Record Reviews

BARTOSZ DWORAK ~ LIVE AT RADIO KATOWICE PRK 0130 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz violinist Bartosz DworakFind albums by this artist recorded live with his quartet which also includes pianist Piotr MatusikFind albums by this artist, bassist Jakub DworakFind albums by this artist and drummer Szymon MadejFind albums by this artist. They perform six compositions, two of which are original compositions by Bartosz Dworak, one is by Piotr Matusik, two are by Polish Jazz composers Slawomir KulpowiczFind albums by this artist and Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist and the remaining one is by Joey CalderazzoFind albums by this artist. Bartosz Dworak is the winner of the 1st International Zbigniew Seifert Jazz Violin Competition, which took place in Poland in 2014 and is considered as one of the top young Polish Jazz violinists who continue the glorious legacy of Jazz violin in Poland established by such luminaries as Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist, Zbigniew Seifert, Krzesimir DebskiFind albums by this artist, Adam BaldychFind albums by this artist and others. From the very first notes of this record it is pretty obvious that Dworak is a Polish violinist, as he has the same unmistakable "Polish sound" that characterizes his predecessors and other contemporary Jazz violinist in the country. In his case this specific sound, which floats somewhere between Slavic folksy fiddle and virtuosic lyricism is clearly identifiable. And of course there is the individualism and the virtuosity, which are obviously in their early stages but already clearly noticeable. From the strength of the two original compositions it is immediately apparent that Dworak should concentrate on playing his own material. His interpretations of the compositions by other musicians are less impressive, except that of his band mate Piotr Matusik. The entire quartet plays smoothly and dynamically, with the rhythm section supporting the two soloists with taste and elegance. Matusik is one hell of a player and steals a significant part of the show in his favor, deserving every bit of it. I´m waiting anxiously to hear his first solo album. Considering that this is a debut recording one can simply envy these young musicians their talents and obvious musicality. Hopefully Dworak will develop his skills as a composer and engage in more ambitious / challenging adventures when his career takes off, which will inevitably happen. In the meantime this is definitely a most impressive calling card.

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