'Well, Actually...' marks the latest release from new April Records signees, O.N.E. A long-standing collective in their own right, the fresh-faced quartet also boast the distinction of 'Well, Actually...' serving as their third full-length album.
With previous releases 'ONE' (2019) and 'ENTOLOMA' (2022) available through Audio Cave, O.N.E. have presented themselves as strong advocates for innovative and progressive jazz. Their unique perspectives feature a healthy dose of improvisation as part of their make-up which again finds them perfectly snug amongst the class of their new April recording home.
Always one to feature inspired takes on European - typically Danish - jazz from the big band aesthetic of Fredrik Lundin & Odense Jazz Orchestra, the all-world encompassing sounds of Kalaha, the lush piano trios of Little North and Kosmos Trio or the neo-soul inspired sounds of Tigeroak. O.N.E.'s inclusion - wholly deserved - continues to add to April's burgeoning lineage of phenomenal music ensembles.
Comprised of pianist Kateryna Ziabliuk, saxophonist Monia Muc, double-bassist Kamila Drabek and drummer Patrycja Wybrańczyk, O.N.E. flourish on the notion of all band members serving on an equal footing. A concept reflected in their group's name, the Polish quartet create music hoping to extoll the virtues of unity and oneness in what we are all observing as increasingly divisive times.
Although as a quartet, they admirably serve to downplay any distinct prominence between members, it's hard not to harp on about each of the band member's individual accomplishments. Ziabliuk, Muc, Drabek and Wybrańczyk all boast mind-blowing resumes that showcase their highly-educated and highly decorated backgrounds and incredible achievements in music. With each having toured extensively across various bands and ensembles, made numerous festival appearances across Europe and beyond, having performed alongside revered names like Greg Osby and Natalia Kordiak, won a clutch of awards and distinctions, there's very little these immeasurably talented artists can't do which makes their ensemble pairing under the "O.N.E." banner all the more enthralling.
And theirs is an album that thrives from the foursome's charismatic and intrepid performances - from the personality-driven '[solo form]' to the playful and aptly-titled 'Sneaking Around' and the glorious frenetic energy of the album's title track, 'Well, Actually...' makes a definitive statement about the boundless imagination on display here.
'Well, Actually...' will serve as a fantastic continuation of O.N.E.'s story for some and a fresh introduction for others. Their third outing delivers as a fascinating and philosophical protest against division; an album that up-ends ideals of conformity, beginning its counter argument towards preconceived notions with the quiet challenge: "well, actually..."
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