Przemek Raminiak Quartet – Locomotive (2015)

Przemek Raminiak Quartet

Przemysław Raminiak - keyboards
Jakub Skowroński - saxophone
Bartosz Kucz - bass
Frank Parker - drums

Locomotive

SOLITON 417


By Adam Baruch

This is the first album by Polish Jazz pianist/composer Przemysław Raminiak, following his departure from the seminal Polish piano trio RGG, of which he was a founding member. The album was recorded in a quartet setting and features also saxophonist Jakub Skowroński, bassist Bartosz Kucz and American drummer Frank Parker. The album presents eight original compositions, seven composed by Raminiak and one co-composed by him with Skowroński.

Musically the album presents a complete about face as far as Raminiak's role with RGG is concerned. No more long, contemplative, lyrical and almost free form ambient explorations, but straightforward melodic mainstream, almost smooth Jazz, energetic, vigorous, funky, groovy and danceable. Although at the first moment this can be quite shocking to some of Raminiak's fans, there is basically nothing wrong with changing one's approach, even dramatically. If Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock can do it, why can't Przemyslaw Raminiak do it as well?

This is very immediate music and yet it has many virtues: the melodies are all first-class, the arrangements are slick and professional and the performances are brilliant in that particular milieu. Raminiak plays acoustic and electric piano and a few synthesizers, always with flair and spotless technique, which of course is not surprising. Skowronski is a big surprise with his smooth phrasing and superb melodiousness. The rhythm section plays pretty solid background timekeeping stuff, with beautiful fretless bass playing a few nice solos and drums staying respectfully in the background, as appropriate for this setting. In short this whole thing works like a dream, delivering pleasant, nontrivial and highly satisfactory music, which is a lot of fun to listen to.

Of course Raminiak will be accused of "selling out" and playing rubbish by Polish "music critics", but honestly most of them secretly enjoy this music very much and are simply embarrassed to admit it. As far as fellow musicians are concerned most of them wish they could come up with an album like this one themselves. So here it comes again people: this is a great album for what it is, straightforward uncomplicated good music. We can't eat the same food all the time and we can't listen to the same music all the time – this is definitely a nice alternative, mostly for those who know it all.

RGG Trio - Scandinavia (2003) by Adam Baruch

RGG Trio

Przemysław Raminiak (piano)
Maciej Garbowski(doublebass)
Krzystof Gradziuk (drums)

Scandinavia (2003)

This is the debut album by the Polish Jazz ensemble RGG, which consists of pianist Przemyslaw Raminiak, bassist Maciej Garbowski and drummer Krzysztof Gradziuk. The album was recorded live in the Polish Radio Studio in Katowice as a result of the trio winning a competition the preceding year. At the time the trio was not using the RGG moniker and was known simply as Raminiak-Garbowski-Gradziuk Trio. The album includes seven original compositions, four of which are by the pianist and three by the bassist.

Although obviously a work of young musicians, this is an incredibly impressive debut recording by any standard. The performances are remarkably mature and the compositions are both beautifully melodic and startlingly complex and excellently crafted. The overall level of this album is a clear indication of the potential this trio would fully develop in the years to come, reaching the status of one of the best Jazz ensembles in Europe today.

As usual with RGG, it is all about interplay and cooperation. Although on this recording they perform similarly to the "classic" piano trio, with the piano often in the lead, the amount of solo space given to the rhythm section is higher than normal, expressing the egalitarianism and full sharing of performance duties by all three musicians. The arrangements of the compositions allow for expanded solo improvisations, which results in the individual tracks to be longer (mostly over ten minutes long) than the trio would utilize in future recordings. The drums are slightly too loud and dominant (at times), again something the trio will learn to avoid later on. But in all fairness, all things considered, this is still an astounding debut, way better than many albums recorded by Jazz veterans of international repute.

In retrospect one can see that in the span of the decade since RGG got together, their recordings are a wonderful evidence of artistry in the making, getting stronger and above all constantly developing. After all they are still incredibly young and the world is all ahead. I do wish them all the best as they give me so much pleasure in their music. God Bless!

This album is only available in a limited edition pressing and I doubt it is available anywhere, so perhaps it's time to consider a remastered reissue?

By Adam Baruch
http://www.adambaruch.com/



Tracklisting:
1. A Moment Worth A While
2. Three For Brad
3. Everything About You
4. Scandinavia
5. The Truth
6. Victoria
7. In Him We Trust

RGG - Straight Story (2004)

RGG (band)

Przemysław Raminiak – fortepian

Maciej Garbowski – kontrabas

Krzysztof Gradziuk – perkusja

Straight Story (BCD, 2004) 

This is the 2nd album (and first studio recording) by the Polish Jazz ensemble RGG, which consists of pianist Przemyslaw Raminiak, bassist Maciej Garbowski and drummer Krzysztof Gradziuk. The album's title track was inspired by the classic film of the same name, directed by David Lynch. Of the eleven tracks on the album ten are credited to the trio and one is a standard.

