Insight

What can I say that has already been said about this excellent album by Maciek Pysz Trio. Previously unknown to me, and features acoustic guitarist/composer, Maciek Pysz, Asaf Sirkis, drums/percussion, and ex-classical musician, Yuri Goloubev on double bass. All three are at the top of their game, each contributing equally to the sound of this acoustic album. If you associate acoustic guitar with easy listening background music, some re-appraisal might be necessary, yes, this album is lyrical, and easy listening, however, far from being merely background music, it also has plenty of light and shade in each track, so whilst being melodic in nature, at the same time, it is also an interesting and exciting album, which is no mean feat. The sound quality on this album is first class, which contributes to it's overall enjoyment, and has rarely been out of my CD player since buying it. If you love acoustic jazz music and don't just use it as background music, because "Insight" merits more concentrated listening, then I doubt that you will be disappointed, this is the most musical, interesting and enjoyable album that I have heard for some time - warmly recommended, even if you don't normally listen to jazz!, also if you enjoy this debut album, there is a follow up album due out in late 2015.

This is a great purchase, All tracks composed & beautifully arranged by Polish born Maciek Pysz. My particular favourite "Lost in London". If you like Classical & Acoustic guitar, then this is the album for you, plus there is the added bonus of a free mp3 album. Condsidering this is a debut album, I can't wait for the next one.

It is a long time since I have heard guitar-playing with quite so much precision, assuredness and musicality - and Pysz's technique will no doubt be compared to jazz and jazz/rock greats Al Di Meola and John McLaughlin, such is the impassioned fluidity of the performances here. The nine self-penned tracks (one in collaboration with Italian guitarist Gianluca Corona) demonstrate the Polish-born guitarist's considerable compositional skills, taking us on a journey of differing moods, emotions and influences. And employing acoustic and classical guitars, Pysz is able to skilfully present his jazz - always accessible, yet technically and emotively breathtaking - with luminous Spanish, Latin and Brazilian character.This writing and playing would be impressive enough in its own right. But Maciek Pysz has chosen two of the most intuitive and sensitive players on the scene to take this music into a three-dimensional sphere. Asaf Sirkis, already known for his huge contribution in the jazz world (Gilad Atzmon, John Law, Alex Hutton) provides drums and percussion courtesy of his original, handmade kit (used to such great effect in Tim Garland's Lighthouse Trio). Incorporating hand drums, cymbals and the depth of the beautiful Udu, Sirkis creates his own soundworld - as mesmerising to watch as to hear - with the gorgeous timbres and rhythms he coaxes from this unusual percussive grouping. Bassist Yuri Goloubev, a regular performer alongside Sirkis, brings his own distinctive expression to this recording - he shows absolute empathy with and musical respect for the trio concept, nimbly matching Pysz with scampering runs as well as offering his very personal, singing arco style.The whole programme flows beautifully, with the upbeat 'Those Days' immediately revealing how integrated this trio sound is. Frequently Pysz and Goloubev 'become one', guitar and bass equalling each other both in similarity of tone and accuracy of movement. Sirkis is characteristically 'on it' from start to finish, providing perfect rhythmic support with all his customary (and effortless, he would have us believe!) spark and flair - check out his genius on 'Blue Water'. 'Amici', with deft soloing from Goloubev, has a slightly bittersweet tinge, leading to the summer breeze of 'Lost in London'. 'Insights', a track perhaps more classical in feel, has all three players contributing to its exhilarating momentum. Goloubev then provides a sublime and lyrical arco melody to the gentle 'Moody Leaf', and the Rothko-inspired 'Maroon' shimmers with melding guitar and bass lines. The haunting 'Steps of Time' soon breaks into a pacey, ticking Latin dance, Sirkis again the perfect rhythm-maker who inspires the whole trio into a brilliant shared frenzy - arresting stuff! Closing with azure beauty, 'Under the Sky' ebbs and flows gracefully, Pysz's guitar melody and accompaniment so serene, Sirkis subtly embelleshing on Udu.Recorded at the famed Italian studios of Artesuono, and employing the world-class talent of respected engineer Stefan Amerio, the sound balance is impeccable - pin-sharp clarity throughout. One might choose to half-listen to 'Insight' during a heat-induced siesta, though I recommend close and full attention to these extraordinary musicians who demonstrate their obvious connection with each other to produce a genuine and elegant collection of Summer sounds.

This is an undeniably romantic album, absolutely perfect for summer garden listening. Acoustic guitars are usually romantic, reminders of holidays in the sun. But this album by Polish guitarist Maciek Pysz is vastly superior to those memories. It is worth listening to on so many levels. First the compositions - eight by Maciek and one jointly composed. They combine very strong melodies with deep human attractiveness and engagement. When you listen to them, you instantly understand their sentiments - whether they are about the loneliness of city life, or loss, or in the wonder of looking at the sky, or the joy of friendship. This is insight into Maciek's life so far, it is deeply personal and quite moving in its honesty.Then you listen to the communication between the artists. Maciek is joined by Asaf Sirkis on drums and Yuri Goloubev on double bass. He has played with these artists for many years and this album perfectly illustrates the benefits and inspiration of long term partnerships. Maciek's playing is flawless, it takes your breath away with magical sounds conjured from steel and nylon. But the communication goes deeper than the technical, it has the ability to connect with the listener. Yuri is a supreme master of lyrical bass playing, no tune is rendered more delicate than under his fingers or bow, the bass sings. Asaf is a magician, he creates sounds like trickling water, pattering footsteps, fire crackers.Together they are quite extraordinarily enjoyable, their nimbleness, their lightness of touch is joyful, the result of years of insight into each other. Play this to people who say they don't know anything about jazz, or have been put off. The recording, mastering and mixing is perfect, you can hear fingers twist on frets, no instrument dominates any other. You don't want this album to end, it is a perfect summer's day.Highly recommended.

Great album! Recommend it to anyone who loves acoustic guitar!