Record Reviews

CUSTOM TRIO ~ BACK POINT NOT TWO 736 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 - 2001 Released: 2002 This is the second album by the Polish Custom TrioFind albums by this artist, which consists of saxophonist Krzysztof KapelFind albums by this artist, bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist (collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist – Poland´s most respected Free Jazz rhythm section). Saxophonist Maciej SikalaFind albums by this artist guests on one track. In between the recording of their debut album and this one, the trio also recorded a couple of albums with the legendary trumpeter Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist, one of them live with a different saxophonist (Janusz SmykFind albums by this artist). The album includes eight original compositions, five of which were composed by Bartlomiej Oles and the remaining three by Marcin Oles. For people familiar with the previous recordings by the Custom Trio will find this album quite surprising, as it is much more "docile" then any of their former work. The music is low-key, contemplative and very melodic, the rhythm section is relaxed and almost "conventional" and the saxophone improvisations, which are the focus of the album, although very Free Jazz in spirit, are all non aggressive and rounded. The overall sound and ambience of the album are very Coltranesque, which of course brings this album to a much wider potential audience, well beyond the Free Jazz buffs and into the modern mainstream. The individual statements are of course exceptional, especially those by Kapel, who emerges on this album as one of the most able Polish Jazz modernists. But of course the Oles Brothers firmly testify their amazing interplay and cooperation, which is as usual the driving force and solid ground upon which the saxophone solos are based. The album is full of virtuosity from start to finish and should satisfy even the sternest Jazz connoisseurs. It is a pity this album is rarely mentioned among the best Polish Jazz recordings originating from the first post Millennium decade, as it truly deserves. What a pity they did not continue to record any more such wonderful music.

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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CUSTOM TRIO / ANDRZEJ PRZYBIELSKI ~ FREE BOP POLONIA 226 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 2000 This is probably the best album recorded by the recently deceased Polish trumpet virtuoso / composer Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist, who remains largely unknown to most Jazz aficionados even in his native country. An eccentric and outsider, Przybielski was blessed with an incredible talent, which unfortunately was recognized only by very few connoisseurs. This studio recording, obviously well planned and relaxed, allows the great trumpeter to relax fully and play his heart out to the fullest, accompanied by excellent musicians worthy of his company, which are called Custom TrioFind albums by this artist. The trio consists of saxophonist Krzysztof KapelFind albums by this artist and the Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist: bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist – Poland´s Free Jazz most notable rhythm section. Together as a quartet they perform nine original compositions, five of which were composed by Przybielski and the remaining four by Bartlomiej Oles. The performances are absolutely stellar and the album is one of the best Polish (and definitely not only Polish) Jazz albums ever recorded. As much as that sounds overblown, if you can listen to this music, you´ll be instantly convinced. Any other player placed opposite (or side by side) a genius like Przybielski is in a great danger of appearing pale. Luckily Kapel is capably to blow like only a few can, matching everything that Przybielski plays with a vengeance. This is simply unbelievable music, which stands easily opposite such legendary sessions as the early Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist with Don CherryFind albums by this artist. In short this is essential Jazz, which can only be played by a very small group of exceptionally gifted players, which is definitely the case here. Brilliant!

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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TOMASZ DABROWSKI / TOM TRIO ~ RADICAL MOVES FOR TUNE 0045 (Barcode: 5902768701517) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is the second album by the Tom TrioFind albums by this artist, led by Polish (resident in Denmark) Jazz trumpeter Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist and including Danish bassist Nils Bo DavidsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Anders MogensenFind albums by this artist. The music consists of ten original compositions, all by Dabrowski, and it was recorded at the fabulous Studio Tokarnia and engineered by Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, with excellent sonic results. Contrary to the album´s ominous title, this album does not offer any radical developments as such, and is consistent with the path Dabrowski follows since a few years to achieve his personal voice as a trumpeter and composer, which has been quite remarkable. There is no doubt that he is today not only one of the top Polish Jazz trumpeters, but also one of top European trumpeters, a position he earned by numerous recordings in stylistically diverse setups, always delivering a top notch contribution. Musically Dabrowski seems to be most comfortable in the "organized Free" environment, when his statements have a solid melodic / harmonic basis underneath, which allows him to stretch his improvisations with flare and passion. The decision to present his music in the intimate trio setting is probably motivated by the fact that the trio allows the most concise ensemble solution enabling the closest interplay possible between the participants. This music is totally dependent on mutual exchange and support and would fail to achieve anything if such complete synthesis did not happen. Fortunately it does happen, from start to finish, elevating the music to a highly aesthetic plane. In spite of the nakedness of the trio setting, the overall effect of the trio is so eventful and intense, that it creates an illusion of a much larger ensemble at work. The role of the rhythm section in this type of music is radically different from the traditional position, which is to support the leader harmonically and rhythmically without getting involved with his solo parts. The music presented here is fully co-created by all three musicians, on equal footing. Dabrowski is naturally the most distinctive voice, playing the lead instrument, but everything that is happening in parallel to his playing as equally important each and very step of the way. People familiar with Dabrowski´s music are used by now to the incredible high standards he sets for himself, pushing them ever forward. This album is another step in the right direction, displaying signs of maturity and reflection rather than youthful enthusiasm. This is perhaps the most contemplative music he ever attempted, offering new vistas of his inner self as composer and performer. Of course music of such complexity and emotional weight requires attentive and often repetitive listening to be fully absorbed and appreciated. Connoisseurs of modern Free Form, but coherent Jazz will find this music fully and beautifully rewarding.

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ANDRZEJ PRZYBIELSKI / CUSTOM TRIO ~ ANDRZEJ PRZYBIELSKI & CUSTOM TRIO POLONIA 273 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001 This is the second album by legendary Polish Jazz trumpeter Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist with the Custom TrioFind albums by this artist, which consists of saxophonist Janusz SmykFind albums by this artist, bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist (collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist – Poland´s most respected Free Jazz rhythm section). The music was recorded live at a coffee house in Bydgoszcz, a town where Przybielski lived and which is an important center of Polish Free Jazz / Improvised Music activity. They perform seven original compositions, all composed by Przybielski except one co-composed with Tymon TymanskiFind albums by this artist, another legendary Polish Jazz figure and the pioneer of Yass. Sadly the sound quality is truly sub-standard, almost certainly captured on a portable cassette recorder, which hampers the otherwise sublime musical experience. The music is of course simply magnificent, presenting the essence of Free Jazz at its absolute apex, performed with flair and complete dedication. Przybielski is at top form and his solos soar straight to heaven. The young and relatively little known Smyk also plays like there is no tomorrow, standing firmly shoulder to shoulder with the Maestro. The fabulous rhythm section drives the entire vehicle forward ceaselessly with outstanding energy and drive. In retrospect there are very few other Polish Jazz recordings of this kind, which can be considered similar in quality and importance. Just a decade after this recording was made Przybielski died, neglected, lonely and forsaken. His talent was never recognized and appreciated during his lifetime, his complex personality and behavioral abnormalities estranged him from society and of course the establishment. Like so many great Artists the recognition, albeit marginal, was absolutely too little, too late. Therefore this album is another important piece of the limited legacy Przybielski left us to remember him by and of course an essential piece of Polish Jazz history.

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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