Flowing Circles
Brooklyn Jazz Underground, 2023
8/10
The pianist and composer Kuba Cichocki is surrounded by an all star cast for these traditional and experimental pieces that explore dimensions beyond or even between what is typically explored.
“Quirks” opens the listen with Brian Sanders’ lively cello and Lucas Pino’s bright sax helping make for a rich and dynamic climate, and “Where The Selves Meet” follows with Cichocki’s meticulous key progressions amid Colin Stranahan’s agile drumming that cultivates a free jazz delivery.
In the middle, Edward Perez’s thick bass plucking impresses us on the turbulent “Blob Jump”, while “Birthday” recruits plenty of atmosphere via Sana Nagano’s stirring violin and Benjamin von Gutzeit’s moody viola, as Bogna Kicinska’s vocals soar.
“Coming Back” and “First Smile” finish the listen, where the former uses scatting and graceful keys with much charm, and the latter focuses on Cichocki’s skilled key prowess for the mesmerizing exit.
A listen that embraces both improvised and composed ideas, Cichocki and company make every moment here unpredictable, exciting and memorable.
Travels well with: Pablo Masis- Thought And Memory; Dave Meder- New American Hymnal