Antoni Gralak - Graal (Polonia Records, 1996); Graal 2 (Polonia Records, 1997)

Antoni Gralak - trumpet, trombone

Włodzimierz Kiniorski - tenor sax

Locko Richter - bass guitar, organ
Arkadiusz Skolik - drums
Stanisław Sojka - violin

Graal (Polonia Records, 1996)

Tracklisting: 1. Karuzela; 2. Chromatyczna; 3. Gruba Berta; 4. Wszyscy tańczą; 5. Pe pe sha; 6. Bajka; 7. Chudy patrzy; 8. Larwatus proteo 

Antoni Gralak - trumpet, trombone

Włodzimierz Kiniorski - tenor sax

Locko Richter - bass guitar, organ
Arkadiusz Skolik - drums
Stanisław Sojka - violin

Graal 2 (Polonia Records, 1997)

Tracklisting: 1. Miasto tańczy; 2. Marsz a masz; 3. Sarterras Ubi Bangoia; 4. Ornetto; 5. Korridor; 6. Mute Fanki; 7. Jak Kopciuszek; 8. Więc Dixi 

Small community of musicians centered around city of Częstochowa (located in the south of Poland close to bigger Upper Silesia region) produced fair amount of interesting if somewhat little known (even in Poland) music. Along with Janusz Yanina Iwański whose newest record 'Free Wave' (2011) was recently described on this blog, trumpeter Antoni Ziut Gralak (Ziut and Yanina cooperated in highly successful rock Tie Break band) shall be mentioned with this two albums being good example of what kind of music he likes the most. And this music is rooted in Polish yass movement. That means that though clearly inspired by free jazz it is also relying heavily on Polish folk, punk rock and drum'n'bass aesthetics. It sounds open, spontaneous and much more accessible than typical Ornettian free. Melody is strong here and improvisation is not that much in structure as in ludic character of this music which may change entirely its style from one song to another. Apart from this interesting idiom in which this music is placed one must be under great impression how well played it is. Apart from the leader on trumpet it features first rate musicians that is Włodek Kiniorski on tenor sax, charismatic German bassist Loco Richter, excellent drummer Arek Stolik and Stanisław Sojka on violin. Even more important then their skills however is the spirit of teamwork and obvious great joy coming from working together that pervades both these albums. This leaves me with no other options than to recommend these albums to any listener whose ears and heart are open to good music. 

Autor: Maciej Nowotny
http://kochamjazz.blox.pl