Marcin Wasilewski Trio

Marcin Wasilewski Trio on Stage in Chicago September 7th, 2024

A Wonderful Concert Last Saturday Night

My wife and I went to see Marcin Wasilewski Trio last Saturday night. It was a small place - Paderewski Symphony Orchestra Academy of Music. We had never heard of the place; it seemed like a small private school affiliated with the Orchestra. Everyone there - everyone - spoke Polish. The entire audience seemed to know each other, and we did not hear a word of English from the crowd. The place is small, with 100 seats. They brought folding chairs, and people stood down the hall to see the show. I have been listening to this trio for what feels like forever, and they are easily one of my most listened-to artists. But they may not have the following in our country they deserve or that I thought they did. We both loved the show, and I could not have asked more of a group I had wished to see live for a long time. This small tour of the U.S. covers several cities in small venues and follows up their ongoing 30th-anniversary celebration tour.

If you have not heard of them, take a listen. They record on the ECM label, which I love. I've included a list of all the places you can find them below. The set list for Saturday night was a perfect blend of their work over the years.

The Setlist: A Musical Journey

The Trio Played on Sunday night at an audio store - Pro Musica just around the corner from my place

The set opened with "Glimmer of Hope,” a track that felt like just that—glimmers of soft, melodic lines intertwining with subtle rhythmic shifts. It was the perfect way to ease into the evening.

Next up was “Wayne's Mood.” I believe this is a tribute to the legendary Wayne Shorter. It was full of those angular yet deeply emotive phrases that reminded me of Shorter’s signature style. It had a contemplative air, with just the right amount of swing to keep things interesting.

Then came “Sleep Safe and Warm.” You wouldn't be far off if the title makes you think of lullabies. This piece had a dreamy, almost hypnotic quality, like being gently rocked to sleep by some of the most skilled hands in jazz.

“My Standard” took the energy back up a notch. It was a lively reinterpretation of what felt like a classic standard with a fresh twist. The trio played it so joyfully that it was impossible not to smile.

When they launched into “Austin,” the pace slowed again, but with an edge. This track had a warmth that felt like a slow burn, and by the end, the entire audience was wrapped up in its glow.

At this point, there was a song I somehow missed (too busy soaking it all in, I guess!), but the momentum never faltered. Then, the ordinarily sultry tones of “L’amour Fou” were adjusted to a more energetic feeling—a beautifully melancholic tune about being mad in love. Marcin was struggling with English when he stopped to talk for a bit and called it about someone who "is a fool for love." Their version is more angular, powerful, and driving than other versions. I think playing up the "mad" part of the title (when translated to English).

Finally, the set closed with an encore of “Diamonds and Pearls,” the song by Prince they covered on their 2011 album Faithful. This song sparkled in every sense, a perfect finale that left everyone, including us, wanting more.

The show was not long; we wished they played more, but we loved it.

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For those who want to know more about their background . . . here you go.

The Marcin Wasilewski Trio - Background

Jazz connects people across cultures, and one of the most captivating examples recently in my personal life is the Marcin Wasilewski Trio. Hailing from Poland and recording on the legendary ECM Records, this trio has become a beacon of modern European jazz with a deeply melodic and emotionally evocative sound.

Maybe 15 or so years ago, I found them when the theme song from "Cinema Paradiso" came on one of my Pandora stations. I love that movie and the music from it. I had to look up the artist and found their album "January," which also has a beautiful version of the Keith Jarret song "Vignette." I was hooked from that point on.

A lifelong Collaboration

At the heart of the trio’s success is the remarkable connection between its members—pianist Marcin Wasilewski, bassist Sławomir Kurkiewicz, and drummer Michal Miśkiewicz. These musicians have been playing together since their teenage years, forming the group that would eventually become the Marcin Wasilewski Trio. Their initial foray into jazz as The Simple Acoustic Trio was a sign of things to come: a bond that transcended mere collaboration, evolving into a lifelong musical journey.

What makes their music so unique is the sheer chemistry between them. You can hear it in every note and phrase—a kind of effortless communication that comes from decades of playing together.

Before becoming well known as a standalone act, the Marcin Wasilewski Trio earned their stripes playing with Tomasz Stanko, one of Poland’s greatest jazz trumpet players. He was their mentor in their early days and supported them as they broke out. As the core of Stanko’s quartet, they contributed to several groundbreaking albums, including “Soul of Things” (2002) and “Suspended Night” (2004). These recordings gave the trio international exposure and helped shape their approach to both composition and improvisation.

