Upcoming Gigs

When Darek Oleszkiewicz (who prefers to go by the abbreviated moniker "Oles") was approached by Kind of Blue founder Roy Tarrant to record an album for the ambitious Swiss–based label, the Polish bassist set about forming a new group comprising some of his favourite musicians that he has toured and recorded with over the last decade. The result is an ensemble boasting an enviable line-up that includes six of the most creative musicians on today's jazz scene.

"Janis, Peter, Alan, Larry, Bob and I, we all share the same aesthetics and values in art" explains Oles. "And when we start playing music, there is no effort in reaching high levels of inspiration. There is understanding and communication of ideas, similar to stimulating conversation among good old friends." Throught his career, Oles has collaborated with a long list of well known musicians including Brad Mehldau, Charles Lloyd, Pat Metheny, Joe Lovano, Lee Konitz, Horace Silver and Alice Coltrane, but it is with the musicians he has assembled here that he feels at his most creative and comfortable. "When Larry or Alan strikes the chord and Peter touches the cymbal with a stick or a brush... I feel that music starts right there, from the first note and each next sound is pure and meaningful".

When you hear tracks like "I Got Lost In His Arms", "This Is New," and "I Didn’t Know What Time It Was," you can’t help thinking that this CD could be the start of a long and successful career for this ensemble. Oleszkiewicz’s arrangements leave lots of room for each individual's interpretation of the music and on the opening track "All Blues", the band sound is established immediately and each solo in turn is dynamic and unique. On "I Didn’t Know What Time It Was", Oles lays down a solid groove, aided by sympathetic playing from Erskine, Koonse and Pasqua, and Siegel displays her delicate yet assured tone. Siegel, who has garnered success as both a member of Manhattan Transfer and as a highly acclaimed solo artist, is inspired throughout and her thoughtful and sophisticated vocals are integral to the ensemble’s sound.

Oleszkiewicz hasn't yet earned a place in the highest rank of the jazz pantheon, but if he keeps making recordings of this calibre, it will become difficult for the jazz-loving public to ignore him.

1. All Blues (M.Davis)
2. I Didn’t Know What Time It Was (Rodgers & Hart)
3. Along Came Betty (B.Golson)
4. Blue in Green (B.Evans)
5. Expectation (D.Oleszkiewicz)
6. San Fransisco Holiday (T.Monk)
7. I Got Lost In His Arms (I. Berlin)
8. Why Do I Love You (J.Kern)
9. This is New (K.Weill/I.Gershwin)
10. Sail Away (T.Harrell)
11. I’ll Be Seeing You (I.Kahal/S.Fain)
12. Whatever Possessed Me (T.Dameron)