Home » Jazz Articles » Wasilewski/Kurkiewicz/Miskiewicz: Trio

Wasilewski/Kurkiewicz/Miskiewicz: Trio

By Ollie Bivens
October 23, 2005
Sign in to view read count

European jazz musicians tend to have an affinity for jazz that is free and very melodic. The pianist, bassist, and drummer from Tomasz Stanko's working quartet debut with Trio, consisting of five free improvisations and eight composed tunes, walking the line between free and mainstream jazz. It's perfect for listening when one is in a contemplative mood. The songs are characterized by simple melodies in which silence is employed practically as a fourth member of the trio.

The free pieces breathe a quiet fire similar to the less-is-more impressionistic stylings of fellow ECM-er Bobo Stenson and the off-the-cusp ruminations of the Keith Jarrett Trio. Wayne Shorter's rarely-played "Plaza Real," written during his days with Weather Report, is reconfigured by pianist Marcin Wasilewski, bassist Slawomir Kurkiewicz, and drummer Michal Miskiewicz into an almost unrecognizable tune by stripping it bare. Icelandic pop singer Björk's songs are being covered by an increasing number of jazz musicians, and the trio's version of "Hyperballad" is pensive and cool, drawing out the song's airy effect.

Wasilewski is the group's major writer. His free bop is like a controlled explosion as the drummer drops little bombs that the pianist and bassist dance around. Some albums tend to sneak up, requiring repeated listenings. With each spin the fragile, delicate, shimmering beauty of Trio continually reveals itself.

Track Listing

1. Trio Coversation (introduction); 2. Hyperballad; 3. Roxana's Song; 4. K.T.C.; 5. Plaza Real; 6. Shine; 7. Green Sky; 8. Sister's Song; 9. Drum Kick; 10. Free-bop; 11. Free Combinations for Three Instruments; 12. Entropy; 13. Trio Coversation (the end).

Personnel

Marcin Wasilewski, piano; Slawomir Kurkiewicz, bass; Michal Miskiewicz, drums.

Album information

Title: Trio | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: ECM Records

Post a comment about this album

FOR THE LOVE OF JAZZ

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.