The poem of Czesław Miłosz entitled “Spotkanie” (Meeting), especially the last verse, seem to patronize the latest album composed by Wojciech Majewski Quintet. After a few weeks break I once again started to listen to this record, when I heard that Czesław Niemen passed away.
Not only because of the touching interpretation of “Bema pamięci żałobny rapsod”, with heart breaking saxophone tone played by Thomas Szukalski. The melancholy, sadness, farewells and thoughts about the past filled every song on this album. This is very characteristic for Wojciech Majewski; in the first place he released an album with jazz interpreted songs of Marek Grechuta, and this time he reached for the work of Czesław Niemen or Krzysztof Komeda. He also placed a few of his own compositions, like the dramatic “Pamięci Strawińskiego”, or the album ending, with words taken from one of Bolesław Leśmian’s poems, “Boże, pełen w niebie chwały”.
Is it a moment to catch breath from modernity? Of course, and I don’t mind that. I listen to pure jazz, being played by a classic, and yet acoustic quintet (sometimes played by a grand piano solo or along with the saxophone). I think that in the shade of Leszek Możdżer, we can notice the evolution of a young and very promising pianist. Internally concentrated, following own path, and maybe, having something in common with Keith Jarrett (after all it is Jarrett’s bassist Palle Danielsson who played with Wojciech Majewski on this record). So you must admit that such features aren’t so bad at all. Tomasz Szukalski plays as he used to back in the old days, Michał Miśkiewicz on the drums, Palle Danielsson creates a wonderful rhythmic with him, and th Wojciech Majewski and Robert Majewski duo in “Tjoonk blues” leaves no doubts that brothers are playing.
“Bema pamięci żałobny rapsod” and “Boże, pełen w niebie chwały” played along with Grzegorz Turnau are the greatest compositions right from “polish jazz” environment.

Michał Okoński – Tygodnik Powszechny