Record Reviews

GABA JANUSZ ~ NIEOBECNI NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024 This is the 2nd album by Polish Jazz vocalist Gaba JanuszFind albums by this artist, recorded with a classic Jazz piano trio accompaniment, with pianist Michal CiesielskiFind albums by this artist, who was also in charge of all the arrangements, bassist Paul RutschkaFind albums by this artist and drummer Patryk DoboszFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, all of which have one thing in common, i.e. all the composers / songwriters, who wrote the material, are no longer alive, which is hinted by the album’s title (“NieObecni” means “NotPresent” in Polish). The album offers an excellent sound quality. Although most of the original music is not strictly Jazz oriented, and belongs to different genres, like ambitious Pop, sung Poetry, etc., there are also strong Jazz ties present herein, like two of the songs, which were composed by Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist and one melody, which was composed by Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, both of whom were of course Polish Jazz icons. But the choice of material, the arrangements, the instrumental performances and of course primarily the vocal approach create a coherent, wonderful and completely Jazz oriented album, which for me is a pleasant surprise, bordering on my favorite Jazz & Poetry genre. Janusz has everything working in her favor: a pleasant, strong and expressive voice, intelligent approach both to the lyrics and the music, and of course that she sings in Polish, which solves many problems associated with Polish vocalist trying to sing in English. I would of course love to hear more vocalese, like the one she uses on the instrumental Stanko’s piece, and on other tracks, but not enough as far as my personal liking. The instrumental work is without reproach, which is expected considering the fact that all the musicians are highly experienced and obviously well-schooled. Ciesielski is an excellent pianist, and supports the vocalist most amicably, staying politely out of the limelight, but firmly present at all time. Rutschka plays wonderful bass guitar, with occasional surprising solos, and Dobosz is steady as a rock, also mostly hidden respectfully in the background. Overall, this is an excellent vocal album in every respect, starting with the selection of the material and throughout all the stages of the performance and recording, and Janusz deserves to be congratulated for pulling such a complex enterprise safely and successfully through. This is a refreshing, beautiful example of the young Polish Jazz at its best!

Updated: 03/02/2026Posted: 03/02/2026

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