Record Reviews

SZYMON ZAWODNY QUINTET ~ ZERO WASTE SOLITON 1406 (Barcode: 5903684234066) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024 This is the debut album as a leader by Polish Jazz saxophonist / flautist / composer Szymon ZawodnyFind albums by this artist, recoded in a quintet setting with saxophonist Szymon KowalikFind albums by this artist, pianist Dominik KisielFind albums by this artist, bassist Konrad ZolnierekFind albums by this artist and drummer Mikolaj StankoFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, all of which are original compositions by Zawodny. The album was awarded the prestigious Fryderyk Prize as the best Jazz debut in 2024, during a gala, which I had a pleasure to attend. The music offers a dynamic collection of excellent modern Jazz compositions, which show some slight Classical influences, but stay faithful to the East European Jazz aesthetic, filled with melancholy and lyricism. The performances are spotless, as expected, despite the relative young age of the participating musicians. Kisiel, who is the most experienced among the quintet members, excels with his flourishing piano technique and class, and Zolnierek, who also has previous recording experience, supports the music formidably with his steady and imaginative bass pulsations. The double saxophone front line is very successful in creating an eventful leading role, which is amicably supported by the rhythm section, creating together a package, which should keep any true Jazz lover happy. Overall, the album represents the wealth of the contemporary Polish Jazz scene, constantly strengthened by new influx of talent from the students and graduates of the Academic Jazz institutions. The overall level of education and talent seems to be bottomless and as a result, the achievements are in accordance.

Updated: 27/05/2025Posted: 27/05/2025

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