Grzegorz Tarwid Trio “Flowers”

Clean Feed Records, 2023

Premiere date: 20th of October, 2023

NASZA RECENZJA DOSTĘPNA JEST W JĘZYKU POLSKIM

Another Polish artist has made his debut in the catalogue of the prestigious Clean Feed Records label. At the end of October 2023 the Portuguese publisher presented the premiere recordings of Grzegorz Tarwid’s Trio.

The album is available on Bandcamp

In the line-up of the trio we find well-known names.  With bassist Max Mucha, the leader plays in the octet of Marek Pospieszalski (also releasing on Clean Feed Records). Percussionist Albert Karch, on the other hand, is familiar, if only from his long-standing collaboration in the Sundial Trio, or the production of his earlier solo releases.

“Flowers” is a mere six tracks, but strongly extended in time and lasting a total of almost a full hour. And which represent quite a surprise for the listener. Careful observers of Grzegorz Tarwid’s artistic activities have noticed a fascination with electronic sounds and instruments that has been going on for some time. They have also become accustomed to the impulsive, energetic and slightly eccentric atmosphere of his music. Meanwhile, ‘Flowers’ goes in a completely different direction.        

Clean Feed’s debut is a kind of return to mainstream jazz. We listen to a modern emanation of the piano trio.  In a decidedly classical vein. There are excursions into the pianist’s trademark extravagances, of course, but the stylistic shift is clearly noticeable.

The trio performs brilliantly.  They draw inspiration from classical music, native folk traditions and Brazilian music. Baroque and Barcelona” is a delight to listen to, as is the final “Sleep”, which lasts more than a quarter of an hour (!) and echoes the most outstanding piano ensembles from the history of jazz.  The double bass and percussion superbly subordinate to the foreground presence of the piano, creating a subtle yet solid foundation for the leader’s displays.

Quintessentially traditional,  yet not at all conservative. That is how this album can be described. Bold, contradictory in many dimensions. And above all, sensational in musical content. Nice bouquet.

Album is avaiable on Bandcamp