Janek Gwizdala
American Elm
“Classical/jazz inspired solo bass playing”
Released: Feb 2016
Featured Track: “Manhatten, Pt.1”
Several albums after his solo debut ‘Mystery to Me’ comes this latest instalment of Janek Gwizdala’s sonic journey, and very fine it is too. An intriguing mix of solo bass arrangements and lengthy loop-based compositions, the result is a curiously beautiful and compelling album of classical/jazz-inspired solo bass playing. It could be considered either brave or foolish to strip things down to such an elemental level, but it’s perhaps best not to approach this music with any preconceived notions of the bass histrionics or false expectations that the term ‘solo’ can often engender. There’s a definite maturity here too in the undemonstrative approach to putting composition before technique, although there are still flashes of Janek’s astonishing fleet-fingered bass work. Highlights include a funky renditions of ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman’ and ‘Day Tripper’, coupled with the spacious ambiance of ‘American Elm’ and ‘Indian Lake’.