Considering the fact that this album is in many respects the artistic debut by three young musicians, the quality of the music and the performances are absolutely phenomenal. All the qualities, which will be fully developed on the RGG trio's later recordings, are already there: the incredible interplay, the lyricism and unique perception of melody and above all the freedom of expression. It is almost frightening to see anonymous (at the time) musician create such a sophisticated, advanced and complex music, often years ahead of many Jazz veterans, who made little advance during their entire career.

It is pretty obvious that these young musicians knew pretty well where they wanted to go musically. Their self-confidence, as demonstrated by their performances here, is remarkable and was about to become a key element in the development of their future careers, both as an ensemble and as individuals. A certain level of naïveté is apparent, but it is charming and in retrospect only emphasizes how good the trio was even at the outset of their musical path.

This is a beautiful and almost perfect piano trio album, which should be part of even the most selective record collections. It is a gem, not only among the Polish Jazz albums, but among anything recorded in first decade of the 21st Century. Satisfaction guaranteed!

By Adam Baruch

http://www.adambaruch.com/ 

Traklisting:

1. Straight Story

2. Eposs

3. Psalm I

4. Wait

5. Frozen People

6. Sange

7. No One Knew

8. Psalm II

9. Blue Bossa

10. Nordic Storm

11. Innocence

RGG - Unfinished Story (Ecnalubma, 2007)by Adam Baruch

RGG (band)

Przemyslaw Raminiak - piano

Maciej Garbowski - bass
Krzysztof Gradziuk - drums

Unfinished Story (Ecnalubma, 2007)

This is the 3rd album by the Polish Jazz ensemble RGG, which consists of pianist Przemyslaw Raminiak, bassist Maciej Garbowski and drummer Krzysztof Gradziuk. As the title suggests, it is dedicated to the memory of the great Polish Jazz pianist / composer Mieczyslaw Kosz, who died tragically at the ridiculous age of 29, leaving behind him just a handful of recordings and a memory of a brilliant musician, who was destined for greatness, but missed the opportunity; an unfinished story indeed.

The Polish Jazz scene produced a multitude of tribute albums over the years, most of which commemorate the Godfather of Polish Jazz, pianist / composer Krzysztof Komeda. Many of these albums are excellent and worth listening to, but the decision made by RGG to follow a less obvious path (which seems to me their favorite modus operandi) and create a tribute to a much lesser known figure is truly courageous and admirable, especially in view of the fact that rather than present their interpretation of the music composed by Kosz, they created an "in spiritu" homage.

Of the twelve tracks on the album only two are compositions by Kosz and one is a classical piece, which he used as a basis for improvisation (see "Reminiscence", his only album released during his lifetime). The rest of the album is all original and was mostly composed by Raminiak, Garbowski or co-composed by these two. Two tracks are group improvisations and are credited to the trio. The members of RGG concentrate on the less obvious side of the Kosz musical heritage. Although mostly portrayed as a romantic and lyrical player in the Bill Evans vein, he also displayed an enormous longing for the free form improvisation, keeping the melodic fluidity intact, an element RGG members explore to the max. Therefore, although the album is seemingly almost romantically melodic, this is just a clever illusion masterfully created by the RGG musicians. In fact an attentive listening will reveal that most of the music is full of free elements, amalgamated in a way that emphasizes an "organized and orderly freedom".

As usual, RGG members display a phenomenal interplay, switching the spotlight from one instrument to another, changing tempi and melodic hints, all of that with elegance and flair, which keep them apart from most other piano trios in Jazz today.

Although not explicitly specified on the album's cover, it was recorded in the legendary Studio Tokarnia and engineered by Jan Smoczynski, the studio owner, a guarantee of superb sonic quality. The musical quality is of course beyond reproach, and this album joins the other albums by RGG as some of the most important Polish Jazz recordings and superb gems of piano trio Jazz.

