| Tomasz Stanko - Litania
(1997)
|
| Notes |
AMG Review by Scott Yanow (4):
Krzystof Komeda (1931-1969) was famous in Poland for writing over 40 film scores and for being one of the first modern jazz musicians, working as a pianist and composer. In his tribute to Komeda, trumpeter Tomasz Stanko and his sextet (which includes Bernt Rosengren and Joakim Milder on tenors; pianist Bobo Stenson; bassist Palle Danielsson; drummer Jon Christensen; and guest guitarist Terje Rypdal, who adds fire to two of the ten performances) interpret three of his film melodies (all from Roman Polanski films) and a few of his jazz compositions. The music is mostly episodic (particularly "Night-time, Daytime Requiem," which clocks in at 21:47), dark, and introspective. The emphasis is on the themes, and the variations stick mostly to the original mood. Nothing is really jammed, and the musicians' personalities are secondary to Komeda's compositions. Rosengren is featured on Komeda's "Ballad for Bernt," and there are short solos elsewhere, but much of the music is played by the full ensemble. Depending on one's musical tastes, the results are either dull or intriguing, but definitely picturesque and cinematic.
ECM note:
Krzysztof Komeda (1931-1969) wrote music for more than 40 films, including classics of the Polish cinema by Roman Polanski and Andrzej Wajda, and Polanski brought him to Hollywood to work on Rosemary's Baby. His soundtrack music, however, was only part of his achievement. Komeda almost singelehandedly instigated the modern jazz movement in Poland and made important contributions toward the shaping of a European aesthetic in jazz composition. Tomasz Stanko was Komeda's closest musical associate. At ECM's urging, Stanko returned to the archive to reinvestigate Komeda's work, rearranging both his intensely melodic film themes and his extended compositions for an all-star Scandinavian band. |
