Record Reviews

MACIEJ GARBOWSKI ~ ELEMENTS NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010 This is the debut album by the Polish Jazz bassist Maciej GarbowskiFind albums by this artist, known to followers of the Polish Jazz scene as one third of the RBBFind albums by this artist trio. The album is a bold statement in every respect: it is recorded live and by an unconventional (trumpet / bass / drums) trio with young Polish trumpeter Piotr DamasiewiczFind albums by this artist and Swedish drummer Jon FaltFind albums by this artist. The album comprises of a continuous suite of mostly improvised music, which includes some composed motifs by Garbowski and Damasiewicz, sometimes used only in part and sometimes quoted in full. These motifs serve as points of reference in the continual conversation between the musicians, which is obviously spontaneous but seems to have a sense of almost telepathic consistency. Although separated into six tracks on the album, this is definitely one piece of music, mood and celebration of freedom. The technical proficiency of these young musicians is simply astounding and their ability to generate alternative sounds on their respective instruments is awe-inspiring. Damasiewicz and his trumpet, which at times remind us of Don CherryFind albums by this artist and Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, taking the absolutely best lessons from both, is simply phenomenal. Hopefully his future recordings will give us more glimpses of his talent, since judging by this recording he is definitely heading in the right direction. Garbowski and his bass are virtuosic and enormously sensitive in this difficult setting, gluing the music together and supplying the anchor to stability, without restricting it in any sense. Falt and his drums, which are already familiar to Jazz connoisseurs from his work with pianist Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist, is the icing on the cake, ornamenting the music with delicate caressing touches on the cymbals or energetic full-kit explosions, al done with taste and elegance. Overall this is a brilliant piece of Free Jazz, perfectly executed and full of inspired, serious music, which easily compares to the best recordings of this type done anywhere else in the world. If the future fate of Polish Jazz (and European Jazz in general) is in the hands of young musicians like these three, the older generation can rest assured that it is in good hands indeed. Polish Jazz fans should definitely seek out this gem as soon as possible. Brilliant stuff!

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JAROMIR HONZAK ~ UNCERTAINTY ANIMAL MUSIC 047 (Barcode: 8594155990443) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the eighth album as a leader by Czech Jazz bassist / composer Jaromir HonzakFind albums by this artist recorded by an international quintet comprising, in addition to the leader, of French clarinetist / saxophonist Antonin-Tri HoangFind albums by this artist, Czech guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Vit KristanFind albums by this artist and Swedish drummer Jon FaltFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions by Honzak. The music was splendidly recorded at the SONO Records studio and engineered by Milan CimfeFind albums by this artist, offering a spectacular sound quality. As usual with Honzak´s musical endeavors, it is first and foremost the music he composes that touches the listener deepest. The wonderful team plays brilliantly all the way through of course, which is hardly surprising considering the quality of these instrumentalists, but the delicate and completely unique compositions are the focus of this album, especially so as this one is the most fragile, introvert and as if hesitant collection of his tunes, perhaps reflected by the album´s title. Honzak is completely atypical as a Jazz composer and his compositions are not based on the usual theme / improvisations / theme structure, but each and every one is like a micro-suite with several intertwining melody lines and fragments, which create a charming puzzle. As a result each of his albums is dissimilar from the rest of his work and has a unique character, something that rarely happens so vividly with Jazz composers. The presence of Hoang and Falt has perhaps also part in this album sounding differently. Honzak usually tends to record his album with a steady team of musicians, who repeatedly appear on his albums, which of course has its advantages. But obviously "new blood" can work wonders as well, as this album proves. Overall this is a beautiful, somewhat reserved and even minimalist piece of music, which wonderfully exemplifies the "less is more" concept as far as the performances are concerned, and offers another splendid collection of Honzak´s brilliant compositions. This is a pure delight from start to finish and is wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 30/09/2020Posted: 30/09/2020

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BOBO STENSON ~ INDICUM ECM 2233 (Barcode: 602527945750) ~ SWEDEN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 This is a breathtakingly beautiful album by the veteran Swedish pianist / composer Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist, one of the pillars of Scandinavian and European Jazz, recorded in his favorite classic piano trio format with his long-time collaborator bassist Anders JorminFind albums by this artist and much younger upcoming drummer Jon FaltFind albums by this artist. Together they perform twelve pieces, three of which are credited to all the trio members, two are by Jormin and the rest come from many diverse sources, both from the Jazz idiom and outside, an eclecticism typical of Stenson´s recordings. In many respects Stenson is an epitome of European Jazz, combining in his refined stylistic approach the elegance and sophistication of the European Culture at its best, which elevates the Jazz tradition to a new level. Reserved, even humble at times, delicate and minimalistic, Stenson spreads his magic with single touches of the keyboard, following the "more is less" aesthetics. Of course a trio is only as good as the quality of all its members, which in this case is beyond reproach. Jormin is already recognized as one of the great Masters of the acoustic Bass and Falt by now earned quite a reputation as an intelligent, highly sensitive player. Together they create a kind of enchantment, which characterized only very few selected piano trios in Jazz history. Fans and followers of Stenson´s piano trio recordings are by now convinced, that he and his trios belong to the top echelon of artistic achievements and he is a fabulous gatekeeper of the exquisite piano trio legacy. This music is very calm, reflective and somewhat reserved, and as such requires total attention and dedication in order to be fully appreciated. And yet in spite of its seemingly delicate structure, it cuts deeply into the listener´s emotional fabric, arising very strong reactions, which of course is a part of its magic. Although I love everything Stenson recorded so far, I developed a very special attachment towards this particular recording, as it touches my innermost strings. This is an absolute masterpiece and an essential ingredient of the beautiful Jazz spirit that we all love so much. A must!

Updated: 07/02/2016Posted: 07/02/2016

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