Głyk P.I.K Trio - Released At Last (2013)

Irek Głyk - vibraphone
Kinga Głyk - bass
Patryk Glyk - drums
with
Joachim Mencel - piano

Mirek Stępień - accordion

PRIVATE EDITION

By Adam Baruch

This is a debut recording by the Glyk P.I.K Trio, a family trio comprising of father vibraphonist / composer / arranger Irek Glyk and his two children: daughter Kinga Glyk who plays bass and son Patryk Glyk who plays drums. Pianist Joachim Mencel and accordionist Mirek Stepien guest on selected tracks. The album includes nine tracks, eight of which are original compositions by Irek and one is a standard.

Usually such family affairs are more a social event than a serious music making endeavor, but quite surprisingly this album has some merit. Both the compositions, which are quite solid and although pretty mainstreamish provide an adequate basis for improvisation, and the performances, which are quite professional make this a nice listening experience. Of course the more experienced head of the family carries most of the responsibilities here, but the young generation supports him with obvious talent. Personally Mencel's contributions are the highlight of this album.

Overall this is a standard mainstream effort with original music, which does not innovate but holds water and has its value as a generation gap bonding element. Considering the fact that the vibraphone and marimba are such neglected instruments, this is an opportunity to hear their beautiful sound. Don't expect any surprises and take it easy…