Record Reviews

AGA ZARYAN ~ SARA WARNER MUSIC POLAND 5054197336003 (Barcode: 5054197336003) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 “Writing about music is like dancing about architecture”. I often ponder about this maxim, especially in cases when I write about music, which is particularly close to my heart, overwhelmingly emotional and with personal association, and as such possibly clouding my judgment, which some people think should be “objective”. I have been aware of this project from its very conception, being close to its creators on so many physical and metaphysical levels. Anna CiciszwiliFind albums by this artist, who wondrously translated the poems by American poetess Sara TeasdaleFind albums by this artist into Polish, recently published in a book, became practically a Family member, when the miracle of human contact joined together her and my Families forever. Aga ZaryanFind albums by this artist, whom I admire since so many years, is a symbol of Polish Jazz in its most Artistic revelation and such a wonderful Human being. Andrzej RejmanFind albums by this artist, who inspired this project and composed one of the melodies, is an old acquaintance. Czech guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, who is a grandson of my dear friend Lubomir DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, who in turn was an inspiration to me in my early days of writing about Jazz, and who is one of the most talented young guitarists and composers around, as is Szymon MikaFind albums by this artist, who’s career I have been following closely since his first days on the stage, and who is also a superb songweaver. In short, everything connected with this album is extremely personal to me. The poetry of Teasdale, deeply lyrical and often mysterious, deserves a serious study and admiration, and her life, tragically ended by suicide, is also highly fascinating. The fact that she was the first winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry speaks volumes about her talent, but during the century following her death her life’s work was largely forgotten, which makes this album especially important. The album presents twelve songs, based on Teasdale’s poems, in one case featuring a Polish translation and the rest sung in English. The music was written mostly by Doruzka and Mika, with one song by Rejman and three by Zaryan in cooperation with Doruzka and Mika. The entire instrumental accompaniment is created solely by the two guitarists, which of course is uniquely original and striking as a musical concept. The music completely eschews all attempts of classification by accepted genre genealogy, with obvious Jazz lineage, but at the same time a completely unique amalgam of stylistic heritage. The sublime work of the guitar duo, which puts the vocals up there at the very front of the stage, and yet supports the singer most effectively, is a true revelation. The constant role changing between the guitarists, shifting the focus between accompaniment and soloing, is breathtakingly beautiful and intelligent at the same time. The harmonizing and role-sharing is a great example of the “Art of the Duo”, even if the duo consists of two musicians playing the same instrument and appears in “supporting” role only. Zaryan is completely at her element here. Being a romantic at heart, she fits Teasdale’s poetry expressionism perfectly, weather she sings the lyrics or just improvised vocalese. Her identification with the underlying messages of the poetic values is as impeccable as one might have wished for. Although this is not her first encounter with the Jazz & Poetry idiom, it seems that this time her personal intimate involvement with the text goes way beyond that, which is expected, perhaps somewhat motivated by her own recent personal experiences. Thank you, my Friends, for the gift of music! Overall, this is a milestone album, which bears unique approach to treating poetry within the Jazz milieu, focusing on the Art of delivery and a conceptual triumph in a minimalist setting. The poetry itself is deeply emotional, almost hunting, and the execution nothing short of miraculous, which of course happens all too rarely. The album grows on the listener with each listening session, expanding the intimacy as experienced within a developing love affair. This is definitely a paradise for the hopeless Romantics, whatever the price might be.

Updated: 23/11/2022Posted: 23/11/2022

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