Tomasz Dąbrowski FREE4ARTS: When I Come Across

Polish trumpeter Tomasz Dabrowski (who lives in Denmark) leads an empathetic Nordic quartet with FREE4ARTS, in their sophomore outing. As the group name implies, they play freely, favoring the rubato approach found in so many ECM recordings. Opening track "HPB" begins with new member guitarist Simon Krebs (replacing pianist Jacob Anderskov) and baritone saxophonist Sven Dam Meinild setting the stage for Dąbrowski's lyrical trumpet entry.

There is no bass in the group, but here the baritone takes that role (before switching into solo mode). Drummer Kasper Tom makes his entrance quietly, until the whole band shifts into gear about halfway into the track. An abrupt change showcases Knebs' guitar in frenetic mode, playing double time over the theme.

"I Have No Idea" includes an angular guitar solo, joined by trumpet, and then the whole band in conversation. "Stand Alone Objects" finds trumpet and guitar doubling a bebop-style line, with the baritone again taking the bass part—before again shifting into a different, atmospheric mood. There is no ABA form with the fast head returning, typical of the through-composed approach here. "When You Get To Actual Playing" finally casts the guitar in the bass part. "Pulse For Me" features a contrapuntal trumpet/baritone duet, which then accompanies a lyrical guitar solo. The album closes with the title tune, a lively, jagged, somewhat abstract funk groove which also gives Tom's drums some solo space.

Tomasz Dąbrowski FREE4ARTS is a band with a distinctive contemporary jazz voice. Dąbrowski has provided considerable compositional variety to the program, and all of the players make strong contributions.