By Adam Baruch 

http://www.adambaruch.com/

Track listing:

1. Sunrise [09:53]
2. Reminiscence [04:44]
3. Psalm III [05:19]
4. Signs [05:53]
5. Only Sadness Is Beautiful [03:39]
6. Threedom [05:33]
7. Loneliness [05:24]
8. Fate (Fryt BB-C) Travels [02:49]
9. Ikar's Flight [01:06]
10. We May Meet Up In The Sky [06:06]
11. Unfinished Story [04:38]
12. Polovitzan Dances [03:08]

RGG - True Story (2009) by Adam Baruch

RGG (band)

Przemyslaw Raminiak (piano)
Maciej Garbowski (bass)
Krysztof Gradziuk (drums)

True Story (2009)

This is the 4th album by the Polish Jazz ensemble RGG, which consists of pianist Przemyslaw Raminiak, bassist Maciej Garbowski and drummer Krzysztof Gradziuk. A monumental undertaking recorded "live" in the studio in just two days and resulting in two CDs, each presenting sixteen pieces, varying in duration from just over a minute to over six minutes, all of which are on the spot improvisations, except for the first introductory piece on each CD. All the music is accredited to all three RGG members. The album was recorded in the legendary Studio Tokarnia and engineered by Jan Smoczynski, the studio owner, a guarantee of superb sonic quality.

The album's title, consistent with the titles of the two albums which preceded this release, includes the word "story", which clearly points out to the fact that the trio members conceive their music-making as a process of storytelling, metaphysically of course, but nevertheless quite significantly. Music is, after all, a reflection of the musician's personality and his life experience, not just a detached intellectual creation of his mind. The storytelling influences the character of the music dramatically and is responsible for it being wonderfully communicative, even though it is completely free stylistically. RGG manage to create perhaps the most "talkative" form of Free Jazz ever encountered, which enables every Jazz listener, including those with little or even no Free Jazz experience, to absorb and most importantly enjoy this music. Amazingly, the album creates an overall aura of serenity and composure, although it is in fact full of creative tensions and convolutions.

As in all piano trio music, and especially in case the music is highly improvised, the key element is the musical bond developed between the trio members, which in the best of cases involves truly telepathic communication. RGG definitely fall in that category, displaying an amazing level of group consciousness, collective improvisation ability and above all enormous mutual respect. The solo spot moves freely between the instruments, as the trio members clearly share the storytelling duties equally, supporting and complimenting each other rather than competing with each other. This incredible level of cooperation is the trio's most formidable asset.

But of course each of the trio members is a great instrumentalist, regardless if he plays solo or is part of the duo and trio format. Perhaps more so that in any other piano trio setting, RGG eschews the concept of a "leader" and presents a concept of a music unit, which is much greater than a sum of its parts. That is why RGG is able to produce such extraordinary music, which has few equals anywhere in the world.

Polish Jazz aficionados will of course try the unavoidable comparison between RGG and the "other" great Polish Jazz piano trio, the Simple Acoustic Trio. For a true music lover there is no competition here whatsoever, and these two great ensembles compliment each other rather than compete with each other. Polish Jazz is simply lucky to have two such brilliant piano trios creating music in tandem.

This is definitely some of the finest Polish Jazz ever recorded, and some of the most wonderful piano trio music ever created. It would be criminal to miss this album, something a true music connoisseur should avoid at all costs. This stuff is essential for the mental health of those, who are lucky to immerse in its splendor.

By Adam Baruch

Tracklisting:

Act I (CD 1)
Prologue I
Scene I
Scene II
Scene III
Scene IV
Scene V
Scene VI
Scene VII
Scene VIII
Scene IX
Scene X
Scene XI
Scene XII
Scene XIII
Scene XIV
Epilogue I

Act II (CD 2)
Prologue II
Scene I
Scene II
Scene III
Scene IV
Scene V
Scene VI
Scene VII
Scene VIII
Scene IX
Scene X
Scene XI
Scene XII
Scene XIII
Scene XIV
Epilogue II

RGG - One (2011) by Adam Baruch

RGG 

Przemyslaw Raminiak (piano)
Maciej Garbowski (bass)
Krysztof Gradziuk (drums)

One (Fonografika, 2012)

This is the 5th album by the excellent Polish Jazz piano trio RGG, which comprises of pianist Przemyslaw Raminiak, bassist Maciej Garbowski and drummer Krzysztof Gradziuk. Its release marks the trio's tenth anniversary and adds a new direction to the remarkable body of music already recorded by the trio. In contrast to its predecessor, that included only spontaneously improvised music, most of the music on this album is composed, either by the trio members or other well known Jazz composers like Carla Bley and Richie Beirach. Of the thirteen compositions presented here only two are free improvisations, which is unusual for them. 

All three RGG members are brilliant instrumentalists, but their performances together clearly create an outcome much bigger than the sum of its parts. The level of interplay, cooperation, mutual respect and understanding is truly phenomenal and the resulting music is able to move emotional mountains. To an attentive listener it is quite clear that even when they play relatively close to the original composition, RGG members display a high level of spontaneity, which is present only within the best piano trios in the world, like that of Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette. Another rare quality of RGG is the active involvement of the bass player and drummer in the process of music creation. This is definitely not a pianist with a rhythm section, but an organic three-headed body making music together. 

