Marcin and Bartłomiej - the Oleś Brothers – are among the most creative artists on the Polish jazz scene. Undoubtedly, they are our genuine national treasure. A double bass player and a drummer, both have cosmic imaginations and unparalleled musical sensitivity. Of a pioneering character discovering new musical territories, their creative output often goes beyond the framework of jazz. A clear confirmation of this is the "Koptycus" project.
The Oleś Brothers invited Dominik Strycharski, a prominent figure on the Polish improvised music scene, flutist, singer and composer, to participate. Strycharski is one of the few to successfully incorporate the flute into jazz and intriguing musical experiments. He also does not shy away from balanced elements of electronics in his vocalism.
The music of the Copts - one of the oldest Christian communities in the world - became the source of inspiration and the main point of reference for this trio of extraordinary musicians. Thanks to centuries of isolation and keeping to themselves, the Copts created and preserved their original musical language, originating from pre-Christian times, assimilating Greek, Jewish and, slightly later, Muslim accents. The very word "copt", although of Arabic origin, has its roots in Greek and denotes an inhabitant of Egypt, but the religious Coptic community crosses borders - it also includes Eritrea and Ethiopia with all of their cultural, musical and performance traditions.
By searching for and exploring the musical codes of the first Christians and transliterating them into the language and aesthetics of modern times, the artists created an outstanding work. A colorful, multi-threaded story about the world of ancient Eastern Churches is read through the prism of territorially understood Coptic music. Using the patterns of narration typical of ancient Greece universal in our culture, an extraordinary story speaks to us in a modern and often innovative musical language.
Miron Zajfert
1. Bakaskut 05:11
2. Iom 05:51
3. Mazi 04:46
4. 'abraz 07:08
5. Ep-ou-roh David 09:34
6. Fildaman 06:03
7. Asoman 07:43
Bartłomiej Oleś – drums, percussions
Marcin Oleś – double bass
Dominik Strycharski – blockflutes, electronics
