Record Reviews

ZIEMIA ~ ZIEMIA DNIEM NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz quartet ZiemiaFind albums by this artist (Earth in Polish), which comprises of bassist / violinist Jakub WosikFind albums by this artist, guitarist / clarinetist Oskar TomalaFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Mateusz ZydekFind albums by this artist and drummer Alan KapolkaFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, four by Wosik and three by Tomala. The music is very difficult to categorize, partly based on melodic themes, but very open, bordering on free improvisation, moving into Fusiony / Bluesy stride and then suddenly swinging – in short an organized mayhem, which is one of my favorite approaches to modern Jazz, but which is also extremely hazardous in the long run, as it tends to get repetitious and loses focus easily. But Ziemia managed to stay focused this time and the result is one of the most innovative, uniquely sounding and highly stimulating albums released recently, especially in view of the fact that they don’t sound similar to any other ensemble on the local scene. Although the four band members contribute their very individual ideas and instrumental input, the music seems to be centered around the distinctive trumpet sound, which makes me personally very happy, as Polish Jazz has a great tradition of exceptional trumpeters, and seems now to be able to grow the next generation, closing the void created by deaths of Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist and Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist. The unisono trumpet / guitar parts are also some of the most intriguing effects on this album. The guitar, when playing at full might, is a tad too “electric” / “muddy”, but that is a very minor reservation on my part, and the delicate / quiet guitar parts are a full compensation. The rhythm section is every bit as strong as the two soloists, and without it this music would have not worked as splendidly as it does. The wonderful contrast between Wosik, who is a monument of stability and sanity with his wonderful bass lines, and Kapolka, who is the “hold me down before I hurt someone” frenzy and zany drummer, who is also able to keep time like clockwork, is absolutely charming. Overall, this is a brilliant album from start to finish, completely fresh, unusual, unlike anything else, free as a bird… of course all this is well beyond words and I’m just yapping… If this is what these guys can do on their debut album, I am even frightened to imagine what will come next? Absolutely stunning stuff!

Updated: 30/01/2023Posted: 29/01/2023

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