Although this is the Bester quartet’s first release, the musicians are known for their work as the Cracow Klezmer band and under this name they already released six albums on the Tzadik label, one of my all-time favorite record labels. This new album contains ten original compositions and the four Polish musicians on accordion, violin, bass and percussion play all ten in a hauntingly beautiful way. With roots deeply in the Jewish tradition, combined with jazz, rock and many other styles, this quartet knows how to overwhelm the listener. Beautiful melodies, unexpected twists, sometimes the music explodes into your face while at other moments it’s pure sadness. Stunning accordion parts, subtle but essential work on bass and percussion and a virtuosic violinist. And what to think of the wonderful trumpet solo by guest musician Tomasz Ziętek? It’s a stunning album with passionate music by four top musicians.
© Eelco Schilder