Sanktoria

A finely shaped statement from the early years of Not Two’s engagement with the Polish scene, Sanktoria introduces Emil Kowalski as a clarinetist with a clear, quietly distinctive voice. Joined by tenor saxophonist Dariusz Herbasz, bassist Piotr Lemańczyk, and drummer Tomek Sowiński, he leads a quartet that favors clarity of line, flexible rhythm, and close‑knit ensemble interplay.

Across five pieces — from the poised title track to the dreamlike Sen o św. ptaku and the expansive, multipart Tryptyk — the group moves between lyricism, open‑form dialogue, and atmospheric drift. Kowalski’s clarinet and bass clarinet set the tone, with Herbasz providing a grounded counterweight and the rhythm section shaping the music’s flow with understated precision.

The result is a concise portrait of four musicians developing a shared language: modern, melodic, and attentive to texture. A quietly compelling entry in Not Two’s early catalog.