Record Reviews

MARCIN STEFANIAK ~ UNVEILING ALPAKA 004 (Barcode: 191924268277) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer Marcin StefaniakFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with bassist Pawel UrowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Tomasz KoperFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Stefaniak. The music is a striking version of modern Jazz, melody based but stylistically not really mainstream oriented, often atmospheric and lyrical with clear World Music influences, especially rhythmically. From the very first note it becomes immediately apparent that Stefaniak is both a brilliant composer and an extraordinary player, with clarity of tone and power of expression that usually characterizes musicians after decades of activity in the field. This sequence of compositions presents a coherent musical vision, which is consistently developed throughout the duration of the album. Stefaniak´s long lines and extensive improvisations are in the best post-Coltrane tradition, with no breathing breaks and stupendous fluidity. He seems to be familiar with all the tricks of the trade and as a newcomer on the scene is nothing short of sensational. He is able to change to tone of his tenor and soprano saxophones quite dramatically within the different compositions, as if changing his personality. The soprano often sounds like a clarinet or even a flute, which is able to charm even the most deadly snakes into trance. The general impression Stefanski is able to make on this album is one of a remarkable gifted saxophonist, who has little, if any, limitations. Although Stefaniak is obviously the centerpiece of the listener´s attention, the rhythm section is very prominently featured and becomes an integral part of the overall sound. Urowski is a very experienced player and his bass lines are the anchor of the music. He plays several solos, all of which are excellent illustrations of his fabulous abilities. Koper does a great job as well, limiting his input to the rhythmic necessities and being overtly melodic in his approach. Taken as a whole, the trio functions together splendidly, better than most saxophone trios around, despite the obvious difficulties involved with this specific combination of instruments. Overall this is a stunning debut effort, definitely one of the best in 2017 on the Polish Jazz scene. On the surface this is perhaps not he most adventurous or unusual effort, but surely one of the most strikingly honest and musically rounded ones - something that happens quite rarely! Chapeau and most warmly recommended!

Updated: 18/12/2017Posted: 18/12/2017

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MARCIN STEFANIAK / ARKADIUSZ KRAWIEL ~ ANTICIPATION SOLITON 1422 (Barcode: 5903684234226) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2017 Released: 2024 This is the debut album by a Polish Jazz duo comprising of saxophonist Marcin StefaniakFind albums by this artist and dulcimer player Arkadiusz KrawielFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Arek KrawielFind albums by this artist). The album presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by Krawiel and two are standards. The music was recorded in a church and offers a wonderful ambience and sound quality. The highly unusual sound of the dulcimer, rarely heard within the Jazz idiom, and the intimate duo setting create very impressive sound vistas, which take the listener on a voyage of discovery of new sounds. The music combines World Music influences, Jazz improvisations and some Classical Music inspirations, which are very effective and manage to craft an inspirational engagement with the listener. The dulcimer is mostly present on the second plane, accompanying the saxophone’s leading voice and supporting the harmonic and rhythmic backing. It is (probably on purpose) much lower in the sound mix. Considering the fact that Krawiel composed most of the music and is usually a keyboardist, his decision to play the “second fiddle” on this album is somewhat surprising, but the effect certainly works wonders. Overall, this is a very unusual and strikingly beautiful piece of music, which deserves to be heard, not only by Jazz listeners, but all music lovers regardless of their favorite genre. The music is lyrical, reflective and somewhat contemplative, which is commendable in this noise-saturated world we live in.

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

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