Review
Raphael Rogiński's "Plays John Coltrane and Langston Hughes" is a heartfelt nod to the brilliant legacies of its namesakes, spinning a rich tale of musical and poetic tribute. Originally recorded in 2015, this album demonstrates Rogiński's distinctive style, melding jazz, folk, and spiritual sounds in a soothing and reflective manner. With the reissue in 2024, Rogiński welcomes four new pieces to this treasure, inching closer to a profound portrayal of spiritual and artistic resonance.
What sets this album apart is not only Rogiński's delicate, dry-sounding guitar but also the seamless integration of Langston Hughes' evocative poetry, graced by Natalia Przybysz's expressive vocals. This fusion brings a unique dimension of social reflection, echoing the struggles and wishes deeply rooted in the times of Coltrane and Hughes. Here lies a reinterpretation suffused with Rogiński's personal encounters, such as moments where he played his gentle guitar for individuals who had faced their own profound journeys out of religious confines.
This new layer of the album, born from fresh recordings made in the recent summer, aims at painting ashore of hope amidst today’s chaos, capturing the blend of modernity's complexities and resilience. Among the well-sewn stories told here, Rogiński’s harmonious venture translates into meditative narratives that remind us of the therapeutic balm of artistic expression, wrapped in sonics that echo both history and the hopes for a brighter future. - Micah
