| Jazz |
For me, a new album by Adam Bałdych is always an event, for several reasons. Foremost among them is the fact that this composer possesses a unique gift: while firmly rooted in the traditions of classical music, he invites us into a jazz universe where poetry and romanticism reign supreme. It is best, in fact, to let him speak for himself about this latest creation, which, as always, proves even more captivating than its predecessor:
“When I brought the music to rehearsal with the group, we spent a great deal of time working on the instrumentations and arrangements. It was almost like classical music: we listened to the registers of the instruments and sought the ideal space for them to fully express themselves. The process was meticulous, almost surgical. Although we are all improvisers, each of us striving to bring as much of our individual voice as possible, we also wanted to plan the execution with great precision. This was the best way to preserve that freedom while maintaining our unique personalities. It was an inspiring process.”
The exquisite arrangements will immerse you in these 15 meticulously crafted pieces, shaped with both passion and delicacy. This quintet, present since Bałdych’s earliest works, offers the very best of its capabilities. Each member occupies just the right place at the right time, bringing an essential hue to the story being told. Once again, Bałdych reflects:
“We share a very sincere relationship with one another, grounded in an understanding of the culture and traditions in which we were raised. We understand each other intuitively, giving one another the space to develop narratives. It’s like a polyphonic composition, composed of many voices—each allowing one musician to step into the foreground while the others provide a counterpoint. Each of us is an independent personality; we respect one another and, at the same time, we all respect the music as a whole, nurturing and developing it together.”
This is intense, contemplative music that draws on the history of the world as a source of inspiration. Bałdych explains:
“When I was working on these pieces, I was inspired by the accounts of people who survived the Second World War. This subject feels especially important to me in light of the growing conflicts in Europe and around the world. I read testimonies from that time and wanted to take a stand in response to what thousands of people still endure today. It is a call for world peace. A variety of deeply emotional pieces emerged, seeking to depict individuals, living conditions, and the era we live in. It speaks of anxieties but also captures the indescribable beauty of the world, which I strive to encapsulate in my sounds and my music.”
It is difficult to encompass the scope of such an album in just a few lines. This leads me to think that the art of jazz composition has, over time, become as intricate as classical music. The reason is simple: jazz is likely the music that elevates the spirit more than any other today, and this album is undoubtedly one of its finest examples. There is perhaps a spiritual dimension to this music—something rooted in culture. Poland remains one of the few European countries where faith still plays a significant role for many. What is certain is that this album promises to be a vintage masterpiece for 2025, immediately earning its place among our “Essential” selections.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, December 12th 2024
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