JAZZ VIEWS
June 2003

Artist: Kopinski & Konikiewicz
Title: Zone K Label: SLAM CD 252
Jan Kopinski (ts, as); Wojtek Konikiewicz (p, kyds); Steve Harris (d)
Recorded 02 &03/02

SLAM Productions have nothing short of an impressive and somewhat prolific catalogue emerging. If the selection that has been sent to Jazz Views for review over the last few months is anything to go by, label boss George Haslam, is amassing a body of recorded work that is wide and varied within will the general umbrella of improvised music, and help to dispel many of the notions that this is a difficult music and should be viewed with caution.
Jan Kopinski has been familiar to gig goers in this for the energetic outfit that he formed in the early eighties, Pinski Zoo, a band that could be readily described as occupying territory somewhere between punk jazz and free improv, with a slice of funk thrown in. Drummer, Steve Harris, was also a Zoo member, and heard recently on the excellent (and heartily recommended) ‘ZAUM’ (SLAM 253), whilst Wojtek Konikiewicz is a new name to me.
As a trio, they take a stance between semi-structured free jazz, improvising freely and collectively, and taking their cues on a several tracks from compositions supplied by two of the trio members; as on he extended work-out on Kopinski’s ‘Night To Dream’ and the solo piano feature for Konikiewicz on ‘Impresja XV’. A lovely interlude which helps to add relief to, and enhance the overall performance.
There is nothing in this music that is overtly abstract, indeed the trio operate with frameworks that permit the emergence and development of a melodic idea, as opposed to shying away from what might in some improvising pools as trite or contrived; and will work with defined beats and pulses that allow the music to flow with its own momentum and logic.
Another impressive release that deserves to be heard.

Reviewed by Nick Lea