Pegapofo – Świeżość (2015)

Pegapofo

Sławomir Pezda - tenor saxophone
Mateusz Gawęda - piano
Piotr Południak - double bass
Dawid Fortuna - drums

Świeżość

FOR TUNE 0053


By Adam Baruch

This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz quartet Pegapofo, which consists of saxophonist Sławomir Pezda, pianist Mateusz Gawęda, bassist Piotr Południak and drummer Dawid Fortuna. It presents six original compositions (the title track appears in two versions), five of which were composed by Gawęda and one is a group composition by all quartet members.

From the first moment this album starts to play it becomes immediately obvious that this is the direction young Polish Jazz musicians should follow, as it portrays the essence of contemporary modern Polish Jazz at its best. With a miraculous balance of Freedom and discipline, cooperation and individualism, intensity and relaxation, this music simply overwhelms the listener from start to finish, driving hard into the heart of the Jazz idiom.

Pegapofo is an unusual conglomerate of talent and visionary, uncompromising approach to music. There are no limitations, no conventions, no boundaries, just a passion to play what is on their minds, and doing it totally. I was lucky to hear these amazing musicians live and the ultimate test of creating on the spur of the moment seems to be completely effortless to them, which is a true wonder. Despite their young age they are all quite experienced already and God only knows where they'll travel next.

The music of Pegapofo is intense and engaging, and yet despite the obvious complexity and intellectual effort engaged in its comprehension, it sound completely "easy" and friendly, in complete contrast to its intrinsic nature. Perhaps they have found the magic formula of creating ambitious music, which is also accessible to the average listener. Whatever the reason, this phenomenal music simply wins the listener over mercilessly.

Albums of such quality are extremely rare and even on the Polish Jazz scene, which is completely overrun by talent, a release like that happens once or twice a year. Therefore my recommendation is to get hold of this gem ASAP, as it is like bittersweet chocolate, a taste of which stays in your mind forever. The album's title means "freshness" in Polish and this is a breath of fresh air indeed. Absolutely brilliant!