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Under One Sky

Mark Lewandowski

Label: MGL Music
Released: 2021
Duration: 00:51:05
Views: 699

Tracks

Introduction (3459 Miles); Licks; Provavus; For Paul Bley; The Same Moon; Islands; Very Well; Queen of the Orchids; For Andrew Hill; Skyline; Under One Sky

Personnel

Album Description

Under One Sky is an exploration of both place and self. A musical accompaniment to Lewandowski’s period of transition in his relocation from London to New York City in 2017. “My aim for this record is to express my feelings, experiences and growth as I float between two major cities and scenes. Both have mighty rivers, both are bustling metropolises, both have imposing skylines and indeed both have strong musical heartbeats, which although moving to a different rhythm, foster creativity through both tradition and individualism. My music is made up of a combination of these two great cities and the sounds that live within them. In this sense, whether I’m in New York or London, I truly feel that I am under one sky’. Following the success of his critically acclaimed 2017 debut album, ‘Waller’ (released shortly before his departure to the US), ‘Under One Sky’ sees Lewandowski revisit the piano trio, which he considers his “favorite vehicle for improvising”, in a markedly different setting than his reimagining of the music of one of the early innovators of the genre - Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller. Consisting of 11 original compositions, this is Lewandowski’s first recorded statement of his own music. In this album, he proves to be a composer of great skill, conjuring architecturally intricate, crystalline compositions reminiscent of both the Manhattan and City of London skylines. “My aim as a composer is, through the use of form, melody and harmony, to provide an expansive jumping off point from fairly limited information.” He continues “For me, clarity of line and melodic narrative are very important. The trio allows the intimacy for all three instruments to weave in and out of each other. It’s truly a three way commentary”. This aspect of Lewandowski’s music becomes clear upon listening to the cyclical ‘Licks’, in which his skill as a gifted and melodious soloist also shines through. The snake-like ‘Provavus’ twists and turns as the instruments rise and fall in counterpoint, demonstrating the virtuosity of his two collaborators, Pianist Addison Frei and drummer Kush Abadey. Lewandowski’s reverence for the tradition and the history of the music has been a point of admiration from musicians, critics and listeners alike. Indeed the last time he performed on British soil was as a member of the trumpeter, composer and cultural ambassador Wynton Marsalis’ quartet. Extensive study with the great Henry Grimes also cemented Mark’s love and appreciation for the whole spectrum of the music. This respect for his elders is obvious by the two dedications on the album - tributes to two trail blazing pianists. “Andrew Hill and Paul Bley embody the spirit of jazz. A watertight knowledge of the music’s tradition twinned with a searching for one’s individual voice through the process of composition, both written and spontaneous. This is why I wanted to honor them on this album”. Although the music on this album evokes urban experiences in bustling world cities, the record opens exuding stillness and space. ‘3459 Miles’ (the distance between London and New York) is a pastoral overture to the album. Of this Lewandowski comments “Of course London and New York are separated by great space, both physically and also culturally. Different time zones, cultural norms, accents and attitudes. The album’s opening is my way of capturing the feeling that that space gives me. Excitement mixed with a feeling of nostalgia. When I was in London I used to look at the map of the world imagining how I’d feel across the other side of the Atlantic. Well now I know”. Similarly his beautiful ballad ‘The Same Moon’ captures the composer’s feelings during a 3 year long-distance relationship with his now wife (luckily they are now reunited in their Manhattan apartment). The piece features an extended solo by the bassist, caressing the strings and highlighting the sweet melodious tone which has become his signature. An album full of poise, sophisticated writing, playful interplay and subtlety Mark Lewandowski makes a poignant impression as both composer and bassist. It is a beautiful document of his blossoming style as he weighs up the influence of both his chosen new home and his native homeland.

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