Record Reviews

EABS ~ REPETITIONS (LETTERS TO KRZYSZTOF KOMEDA) ASTIGMATIC 003 ~ POLAND ~ Smooth Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz ensemble EABSFind albums by this artist, a septet consisting of vocalist / keyboardists Marek PedziwiatrFind albums by this artist, who also arranged all but one of the tracks, drummer Marcin RakFind albums by this artist, guitarist Vojto MonteurFind albums by this artist, bassist Pawel StachowiakFind albums by this artist, turntablism performer Spisek JednegoFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Olaf WegierFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Jakub KurekFind albums by this artist. Veteran Polish Jazz violinist Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist appears as a guest on one track. As the title suggests, the album consists entirely of music composed by the Godfather of Polish Jazz, pianist / composer Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist and presents nine pieces of Komeda´s music, written originally mostly for theatre and cinema. The music is accompanied by extensive liner notes, which carefully present the concept and the historic background about the individual compositions, written by Sebastian JozwiakFind albums by this artist, which is a most welcome example of how to treat musical projects seriously. This album faces two potential difficulties common to most Komeda related projects: firstly the Polish Jazz scene is practically overflowed with endless attempts to interpret Komeda´s music accumulating to a plethora of albums varying immensely in quality from total flops to brilliant achievements. Secondly, and more importantly, each new Komeda related project has to offer something never attempted before, which should at least try to expand the Komeda legacy into unchartered territory. EABS take Komeda´s music into the contemporary easy side of Jazz, bordering at times with Smooth Jazz and Pop and incorporating Hip Hop, Soul and Funk, samples, loops and other contemporary Pop paraphernalia. At times this is all highly effective, but the final result varies from track to track. Sadly the treatment of the original music starts to repeat itself and once the listener passes about half of the album, the tension and factor of surprise wear down. But to be fair, the album presents many interesting moments and overall is a great fun to listen to. It is beautifully executed and recorded, and offers a solid aural experience. The Urbaniak solo parts on the track he plays on are a great reminder of his abilities. Does this album stand out from all the other Komeda related projects? I´ll leave this question open to be answered by the album´s listeners. It is definitely worth to be listened to, even repeatedly and if it eventually brings hordes of new young listeners to the music of Komeda, it has fulfilled its higher calling. This is definitely recommended to all young or at least young at heart listeners and offers a commendable debut effort.

Updated: 16/09/2017Posted: 15/09/2017

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