Krzysztof Lenczowski - cello
Grzech Piotrowski - saxophone
Jan Smoczyński - hammond organ
Tomasz Waldowski - drums
Internal Melody
ALLEGRO 031
By Adam Baruch
This is (finally!) the debut album by Polish cellist/guitarist/composer Krzysztof Lenczowski, one of the most prominent representatives of the young generation of Polish musicians, who is characterized by a total cross-genre approach to music, tipping his fingers in anything from Pop, Rock, Fusion, Jazz and deep into contemporary Classical music, always with grace and sublime talent. The fact that this is his debut album, already preceded by dozens of albums recorded as a group member or sideman, is surprising, but on the other hand nothing about Lenczowski should be really surprising, as he is an Artist of the unexpected.
This album, recorded in a
quartet setting with saxophonist Grzech Piotrowski, organist Jan Smoczyński
and drummer Tomasz Waldowski, was recorded at the Tokarnia Studios (owned by
Smoczyński who also engineered the recording with the usual spectacular sonic
results) presents eight original compositions, all by Lenczowski. From the very
first tones heard on this album it becomes immediately apparent that this is a
piece of music completely unique and incomparable to anything else happening
anywhere. Yes, completely unexpected in every aspect: sound, melody, use of
instruments, atmosphere and overall feel of this album are all absolutely
stunning.
Cello is by far not the most
popular instrument outside of the Classical Music idiom and Lenczowski's
determination to stick with this instrument despite the obvious difficulty, is
commendable. But the entire instrumentation of his music on this album is far
from being easy on the ear: Jazzy saxophone playing complex extended solos,
organ playing mostly bass lines and very limited melody/chord lines and a
Rocky drummer on top – a strange recipe to say the least. And yet against all
odds this music works splendidly and extremely effectively.
Lenczowski's cello parts are of
course incredible all the way through, which is hardly surprising in his case.
Surprisingly (again) Piotrowski plays beautifully and ambitiously as well, and
Lenczowski's decision to use him here turned out to be the right one, in spite
of Piotrowski's problematic flirts with Smooth muzak in the past. Smoczyński,
as always, turns out to be an island of serenity and his somber, church like
organ sound, creates a solid layer upon this music solidly rests, or floats
above. Waldowski's drums become an integral part of the ensemble and his
sensitivity, elegance and coolness are exemplary. As usually the strength of
the entire ensemble only works out if all the participants contribute on the
same emotional level, which obviously happens in this case.
Lenczowski also deserves praise
for his compositions, which are all not only beautifully melodic, but also
delightfully lyrical and emotionally deep. The music sounds at times like medieval
chant, or charmingly discloses touches Middle Eastern mystique, or brings fond
memories of early days of Progressive Rock glory. Regardless of the many
associations, it is always inspired and rewarding.
Overall this is a most
impressive debut album by an experienced and mature musician, who is still
searching and ready for the challenges of the future. It is definitely one of
the finest albums released this year on the Polish scene, with very few
challengers around. An absolute must for any true music lover!
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