Union Square
Albany, 2023
8/10
The Polish composer and pianist Jakub Polaczyk now calls New York City home, and his work has gained him plenty of awards and has been performed around the world. Here, he finds plenty of chamber sounds to be absorbed, where each track welcomes different players.
“Combinations On Olympus” begins the listen with Pawel Cieslak’s animated trombone that finds both calm and adventurous tones, and “Ginko-Ya "Pendula" follows with the Argus String Quartet making for an intimate, cinematic climate of mystery and warmth.
Further on, “Three Earth Poems” recruits Kofi Hayford’s bass and Polaczyk’s keys for the expressive musicianship and firm baritone pipes, while “Mazurka-Fantasy” showcases Polaczyk’s very meticulous and dreamy piano playing that pays close attention to mood.
The last two tracks are among the best, where “Union Square At Dusk” emits cultured and unique percussion from the Blow Up Percussion Rome, and “Yoolcoo-Yoolcu-Yoolcou” exits with flute and harp from the aFraH and telF Duo for a highly articulate and pensive finish.
Polaczyk compares his music to playing chess, and his vision is certainly well planned out, strategic and thought provoking, where each track brings new surprises.
Travels well with: Carolina Trombone Project- Mountain Ascent; Larry Bell- Thoughts And Prayers