Janusz Muniak - saxophone
Joachim Mencel - piano
Willem von Hombracht - bass
Harry Tanschek - drums
Contemplation
INSPIRAFON 03
By Adam Baruch
This is a long awaited recording by the legendary Polish Jazz saxophonist/composer Janusz Muniak, recorded in a classic quartet setting with Polish pianist Joachim Mencel, American bassist Willem von Hombracht and Austrian drummer Harry Tanschek. Together they perform nine tunes, eight of which are standards and one is an original composition by Muniak.
Although the album is credited
to all four quartet members, it is obvious that it celebrates the participation
of Muniak, who last recorded an album in 2002, i.e. ten years before this
material was recorded three years before it was released. Muniak's original
composition on this album is the title track of that previous album.
It is obviously almost
impossible to be even seemingly objective abut this music considering the
legendary figure of the leader, who is without a doubt one of the great
Godfathers of Polish Jazz. The album is entirely immersed in the mainstream
Jazz idiom, both as far as the music which is being performed and the way it is
performed. Muniak's tone is still intact, although he plays mostly softly and
keeps his phrases short and sweet. The piano trio supporting him is solid and
very amicable, supporting the leader all the way through. Everybody is
extremely cautious, trying to be gentle and round, which means there are risks
being taken at all.
In many respects this album
makes me sad and reflective, as it points out that time is not standing still
for anybody. Overall this is a nice mainstream album, no surprises, no risks,
no news, a gentle wave of hand by a great Master saying "I can still do
it". Respect!
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