Kuba Płużek - Book Of Resonance (2021)

Kuba Płużek

Kuba Płużek - piano

Book Of Resonance

AUDIO CAVE 2021/002

By Adam Baruch

This is the fifth album as a leader and the second solo piano album by Polish Jazz pianist/composer Kuba Płużek. On this album Płużek uses in addition to the acoustic piano also an electronic device called magnetic resonator piano, developed by Canadian musician/scientist Andrew McPherson. The album presents nine pieces, six of which are original compositions by Płużek, two are by Polish Classical composer Karol Szymanowski and one is an arrangement of a traditional folk song.

Płużek’s extensive recorded legacy in the last decade presents him as a truly chameleonic figure, changing his style and musical approach with every new album and taking part on diverse projects by others. Of course this could be considered as a lack of focus, but in his case it is simply a reflection of his great talent, which is able to encompass many different facets of music.

This album seems to be closer to contemporary Classical Music than all of his earlier work, closely resembling some mannerisms of early 20^th Century solo piano works, including those by Szymanowski, which Płużek included here. It is a mixture of Modernism and post-Romanticism, with a dash of contemporary Ambient influences, altogether very effective in creating cinematic vistas and atmospheric aura, all tastefully and intelligently put together.

As much as I love innovation and search of new sounds, most electronic devices with mess with the acoustic piano rarely work for me, often creating a distinct nausea associated with music played out of tune. However, the magnetic resonator piano used here, manages to add some new dimensions to the piano sound without creating any associated "damage". Płużek uses the device sparingly and delicately, which is why the overall effect works well, in contrast to some musicians so overwhelmed with electronics that they lose the touch with reality.

But his best virtues can be heard on the closing track of the album, with his treatment of the beautiful folk song, maintaining its wonderful simplicity and adding his superb ornamentations. Overall this is another splendid addition to Płużek’s already well attested recorded legacy, definitely deserving an honorable position on the Polish Jazz piano scene. It might take a while to get into this music, but eventually it is a wonderfully rewarding listening experience, offering new horizons. Congratulations!