O.N.E.'s Well, actually... (Oct 3) blends modal jazz and free improv in a democratic, all-female quartet sound full of trust, unity, and creativity.
April Records presents Well, actually..., the third album from Polish acoustic jazz quartet O.N.E., releasing October 3, 2025. Known for their democratic, leaderless approach and deep group cohesion, the all-female ensemble blends modal jazz lyricism with the raw energy of free improvisation. The band's name carries a double meaning: in Polish, "one" (oh-neh) means "they" in the feminine plural; in English, it speaks to unity -- both reflecting their ethos of equality and shared creativity.
Nearly three years after their previous release Entoloma, the group -- pianist Kateryna Ziabliuk, saxophonist Monia Muc, bassist Kamila Drabek, and drummer Patrycja Wybrańczyk -- reconvened in December 2024 at Studio S4, Warsaw, to record ten new compositions. Each member contributes pieces, resulting in a record that is as diverse as it is cohesive. Even on moments of solo focus, the other three musicians are present in spirit, offering an invisible web of support.
Musically, the album traverses shifting emotional landscapes. Ziabliuk's percussive textures and dreamlike harmonies shine on Oslo and Berio, while Muc's alto and baritone sax deliver a warm, expressive voice. Drabek's bass is both lyrical and propulsive, anchoring the ensemble, and Wybrańczyk's drumming bursts with detail, especially on Cipher and the angular closer Sneaking Around.
Recorded in a climate of post-pandemic uncertainty, Well, actually... stands as a testament to artistic trust, long-term collaboration, and mutual respect. O.N.E.'s performances at festivals including Jazzahead, B-Jazz, Umeå, and Edinburgh have confirmed their place as one of Europe's most exciting, boundary-pushing jazz groups.
Track Listing
Robespierre? Berio Kaldur Vindur Cipher Well, actually [solo form] Oslo Fount Ry Sneaking Around
