The Marcin Wasilewski Trio stop off in London on their 30th anniversary tour

For three decades, the Marcin Wasilewski Trio has quietly redefined the piano trio in Europe. On the penultimate evening of the 2024 EFG London Jazz Festival, the Polish trio proved once again why they remain such a vital force in contemporary jazz. The gig was part of their ongoing 30th anniversary tour, and the deeper personal significance of the evening for each of the bandmembers was tangible in the music.

Across the two sets, it was abundantly clear this was a band with a long history. High school friends turned lifelong musical collaborators, the trio played with a telepathic intuition that only time can forge. It was a masterclass in refinement, cohesion and understated brilliance. Their setlist was composed almost entirely of original material from recent albums including En Attendant (2021), Artic Riff (2020) and Spark of Life (2014). This distinctive repertoire showcased their signature style: lyrical yet complex, introspective yet richly melodic, elegant yet fiery.

Wasilewski’s piano shimmered with a crystalline precision, weaving fluid melodic lines that balanced between wistful melancholy and snappy post-bop. Steeped in the language of jazz and blues, Wasilewski’s playing also has a distinctly classical – at times even Chopinesque – emotional intensity to it. Slawomir Kurkiewicz’s bass anchored the trio with his warm and resonant tone, and he frequently impressed remarkable technical dexterity and fast-fingered flourishes. Michal Miskiewicz’s drumming was a study in restraint, delicate textures and dynamic range. But there is no doubt that Wasilewski was the star here, the technical and creative genius behind this trio and the singular reason for its critical acclaim and impressive longevity.

As the final notes faded, the trio received a standing ovation as a testament to their enduring artistry. Even after 30 years of collaboration, the Marcin Wasilewski Trio are continuing to craft jazz that is exciting and fresh.