Self-portraits: Live Impressions (Soliton), the collaborative album by Paweł Biliński and Krzysztof Maciejowski, has received a highly acclaimed review on the prestigious Era Jazzu platform in TOP albums category. What makes this recognition particularly significant is the author of the review: Dionizy Piątkowski, one of Poland’s most respected jazz critics, journalists, and cultural promoters, whose voice has shaped the perception of jazz and improvised music for generations.
In his review, Piątkowski emphasizes the duo’s artistic courage and their exceptional ability to create a compelling musical narrative entirely through spontaneous interaction. He points to the album’s unique character, transcending conventional genre boundaries and drawing from jazz, contemporary classical music, cinematic expression, and free improvisation. Rather than following established formulas, Self-portraits is presented as an original artistic statement—an intimate conversation between two musicians listening deeply to one another and allowing the music to unfold organically.
The review also highlights the authenticity of the recording process itself. Captured live without predetermined structures, the album documents a rare creative encounter between Paweł Biliński’s piano and Krzysztof Maciejowski’s five-string electric violin. According to Piątkowski, the strength of the project lies in its honesty, emotional depth, and the trust that enables both artists to transform spontaneous ideas into a coherent and evocative musical journey.
Being featured so prominently on Era Jazzu and receiving such enthusiastic praise from Dionizy Piątkowski represents a major distinction for both artists. Within the Polish jazz community, Piątkowski’s recommendations carry exceptional weight, reflecting decades of engagement with the most important developments in the genre. His recognition of Self-portraits serves not only as a celebration of the album itself but also as confirmation of its place among the most compelling contemporary improvised music projects emerging today.
About Dionizy Piątkowski
Dionizy Piątkowski is one of Poland’s most influential jazz journalists, critics, producers, and cultural promoters. He is the founder and artistic director of the renowned Era Jazzu concert series, which for decades has presented many of the world’s leading jazz artists to Polish audiences. As an author, broadcaster, and curator, he has played a pivotal role in documenting and promoting jazz culture in Poland. His reviews and artistic recommendations are widely regarded as among the most authoritative voices in the Polish jazz community.
EP album is available on all streaming platforms including Dolby Atmos mix and at Bandcamp in CD/digital format. Available soon in EMPik and Soliton online stores as well.