Record Reviews

TRZY DNI POZNIEJ ~ POKOJ JEJ CIENIOM FOR TUNE 0034 (Barcode: 5902768701364) ~ POLAND ~ World Music & Folklore Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the third album by the Polish female vocal trio Trzy Dni PozniejFind albums by this artist, which comprises of Marta Groffik-PerchelFind albums by this artist, Marta PiwowarFind albums by this artist and Joanna Piwowar-AntosiewiczFind albums by this artist. On this album the trio is accompanied by violist Pawel OdorowiczFind albums by this artist and electronic sound devices operated by Joanna and Pawel are also employed. The album presents eleven pieces, eight of which were composed by Joanna and three are Polish folk melodies arranged by the ensemble. Joanna also wrote all the lyrics except for one piece which uses a poem by Rainer Maria RilkeFind albums by this artist. The concept of this song cycle can be describes as "for women by women", as it is dedicated to the singers´ grandmothers and is inspired by works of two extraordinary Lower Silesian women: the writings by poetess Anna Louisa KarshFind albums by this artist, who lived in 18th Century Prussia, which ruled parts of Lower Silesia at the time and the memoirs and poems by Ester GolanFind albums by this artist (born Ester Dobkowsky), who survived the Holocaust as a child in England while her Jewish family perished, and who lives in Israel since 1945, famous for her interfaith dialogue activities. The musical content is a completely cross-genre amalgam of a myriad of different references, including Polish folklore but also ambient / electronic music, minimalism, contemporary choral music, alternative Pop, Jazz improvisation, grunge Rock and so on. The melodic scope is mostly melancholic and introvert, which fits the overall contemplative nature of this project. The lyrics are all quite poetic, inspired by folkloristic motifs but using a modern free form verse, often ignoring rhyming rules and full of other linguistic peculiarities. The most striking effect of this music is of course the exquisite usage of unisono parts performed by the three vocalists. I admit the fact that I have a soft spot for the human voice, but the sheer beauty of these three voices combined is almost superhuman. Joined by the eerie electronics and other background sounds the vocal parts are so effective, that they become irresistible. Of course one has to appreciate, on the intellectual level, the attention that went into combining all these elements together to create this astonishing effect. The contrasting viola parts are also wonderful ingredients of the entire soundscape. There is no doubt that this is one of the most intriguing and fascinating albums released in Poland in 2014. Different and separate from any form of mainstream music, intelligent, passionate and uncompromising, this should be model for others to follow. This is a music for all seasons, which combines the respect for the past with the burning desire to innovate and create; music which escapes all genre limitations and is simply universal. My wholehearted gratitude goes to the brave women behind this music and to For Tune for bringing it to the attention of the world. God bless!

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