Zbigniew Lewandowski Quintet "A New Opening"

"A New Opening" - loosely translated - "New Distribution" is the latest work of the outstanding jazz drummer Zbigniew "Levandek" Lewandowski. It is an album that opens a new stage of the musician's artistic journey after more than fifty years of stage work. The album consists of eight original pieces, composed by Zbigniew Lewandowski and the quintet's saxophonist, Tomasz Pruchnicki, and developed by the band during rehearsals and concerts before entering the studio. This musical work is a peculiar testimony to the experiences gathered over the last dozen years or so, as well as to the memories of artists who influenced the work of 'Levandek', including Chick Corea, Michael Brecker, Steve Gadd, Mike Stern, Janusz Skowron. Two of the compositions on the album are dedicated: 'Góralski Quartet' - to Zbigniew Namysłowski and 'Afro Cuyaviak'- to Zbigniew Jakubek.

The Quintet's line-up features exceptional artists with impressive artistic achievements, including Jakub Olejnik (double bass, bass guitar), Tomasz Pruchnicki (saxophones, flutes), Kenny Carr (guitar), Robert Jarmużek (piano). Their close-knit collaboration, workshop, vast experience and awareness of jazz historical contexts mean that the album is firmly rooted in the jazz tradition, while at the same time bringing a fresh perspective from the younger generation of musicians.

The album 'A New Opening' was recorded by Ignacy Gruszecki at the Monochrom studio in Gniewoszów in September 2023.

Production: Zbigniew Lewandowski Quintet

Mix - Przemyslaw Jarosz

Master - Voytek Kochanek,

Cover design: Joanna Cybulka,

Executive producer, photography: Marzena Cybulka.

Publisher: Polish Jazz Association Wrocław.