This album can be a great service to the group as an introduction to their universe; surely anybody listening to it will want to explore their music further. People familiar with the Polish Jazz scene will immediately make the inevitable comparison between RGG and the "other" great Polish piano trio: Simple Acoustic Trio (or Marcin Wasilewski Trio). Comparisons of this sort are futile and have absolutely no sense, as both these trios play great music, each differently from the other. RGG are definitely closer to the Free / Improvised spirit of the music whereas Wasilewski's trio is more disciplined and conventional, but both are examples of human talent and ingenuity of the highest ranking, which gives us all the immense pleasure of music. 

It's worth to mention that the album was recorded at the Studio Tokarnia, the best sound studio in Poland, and engineered by the studio's owner (and a gifted musician himself) Jan Smoczynski, which explains the incredible sound quality of this album. This is an absolute must to every Jazz piano trio connoisseur and of course anybody with a right pair of ears to appreciate great music. Not to be missed under any circumstances!

Tracklist:
01 One 6:18
02 Around Again 3:06
03 Bell 3:42
04 Spring Walk 6:03
05 Elm 7:51
06 From The Other Hand 5:17
07 Almost Blues 2:38
08 The Truth 4:56
09 Out Of A Row 4:45
10 C.T. 2:00
11 Stop And Think 7:41
12 When My Anger Starts To Cry 4:29
13 On The Way To Road 11 6:11

By Adam Baruch
http://www.adambaruch.com/

Adam Wendt Power Set - Live Power (2010)

Adam Wendt Power Set (band)

Adam Wendt - tenor & soprano sax

Przemysław Raminiak - keyboards

Marcin Jahr - drums

Christoph Titz - trumpet & flugelhorn

Samuel Torres - drums

Live Power (2010)

This album is very similar to other release "Big Beat" by this band described already on this blog. There are however some changes as well since the trio this time is strengthened by 2 foreign guests: Christopf Titz on trumpet & flugelhorn and Samuel Torres on drums. I appreciate that programme of this disc is a bit more diversified containing not only uptempo tunes Wendt seems to like the most but also such a gem like "Seven Minutes", charming ballad of the highest quality indeed. Stylistically music reminds me Miles Davis bands from 80ties. BTW in those times during one of Dark Magus tours in Europe Adam Wendt played as forerunner before his concerts. If you cherish memories of this period in jazz and in Miles music especially then I believe you may enjoy this album very much.

Author: Maciej Nowotny
http://kochamjazz.blox.pl/html

RGG - Unfinished Story (Ecnalubma, 2007)

RGG (band)

Przemyslaw Raminiak - piano

Maciej Garbowski - bass

Krzysztof Gradziuk - drums

Unfinished Story (Ecnalubma, 2007)


“(...) his life was like Ikar’s flight (...)”

Unfinished Story – Remembering Kosz commemorates Mieczysław Kosz, a young, already forgotten pianist, who died in 1973 at the mere age of 29.

His pianism had affinities to the traditions of romantic music and characteristic melodic references to Polish folklore. The concept of his play, extremely impressionistic and falling outside any criteria, was unambiguously linked with the fact that more often than not his compositions sounded like pieces in the “free” style. That is why his artistic works always called for much attention and concentration. The paraphrases played by Kosz, such as Summertime, Prelude c-minor, or those contained on the record “Polovitzan Dances” were the pieces that especially arrested the listener’s attention. Their clear-cut structure and lucidly emphasized melody allowed the audience to always feel “safe and comfortable”. However, it was much more difficult for the audience to grasp the poetic mood of his original compositions due to the fact that they sounded more like fragments of impressionistic improvisation than transparent phrases, which almost made it impossible for them to be grasped and sink in the memory. Many Kosz’s compositions, besides those that are contained on this record “Signals” and “Reminiscence”, more markedly remind of “free” style pieces, which is what plenty of them actually are.

That is why among those contained on the record the “Unfinished Story...”, only two pieces are composed by Mieczysław Kosz. However, the whole closely refers to himself and his life. Starting with “Sunrise” – and that is when the young Kosz comes into the world, through his first steps made within the area of expressing himself through jazz (compositions “Reminiscence” and “Signs”) and the first manifestations of unrestrained treatment of music – the pieces that are sheer improvisation (“Travels” and “Ikar’s Flight” – the one that symbolizes his tragic death). The piece “Lonelines” is particular – its overtone is simply triple: the title itself indicates that both in the world of music and his own life he felt lonely and alienated; this piece of music is treated very freely (despite the highlighted team and legible harmony, this composition is deprived of timing); the theme melody deliberately and consciously refers to Frederic Chopin (Prelude a-minor), and Kosz willingly paraphrased his themes. The last two pieces which come already after portraying his tragedy, show the Kosz that was remembered by the people, i.e. Kosz – the Improvisor (“Unfinished Story”) and Kosz – the Soloist (one of his favourite paraphrases “Polovitzan Dances” for piano solo).

