Double Heart

An album by alto saxophonist Cezariusz Gadzina, a Polish musician long based in Belgium, where he became a respected presence in both the jazz and contemporary-music worlds. Gadzina belongs to the lineage of alto players whose lyrical, vocalized sound traces back to Ornette Coleman, and Double Heart (2002) presents him in a clear, melodic acoustic setting with an understated rhythm section, foregrounding the singing, blues-tinged quality of his playing.

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Cezariusz Gadzina is one of the most interesting and creative Polish musicians of his generation. He has been living in Belgium for some years now, where he is highly esteemed musician, not only on jazz scene but also in the world of contemporary music. He belongs to exclusive group of alto saxophone virtuosos who can be traced directly back to phenomenal Ornette Coleman. He has distinctive, expressive and refined sound which, together with his original conception of playing, makes his saxophone sing with a lyrical bluesy feel. He uses his brilliant technical capabilities with restraint, and only when the music requires it, which is feature of the greatest giants of improvisation. “Double Heart” is a generous portion of wonderful jazz in its purest form: beautiful varied compositions, charming in their clarity and melodic content, and a clear acoustic sound, combined with outstanding but not overstated rhythm section. The logic and compact styles of the pieces, the clear expression and the positive vibrations make “Double Heart” one of the best jazz CD I have heard lately. This music shatters any doubts about the future and evolution of jazz.

(- Jarek Smietana)