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 to access audio and video on collective you need real player.Ninja Tune’s Skalpel bring Polish jazz to the world. “You have an idea of sounds in your mind, and then you must find them for it to be a real record,” explains Igor Pudlo. “So sometimes we are looking for a sample for a very long time. It took us over three years to make this LP.” The LP in question is Polish DJ duo Skalpel’s debut album and it’s well worth Igor and his partner Marcin Cichy’s dedication.“It’s a mixture of breaks and ambient sounds, and a hip-hop way of producing it,” says Marcin, simply summing up their sound. “Yes. I am agreeing. Perfect,” nods Igor. “We were thinking about doing something original and we decided that the Polish jazz is something we could give to the rest of the world.” The LP, a smoky cut’n’paste tribute to Poland’s jazz scene of the 60s and 70s, is released on Ninja Tune, fitting snugly alongside the likes of The Cinematic Orchestra, Homelife and Mr Scruff. The pair are overjoyed to be on the label and are particularly proud of their Ninja email address. “Ninja Tune we always listened to and respected,” says Marcin. “When we were sending demos to different record labels we kept getting the response that we sounded very Ninja Tune.”  “In fact, doing it for Ninja is the only way to exist,” Marcin continues. “I think if we released our music in Poland, it would be lost. There is no promotion, no press, no nothing.” As always, Igor agrees: “We are very lucky that we have a record label like Ninja Tune to introduce us to the rest of the world.” Marcin adds that the underground scene in Poland is very small: “When I think about good music in my city I can count it on three fingers.” The record is obviously a labour of love, each sample delicately crafted, giving it a real warmth and human touch. But rather than endlessly searching for suitable samples, have the pair ever considered using live musicians? “What for? Are our records not good enough for you?” protests Igor with a grin. Marcin explains: “Our way of making music is sampling. We are not saying we will never work with musicians but for now we have a lot to say though samples.” Igor: “We are thinking in the future that we will play live with musicians.” Martin: “Rather than composing and recording with them. This is what we developed. We focus on samples, so we try and push it as far as we can.” Like the two personalities that make it, their music is made of two elements that are different but work extraordinarily well together. There is the dark and brooding, serious jazz lover, and the cheeky DJ who loves to see people hit the dancefloor. Both are Marcin and Igor. “It’s like real life,” says Marcin. “It gives you pleasure to see people dancing to your track, but it’s nice to sit at home to listen to atmospheric tracks as well.” Particularly if they’re this good.
Matt Walton
Skalpel – Skalpel, released 19 April 04 on Ninja Tune. The single, 1958, is out now.
skalpel’s essential polish jazz Krzysztof Komeda – Astigmatic (Power Bros)Tomasz Stanko - Litania (ECM) Novi Singers - Novi In Wonderland Novi Singers - Vocal Jazz From Poland (Compost) Big Band Katowice skalpel remix competition Ninja Tune are giving you a chance to remix the Skalpel track, Break In. The winner gets a trip to Warsaw, for them and a friend, to attend the launch party of the Skalpel album on 15 May 04. The winning entry may also appear as a forthcoming Skalpel B-side.For more information and to download Break In parts, visit:www.ninjatune.net/skalpel  conversations
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