I can only imagine the reactions to Tomasz Stanko's first ECM recording "Balladyna". The energetic "First Song" kicks off with the typical Dave Holland swing. Add to this Edward Vesala's versatile drumming and the rousing solos of our frontman and Tomasz Szukalski - a real treat. After this brilliant start, Stanko could also play "Happy Birthday" for all I care. Luckily (who knows what this quartet would have done with so much success?) we get the Ornette Coleman-inspired "Tale", which perfectly captures the transition from raw to refined jazz. You can feel the spellbound attention with which each musician listens to the other.

This lively, interactive energy continues in "Num", carried by fine cymbal playing, while the two Tomasz Stanko musicians engage in an ecstatic duel. A magnificent bass solo rounds off the song. A ponderous interlude by Holland and Stanko introduces the title track, which initially builds up in tutti before moving into a straight, improvisatory passage. Stanko shrieks over a pointillist rhythm section, Szukalski follows in his footsteps. A melancholy, mocking tone returns in the tongue-in-cheek titled "Last Song", which nods like a head half asleep. The excellent brass playing makes this song a highlight. The actual last song, "Nenaliina", is an exuberant percussion flourish with a brass-accented finish.

Even after all these years, Balladyna still has bite. If you want to hear the heartbeat of the label in its heyday, you don't need to visit any other label.

Tomasz Stanko trumpet

Tomasz Szukalski tenor and soprano saxophone

Dave Holland bass

Edward Vesala drums