Kosz used to emphasise: “Only Sadness Is Beautiful”.

source: link

RGG - Straight Story (BCD, 2004) by Maciej Nowotny

RGG (band)

Przemysław Raminiak – fortepian
Maciej Garbowski – kontrabas
Krzysztof Gradziuk – perkusja

Straight Story (BCD, 2004)

Second after debut 'Scandinavia' but first studio recording of now famous RGG trio confirmed the appearance on Polish scene the band of biggest caliber. No praise is too much for the elegance and refinement of this music. Rooted deeply in well-known ECM jazz idiom it fits perfectly with evening silence, deep introspection, moments of solitude and respite. If you happen not to know other their recordings then it is good point to start to get to know them, if you know them all but this one its precious complement to your RGG discography. I suppose no further comment is necessary on my side...

This tune come from their newest album "One" (2011) but style is very similar:



Author of text: Maciej Nowotny

http://kochamjazz.blox.pl/html

Adam Wendt Power Band - Big Beat Jazz (2011)

Adam Wendt Power Band

Adam Wendt - sax

Przemysław Raminiak - keys

Marcin Jahr - drums

and guests:

Krzysztof Paul - guitar

Artur Jurek - keys

Tomasz Grabowy - bass

Big Beat Jazz (2011)

Adam Wendt's best years were in 80ties last century when he played on his saxophone in bands like Young Power and, most of all, Walk Away. This second band was the most important band in those times in Polish Jazz and also well in 90ties, recognized and concerting extensively not only in Poland but also abroad. Reputation he gathered in that period allows him even to persuade excellent musicians to take part in his projects. Pianist Przemysław Raminiak is a rising star on Polish jazz scene who plays in Polish top cool jazz trio called RGG (check their latest, very good album titled "One") while drummer Marcin Jahr is much-appraised sideman playing for example in projects of Polish top mainstream trumpeter Piotr Wojtasik ("Lonely Town"). The same may be said about guests: Artur Jurek playing on keyboards, Tomasz Grabowy on bass and Krzysztof Paul on guitar whose last CD "Second Face" made good impression on me. In purely musical terms Adam Wendt and his band seem to follow on this specific CD a path taken by such saxophonists as David Sanborn or Kenny Garrett. Starting with straight-ahead jazz with years passing they moved closer and closer to smooth jazz stylistics with all its virtuosity and accessibility so appreciated by popular audience.

Check sample of music to draw your own conclusions:

Fragment koncertu Adam Wendt Power Set from Marian Cabanski on Vimeo.

Author: Maciej Nowotny
http://kochamjazz.blox.pl/html

Maciej Fortuna Quartet - Lost Keys (2010) by Adam Baruch

Maciej Fortuna Quartet

Maciej Fortuna - trumpet

Przemysław Raminiak - piano

Andrzej Święs - doublebass

Frank Parker - drums

Adam Baruch's (check chis music boutique www.jazzis.com) review of this successful project by Maciej Fortuna, one of the most talented young trumpeters in Polish jazz...

This is the debut album as a leader by Polish Jazz trumpeter Maciej Fortuna, recorded with his quartet, which comprises of pianist Przemyslaw Raminiak, bassist Andrzej Swies and American drummer Frank Parker. Fortuna has been one of the recognized talents on the local Jazz scene for a few years and this recording serves as the "formal" act of entering the major league of Polish Jazz musicians. The quartet performs nine original compositions, seven of which are credited to all four band members; of the two remaining one is by the pianist and the other by the bassist. The music fits perfectly the modern Jazz mainstream, but is very interesting and aesthetic, with beautiful melodic themes and perfect arrangements.

The execution is also absolutely first class, from start to finish. Most solos are performed (not surprisingly) by the leader and the pianist, but the rhythm section is firmly present throughout, playing confidently, accurately and with a lot of imagination. Pianist Raminiak is definitely one of the best among the young generation of Polish Jazz players, which erupted in the last couple of years forcing its way towards the top and his other recordings (with his RGG trio) are all worth investigating. As to the leader, his playing is both beautiful and perfect in every respect, with great sense of melody and technical proficiency.

