Marcin Stefaniak - tenor & soprano saxophones
Paweł Urowski - double bass
Tomasz Koper - drums
Unveiling
ALPAKA 004
By Adam Baruch
This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz saxophonist/composer Marcin Stefaniak, recorded in a trio setting with bassist Paweł Urowski and drummer Tomasz Koper. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Stefaniak.
The music is a striking version
of modern Jazz, melody based but stylistically not really mainstream oriented,
often atmospheric and lyrical with clear World Music influences, especially
rhythmically. From the very first note it becomes immediately apparent that
Stefaniak is both a brilliant composer and an extraordinary player, with clarity
of tone and power of expression that usually characterizes musicians after
decades of activity in the field. This sequence of compositions presents a
coherent musical vision, which is consistently developed throughout the
duration of the album.
Stefaniak's long lines and
extensive improvisations are in the best post-Coltrane tradition, with no
breathing breaks and stupendous fluidity. He seems to be familiar with all the
tricks of the trade and as a newcomer on the scene is nothing short of sensational.
He is able to change to tone of his tenor and soprano saxophones quite
dramatically within the different compositions, as if changing his personality.
The soprano often sounds like a clarinet or even a flute, which is able to
charm even the most deadly snakes into trance. The general impression Stefanski
is able to make on this album is one of a remarkable gifted saxophonist, who has
little, if any, limitations.
Although Stefaniak is obviously
the centerpiece of the listener's attention, the rhythm section is very
prominently featured and becomes an integral part of the overall sound. Urowski
is a very experienced player and his bass lines are the anchor of the music. He
plays several solos, all of which are excellent illustrations of his fabulous abilities.
Koper does a great job as well, limiting his input to the rhythmic necessities
and being overtly melodic in his approach. Taken as a whole, the trio functions
together splendidly, better than most saxophone trios around, despite the obvious
difficulties involved with this specific combination of instruments.
Overall this is a stunning
debut effort, definitely one of the best in 2017 on the Polish Jazz scene. On
the surface this is perhaps not he most adventurous or unusual effort, but surely
one of the most strikingly honest and musically rounded ones - something that
happens quite rarely! Chapeau and most warmly recommended!