Record Reviews

RAFAL JACKIEWICZ ~ SEA POETRY NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2025 Released: 2025 This is the 2nd album by Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer Rafal JackiewiczFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Piotr DziadkowiecFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Przemyslaw BorowieckiFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, all of which are original compositions by Jackiewicz. The music is strongly based on modern European Jazz, based on melodic themes, mostly slow tempo lyrical ballads, which are characteristic of Polish Jazz. Jackiewicz has a gentle, somewhat sentimental tone, which is very delicate and soothing. He is densely supported by Dziadkowiec, who in fact performs most of the solo parts and is just a bit too high in the mix for my liking, which dominates the proceedings, but his technique and inventiveness are top notch. The rhythm section supports the two front players superbly, especially due to the splendid bass playing by Kitajewski, who is one of the busiest young bassist on the local scene, with a long list of recordings to his credit. This album is much stronger, more coherent and interesting than his debut, with almost the same lineup, released in 2021, marking a step in the right direction. Overall, this is another splendid Jazz album by the young generation of the Polish Jazz players, who seem to be unstoppable in their path of building their careers, exploding with both composing and performing skills. There is simply nothing not to like here, and for lovers of the Polish Jazz lyricism, this album should be like honey to their ears.

Updated: 05/02/2026Posted: 05/02/2026

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RAFAL JACKIEWICZ ~ SOMETIMES NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021 This is the debut album by young Polish (born in Lithuania) Jazz saxophonist / composer Rafal JackiewiczFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quartet setting with pianist Piotr DziadkowiecFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal DziewinskiFind albums by this artist. Trombonist Robert KosinskiFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The album presents seven original compositions, all by the leader. The music is strictly within the mainstream Jazz idiom, based on well-structured melodic themes, mostly ballads with typical Polish melancholy prevailing. The album flows gently from track to track, presenting a pleasant listening experience, without leaving a resounding or lasting statement. Jackiewicz has a beautiful clear sound but his improvisations are still rather limited. Dziadkoweic supports the leader amicably and plays a few coherent and delicate soli. I could not find any evidence of them both recording previously, so if this is their debut appearance on record they certainly show a lot of potential. The members of the rhythm section are much more experienced, with well documented recording legacy, which is not surprisingly reflected in their performances here. Overall, this is a very nice debut effort, which although hardly innovative, shows solid knowledge of the Jazz tradition and potential, which is surely to be reflected in the future explorations by the leader and other musicians appearing here. Well done and Good luck!

Updated: 05/02/2026Posted: 29/12/2021

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