Record Reviews

TOMASZ DABROWSKI ~ TOM TRIO ILK 193 (Barcode: 5706274003871) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 This is the debut album as a leader by the young (28) and upcoming Polish Jazz trumpeter Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist, resident in Denmark since several years. In spite of his young age Dabrowski managed to gain quite a lot of experience and exposure, playing with many Polish and later Danish Jazz musicians and recording an impressive number of albums as co-leader and sideman. This album was recorded in the difficult trumpet trio format, with Danish bassist Nils Bo DavidsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Anders MogensenFind albums by this artist. The music comprises of eleven original compositions, all by the leader. The overall atmosphere of this recording is close to European Free Jazz, although the melodic motifs in most of the compositions are clearer than in most Free from recordings. The resulting music is an interesting amalgam of typical Polish melancholy and lyricism combined with the wonderful Scandinavian virtuosity of stress-free improvisation. The music is interesting, intelligent and provides an ideal vehicle for the trio to express themselves and demonstrate their individual and collective skills. The balance between the melodic content and the freedom, both harmonic and rhythmic, proves that these are both bright and experienced players. The album is very much an ensemble effort, as all three musicians contribute equally to the result as a whole. Dabrowski plays some very tasty trumpet phrases, which are clearly influenced by the Godfather of Polish Jazz trumpet Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, but manage to eschew any attempt of copying the Master, forming an individual voice, which will surely further develop in the future. The bassist is spectacular and provides not only the necessary balance and camaraderie to the other trio members, but actually drives the music forward. The level of his technical proficiency and more importantly incredible Jazz feeling is simply astounding. The drummer completes the trio, playing rather less than more, which is a commendable quality, adding some imaginative icing to the cake, staying away from boring rhythmic patterns and skillfully adding his delicate touches. The album is definitely a first class achievement and an excellent debut effort, which does justice to the leader´s abilities and hopefully will serve as an introduction to a long and successful recording career. It is unquestionably one of the best debut albums I heard this year. Now that Dabrowski got me hooked, I will eagerly await his next effort. In the meantime I can only hope that this album gets to as many listeners worldwide, as it truly deserves. Brilliant stuff!

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TOMASZ DABROWSKI / TOM TRIO ~ RADICAL MOVES FOR TUNE 0045 (Barcode: 5902768701517) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is the second album by the Tom TrioFind albums by this artist, led by Polish (resident in Denmark) Jazz trumpeter Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist and including Danish bassist Nils Bo DavidsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Anders MogensenFind albums by this artist. The music consists of ten original compositions, all by Dabrowski, and it was recorded at the fabulous Studio Tokarnia and engineered by Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, with excellent sonic results. Contrary to the album´s ominous title, this album does not offer any radical developments as such, and is consistent with the path Dabrowski follows since a few years to achieve his personal voice as a trumpeter and composer, which has been quite remarkable. There is no doubt that he is today not only one of the top Polish Jazz trumpeters, but also one of top European trumpeters, a position he earned by numerous recordings in stylistically diverse setups, always delivering a top notch contribution. Musically Dabrowski seems to be most comfortable in the "organized Free" environment, when his statements have a solid melodic / harmonic basis underneath, which allows him to stretch his improvisations with flare and passion. The decision to present his music in the intimate trio setting is probably motivated by the fact that the trio allows the most concise ensemble solution enabling the closest interplay possible between the participants. This music is totally dependent on mutual exchange and support and would fail to achieve anything if such complete synthesis did not happen. Fortunately it does happen, from start to finish, elevating the music to a highly aesthetic plane. In spite of the nakedness of the trio setting, the overall effect of the trio is so eventful and intense, that it creates an illusion of a much larger ensemble at work. The role of the rhythm section in this type of music is radically different from the traditional position, which is to support the leader harmonically and rhythmically without getting involved with his solo parts. The music presented here is fully co-created by all three musicians, on equal footing. Dabrowski is naturally the most distinctive voice, playing the lead instrument, but everything that is happening in parallel to his playing as equally important each and very step of the way. People familiar with Dabrowski´s music are used by now to the incredible high standards he sets for himself, pushing them ever forward. This album is another step in the right direction, displaying signs of maturity and reflection rather than youthful enthusiasm. This is perhaps the most contemplative music he ever attempted, offering new vistas of his inner self as composer and performer. Of course music of such complexity and emotional weight requires attentive and often repetitive listening to be fully absorbed and appreciated. Connoisseurs of modern Free Form, but coherent Jazz will find this music fully and beautifully rewarding.

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ARTUR TUZNIK ~ ARTUR TUZNIK TRIO MULTIKULTI MPJ 019 (Barcode: 5907796319857) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is a debut album as a leader by young Polish (resident in Copenhagen) pianist / composer Artur TuznikFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic piano trio format which also includes two Danish musicians: bassist Nils Bo DavidsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Jakob HoyerFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all of which are original composition by Tuznik. The album was recorded at the excellent RecPublica Studios and offers excellent sound quality. The music presents a remarkably mature set of compositions, which although based on melodic themes, are beautifully open and unrestrained. It is pretty amazing to find such young musicians playing in such challenging musical environment and of course this album immediately sets an example to a whole generation of young pianists, which clearly points towards what can be achieved and what should be played, even at the very early stages of a Jazz career. For Polish music connoisseurs and aficionados the challenge here is to discover the hidden clues of the influence of Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist on this music. Tuznik is an outstanding piano player, a fact that becomes clear after just a few notes. His self-confidence and imagination take over the music and lead it securely towards an open-minded expressionism, full of lyricism and emotion regardless of the free form and uneven rhythmic patterns. Of course every piano trio is only as good as its members and Tuznik definitely found ideal partners herein, who are willing to share his openness and exploration based modus operandi, improvising together without giving up their individuality. This trio is definitely way beyond the concept of a piano and a rhythm section – it is a fully organic ensemble which creates music symbiotically. I suppose such music making is only possible in Europe, where the minds of the young Jazz musicians have not been mercilessly blunted by overexposure to American mainstream, which completely smothers individuality and progress. Such wonderful creativity and forward-thinking as present on this album is an antidote to everything the American Jazz tradition is trying desperately to cling to. This is definitely one of the most impressive Polish Jazz recordings of 2016 and a stunning debut effort in every respect. One can only wish that more young musicians will follow the path set by this album, which will make true music lovers exceedingly happy. It is a rare combination of talent, vision and the courage to stand behind ones choices and decisions, which again points out the maturity of the musicians involved. Polish Jazz is not only alive and kicking, but slowly starts to spread all over Europe and get incorporated into the new fabric of young European Jazz, which bridges Warsaw, Berlin, Copenhagen, Oslo and other European cities where young European music students are brewing the Jazz we will enjoy in the years to come. Hats off!

Updated: 10/10/2016Posted: 10/10/2016

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