Stylistically  Fortuna is still distilling and purifying his personal and unique voicing, with his many influences even now quite apparent – mostly Miles Davis and other American Bop players, but also several notable Europeans. Of course every young Polish trumpeter is expected to follow and is judged by comparison to the mentor of Polish trumpet – Tomasz Stanko, which of course is not fair and quite absurd. Even if Fortuna should in the future lean more towards less structured music, his voice and sound will be his own, so let's give him a fair chance. It definitely sounds as we'll hear quite a lot about him in the future. This is definitely a brilliant debut album, which should make all the participating musicians proud. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Check this squad playing material from this CD recently during in concert:
  

Author of text: Adam Baruch

http://www.adambaruch.com/

RGG - One (2011) by Stephan Moore

RGG (group; formed 2001)
Przemyslaw Raminiak (piano)
Maciej Grabowski (bass)
Krysztof Gradziuk (drums)

One (Fonografika)

Here's the thing. This year has started off with some really incredible albums. Many of which I would never have heard or at least spent months trying to find. One of the groups that I was turned on to this year was RGG out of Poland. RGG are arguably one of the best kept secrets on the global jazz scene. Their latest album, One, is a great example of how outstanding the group has become. They have been grabbing attention since they made their major debut at the 2002 Bielsko Jazz Blizzard Festival (for the uninitiated this is one of the best jazz festivals in Europe).

There have been many trios over the last decade with great ideas and impressive efforts. Comparisons of RGG and fellow countrymen, the Marcin Wasilewski Trio always come to the forefront when both groups put out an album (in this case within weeks of each other). I believe the difference lies in the compositions and production. RGG have been able to expand and take the listener on various journeys over their career. I'm not saying MWT haven't done the same. I'm saying MWT have taken a more direct contemplative approach. RGG continue experiment (loosely put) on each record.

With five albums under their belt, all of which have featured expansive themes, intimate performances, and some fully improvised works, RGG have returned with One, a more focused and extremely balanced session. Opening with the warm and melodic title track, RGG set a mood similar to that of Tord Gustafsson or EST. "One" contains a beautiful passage from Maciej Garbowski on bass and Raminiak's keys turn the melody into an intimate observation of a rainy day. "Around Again" (a Carla Bley composition) is the perfect showcase for RGG's ability to stand apart. Like the original there is a real sense of vibrancy that the listener will connect with immediately.

"Almost Blues" really shines. The group are in full force as a unit with each member getting an opportunity to let loose. Gradziuk's solos are fierce and really exciting--keeping the tune humming, despite its short length. "C.T." is dedicated to Cecil Taylor and highlights the improvised nature of the trio. This was brought out in previous albums but in this Cecil Taylor inspired tune you can see the band stretching and having a lot fun doing it. "On The Way To Road 11" is simply a beautiful ballad that reminds me of the some of the more intimate and intricate Keith Jarrett trio pieces. 

With One, RGG have managed to combined elements of each of their explorations from albums past into a bold and impressive outing that should be on everyone's wish list this year. In a very short time period they have become one of my favourite groups. If you have the chance you must seek out RGG's One. Highly Recommended.

Author of text: Stephan Moore (http://jazzwrap.blogspot.com/)

RGG - One (2011) by Maciej Nowotny

I wonder a little whether it is a pure coincidence but the fact is that right after Polish premiere of Marcin Wasilewski Trio new album "Faithful" on 4th March, on 12th of the same month a premiere of RGG trio album titled "One" took place. And so my Marantz CD player is now munching music of both trios and I see in his quartz eyes the same hesitation which you could find in mine: which is better? Before I answer this question let me first say few words about RGG record since about Marcin Wasilewski's "Faithful" I wrote in last post.

Album opens with "One", composition by Maciej Garbowski (doublebass), a very representative tune for RGG style: pensive, gracious, charismatic. Perfect cooperation between Przemysław Raminiak (piano), Maciej Garbowski and Krzysztof Gradziuk (drums): they indeed sound like one.

Marcin Wasilewski plays on his album composition of Paul Bley "Big Foot" and by another astounding coincidence we have on this album a composition by his wife Carla Bley "Around Again" (check original and new version). Broken rhythms, dissonances and meandering of collective improvisations remind us that RGG last album "True Story" was all 2 CD free jazz playing - the territory where they feel very comfortable already.

Third "Bell", again by Garbowski, is splendid tune where there is very little melody, only scratches of rhythm, glimpses of tempos, harmonies barely sketched. Thoughtful piano of Raminiak conversates as if in dream with rustling drums of Gradziuk and Garbowski's double action involving play with fiddlestick. Fourth "Spring Walk", by Przemysław Raminiak, is a wamp, the moment you listen to it, you remember it and for ever.

Next is Richie Beirach's (p), "Elm", another splendid tune, check this version recorded with George  Mraz (b) and Jack DeJohnette (d), again played so consistently as intended by trio to show audience that whether speaking in free or mainstream jazz language they retain their own, unique sound identity.