Polish Roots, International Reach

The trio’s sound is often described as lyrical and introspective, blending influences from jazz tradition with subtle nods to their Polish heritage. I'm not an expert at music or international sounds, but it feels and sounds to me like hearing hints of Polish folk melodies woven into their compositions, giving their work a unique flavor that sets them apart on the international stage.

When listening to their music, you can almost feel the space between the notes—while this is common on many ECM Records, I love the way that this trio's music sounds at once full, and yet you can find space to breathe throughout. In 2005, the trio signed with ECM Records, a prestigious label founded by Manfred Eicher, known for producing high-quality jazz and classical music. ECM’s aesthetic focus on clarity, space, and atmosphere aligns perfectly with the trio’s musical vision. If you're unfamiliar with ECM, it's one of the most respected labels in jazz and classical music, with a reputation for producing albums focusing on clarity and depth.

In my opinion, the Marcin Wasilewski Trio’s importance in the jazz world can’t be overstated. They’ve brought a distinctly Polish voice to modern jazz. At the same time, their partnership with ECM has amplified their reach to international audiences - though it seems not as much in the U.S. as they deserved, based on my experience last weekend. Their music perfectly balances precision and emotional depth, making them one of the most compelling acts in contemporary jazz today.

A Journey Through Their Recordings

Simple Acoustic Trio Albums:

1. Komeda (1995)

• A tribute to Krzysztof Komeda, showcasing their early exploration of Polish jazz and modern improvisation.

2. Lullaby for Rosemary (1996)

• A mix of original compositions and reinterpretations of Komeda’s music.

3. When Will the Blues Leave (1996)

• A live album featuring standards and original compositions, highlighting their improvisational growth.

4. Habanera (1999)

• An album blending jazz standards with classical influences, marking their evolving style.

5. Simple Acoustic Trio 20TH GETXO Jazz Festival (2000)

6. Lyrics - Henryk Miskiewicz & Simple Acoustic Trio (2001) Grami

7. Trio (2005) – ECM

• Their ECM debut, introducing their introspective, melodic style to a larger audience.

Marcin Wasilewski Trio Albums:

1. January (2008) – ECM

• Features "Vignette" by Keith Jarrett and "Cinema Paradiso" by the legendary composer Ennio Morricone. It also included "Diamonds and Pearls" by Prince. The one I discovered first and the one I return to most often.

2. Faithful (2011) – ECM

• A mix of original compositions and covers, including Ornette Coleman’s "Lonely Woman."

3. Spark of Life (2014) – ECM

• With Swedish saxophonist Joakim Milder, offering a fresh expansion of their sound.

4. Live (2018) – ECM

• A live album recorded in Belgium, highlighting their dynamic improvisation on stage.

5. Arctic Riff (2020) – ECM

• A collaboration with saxophonist Joe Lovano, blending free improvisation and melodic jazz.

6. En attendant (2021) - ECM

• This recording continues to showcase their evolution while remaining true to the minimalist, melodic essence that has defined their career on ECM.

Collaborations with Tomasz Stanko:

1. Soul of Things (2002) – ECM

• The trio’s first ECM appearance was under Tomasz Stanko’s leadership.

2. Suspended Night (2004) – ECM

• A critically acclaimed album with a focus on atmospheric interplay.

3. Lontano (2006) – ECM

• A more experimental album featuring free-form improvisation. This is one of my favorites and most listened to.

4. Wisława (2013) – ECM

• A tribute to Polish poet Wisława Szymborska, featuring Stanko and the trio.

Collaborations with Manu Katché:

1. Neighborhood (2005) – ECM

• The trio supports Katché alongside Jan Garbarek and Tomasz Stańko. This group and album are just fantastic. The long-term talent here is exceptional. It's a bit more accessible for many new listeners and could be played almost anywhere for any reason.

2. Playground (2007) – ECM

• Their continued collaboration, blending rhythmic subtlety with melodic depth.

3. Third Round (2010) – ECM

• Although this album features more diverse personnel, the trio contributes to maintaining Katché’s signature sound.

Other Collaborations:

1. Forever Young (2014) - ECM

• With "Forever Young," the Marcin Wasilewski Trio demonstrates its versatility again, seamlessly adapting to Jacob Young’s musical vision while leaving its unique mark on the sound. The trio also includes Trygve Seim, a Norwegian saxophonist known for his atmospheric and ethereal style.

2. Kuba Badach – Oldschool (2017)

• The trio contributed to Polish singer Kuba Badach’s jazz-infused pop/soul album.