Trylobity Group – Burning Stones (2017)

Trylobity Group

Janusz Brych - tenor & baritone saxophones
Sławek Dudar - alto saxophone
Mateusz Maniak - drums

Burning Stones

LUNA 410



By Adam Baruch

This is the debut album by Polish Jazz trio Trylobity Group, which consists of saxophonists Janusz Brych and Sławek Dudar and drummer Mateusz Maniak. The album presents seven original compositions, five by Brych and two by Dudar. The album is under thirty minutes in duration and should be considered rather as an EP sample of things to come.

The concept of a trio consisting of two saxophones and drums is certainly quite unusual one, but this album proves that it certainly is a valid and quite fascinating approach. Obviously the focus of this music is in the saxophone duets, with the drums providing a rhythmic backbone to the proceedings. Since the saxophonists use different instruments (Brych plays baritone and tenor and Dudar alto) there is no clash between their parts and they compliment each other amicably. As a result the album presents a fully developed sound, which does not need any additional elements to make it sound complete.

The music is very melodic and pretty straightforward and the improvisations are kept well within the mainstream Jazz idiom, although they are often passionate and quite complex. The rapport between the two saxophonists is excellent and they exchange licks, move forward and back playing behind and in front of each other, skillfully produce unisono riffs and so on. There is not a dull moment on this album, and saxophone connoisseurs will find this album truly delightful.

Overall this is a surprising, quite unusual and novel Jazz album, which finds a way to produce something fresh within the mainstream idiom, without moving out into the avant garde ground. As such it is certainly praiseworthy. Hope to hear more of this music soon!