Following "From the Other Hand" (6) is by Raminiak and through "Almost Blues" (7), "The Truth" (8) and "Out of Row" (9) all by Garbowski music is flowing impeccably alternately low or up tempo. With "C.T." (10) dedicated to Cecil Taylor, a collective improvisation dominated by ramshackled piano, we are on more interesting territory but soon "Stop&Think" follows presumably as inteded counterpoint to wild din of previous song.   

We are now getting closer to the end of the album with last song before last "When My Anger Starts to Cry" by Norwegian band BeadyBelle, a great hit, easily recognized here  and yet transformed into small jazz gem. Finally another drop of collective improvisation in "On the Way to Road 11". Wonderful!

So let me get back to the question: which album is better? I must confess that up to this moment RGG trio was my favourite: I regard their "Unfinished Story" as masterpiece and their last "True Story", double CD, exclusively improvised as magnificent work. But with this album they kind of step back toward more accessible music which will perhaps appeal to wider audience but which leave me a little bit disappointed because my tastes shifted significantly over years toward avantjazz and freeimprov music. I therefore regard Marcin Wasilewski trio "Faithful" as a winner this time: it's as melodic and charming as "One" but more focused on avant jazz side, though I admit that once collective improvisation is concerned alone RGG prevails. Goddamn! That's  hard choice. Perhaps it's better to say that such great artists shouldn't be compared for one is certain: musicianship is on both albums on the same absolutely stellar level. Bravo!

Author of text: Maciej Nowotny (http://kochamjazz.blox.pl/html)

RGG Trio - Scandinavia (2003) by Maciej Nowotny

Przemysław Raminiak (piano)
Maciej Garbowski (doublebass)
Krzystof Gradziuk (drums)

Polskie Radio Katowice, 2003

One of the records for which I am most impatiently waiting this year is new CD of RGG trio titled "One". You can already catch a glimpse of what it will be like because I've posted here couple of tunes from this upcoming album. So in meantime I decided to write about their debut album issued back in 2003 (BTW I already wrote about their last album "True Story").

Piotr Iwicki in his Jazz Gazeta (source) writes that the history of this band dates to year 2001 when Raminiak and Gradziuk who studied together looked for bass player to play with them during their bachelor's exam. Garbowski, already second year full time student, decided to help them and so happened that they not only passed successfully exams and became full time students but also found excellent partner for their project who since then proved to be one of the most significant in Polish jazz.

Another crucial moment in their career took place in 2002 during 5th edition of Bielska Zadymka Jazzowa festival where they started in young talents competition. One of jurors in this contest, Jan Ptaszyn Wróblewski, recalls: "it was something incredible, I felt like stunned, whole jury's discussion lasted no more than 15 seconds". The common opinion was that they simply outclassed all other young participants and presented fully matured music being miles away from proposals of their equally young colleagues. The reward for winning in the contest was the grant for recording an album. The recording session followed accordingly and in 2003 their first CD was issued immadietely winning hearts of many jazz lovers in Poland. It is then quite funny that all this story could never happen since they entered this competion from reserve list after one of its participants had resigned!!! 

As for quality of their play I can only cite words of Tomasz Stańko spoken once with respect to musicians of another Polish great band that is Marcin Wasilewski Trio: "when I met them they were very young, two of them were 18 years old and Michał (Miśkiewicz) just 16!!! But I never have doubts about them, they simple played perfectly from the very beginning". The same can be said about Raminiak, Garbowski and Gradziuk because this debut recording contains as excellent music as any of subsequent their subsequent albums.

In terms of musicial influence we can simply say that this is cool jazz and that Bill Evans or Keith Jarrett would probably be very happy if they could see how the seeds sowed by them have beautifuly grown in some distant and cold European country. Strong Scandanavian influence (evidenced by title of one of compositions and of the album itself) is obviously equally important to RGG with figures like Bobo Stenson, Esbjorn Svensson or Tord Gustavsen coming to mind. The tune "Three For Brad" shows that inspiration coming from Brad Mehldau music is also present here and significant. Finally composition "In Him We Trust" dedicated to Krzysztof Komeda is clear sign that his cool, intelectual yet infinitely emotional way of treating jazz was important for musicians as well.

Speaking shortly, an excellent CD fully deserving to be reahearsed many times over, regardless time that has passed since its recording...

Check this link for fantastic tune from this album titled "A Moment Worth A While".

Author: Maciej Nowotny
http://kochamjazz.blox.pl/html

Some tunes from RGG trio new album!!!

