'Don't Look Behind, Always Forward!' by Hania Derej Trio

'Don't Look Behind, Always Forward!'

It's certainly a fitting mantra for an artist who won't even consider the idea of slowing down.  Not far away from turning 22 years old, Hania Derej boasts the enviable distinction of already being regarded as a fully realised artist in her own right.

As a pianist and composer, Derej has become well-versed within a variety of different musical styles and genres notching up acclaim within the sonic realms of contemporary jazz, as a conductor for the National Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra along with work alongside other notable orchestras in Poland, Czech Republic and Ukraine, and as a producer of more diverse electronic soundscapes.

A prolific writer and live performer, Derej's singular-minded approach to music-making is surely at inspirational heights with all of the vast achievements and successes of her career somewhat eerily fitting into place like a long gestating plan.

Derej's boundless achievements however almost seem born of passion and less so ambition.  The desire to create, to perform... to continually move forward suggests an artist with a joyous naivety who takes a "No" as a spirited challenge and a reason to persevere.

Past releases available on Bandcamp are demonstrative of the Polish visionary's wide scope of influences - from the riveting live release from 2025's Pol'and'Rock Festival, the rich and organic textures of 'Evacuation' by the Hania Derej Quintet, the neo-classical offering of 'The Endless Moment' or the solo piano release of 'Searching for Self'.  Consistently presenting her remarkable talents while eagerly reinventing herself with each go-round.

'Over the World We Know' (2025) finds Derej in an electronic state of mind presenting expansive sonic landscapes that mark a significant departure from her works to date.  Derej's brilliance rests in, not just her ability to veer off and tackle a variety of projects under different guises, but within her ability to eloquently fuse everything together to create an exquisite cohesion of contrasting sounds and styles that mesh beautifully together.

Which brings us to the latest project from the Hania Derej Trio, 'Don’t Look Behind, Always Forward!', released through ZenneZ Records.  Backed by Mateusz Szewczyk on bass and Gniewomir Tomczyk on drums, with additional support from saxophonist Krzysztof Kusmierek, this is very possibly the project that will serve as her masterpiece.

The near ten-minute 'Always Forward' marks the perfect embodiment of so many of Derej's ideals as the trio revel within the track's vast yet intricate open spaces.  Across the album's nine tracks, we're treated to songs that effortlessly exude charisma and personality, each one revealing another facet of an artist seemingly incapable of standing still.

And perhaps that is ultimately the greatest strength of 'Don't Look Behind, Always Forward!'.  It feels less like a destination than another milestone in Derej's remarkable journey — an album that embraces curiosity, celebrates movement and refuses to look back.