It’s uncanny how versatile some bands are. In 2023, Polish Jazz quintet EABS put their best foot forward in »In Search for A Better Tomorrow«, a collaboration with Pakistani Jaubi. Its heart wrenching melodies, penchant for details and compositional vision earned them a spot in the Top 3 of my years-end-list. Thus, I met the follow-up with high expectations. I wasn’t disappointed – just unsure if I was listening to the same band. »Reflections of the Purple Sun« is a remake of a Jazz platter from 1973, »Purple Sun« by the Tomasz Stańko quintet. EABS trace its course. The track list is comprised of the same names, merely their order is swapped. EABS’ stargazing is focused on rhythmic pulse. If »In Search of A Better Tomorrow« was showcasing tonal possibilities, »Reflections« celebrates percussion. Its program is surprisingly varied. Whereas the fifth track, »Introduction«, centers around drum fills, complex rhythms are grounding dreamy harmonies on the actual intro, »Boratka«. On the other hand, EABS unapologetically turns »My Night, My Day« into a late-night dance track, which does away with Jazz in favor of retro synths. That »Reflections« still feels coherent is testament to EABS’ musical intuition. It feels more academic than its predecessor, has less of an emotional impact on me – a purely subjective judgment. »Reflections« is a very strong entry in a fascinating discography.
Reflections Of Purple Sun
