Record Reviews

TOMASZ DABROWSKI ~ TOMASZ DABROWSKI & THE INDIVIDUAL BEINGS APRIL 093 (Barcode: 5709498109329) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is the debut album by Polish (resident in Denmark) trumpeter / composer Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist and his new septet called Individual BeingsFind albums by this artist, which also includes Danish saxophonist Fredrik LundinFind albums by this artist and Norwegian drummer Knut FinsrudFind albums by this artist and Polish saxophonist Irek WojtczakFind albums by this artist, pianist Grzegorz TarwidFind albums by this artist, bassist Max MuchaFind albums by this artist and drummer Jan MlynarskiFind albums by this artist. Several members of the septet utilize also electronic. The album presents eight tracks, all by the leader. The music is a brilliant example of modern European Jazz, which borders on Avant-Garde, and witch beautifully combines tradition with modernism, melody with freedom and diverse rhythmic approaches, creating a hypnotic journey through the listener’s mind. Dabrowski plays homage to the iconic Polish trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist on several layers, playing on an instrument that belonged to him, coining the name of the ensemble from a Stanko quote from his biography, but most importantly by being inspired by Stanko’s approach to Jazz composition in his most interesting period between 1970s and 1990s. The septet members are all highly experienced musicians with impressive individual careers under their belts, which of course enables a high density of imagination and expression, which the septet is able to use while creating this music. The constantly changing dialogues and individual soloing are all superbly weaved and the music engulfs the listener completely. The double drums provide the possibility of polyrhythmic time scales and multifocal pulsations, which are highly unusual and fascinating. Although everything Dabrowski recorded in the last ten years or so since he arrived on the scene – an astounding number of forty albums as a leader / co-leader and sideman – he still manages to innovate and reinvent himself time after time, constantly pushing the boundaries. He always seems to be able to inspire his fellow musicians to follow him in his quests. Overall, this is a stunning, highly unusual album full of wonderful music, atmospheric tension and beautiful aesthetics, which hold the listener mesmerized for the duration. It also serves as a great example of contemporary international musical collaboration which borderless Europe can offer to its young generation. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 16/02/2022Posted: 16/02/2022

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JESPER THORN ~ DRAGOR APRIL 116 (Barcode: 5709498111629) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 This is the 3rd album as a leader by Danish bassist / composer Jesper ThornFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with pianist Marc MeanFind albums by this artist, cornetist Tobias WiklundFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Cecilie StrangeFind albums by this artist and violinist / violist Andreas BernittFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, two of which are parts of the same composition. All the music was composed by Thorn. The music is deeply melancholic and develops slowly, as appropriate for the Nordic Jazz idiom, which of course requires patience and peace of mind, but the result is mostly rewarding and satisfying. Thorn’s melodies are somewhat on the “sweet” side, a dangerous territory, easily mistaken for Smooth Jazz, but luckily that trap is avoided herein, admittedly sometimes by a near miss. There are limited improvisational opportunities in this music, which of course is intentional. The melodic flow is the main course, and it fits the compositions perfectly. Personally the sound of the cornet is a bit corny (pun intended), but the violin saves the day. Overall, although not exactly my cup of poison, this is a fine piece of music for stormy weather by a fireplace, which listeners with developed sense of melancholy should enjoy very much.

Updated: 02/02/2024Posted: 02/02/2024

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JACOB ANDERSKOV ~ I SANG APRIL 123 (Barcode: 5709498112329) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2022 Released: 2024 This is an album by Danish pianist / composer / bandleader Jacob AnderskovFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with trumpeter Kasper TranbergFind albums by this artist, drummer Jakob HoyerFind albums by this artist, vocalist Soffie ViemoseFind albums by this artist and vocalist / tuba player / trombonist Jakob MunckFind albums by this artist. A choir takes part on one track. The album presents ten tracks, all of which are arrangements of songs from a collection of Danish Folk songs, singalongs and hymns. Six of the tracks are instrumentals and four include vocals. Anderskov takes the original songs / melodies deeply into the Jazz idiom, creating an intimate, and quite minimalist atmosphere of reflection and typical Scandinavian dialogue with silence. I am not familiar with these songs, but somehow the entire album reminds me of a Christmas sentiment, but that is only associative. Most of the instrumental work is by the piano, with brilliant topping by the trumpet; everything else is purely secondary, except for the vocals of course. As already stated above, silence is one of the main ingredients of this wonderful music, which of course demands patience and aesthetic openness, but summa summarum is richly rewarded. Overall, this is a very unique, stimulating and charming album by an experienced musician, who knows exactly what he wants to achieve. Contemplative, relaxed and uncluttered, the music requires attentive listening, but flows gently, proposing some peace and quiet in today’s crazy stressed world.

