Condition: Brand New

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• I can only imagine the reactions to Tomasz Stanko’s first ECM recording “Balladyna”. The energetic “First Song” kicks off with the typical Dave Holland swing. Add to this Edward Vesala’s versatile drumming and the rousing solos of our frontman and Tomasz Szukalski – a real treat. After this brilliant start, Stanko could also play “Happy Birthday” for all I care. Luckily (who knows what this quartet would have done with so much success?) we get the Ornette Coleman-inspired “Tale”, which perfectly captures the transition from raw to refined jazz. You can feel the spellbound attention with which each musician listens to the other.

  This lively, interactive energy continues in “Num”, carried by fine cymbal playing, while the two Tomasz Stanko musicians engage in an ecstatic duel. A magnificent bass solo rounds off the song. A pon