The band was formed in early 2023 at the initiative of the leader. The band lineup consists of Paweł on electric guitar, Mateusz Lorentowicz on drums, Filip Hornik on double bass, and Mateusz Żydek on trumpet. Their music is mainly modern jazz with elements from both the world of free jazz and traditional jazz. From the very beginning, the group has been active, and by the end of spring they entered the prestigious Monochrom studio and recorded their debut album under the supervision of Ignacy Gruszecki. The album was released on December 15 by the SJRecords record label - run by Piotr Schmidt. "Offensive" was very well received and received many positive reviews, including from Adam Baruch, Łukasz Dębowski for Polska Płyta Polska Muzyka, Marek Romański for Jazz Forum, and from Mateusz Chorążewicz writing for Polish Jazz - the album immediately made it to the prestigious Focus on debut section. The leader, thanks to his debut, also ranked high in the Jazz TOP 2023 survey conducted by Jazz Forum in the "Guitar" and "New Music Hope" categories. The band also placed high in this survey in the "New Hope - Band" category. All the musicians are outstanding instrumentalists of the young generation, repeatedly awarded at the most important Polish and international jazz competitions. They constantly perform in the country and abroad.
Overall, this is a wonderful debut album. Creative, vibrant and a true pleasure to listen to, as well as being a vivid proof that the young Polish Jazz scene is alive and kicking, as always. As usual in such case, I am already eager to hear the next album by these talented young people and wish them all the best on their path to artistic development. Well done!
- Adam Baruch
"There are many jazz guitarists - also on our Polish stages. However, it turns out that one can still stand out in this numerous company and not only sound original, but also play fresh and intriguing music. And there is no need to venture into the territories of some inaccessible avant-garde to do so."
- Marek Romański - Jazz Forum
"On the other hand, Krawiec's guitar sound is one of the strongest points of "Ofensywa". His ability to combine jazz and rock-blues sounds from the 60s and 70s gives the album a unique character. These diverse musical influences are interpreted by Krawiec in an incredibly original and cohesive manner.
"Ofensywa" is undoubtedly an outstanding debut. Krawiec and his band not only prove their craftsmanship, but also the freshness and enthusiasm with which they can revitalize the jazz canon. This is an album that will surely attract both jazz purists and those looking for something new in this traditionally rich field of music. You simply cannot pass by this album indifferently."
- Mateusz Chorążewicz
Polish Jazz
"Listening to the album "Ofensywa," one would like to say - how good it is that Paweł Krawiec brought his repertoire to a wider audience, because he not only showed surprising (original) musical proposals, but also revealed part of his sensitivity. Professionalism is one thing, but if one can profile their own artistic language with it, then a fuller picture is created, which is able to touch the most tender string of even the most demanding listener. And in this case, it happened because this album is filled with ideas, shades of many sounds deriving from tradition, but also an unlimited artistic sovereignty that simply arouses emotions."
- Łukasz Dębowski
Polska Płyta Polska Muzyka
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