Updated: 20/02/2024Posted: 20/02/2024

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DAWDA JOBARTEH / STEFAN PASBORG ~ LIVE IN TURKU APRIL 125 (Barcode: 5709498112527) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is a live album by the duo of Gambian kora player Dawda JobartehFind albums by this artist and Danish Jazz drummer Stefan PasborgFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, two each composed by Jobarteh and Pasborg, two are Jazz standards and one is a traditional tune. This is the 2nd album by the duo. The album sounds more like Psychedelic Rock from the 1970s, rather than an amalgam of West African music and Jazz, mainly due to the heavily amplified kora and powerful drumming, but of course the Jazz-World Fusion elements are also there, as expected, somewhat hidden beneath the surface. The result is very unusual and even sensational to a degree, which of course is always a welcome surprise. Both musicians are Masters of their instruments and obviously enjoy the musical rapport between them, which seems to have no clearly set stylistic boundaries. Personally I sort of miss the natural / acoustic sound of the kora, which is usually deeply lyrical, but I appreciate the attempt to take the instrument into new area, where it sounds more like electric guitar. I am not familiar with other recordings by Jobarteh, so I don’t know if this is his usual approach to this instrument. I also suppose that Pasborg’s drumming style herein is primarily accommodating the Rocky guitar-like excursions. Overall, this is a highly unusual album, which offers a Jazz-Rock Fusion musical excursion disguised as a Jazz-World Fusion one, but nevertheless remains to be exciting, surprising and educational. Appearances can be deceptive, and in this case they surely are, but all for the good. This album might be as exiting to Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist fans, as to kora and West African music enthusiasts. Definitely worth investigating!

Updated: 23/05/2024Posted: 23/05/2024

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SCANDINAVIAN ART ENSEMBLE / TOMASZ STANKO ~ THE COPENHAGEN SESSION VOL.1 APRIL 141 (Barcode: 5709498114125) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2025 This is a sensational album, which documents a meeting between a group of Scandinavian / Polish young Jazz musicians, called Scandinavian Art EnsembleFind albums by this artist, with the legendary Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, this is the first part of the music recorded during this session. The lineup includes Polish trumpeter Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Artur TuznikFind albums by this artist and drummer Radek WoskoFind albums by this artist, Danish saxophonist Thomas HaasFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Martin FabriciusFind albums by this artist and bassist Richard AnderssonFind albums by this artist, Finnish vocalist Johanna Elina Katarina SulkunenFind albums by this artist and Islandic trumpeter Snorri SigurdarsonFind albums by this artist, and of course Stanko, which makes it a nonet. The album presents five tracks, all original compositions, one each by Sigurdarson, Fabricius, Sulkunen, Stanko and Andersson. The sound quality of the music is exceptional. The music, although based on composed themes, offers both wonderful ensemble performances and plenty of individual improvisations, all with space allowing free and expanded improvisations by the participants. All the individual performances are excellent, which is hardly surprising considering the explosion of young talents on the European Jazz scene, both in Poland and Scandinavia, as well as the excellent level of academic music education. The mixture of the Polish Jazz lyricism and melancholy and the Scandinavian “Jazz Noir” proves itself very fruitful since the early 1960s, when Polish Jazz musicians started to appear on the Northern scene, including of course Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist. Stanko also collaborated with many Scandinavian musicians during his career, and this album is a natural continuation of this phenomenon. Although there are three trumpeters present here, Jazz aficionados will have no trouble to single out Stanko’s contributions, although since the appearance of Tomasz Dabrowski on the Polish scene, I have repeatedly singled him out as a natural successor of Stanko’s unique style and sound, and this album beautifully exemplifies their similarities, already a decade ago. Overall, this is a brilliant album in every respect, but also a phenomenal addition to the recorded legacy of Tomasz Stanko and Polish Jazz as well of course. I can’t wait to hear the promised second volume of this session, which promises more of these incredible goodies. For Polish Jazz / Stanko buffs, this is of course an absolute / unconditional must have!

