With “Reflections of Purple Sun,” the trailblazing Polish jazz collective EABS makes a triumphant return to their roots, delivering perhaps their most accomplished album to date. Fresh off the global success of their genre-bending collaboration with Jaubi, EABS turns their gaze homeward, breathing new life into trumpeter Tomasz Stańko’s obscure yet influential “Purple Sun” on its 50th anniversary.

Since their 2017 debut, “Repetitions,” honouring Krzysztof Komeda, EABS has established itself as a leading light in the Polish jazz scene. “Reflections of Purple Sun” reaffirms their deep connection to this rich musical heritage while showcasing the band’s evolution into a tightly knit, forward-thinking unit.

The album is a masterclass in rhythm, with the core quintet exploring a kaleidoscope of grooves, textures, and moods. Olaf Węgier’s tenor sax and bass clarinet dance nimbly over the elastic pulse laid down by bassist Paweł Stachowiak and drummer Marcin Rak, while Marek Pędziwiatr’s keys add splashes of cosmic colour. Jakub Kurek’s trumpet is the wild card, channelling Stańko’s questing spirit with a fiery intensity that captivates the listener.

Highlights abound, but the 10-minute “Flair” is a tour de force, building from a smouldering slow burn to an ecstatic peak. The title track is another standout, with the band painting a vivid sonic portrait of a fiery sunset, their interplay evoking the day’s last rays with aching beauty and precision.

“Reflections of Purple Sun” is a stunning achievement that pays homage to the past while boldly carving a path into the future. It’s a must-listen for any fan of adventurous, boundary-pushing jazz.