For some players, Joe Zawinul is an influence; for others, he becomes part of
their musical foundation. Paul Urbanek clearly belongs to the latter group. His
connection to Zawinul’s world isn’t about copying licks, in fact this typical
bebop approach would almost be impossible with Joe’s music. But rather
what we have here is a more subtle, deeper absorption cultivated over
decades. As an improviser myself, I can appreciate the time and dedication
required to internalize this special language.
Paul’s connection with Zawinul’s universe is also personal. He crossed paths
with Joe on multiple occasions and spent fifteen years performing alongside
guitarist Alegre Corrêa from the last Zawinul Syndicate lineup. As with much
that is Zawinul-inspired, sometimes a feeling or impression is all you really
need. Those experiences brought Paul to a very creative mindset: sound first,
category later. Although he has released several acoustic albums, this is the
first time he fully explores this somewhat uncharted territory, not as much as
a homage, but more as a genuine exploration.
It’s fascinating to hear someone release the assumptions of the acoustic
piano and embrace the limitless possibilities of the synthesizer. The record is
rich with colors: layered vocals, exotic timbres, field recordings, and electronic
textures that feel alive. This is exactly the kind of freedom and expression
these instruments were designed, but rarely get used for.
The fourteen pieces are recomposed improvisations that drift, evolve, and
reshape themselves. Highlights include the Moroccan-tinged 6/8 of “Ancient
Tech,” the tone-poem flow of “Unfolding,” fiery solos in “Footsteps in the
Temple,” trance-like textures in “Ghost,” and rare acoustic brilliance in “Bebop
Leftovers.”
The sheer keyboard creativity here might have been blurred in a full band
setting. Working (more or less) solo allows Paul to capture every nuance
exactly as he imagines it, and the album benefits from that clarity.
ZAWINULOLOGY doesn’t chase the surface of Zawinul’s style. It channels
the spirit behind it: originality, curiosity, and the courage to shape
improvisation into form. Paul speaks this language fluently, and here, he uses
it to say something entirely of his own.
LINER NOTES - Scott Kinsey