Record Reviews

MATEUSZ SMOCZYNSKI ~ BEREK UNIVERSAL 602557610710 (Barcode: 602557610710) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the third album as a leader by Polish violinist / composer Mateusz SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, recorded again in a quintet setting with guitarist Konrad ZemlerFind albums by this artist, his older brother pianist Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Wojciech PulcynFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve original compositions, one of which is repeated twice, seven of which were composed by Jan Smoczynski, two were composed by Mateusz Smoczynski, two were co-composed by the Smoczynski brothers and one is credited to all five members of the quintet. The album was recorded in the legendary Studio Tokarnia and engineered by Jan Smoczynski, with spectacular sound fidelity. In the last decade Mateusz Smoczynski, both as a solo artists and member of the already legendary Atom String QuartetFind albums by this artist, has been consistently paving his way to the Top of the Polish Jazz violin school, which has very little competition in any other part of the world. That top, extremely overcrowded by young musicians, is simply exploding with talent and incredible dexterity, to the delight of Jazz lovers, both in Poland and the world over, and is just one of the symptoms that characterize the Polish Jazz scene in general. On this album Mateusz Smoczynski does not have to prove anything anymore, and therefore he is able to concentrate on his total delivery of the music, his personal style and the finesse of his skills. The exquisite compositions by Jan Smoczynski suit ideally his expressive style and their intrinsic elegance and lyricism, as well as superb Swing are simply ideal vehicles for the music to come forward. Of course he is splendidly supported by the members of the quintet, all of which are Top Polish Jazz players with extensive experience and outstanding talents. The almost completely acoustic sound of the album allows for delicate and intricate interactions between the musicians, full of mutual respect. The round sound of the quintet, and the blooming sound quality, create a wonderful aural experience, which should leave no listener cold. The music is a wide amalgam of many influences, none of which are particularly dominant, but to a sensitive ear are obviously audible, such as some Classical stylistic hooks, Polish Folklore motifs, tribute to past Polish Jazz violin legends, and many others. Of course these elements are perfectly well balanced and manage to create a new entity, which simply speaks for itself. Overall this is a "perfect" album, one that has nothing that should be changed or added to it in any sense. It is beautifully performed and offers wonderful music, full of European aesthetics. There are no false pretences, no exhibitionism and no boring derivative fillers, just honest, straightforward great music from start to finish. So far definitely one of the best offers in 2017 that landed on my desk (or in my ears). Chapeau bas!

Updated: 25/05/2017Posted: 25/05/2017

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MATEUSZ SMOCZYNSKI ~ EXPRESSIONS TMP 002 (Barcode: 5905912553239) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008 This is the second album as a leader by the young Polish Jazz violinist / composer Mateusz SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist. Recorded with a superb quintet, which includes his brother Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist on piano, guitarist Konrad ZemlerFind albums by this artist, bassist Wojciech PulcynFind albums by this artist and drummer Lukasz ZytaFind albums by this artist, the album presents his talent and obvious virtuosity to the fullest extent. Of the ten compositions included on the album Jan contributed four, Mateusz one, Wojciech another four and the last is credited to all quintet members. The music is modern Jazz, which has solid roots in Jazz mainstream, but is open to glimpses of Free, which is not surprising since Mateusz points out John ColtraneFind albums by this artist as a major influence. Of course he also continues the Polish Jazz violin tradition, naming Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist (who in turn was also strongly influenced by Coltrane) as another direct influence. However, attentive listening to his brilliant solos brings also memories of the other great Polish violinist, like Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist and Krzesimir DebskiFind albums by this artist and of course the French giant Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist. Since recording this album, Mateusz recorded another superb album (again with his brother Jan) in a trio setting ("Simultaneous AbstractionsFind albums with this title"), participated in a Zbigniew Seifert tribute album ("A Tribute To Zbigniew SeifertFind albums with this title") and recorded with the Atom String QuartetFind albums by this artist. All these projects are impeccable pieces of intelligent, rewarding and highly aesthetic music and it seems that Mateusz is heading to the very top of the local (and perhaps also international) scene. The album was recorded in the Studio Tokarnia owned by the Smoczynski brothers, and engineered and mastered by Jan. From several other Polish Jazz recordings I´ve heard, which were recorded there, one can hear that this is probably the best recording studio in the country and Jan (in addition to his musical abilities) as a great sound engineer. Well, it´s always a pleasure to give credit, where credit is due, as in this case. Altogether this is brilliant piece of music, which any Jazz connoisseur anywhere should cherish. Most warmly recommended!

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