Album Review: Balboo by Piotr Żaczek – Jazz That Sneaks Up on You
Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re into jazz but tired of hearing the same old “smooth” or “soulful” clichés, Piotr Żaczek’s Balboo (released in 2009 under Poland’s ReConsulting label) might just be your new favorite thing. This album doesn’t scream for attention—it whispers, nudges, and occasionally shoves you with its quirky charm. And trust me, it’s all the better for it.
First up, let’s talk about Sorbet Z Dzika. Yeah, I know, the title sounds like some exotic dessert you’d order at a fancy Polish café. But this track? It’s more like an unexpected guest at a dinner party—awkward at first, then absolutely unforgettable. The saxophone solo is so smooth it feels like butter melting over hot pancakes, while the bassline does this funky little shimmy that makes you want to tap your feet even if you’re sitting down. By the time it ends, you’re left wondering how something so chill can also feel so alive.
Then there’s NYC Intro. Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m not usually one for intros because they often feel like filler material. But Żaczek turns this short piece into a moody love letter to New York City. It’s sparse, almost haunting, with keys that tiptoe around like someone trying not to wake their roommate. And yet, it sets the stage perfectly for what comes next (NYC, naturally). Listening to it feels like standing on a rooftop at dawn, watching the city slowly come to life. Cheesy? Maybe. True? Absolutely.
The rest of the tracks are solid, too—like Dambi Balboo, which sounds like a caffeinated squirrel running through a jazz club, or Create, where the rhythm section goes full-on mad scientist. But honestly, the beauty of Balboo lies in its unpredictability. Just when you think you’ve got Żaczek figured out, he throws a curveball that keeps you hooked.
So here’s the kicker: listening to Balboo feels less like hearing an album and more like eavesdropping on a really great conversation. One minute it’s playful, the next it’s introspective, and somehow it never gets boring. Oh, and fun fact—if you ever meet Piotr Żaczek, ask him about Romek. No idea who Romek is, but the track named after him slaps harder than most people’s entire discographies.
In conclusion, Balboo isn’t gonna change your life or anything dramatic like that. But it will remind you why jazz is still cool as heck—a genre that lets musicians mess around without taking themselves too seriously. So grab a cup of coffee, put this album on, and enjoy the ride. Or don’t. Either way, you’ll probably end up humming Sorbet Z Dzika later tonight.
