Under One Sky is an exploration of both place and self. A musical accompaniment to Lewandowski’s period of transition in his relocation from London to New York City in 2017. “My aim for this record is to express my feelings, experiences and growth as I float between two major cities and scenes. Both have mighty rivers, both are bustling metropolises, both have imposing skylines and indeed both have strong musical heartbeats, which although moving to a different rhythm, foster creativity through both tradition and individualism. My music is made up of a combination of these two great cities and the sounds that live within them. In this sense, whether I’m in New York or London, I truly feel that I am under one sky’.
Consisting of 11 original compositions, this is Lewandowski’s first recorded statement of his own music. “My aim as a composer is, through the use of form, melody and harmony, to provide an expansive jumping off point from fairly limited information.” He continues “I try to consolidate all of my ideas into one page of manuscript. For me, clarity of line and melodic narrative are very important. The trio allows the intimacy for all three instruments to weave in and out of each other. To capture this I often have figures and motifs that pervade my compositions. It’s truly a three way commentary”. This aspect of Lewandowski’s music becomes clear upon listening to the the twists and turns as the instruments rise and fall in counterpoint, demonstrating the virtuosity of his two collaborators, Pianist Addison Frei and drummer Kush Abadey.
An album full of poise, sophisticated writing, playful interplay and subtlety Mark Lewandowski makes a poignant impression as both composer and bassist. It is a beautiful document of his blossoming style as he weighs up the influence of both his chosen new home and his native homeland.
PERSONNEL
Mark Lewandowski - double bass
Addison Frei - piano
Kush Abadey - drums
All Compositions by Mark Lewandowski
ALBUM CREDITS
Recorded at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, NY (Jun, 2021)
Recorded by Michael Brorby (Brooklyn, NY)
Mixed and Mastered by Alex Bonney (London)
Produced by Mark Lewandowski
Assistant Producers - Addison Frei & Kush Abadey
Executive Producer - Mark Lewandowski
Original artwork by Naomi Allen
Design by Kassandra Charalampi
Released November 5, 2021 on MGL Music
Copyright ©Ⓟ Mark Lewandowski BMI
“Must-hear new album”
★★★★ marlbank
“A sublime confection on compositional class and individual improv skill”
★★★★ Jazzwise