Abstract

A trio recording uniting the celebrated free-jazz trumpeter Andrzej Przybielski — one of the most distinctive and uncompromising voices in Polish improvised music, who began in traditional jazz inspired by Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis before moving into free improvisation — with the Oleś brothers, Marcin (bass) and Bartłomiej Brat Oleś (drums), Poland's most respected free-jazz rhythm section. Released by Not Two in 2005 Abstract captures a cross-generational summit, the veteran trumpeter's fiery, vocal lyricism set against the brothers' deep rhythmic rapport.

The album reflects Przybielski's working methodology: most of the music was made with no prior rehearsals or agreements, reflecting his conviction that real music needs no declarations — hence the spoken cues he gives in Polish before several tracks. To underline that rawness, the trio recorded with only three microphones, one per instrument, giving each voice equal weight and lending the music a direct, intimate sound full of open space, warmth, and tension. Across the program — including Openscat, Afroblue, Ballada, and Cherry (a short ode to Don Cherry nodding to Ornette Coleman's 'Focus On Sanity') — Przybielski plays with short, powerful, implicitly rhythmic phrasing, the Oleś brothers complementing the often unpredictable trumpeter at every turn. Music that stays melodic and structured even at its most abstract.

Andrzej Przybielski (1944–2011) was posthumously honored as a Knight of the Cross of the Order of the Rebirth of Poland.

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The album you are holding was recorded in 2003 and its origins go back to a couple of days in July we spent together recording the soundtrack for the TV Theater show (Parasite, directed by Marcin Wrona). As long-time devoted fans of Andrzej Przybielski's music, after having collaborated with him for a number of years, we remain constantly impressed by his working methods and the way he views life through the prism of improvisation. At the same time, we believe his music has never been fully presented. That is why we dared produce this disk and be his accompanying musicians during the recording sessions. Most of the music recorded here has been made with no previous rehearsals, preparations or agreements, which reflects Andrzej's working methodology as well as his firm conviction that real music does not require declarations and if it is to come into being, it wilt do so without them.

(Marcin Oleś and Bartłomiej Brat Oleś)