Marek Pospieszalski Octet & Zoh Amba Present ‘Never Again, Again and Again’ from ‘NOW!’
Marek Pospieszalski Octet & Zoh Amba present ‘Never Again, Again and Again,’ taken from the latest album ‘NOW!,’ released by Instant Classic.
There’s jazz that follows the rules, and then there’s jazz that doesn’t just break them but sets them on fire. ‘NOW!,’ the latest album from the Marek Pospieszalski Octet, falls squarely into the latter category. Built on instinct, collaboration, and the thrill of the unknown, it’s a record that thrives on the push and pull between composition and free expression.
This band clicked from the start, says Pospieszalski. The way they play together leaves so much space for things to happen naturally. That’s why they wanted to bring in outside voices—people who could shake things up even more. Enter Zoh Amba, a saxophonist known for his experimentation. “I had her in mind for a while, and when we got the chance to play together at NOSPR, it felt right. The next day, we went straight into the studio.”
That energy is exactly what defines ‘NOW!’—a record where sheet music is just a suggestion and improvisation is the glue holding it all together. “I didn’t even name the tracks until after we recorded them,” Pospieszalski admits. “And despite the fact that I am being really direct here, I prefer to have listeners interpret the album’s message on their own. Individual context is key here–place, time and most importantly, personal emotions.”
The music video for ‘Never Again, Again and Again’ was crafted by the talented Wojciech Rusin.
Leading a nine-piece band could easily turn into an exercise in logistics, but Pospieszalski treats it more like an open conversation. “Although everything here is focused on my artistic vision, it wouldn’t sound as good if it weren’t for other musicians involved,” he admits. “Each member of the group has their influence over the final result of our collective playing. I tend to give them direction but it is up to them to interpret it.”
‘NOW!’ is an album that captures a moment—one that might never happen again in quite the same way. And that’s exactly the point.
The personnel for the performance includes Marek Pospieszalski on soprano and tenor saxophone, clarinet, flute, and tape; Zoh Amba on tenor saxophone; Piotr Chęcki on tenor and baritone saxophone; Tomasz Dąbrowski on trumpet; Tomasz Sroczyński on viola; Szymon Mika on electric and acoustic guitar; Grzegorz Tarwid on piano; Max Mucha on double bass; and Qba Janicki on drums and soundboard.
Marek Pospieszalski Octet Facebook / Instagram / Bandcamp
Zoh Amba Website / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube
Instant Classic Website / Facebook / Instagram / X / YouTube / Bandcamp