Recently in this post I have annouced new RGG trio album coming. Now it's getting near and we already know its title: "One" plus we are able to listen to six tunes from this album:

Maciej Fortuna Quartet - Lost Keys (2010) by Maciej Nowotny

I would surely overlooked this debut CD if my friend Tomek Łuczak did not turn my attention to this album. Lost among so many splendid mainstream debuts of 2010 (great year for Polish jazz!), it features trumpeter who may become key player on Polish jazz scene in following years. His style may be described as virtuosic, melodious and spontaneous. I've read that this album was recorded on spot during one recording session without many rehearsals and it becomes evident when you start to listen to it. It provides us with massive energy, joy of life and great optimism. What is even more important this youthful attitude is accompanied by the highest level of musicianship and to no surprise because if we look into the names of sidemen we will find there top quality artists indeed.

The man whose play most deserves praise on this recording is Przemysław Raminiak. We know him well from excellent RGG trio which is one of the best cool jazz bands in Poland. But here apart from his usual sensitivity and thoughtfulness he proves being equally et ease with both bop and swing elements of jazz. He finds compassionate support in great rhythm section created by Andrzej Święs who may challenge as far quality of play on double bass is concerned any other mainstream player in Poland and by Frank Parker whose style blending not only jazz but also funk, r&b and pop influences adds a very special flavour to this music.

How does Maciej Fortuna's trumpet present itself on this very interesting background? The best moments are when he is himself but it is obvious that with such young player he is still paying hommage to his influences: be it Miles Davis whose style he sometimes imitates or super-star of smooth jazz Chris Botti whose mellowness and sweet tone is often present on this album or Nils Peter Molvaer whose openness combined with accessibility appeals to me most. And this third Scandinavian path seems to me especially promising as far as this young virtuoso is concerned. As Molvaer's Fortuna's trumpet feels best in the territory of avantgarde but communicative enough to be able to appeal to jazz fans interested not exclusively in free jazz and improvised music. Fare well Maciej on this or any other path you decide to take in years to come...

Finally, please check music samples: first, a title track from above described album and second,  a tune from concert with Norwegian band called Urban Tunnels WAMP indeed!!!  (very fresh taking place just 4th February this year).      

Author of text: Maciej Nowotny

http://kochamjazz.blox.pl/html

...

New RGG Trio album is coming near! (2011)

RGG trio is one of the most interesting cool jazz bands in Poland. Each of their recordings is worthwhile with this one as a good example of how high level they represent: http://kochamjazz.blogspot.com/2009/12/rgg-true-story-2009.html.

Lately they have announced that they are going to issue new record soon and posted a song from this album:

RGG - True Story (2009) by Maciej Nowotny

RGG (band)

Przemyslaw Raminiak (piano)
Maciej Garbowski (bass)
Krysztof Gradziuk (drums)

True Story (2009)

Tekst: Maciej Nowotny

RGG is name of one of the most interesting jazz trios in Poland. R is for Przemysław Raminiak - piano, G for Maciej Garbowski - double bass and one more G for Krzysztof Gradziuk - drums. They all graduaded from jazz faculty at Musical High School at Katowice and play together since 2001. This is their fourth album but first one on which music is almost entirely improvised. They gradually matured to be able to reach this stage, issuing over the years albums which contained more and more free jazz. All those albums were critically acclaimed, some of them as Unfinished Story, inspired by music of Polish genius piano player Mieczysław Kosz, was even awarded as the best jazz album in Poland in year in 2007.

The style of this trio is not easy to describe since it is so individual, unique and deeply rooted in Polish musical tradition. It is without doubt influenced mainly by two great jazz piano players: Keith Jarrett and Bill Evans. Further, one can detect scandinavian jazz influence of famous Bobo Stenson Trio but also of Esbjorn Svensson Trio, perhaps others like Jan Garbarek, Terje Rypdal, Lars Danielsson. Polish influences are those of aforementioned Kosz, Komeda, Stanko and...Chopin :-)

But to say all this is insuffcient to properly describe this music. Since its uniqueness lies in the way it's improvised. Though free it is by no means chaotic, energetic or out-of-control. On contrary it is disciplined, purposeful, focused. It sounds rather contradictory to the idea of free jazz we know but those musicians prove it is possible. What is free is the flow of music but it's free in a way the river is and not in the way the sea is. Someone wrote about this music that the closest parallel we can find to it is Bach's "Goldberg Variations". It is very true in my opinion because this music has clear classical affinities and its quality is also so high that to make such comparisons is by no means exaggeration.

And to add last thing to all what was said previuosly it is necessary to say that this music altough free, refined and complicated is light as snow flake, enjoyable as dance of skilled  ice skater, hypnotasing as is light that glitters in fire place. Simply this music is of stellar quality that can and should be rehearsed over and over again. Hopefully those musicians shall earn one day recognition they deserve also outside Poland.