Brooklyn Eye

"Brooklyn Eye" is a dream come true to record an American-inspired album and to do it in New York, together with American musicians." - its author Joachim Mencel. Listening to the recording, it is easy to come to the conclusion that the pianist has more than fulfilled his dream, because in addition to being inspired by America, he smuggled content boldly referring to illustrative music, which could be the basis of the film, not necessarily about New York. How could this even happen?

Joachim Mencel is not only an excellent pianist, but a great promoter of the hurdy-gurdy, an instrument very popular, but also in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Currently, we can hear it in early and folk music, but in jazz it is still a precedent. The pianist successfully used the lyre on his previous release, "Artisena" ( For Tune 2018 ), and this time he decided to present it to his American colleagues, who, incidentally, can be called a dream team. This instrument, apart from its sonic qualities, gives the artist the opportunity to modulate the sound during its duration and to play in a non-tempered outfit.The effects of this mishmash turn out to be amazing. The lyre parts, supported by a solid double bass counterpoint, sound extremely convincing, blend perfectly with the narrative of the individual compositions and give them a unique aura that goes far beyond the traditional sound of a jazz quartet. Music carries naturally and, most importantly, captivates the listener with it.

All ten songs on "Brooklyn Eye" are by Joachim Mencel. Their strength is demonstrated not only by their sophisticated sound and perfect composition, but also by the memorable melody. Topics such as: Two Pieces with Beatrice, Psalm 88 or The Last of the Mohicans are an excellent example of this. Mencel can also surprise with the very form of the piece. In Arrowsic, the main theme appears only in the middle of a six-minute track, raising a completely new quality and hidden energy into it.

"Brooklyn Eye" is a release that can be a big surprise for many, and in the most positive aspect. It is over an hour of music that keeps the perfect balance between the jazz tradition, fantastic performance, sonic nuances and Joachim Mencel's extraordinary sense of composition. Worth recommending.