Record Reviews

ADAM SKORCZEWSKI ~ STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS MJUSE 002 (Barcode: 5903919630113) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2021 This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer Adam SkorczewskiFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quintet setting with saxophonist Jakub KlemensiewiczFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Dominik KisielFind albums by this artist, bassist Bartosz BorzeszkowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Hussam Abdul-SamadFind albums by this artist. The album, which was recorded live, presents just three extended tracks, two over fourteen and one over eighteen minutes in duration, which remain sadly uncredited on the album’s artwork (assumably composed by the leader). The music, which is based on solid composed themes, is largely freely improvised, like many contemporary modern Jazz recordings. There are several obvious similarities / quotes from famous / legendary Polish Jazz recordings, conscious or not, especially those related to Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist’s music in general and his album “AstigmaticFind albums with this title” in particular. This is very commendable of course, but to a large extent strengthens my personal feeling that Jazz is largely stuck in its past despite the five decades of intensive effort to move forward. But inspirations aside, the music is certainly very interesting and absorbing, despite its slow and seemingly hesitant, but generally well balanced development. There is plenty of opportunity for the musicians to display their individual talents, but all in good measure. The typical Polish melancholy is the prevailing sentiment, which of course is hardly surprising, but the music offers enough of originality and invention to make it into a fascinating listening experience. The presence of Klemensiewicz and Kisiel is of course immediately noticeable, and they both contribute from their somewhat more mature experience to the flow of the music and its melodic / harmonic structure. Skorczewski has a clear, open trumpet sound, which is truly beautiful and I’d love to hear more of it, as his solos are rather on the short side, but if he composed the music, he surely deserves a lot of credit on that front. Borzeszkowski, of whom I know nothing, holds the fort splendidly, which for this kind of music is crucial of course. Abdul-Samad stays mostly behind the scenes, with his contributions being largely inaudible, perhaps due to the rather iffy sound quality of the recording. Overall, this is a splendid debut effort, full of creative power, respect of Polish Jazz tradition and excellent performances by the participants. As usual, it proves the incredibly high potential of the young local Jazz scene, which keeps developing rapidly. Congratulations and thanks for the music!

Updated: 26/12/2021Posted: 26/12/2021

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