Record Reviews

OLES BROTHERS / CHRISTOPHER DELL ~ KOMEDA AHEAD FSR 2014/01 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 It is extremely difficult to communicate anything truly innovative about Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist´s music. Since the tragic death of the Godfather of modern Polish Jazz over four decades ago, his enigmatic compositions have been the subject of a vast number of recordings in Poland as well as other countries, where his music was discovered. These recordings cover every Komeda compositions in every possible instrumental settings and stylistic sub-genre, ranging from works of pure genius to unspeakable pastiches. Therefore one should not be surprised by the fact that Jazz connoisseurs approach every new recording of Komeda´s music with extreme caution. Bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and his twin brother drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist have paid their dues on the European Jazz scene since the onset of the 21st Century, slowly climbing to the well earned position of one of the top European Jazz rhythm sections. But they are also both formidable composers and activist, spinning a web of international contacts and collaborations, many of which resulted in recording of a succession of fabulous albums over the time. One of such meetings was with the German vibraphonist / composer Christopher DellFind albums by this artist, which led to this Komeda project to be commissioned by the Berliner Jazzfest in 2011, where it was debuted in November of that year. The concept behind this project was to show Komeda as a composer of complex, expanded musical forms, as reflected by the four long tracks on this album, as well as a weaver of concise magical melodic miniatures, as those presented by the four short tracks. These two facets of Komeda´s work have never been presented earlier as complimenting each other. The actual performance of the music is also completely unique and innovative. First there is the overall low key, low volume, completely acoustic approach, with each and every note being a crucial piece of the complete puzzle. Secondly there is the minimalism, a reserved approach stating that "less is more" and emphasized by the intrinsic inner calmness of the vibraphone, probably the most delicate and intimate instrument at our disposal. There is not a single note here that sounds redundant or unnecessary. And lastly there is a gorgeous freedom of expression, which is the predominant factor of this music, unrestricted by melody, harmony or rhythm. The Komeda fans will have no trouble to hear the familiar themes in this music, but at the same time they will be able to hear those themes stretched and expanded into previously untraveled territories. It seems that Oles Brothers & Christopher Dell managed to achieve the goal of discovering and exposing more of the eternal beauty and charm hidden in Komeda´s music, and we, the listeners should be grateful for such discoveries. This music, with its elegance and eloquence, is a superb example of what Culture is all about. Side Note: The above are the original liner notes, which were supposed to accompany the music as initially intended. However, as it often happens, the somewhat convoluted fate of this album´s release resulted in selecting different liner notes sometime along the line. Since I deeply love the music, as evident in my writing above, I feel that publishing them here is appropriate.

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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OLES BROTHERS / BARTOSZ PIESZKA ~ KOMEDA AHEAD NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021 In 2013 Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist, i.e. bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist, recorded the “Komeda AheadFind albums with this title” album with the great German vibraphonist Christopher DellFind albums by this artist. Jumping eight years forward, the “Komeda Ahead” project was revived, this time with Polish vibraphonist Bartosz PieszkaFind albums by this artist, and a tour by that trio was commemorated by a limited “special tour edition” CD, which is a kind of “remake” of the prior recording. The new recording includes six compositions by Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, all of which are also present on the aforementioned album. It is of course quite natural to compare the two recordings, but honestly that would completely miss the point of the music. Each of the Oles Brothers projects is so completely unique, that every performance they give, and I have had the pleasure to be present at many of those, is entirely different, and in this case we have a case of participation of two different musicians, so a priori any comparison would be futile. As I have stated repeatedly, Komeda’s music has been abused so many times by Polish Jazz musicians, that over time I have developed an allergy to Komeda related projects, with only a very few exceptions, and of course Oles Brothers are exceptional in every sense, so they are on the shortlist. Pieszka is a highly educated and experienced musician, but most importantly he is able to create an intimate rapport with the Oles Brothers, which is the basis of the music they create together, on this album or any other album they recorded. The trio treats Komeda’s music with respect and obvious reverence, as appropriate, and the minimalist approach leaves the listener to connect the dots in his mind. As a result, this album stands completely on its own right, as continues the exceptional recorded legacy of the Oles Brothers, even if it’s just a tour “memento”. Overall, for the many Oles Brothers followers, this album is a must in their collection, and for the Polish Jazz fans, this is a wonderful example of how Komeda’s music should be treated; respectfully, imaginatively and aesthetically. Thank you for the music and for many years of Friendship!

Updated: 02/10/2022Posted: 02/10/2022

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