MARCIN WASILEWSKI TRIO / JOE LOVANO - Arctic Riff
ECM 083 5983
Marcin Wasilewski (piano); Slawomir Kurkiewicz (double bass); Michal Miskiewicz (drums); Joe Lovano (tenor saxophone)
Recorded August 2019
This is an inspired meeting between the Polish Trio and US tenor maestro, and despite the title the music is anything but chilly. A first time pairing it might be, but the music recorded by the four musicians is a joy to behold. Broad in scope, superbly programmed, and deeply exploratory it almost feels as if as listeners we are privy to eavesdropping on a unique performance and meeting of minds.
The Marcin Wasilewski Trio are now firmly established as one of the premier units in contemporary jazz. They have been together in their current line up since 1993 and recorded several albums for ECM as members of Tomasz Stańko's Quartet, as well as having four trio recordings under their belt for the imprint. The Trio have also demonstrated their ability and willingness to incorporate and welcome another voice into their sound world in the impressive 2014 album, Spark Of Life, with Swedish saxophonist Joakim Milder.
This recording with Lovano takes the concept further as the four musicians push the boundaries to the limit of one might conceivably expect from a first encounter. Lovano's big sound and warm tone on the tenor is embraced by the trio, and it is quickly apparent that there is a special connection. Wasilewski's piano sets the mood wonderfully for the saxophonist's entry on the opening 'Glimmer Of Hope', a rubato ballad that shows both strength and beauty. A trait that is found throughout this set.
In a programme that mixes original compositions and free improvisations, there are two very different takes of Carla Bley's 'Vashkar'. The first has the theme played by Lovano before being opened up by the trio, and a second version with Lovano's lavish tenor sound taking centre stage. The saxophonist also gets to strut his stuff on the jaunty 'L'Amour Fou' composed by Wasilewski, and then reveals his superb ballad playing on 'Fading Sorrow', also written by the pianist.
The level of empathy and interplay between the musicians is astonishing and this is borne out on the improvised pieces. 'Arco' builds patiently and quietly from bassist Slawomir Kurkiewicz's bowed introduction, and the free ranging 'A Glimpse'. Having said that it is the long 'Cadenza' that reveals the most. Never sprawling or prone to ramble, simply one idea leading seamlessly and logically to the next.
With 'Arctic Riff' we are presented with a meeting of kindred spirits, and the Marcin Wasilewski trio have brought forth some of Lovano's most committed playing in a set that should not be missed.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
ECM 083 5983
Marcin Wasilewski (piano); Slawomir Kurkiewicz (double bass); Michal Miskiewicz (drums); Joe Lovano (tenor saxophone)
Recorded August 2019
This is an inspired meeting between the Polish Trio and US tenor maestro, and despite the title the music is anything but chilly. A first time pairing it might be, but the music recorded by the four musicians is a joy to behold. Broad in scope, superbly programmed, and deeply exploratory it almost feels as if as listeners we are privy to eavesdropping on a unique performance and meeting of minds.
The Marcin Wasilewski Trio are now firmly established as one of the premier units in contemporary jazz. They have been together in their current line up since 1993 and recorded several albums for ECM as members of Tomasz Stańko's Quartet, as well as having four trio recordings under their belt for the imprint. The Trio have also demonstrated their ability and willingness to incorporate and welcome another voice into their sound world in the impressive 2014 album, Spark Of Life, with Swedish saxophonist Joakim Milder.
This recording with Lovano takes the concept further as the four musicians push the boundaries to the limit of one might conceivably expect from a first encounter. Lovano's big sound and warm tone on the tenor is embraced by the trio, and it is quickly apparent that there is a special connection. Wasilewski's piano sets the mood wonderfully for the saxophonist's entry on the opening 'Glimmer Of Hope', a rubato ballad that shows both strength and beauty. A trait that is found throughout this set.
In a programme that mixes original compositions and free improvisations, there are two very different takes of Carla Bley's 'Vashkar'. The first has the theme played by Lovano before being opened up by the trio, and a second version with Lovano's lavish tenor sound taking centre stage. The saxophonist also gets to strut his stuff on the jaunty 'L'Amour Fou' composed by Wasilewski, and then reveals his superb ballad playing on 'Fading Sorrow', also written by the pianist.
The level of empathy and interplay between the musicians is astonishing and this is borne out on the improvised pieces. 'Arco' builds patiently and quietly from bassist Slawomir Kurkiewicz's bowed introduction, and the free ranging 'A Glimpse'. Having said that it is the long 'Cadenza' that reveals the most. Never sprawling or prone to ramble, simply one idea leading seamlessly and logically to the next.
With 'Arctic Riff' we are presented with a meeting of kindred spirits, and the Marcin Wasilewski trio have brought forth some of Lovano's most committed playing in a set that should not be missed.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
