Quindependence - Circumstances (2017)

Quindependence

Krzysztof Matejski - saxophones, flute
Dominik Borek - trumpet, flugelhorn
Michał Salamon - piano
Miłosz Skwirut - bass
Paweł Nowak - drums

Circumstances


PRIVATE EDITION 5908254159688

By Adam Baruch

This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz ensemble Quindependence which comprises of saxophonist/flautist Krzysztof Matejski, trumpeter Dominik Borek, pianist Michał Salamon, bassist Miłosz Skwirut and drummer Paweł Nowak. The album presents seven tracks, four of which are original compositions (two each by Skwirut and Salamon), another two are arrangements of the first two of the fascinating seven piano pieces by Erik Satie called Gnossiennes and the last is a Polish Jazz standard by Zbigniew Namysłowski.

The music is modern melodic mainstream Jazz, with excellent original compositions and quite unusual complexity, which offers an excellent listening adventure. Although still full of the typical Polish lyricism and melancholy, the music goes beyond the typical conventions and boldly steps into new territory, which even much more established ensembles of this king rarely visit.

The instrumental proficiency of these young players is also quite astounding, both on the individual level and as an ensemble. The complex music flows naturally and coherently, allowing for plenty of soloing opportunities and even some free form ensemble improvisation. Salamon, who is both a gifted composer and beautifully lyrical pianist (well remembered from the albums by F.O.U.R.S. Collective or Monosies ensemble), sets the harmonic anchor for the proceedings and the horns deliver plenty of fiery moments. Skwirut not only keeps the music on track by his bass pulsations but also offers his two superb compositions, which are the most challenging pieces herein.

Overall this is a wonderful debut album, which was sadly lost somewhere amongst the multitude of the excellent Polish Jazz releases at the time. Since the album was not followed by other releases, I assume it is not active any more, which is a pity. I have no idea how it arrived on my desk four years after it was released, but better late than never is absolutely true in this case as well.