Record Reviews

OCEAN FANFARE ~ FIRST NATURE BAREFOOT 060 (Barcode: 5706274010053) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is the second album by the international Jazz quartet Ocean FanfareFind albums by this artist that comprises of Polish trumpeter / composer Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist and three Danish Jazz musicians: saxophonist / composer Sven Dam MeinildFind albums by this artist, bassist Richard AnderssonFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter BruunFind albums by this artist. It presents nine original compositions, five by Dabrowski and four by Meinild. The music continues from where the debut album left off, investigating further explorations of the tight conversations between the quartet members, but moving into even more open musical space and towards Avant-Garde / Free Jazz idiom. There is little of straightforward melodic contents and far more improvisation, although the quartet manages to keep the music coherent enough to avoiding losing the listener in the process. As a result this album is certainly more difficult and less communicative with the listeners who are not hardened adventurous music connoisseurs, which of course limits the audience for which this music might prove enjoyable. Having said that, it must be emphasized that Dabrowski and his cohorts play some fascinating notes together and manage to create tension and continuity, which is superbly executed from start to finish. This music does not allow much space for individual statements, as it is based on close cooperation and constant group improvisation, but from time to time both Dabrowski and Meinild manage to squeeze in breathtaking soli, which of course are of hair-raising quality. The rhythm section also performs brilliantly throughout the album, being at all times on equal level with the two soloists. Ambitious music of this sort often impairs on the ability of individual performers to dazzle, but the ensemble as a whole gains the full creational abilities of its members. Overall this is a superb modern Jazz with Avant-Garde tendencies, which offers splendid instrumental performances and exemplary ensemble playing, which this kind of music thrives on. Dabrowski, as usual, delivers some trumpet magic that fully justifies his position as one of the leading European trumpeters, which by now is universally accepted. This is not for everybody, but listeners who enjoy ambitious and highly aesthetic as well as challenging music should enjoy this album in full. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 31/05/2019Posted: 31/05/2019

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OCEAN FANFARE ~ IMAGINE SOUND IMAGINE SILENCE BAREFOOT 040 (Barcode: 5707471039175) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2015 This is the debut album by the International Jazz Quartet Ocean FanfareFind albums by this artist, which consists of Polish trumpeter Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist, Danish saxophonist Sven Dam MeinildFind albums by this artist, Danish bassist Richard AnderssonFind albums by this artist and American drummer Tyshawn SoreyFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, six of which were composed by Dabrowski and three by Meinild. The quartet plays modern Jazz, which is clearly based on the tradition but explores modern approach to both the melodic / harmonic contents and the rhythmic timekeeping. The trumpet and saxophone are much tighter together here than on most other quartet recordings of this type, playing many unisono parts together, which sound simply stunning. Dabrowski, who has a long series of albums under his arm already, is of course brilliant throughout, but Meinild keeps closely at his toes, displaying virtuosic control of his instrument and excellent improvisation quality. As it often happens in today´s modern Jazz, it is the bass player who keeps the time rather than the drummer, who is left to explore various time measures and play around the rhythms. This album displays new facets of Dabrowski´s phenomenal trumpet technique and bravado, which keep expanding from album to album, constantly reaching new artistic peaks. He emerges steadfastly as one of the top young trumpeters in Europe if not worldwide. This combined with his phenomenal compositional qualities makes him superstar material, which hopefully won´t be wasted. The level of interplay demonstrated on this album is also worthy of the listener´s attention, as such telepathic encounters are few and far between. There is a multilayered interplay present here, first between the two horn players, then between the rhythm section and finally between all four musicians listening to each other attentively. There is also the wonderful balance between the freedom of expression and the creative discipline, which keeps everybody on track. Overall this is another excellent album, which unites Dabrowski with superb partners, creating a quartet of the highest quality which plays beautifully crafted music. What else can we ask for?

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