Dark Eyes
Tomasz Stańko Quintet · 2009
61 min · 10 tracks
A reflective journey through jazz, blending rich melodies with intricate improvisation and a sense of haunting beauty.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Dark Eyes of Martha Hirsch — This track showcases the quintet's ability to weave complex emotional narratives through extended improvisation and dynamic shifts. Its length allows for an immersive exploration of themes, reflecting both tension and resolution.
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Dirge for Europe — A poignant piece that captures a sense of melancholy, this track stands out for its somber tone and evocative melodies, reflecting the political climate of Europe at the time.
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Samba Nova — Infused with vibrant rhythms and a lively tempo, this track represents Stańko's versatility and ability to incorporate diverse musical influences into his work, illustrating the joyful side of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances structured compositions with improvisational freedom, creating a unique yet cohesive jazz experience.
What we noticed
- Each track showcases extended improvisation sections, allowing individual musicians to explore their ideas within the framework of the compositions.
- The final three tracks gradually decrease in tempo, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier energy.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- haunting melodies that linger
- dynamic progression with resolution
- immersive listening for reflection
- wave-like pacing for relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- instant gratification seekers
- fans of short tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2009, Dark Eyes is a pivotal album in Tomasz Stańko's career, following his acclaimed work on the 2007 album, Lontano. At this point, Stańko was solidifying his reputation as a significant voice in European jazz, continually evolving his sound while collaborating with a talented ensemble that included musicians like Jakob Bro and Slawomir Kurkiewicz.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 So Nice 5:55
- 2 Terminal 7 5:30
- 3 The Dark Eyes of Martha Hirsch 10:05
- 4 Grand Central 6:27
- 5 Amsterdam Avenue 6:13
- 6 Samba Nova 9:23
- 7 Dirge for Europe 5:29
- 8 May Sun 2:47
- 9 Last Song 4:00
- 10 Etiuda Baletowa No. 3 5:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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