Polish septet EABS in search of “Slavic melancholy” on new full-length release
Following a number of critically acclaimed releases dedicated to Polish Jazz legend Krzysztof Komeda, including their 2017 debut Repetitions (Letters To Krzysztof Komeda) and their incredible 2018 Kraksa / Svantetic 12″ single, the Poland-based Electro Acoustic Beat Sessions jazz collective, better known as EABS, return with a new full-length album inspired by “Slavic melancholy.”
This brilliant new album, titled Slavic Spirits, is a seven-track conceptual spiritual jazz gem that taps into Slavic mythology and Polish demonology. Even though the album features 100-percent original material, the conceptual idea of the recording was spawned from a Komeda-inspired medley of “Free Witch and No Bra Queen / Sult,” which the group often played live in concert. Overall, the music is beautifully haunting that builds over the course of the composition, fusing together atmospheric textures and tones with layered horn melodies, synth lines, electronics, and strong backing grooves.
Similar to the octet’s Kraksa / Svantetic 12″ release, this recording also notably features London-based composer, saxophonist and flutist Tenderlonious. The rest of the group features keyboardist and pianist Marek Pędziwiatr, tenor saxophonist Olaf Węgier, trumpeter Jakub Kurek, guitarist Vojto Monteur, electric bassist Paweł Stachowiak, percussionist Spisek Jednego, and drummer Marcin Rak.
With Slavic Spirits, EABS has put together a moody and spiritually rooted conceptual masterpiece. Another strong effort from a group that not only continues to prove that they are one of the leading jazz ensembles of today, but a group that is fully entrenched in exploring their Slavic and Polish roots while creating forward-thinking music.
EABS — ‘Slavic Spirits’
(Astigmatic Records)
1. Ciemność
2. Leszy
3. Południca
4. Ślęża (Mgła)
5. Ślęża
6. Przywitanie Słońca (Rytuał)
7. Przywitanie Słońca
