My evening program in Warsaw was the live open air gig of one of the noticeable American rising star pianist Emmet Cohen. Press both sides of Atlantic paid lot of attention to his just released album and I just wanted to use a chance to see him playing life.

August 9th open air gig was a part of traditional annual jazz festival in Warsaw Old Town, called Jazz na Starowce. Taking a place on main city's Old Town's square, it radiates very special atmosphere just because of the place.  

 

Weather was excellent for the open air gig, the square was almost full, with noticeable domination of veteran jazz fans, often looking a bit like they are young again. Still, it was nice to see lot of young faces too. 

 

Emmet played the night with very capable all-American trio with strong if a bit conservative drummer Kyle Poole and exceptional double bassist Philip Norris. The gig opened by two post-bop songs, played precisely, but a bit dry.  

 

As a result of clever programming for such sorts of gigs, the evening has been continued by long jazz-tango with impovs of each trio's member, very warmly accepted by listeners. Later musicians offered more versions of popular tunes, including songs of Billie Joel and Frank Sinatra. 

Not really a concert, advertising new Cohen's album, Warsaw Old Town gig was a great example how  high quality mainstream jazz can attract very wide listeners. Cohen playing was technically precise, often fast, partially a bit dry. For my ears, the real night hero was bassist Philip Norris. His extremely physical and groovy bass and inventive improvisations dominated on many songs' moments.

It was a great jazz night in a fantastic place