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Although they've obviously been influenced by the Keith Jarrett Trio, Wasilewski, Kurkiewicz and Miskiewicz have an unique and excellent style all their own. I find myself coming back to "January" frequently; always find something new and interesting. It's evident that Wasilewski is a step behind Jarrett in speed technique. I find it much more enjoyable as well. Playing such subtle material with a high level of sophistication, enough to keep the listener immersed in the music, requires extremely talented musicians. There is complex interplay here but not nearly as demanding."January" is a wonderful CD. The trio is a more cohesive unit and the song selection more to my liking in "January". So is their first release, "Trio".
My first impression was that this group seems a touch slower than the Keith Jarrett Trio, a little less confident, a tiny bit more hesitant and certainly less challenging to the listener. The recording is engineered to the usual impeccable ECM standards. I have two CDs by this group, "Trio", their first, and "January", their second CD. Pianist Marcin Wasilewski, bassist Slawomir Kurkiewicz and drummer Michal Miskiewicz have been playing together since their school days. Keep in mind that there is no really complex improvisional material on "January" as in "Inside Out".Keith Jarrett`s play on "Riot" from "Inside Out" is amazing.
This is quiet-moody jazz in the European ECM tradition. The inevitable comparison to the Keith Jarrett Trio comes to mind so I listened to the live recording from London, "Inside Out" before writing this review. These musicians know each other's playing very well. Both are excellent but "January" is a little more polished.
When comparing the two CDs, "January" is more laid-back, less challenging to the listener. The surprise is the drummer, Miskiewicz. "January" is more inviting and presents itself to the listener in a more relaxed format. Pianist Marcin Wasilewski is a superb musician but Keith Jarrett is such a genius. He may be the equal of Jack DeJohnette, an evaluation which may upset some of you.
In 2001, they played as a group with Tomaz Stanko and even later, with Jan Gabarek, another legend. "Inside Out" unapologetically challenges the listener into concentrated, focused listening. I hope ECM continues to develop this group because they will get even better with time. Pianist Marcin Wasilewski doesn't take off into complex avant-garde improvisations as does Jarrett. Pianist Marcin Wasilewski wrote some of the material and proves himself to be quite a good composer.
Although I love Kurkiewicz on bass, Gary Peacock is really at another level as well. I like them even more on their own. The group plays off one another very well with an especially nice touch from percussionist, Miskiewicz. At their best they sound like 3 players playing the same chess game.
A well assembled trio that does not attempt to complicate matters with endless improvisations that become annoying.
Can't wait to hear what they come out with next. For such a young group of musicians they have a great grasp on dynamics. Beauty beyond description. When the world and humanity gets me down I put this on and feel better.
But when I listened at home while relaxing, my opinion of this CD was greatly enhanced.Like another reviewer said, there are a lot of piano trios around and so its hard to pick one you like best. January has proven to be a winner, intensely mellow and insanely relaxing.While the CD is rather even in quality and seamlessly serene, I do favor some pieces over others.
If you are into piano trios, particularly of the type ECM seems to sign, then you will find Wasilewski's trio to be one of the best. The best in my opinion are Vignette, which is reminiscent of some of the piano work on Al DiMeola's Soaring Through A Dream period; Tomasz Stanko's Balladyna, which these guys know forward and backward; Carla Bley's King Korn, and Wasilewski's own The Cat.The insert that comes with the CD is minimalistic and tersely informative in keeping with the spirit of the music.
The first couple of times I listened to January was when I was on a road trip. I greatly enjoyed the Marcin Wasilewski Trio's first outing simply called Trio and so bought this follow-up without listening to a single clip.
January is recommended listening for anytime you need to kick back and let all your stress drain away. I thought it was OK then, but it just didn't grab me the way Marcin Wasilewski's first trio album did.
Once I find one I like, I tend to seek out more recordings from that trio.
Definetly a contender for Best Jazz album of 2008. With so many great piano trios around it can be difficult to pick one as a stand out, but this trio is definitely something special. Tasteful, elegant, understated beauty with the ghost of Bill Evans hovering just out of sight. I agree with the other reveiwers too-this is superior to their first (and very good) CD. With so much great jazz out there, my criteria for a really great album is how often I keep returning to it and this one I have been listening to constantly without tiring of it.
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