Immortal Onion – Ocelot Of Salvation (2017)

Immortal Onion

Tomir Śpiołek - piano
Ziemowit Klimek - bass
Wojciech Warmijak - drums

Ocelot Of Salvation

REQUIEM 148




By Adam Baruch

This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz piano trio called Immortal Onion, which comprises of pianist Tomir Śpiołek, bassist Ziemowit Klimek and drummer Wojciech Warmijak. The album presents eight original compositions, which are not credited on the album's artwork.

The music is quite original and surprising, stylistically resembling the early work by the Progressive Rock legends Emerson, Lake & Palmer, i.e. Classically influenced melodic themes featuring improvisation, odd meters and a basic Rocky attitude, emphasized by the rhythm section (electric bass and energetic drums work). But the music is diverse and offers a very interesting and pleasurable listening experience. Although only marginally Jazz related, this music, like most Progressive Rock and Jazz-Rock Fusion is also of interest to most Jazz enthusiasts.

Although this album is based on the rich Progressive Rock legacy and other influences, it is not an attempt to copy or repeat these patterns but rather a courageous effort to innovate and develop. As such is deserves praise and attention as well as my worm recommendation to music lovers to seek out this little gem and give it a serious listen. Considering the young age of these musicians, one can only hope for more great music they will hopefully offer us in the future.

Overall this is an excellent debut offer which deserves to be heard. Kudos to the superb Polish label Requiem Records for consistently supporting music, which does not easily fit into established categories and supporting experimentation.