. her Jazz education and experience, utilizing mannerisms and vocal routines commonly used in Soul, Rhythm And Blues and even Rock. All these influences finally amalgamate in her vocal performance on this album, which immediately put her on a completely new plane musically. Her vibrato is simply irresistible, causing goose bumps and other inexplicable physical and metaphysical effects to the innocent listener. She gets a very sympathetic support from the quartet, especially the acoustic bass, which is right at her side at all times supporting her wonderfully. The percussionist plays on several tracks, keeping his arsenal to minimum, which is very tasteful and rare since percussionists often tend to dominate every recording they´re on. Both guitarists and the saxophonist solo briefly, ornamenting the album but not adding any vital contributions, which would change its quality. All in all this is a very bold statement, beautifully executed and full of wonderfully sensitive musical tricks and treats. It takes more that a single listening sessions to really appreciate this album, but that is quite customary for all quality musical ventures as this one. A few more spins and the listener is hooked entirely. In many respects this album could appeal to a wide range of music connoisseurs, both those who prefer Jazz and those who like Pop material. Quality is a universal heart opener, and this album definitely opens many hearts!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

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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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CARRIER / LAMBERT / MAZUR ~ UNKNOWABLE NOT TWO 928 (Barcode: 5901549185904) ~ CANADA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 This is a live recording by the Improvised Music trio consisting of Canadian saxophonist Francois CarrierFind albums by this artist and drummer Michel LambertFind albums by this artist and Polish acoustic bass guitarist Rafal MazurFind albums by this artist. The trio performs six spontaneously improvised pieces, credited to all three trio members. The music was recorded at the Alchemia Jazz Club in Krakow. Although improvised, the music is characterized by a high degree of melodic content as a result of Carrier´s contributions, which are mostly long lines of melodic themes. Mazur´s bass guitar is always very melodic and here it harmonizes perfectly with Carrier´s leading lines. Lambert is a very delicate and sympathetic drummer, supporting his cohorts with his dense, precise rhythmic patterns, but keeping the volume well in control in order not to dominate the proceedings. There is a wonderful interplay and exchange of ideas between the trio members, who are listening attentively to each other, weaving together a multi-colored tapestry of sound. The music is remarkably relaxed and serene, even in its most intensive moments, completely avoiding any signs of aggression and competitiveness, which so often completely dominates Improvised Music. As a result this is one of the few cases when an Improvised Music recording actually makes sense to be released on record and manages to recreate the actual experience. The excellent recording quality of this album is also very helpful. Overall this is a very impressive piece of music captured for eternity on record and deserves to be heard by all Improvised Music connoisseurs. Perhaps not particularly groundbreaking, nevertheless is offers many magic moments which happen only in that particular musical idiom. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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RESONANCE ENSEMBLE ~ DOUBLE ARC NOT TWO 936 (Barcode: 5901549185980) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2015 This is a live recording by the Resonance EnsembleFind albums by this artist, an international gathering of Free Jazz / Improvised Music players led by American saxophonist / clarinetist / composer Ken VandermarkFind albums by this artist, which in this case comprises of eleven musicians, including two top Polish improvisers: saxophonist / clarinetist Mikolaj TrzaskaFind albums by this artist and clarinetist Waclaw ZimpelFind albums by this artist. The music, all composed by Vandermark, is en extended two-part suite, each of the parts being split into eight and six sub-parts respectively. The music was recorded at the Manggha Culture Center in Krakow, Poland. In his liner notes Vandermark describes this music as a summary of his career and a reflection of the many musical influences he has absorbed over time, which according to him can be heard in the specific sub-parts of the suite. He dedicates this album to the great Polish contemporary Classical composer Witold LutoslawskiFind albums by this artist. Personally I find this music rather cold and unrelated to any specific musical associations, which is a typical American contemporary Free Jazz, which just is there to be there, i.e. has sense only during a live performance but repeated listening of the recorded music has almost zero chance to happen, as the music simply does not make a statement. I must be suffering from a very serious Vandermark overdose, but honestly there is not much revealing music here, which propagates the Free Jazz / Improvised Music (more or less composed), to a new dimension or uncharted territory. Even the usage of the electronic "lloopp" is not interesting enough to save the day. The large ensemble parts present here should be compared to the stuff that British and European composers / bandleaders like Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist and others already perfected in the 1960s and 1970s. There are of course brilliant individual statements as these musicians are all well seasoned improvisers and first class composers themselves, but their efforts with their own ensembles are much more impressive IMHO. Overall this album will be definitely of interest to the many Vandermark aficionados and other Free Jazz / Improvised Music fans, but considering how many recordings of similar musical language are being released in the last decade, it will simple blend into the background pretty soon.

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