Updated: 16/09/2025Posted: 16/09/2025

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SCANDINAVIAN ART ENSEMBLE / TOMASZ STANKO ~ THE COPENHAGEN SESSION VOL.2 APRIL 151 (Barcode: 5709498115122) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2025 This is a sensational album, which documents a meeting between a group of Scandinavian / Polish young Jazz musicians, called Scandinavian Art EnsembleFind albums by this artist, with the legendary Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, this is the second part of the music recorded during this session. The lineup includes Polish trumpeter Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Artur TuznikFind albums by this artist and drummer Radek WoskoFind albums by this artist, Danish saxophonist Thomas HaasFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Martin FabriciusFind albums by this artist and bassist Richard AnderssonFind albums by this artist, Finnish vocalist Johanna Elina Katarina SulkunenFind albums by this artist and Islandic trumpeter Snorri SigurdarsonFind albums by this artist, and of course Stanko, which makes it a nonet. The album presents six tracks, all original compositions, one each by Tuznik, Dabrowski, Sulkunen, Stanko, Wosko and Hass. The sound quality of the music is exceptional. I have no idea why the two volumes of this album were released separately? The music, although based on composed themes, offers both wonderful ensemble performances and plenty of individual improvisations, all with space allowing free and expanded improvisations by the participants. All the individual performances are excellent, which is hardly surprising considering the explosion of young talents on the European Jazz scene, both in Poland and Scandinavia, as well as the excellent level of academic music education. The mixture of the Polish Jazz lyricism and melancholy and the Scandinavian “Jazz Noir” proves itself very fruitful since the early 1960s, when Polish Jazz musicians started to appear on the Northern scene, including of course Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist. Stanko also collaborated with many Scandinavian musicians during his career, and this album is a natural continuation of this phenomenon. Although there are three trumpeters present here, Jazz aficionados will have no trouble to single out Stanko’s contributions, although since the appearance of Tomasz Dabrowski on the Polish scene, I have repeatedly singled him out as a natural successor of Stanko’s unique style and sound, and this album beautifully exemplifies their similarities, already a decade ago. Overall, this is a brilliant album in every respect, but also a phenomenal addition to the recorded legacy of Tomasz Stanko and Polish Jazz as well of course. For Polish Jazz / Stanko buffs, this is of course an absolute / unconditional must have!

Updated: 24/12/2025Posted: 24/12/2025

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O.N.E. ~ WELL, ACTUALLY… APRIL 153 (Barcode: 5709498115320) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz Recorded: 2024 Released: 2025 This is the 3rd album by the Polish Jazz all female quartet O.N.E.Find albums by this artist, which comprises of saxophonist Monika MucFind albums by this artist, pianist Kateryna ZiabliukFind albums by this artist (who replaced founding member Paulina AtmanskaFind albums by this artist), bassist Kamila DrabekFind albums by this artist and drummer Patrycja WybranczykFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, all original compositions by the quartet members: three each by Ziabliuk and Wybranczyk and two each by Drabek and Muc. The music continues the direction pointed by the previous album, i.e. exploring advanced inventiveness, based on composed themes, but moving constantly towards free improvisation and Avant-Garde vistas. Whereas the previous album was somewhat chaotic and searching, this new one definitely points out that the quartet managed to find its path and focus its aesthetic direction, creating a most rewarding musical statement. Perhaps the fact that Ziabliuk joined the quartet was the final missing link, which consolidated it into a perfect creative tool, and considering her work on the album by Zygmunt Pauker TrioFind albums by this artist, entitled “Zygmunt Idzie Na SpacerFind albums with this title”, might be just the proof. I am really glad to hear the progress this quartet made over the relatively short time, despite the difficult period of the pandemic, which put much of the Artistic development of hold. Hopefully this lineup of the quartet will prove to be stable for a long period of creativity and development, as these young women Artists have what it takes to produce superb Jazz music. Overall, this is a wonderful, elegant, challenging and stimulating Jazz album, which demands intellectual effort and open-mindedness from the listener, but rewards his patience with creative music, which never stands still. Releasing the album on the excellent Danish label AprilFind albums on this label Records should bring the music to a wider international audience, which the music and its creators truly deserve. Congratulations, Ladies!

Updated: 26/12/2025Posted: 26/12/2025

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