Record Reviews

SZYMON MIKA ~ AGMA MUSIC CORNER 071 (Barcode: 5906489287732) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2024 Released: 2025 This is the 4th album by Polish Jazz guitarist / composer Szymon MikaFind albums by this artist, recorded with an international quintet, which includes South Korean vocalist Song Yi JeonFind albums by this artist, Slovak trumpeter Oskar TorokFind albums by this artist, Polish bassist Andrzej SwiesFind albums by this artist and Hungarian drummer Peter SomosFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all original composition by Mika. It was recorded at the Monochrom Studio, engineered by Ignacy GruszeckiFind albums by this artist and offers a superb sound quality. In the last decade Mika managed to create a substantial recording legacy, which includes over two dozen albums, recorded as leader, co-leader and sideman, firmly establishing his position as one of the leaders of the young Polish Jazz generation, an impressive composer and highly talented performer. The presence of the female vocalist continues his previous cooperation with the Polish / Japanese vocalist Yumi ItoFind albums by this artist, which yielded several excellent recordings. The music is excellent modern Jazz, wonderfully crafted and splendidly executed by these extraordinary musicians. Based on clear melodic themes, which are soaked in typical Polish lyricism and melancholy, the tunes are expanded by complex, but well organized soloing by the quintet members. The vocalist sings mostly vocalese (singing vocals on one track only), which serves principally as an additional instrument. The vocals fit the musical environment ideally and are an important addition to the ambience. Torok plays concise, beautiful solos and exchanges licks with other musicians. Swies plays some extraordinary bass parts, which are way more complex than just the usual bass support and often lead the proceedings. Somos keeps the music moving forward with a firm and strict rein, but stays delicately in the shadows. Mika’s guitar playing plays a central role on this album, but his clear guitar sound, which eschews any special effects, fills the music with melodic flow and splendid continuity, rather than staying up front most of the time. This album is definitely one of the most advanced “ensemble” recordings, that appeared on the Polish scene lately, which proves that an ensemble can create an effect much bigger than just the sum of its parts. Overall, this is a remarkable album, full of mesmerizing music, constantly challenging the listener on one hand, but also gently hovering around, like in an enchanted dream. Despite its complexity and multi-layered messages, it should be a truly magical experienced to all Jazz lovers the world over. Listeners, who love vocalese, will be absolutely enchanted. Well done everybody!

Updated: 20/05/2025Posted: 20/05/2025

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