Record Reviews

MAJA LAURA SEPTET ~ MONK, MY DEAR MAJA LAURA 2 ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024 This is the second album by Polish Jazz keyboardist / composer Maja LauraFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Maja Laura JaryczewskaFind albums by this artist), recorded in an octet setting (why septet?) with drummer Teo OlterFind albums by this artist, bassist Kamila DrabekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Krzysztof HadrychFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Lukasz KorybalskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Jakub KlemensiewiczFind albums by this artist and Krzysztof KusmierekFind albums by this artist and flautist Dominik StrycharskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which compositions by Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist and one is a standard, which Monk often performed, all arranged by the leader. The music is almost completely highly improvised, to such extent that for a listener unaware of the context, i.e. Monk’s compositions, that specific association is very difficult to be recognized, except for the brief moments where direct musical quotes are present. This is probably why the leader takes a credit for the music, side by side with Monk. Such approach raises the question as to the limits of Freedom, even Artistic Freedom, although “limits of Freedom” might sound like an oxymoron. In this specific case if this album was presented as: “inspired by Monk”, or anything in similar zone, it would have been much more acceptable, but presenting it as Monk’s music is, at least for me, a bit of a hyperbole, to say the least. Monk was the greatest Jazz revolutionary within Bebop, but he knew the limits of Freedom perfectly well, I suppose more subconsciously than with premeditation, but he never overstepped the boundaries. I believe Maja Laura, when she claims that she loves Monk “madly” (sic), but so do I, and therefore I think that love has its limits too. Having said all that, this is definitely a bold musical statement, and it has its magic moments, if not as a concept, surely as a result of some of the performances, as the album does involve some of the best Polish Jazz musicians after all. Even if it has some flows, it is better that such attempts are made, than avoided. After all, “love will forgive you everything”, as the famous Polish song claims, which is also sometimes true in life. Overall, this is a very interesting, bold and unusual album, which despite its flaws offers an attempt to deliver an homage to one of the most important Jazz geniuses ever, which is commendable, as is the leader’s courage and individuality. Improvised Music enthusiasts should enjoy this album, traditional Jazz lovers might be shocked to the core, all for the best.

Updated: 10/04/2025Posted: 10/04/2025

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