Marek Napiórkowski UP!

UP! is an unprecedented piece of work in the history of Polish jazz – Marek Napiórkowski’s dreams came true, realized on a huge scale, an effect of his search for artistic and life’s truths, declaration of a grown up man who doesn’t wish to look back. 

The album has been well acclaimed by critics, audience, as well as the music industry, the effect of which was a nomination for the prestigious FRYDERYK Prize in Jazz Album Of The Year category.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnAPqgeU5sg
A reportage by Jolanta Kowalska (TVP Wrocław) 

Marek Napiórkowski’s compositions on UP! were performed by some extraordinary jazz players: Krzysztof Herdzin (grand piano), an American drummer Clarence Penn (drums and percussion), Robert Kubiszyn (bass and double bass), Adam Pierończyk (soprano and tenor saxophones) and Henryk Miśkiewicz (bass clarinet). Also, the classical musicians took part in the two-day recording session. They formed a nonet: flute, oboe, two clarinets, bass clarinet, trombone, bassoon, French horn and cello.

Thanks to Krzysztof Herdzin’s arrangements, several musical worlds have been reflected in Marek Napiórkowski’s compositions: improvised, dynamic jazz meets modern chamber music, cinematic or theatrical illustrations go along with ethereal ballads.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZixtZEgH8Y4
making of

The musicians invited to take part in the project are Marek Napiórkowski’s long-time musical partners and friends, connected on stage by an almost telepathic relationship. The only new character is Clarence Penn, the drummer.

"His presence and working on this album is like my dream came true," says the guitarist. "The drums are the heart of the band and if the drummer is top of the tops in the jazz world, nothing can go wrong. From the very first sound Clarence played, I knew it was the key decision."

There are a few surprises, too: Henryk Miśkiewicz, an outstanding alto saxophone player, performs almost free jazz parts on a bass clarinet. Adam Pierończyk, one of the most unpredictable improvisers in Europe, shows his less known, more lyrical part. 

"This music is an effect of all my experiences and thoughts, a history of a man who’s not really a youngster anymore, but who doesn’t want to look back," says Napiórkowski. "All previous albums were reasons for pride and excitement, but UP! is really special for me. It’s a sum of experiences, reaching the higher level, and the first step to… reaching even higher."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XbAXzs8UGg

TRACKLIST:

1. Szkice piórkiem
2. Teatr
3. Here Comes the Moon
4. Miele e senape
5. Mill
6. Penn Drive
7. Lunar Calendar
8. Cafe Batavia
9. Montalcino Blues*

* only in FLAC Hi Res version

music & production: Marek Napiórkowski
arrangements and conducting: Krzysztof Herdzin
co-production: Robert Kubiszyn
production for V-Records: Adam Domagała
recording and mixing: Rafał Smoleń at Sound and More Studio, Warsaw
(recorded live on 4th and 5th December 2012, at 88,2 kHz)
mastering: Denis Blackham at Skye Mastering, Isle of Skye (Scotland) 
editing: Robert Kubiszyn
photo: Rafał Masłow
stylist: Magda Tokaj
cover design: Miłosz Wiercioch

MUSICIANS
Jazz Band:
Marek Napiórkowski – electric and acoustic guitars
Krzysztof Herdzin – grand piano
Clarence Penn – drums and percussion
Adam Pierończyk – tenor and soprano saxophones
Henryk Miśkiewicz – bass clarinet
Robert Kubiszyn – double bass

Classical musicians:
Anna Włodarska-Szetela – flute 
Sebastian Aleksandrowicz – oboe 
Adrian Janda – clarinet
Arkadiusz Adamski – clarinet 
Artur Kasperek – basoon 
Tomasz Bińkowski – French horn
Dariusz Plichta – trombone 
Tomasz Błaszczak – Cello 
Henryk Miśkiewicz – bass clarinet

Release year: 2013
Publisher: V-Records
Catalogue No.: 13769000  

“The sound, the performance, the arrangements – all those are the top level. A real, musicial treat!”
(Artur Tabor, Magazyn Gitarzysta)