Hania Derej: ‘Don’t Look Behind Always Forward’

I met inspirational composer and pianist Hania Derej while at Jazzahead! earlier in 2026. Now she has released her new album ,‘Don’t Look Behind Always Forward’, featuring her trio and special guests.

Alongside Hania on various keyboards is Mateusz Szewczyk (bass guitar, double bass) and Gniewomir Tomczyk (drums), with contributions from Krzysztof Kusmierek, Walter Smith III and  Abel Sanchez Abarca (sax). Together, they produce an album that embraces electronica and elements of chamber music.

The extensive opening track - Always Forward  takes the trio through electronics into a vibe that includes string sounds alongside Hania’s piano that evokes something of chamber music. Electronic sounds combine with the percussion and bass to create an inescapable groove.

This is a fascinating album that plays with the listener’s expectations. Big chords on the opening of Hope create a landscape that the trio wanders around in, with improvisation and a groove that takes us with them every step of the way.

Special guest Walter Smith III appears with verve on The Closer The Further, bringing some of the vivacity of playing we heard earlier in 2026 on his own album Twio Vol II. Later, we have Abel Sanchez Abarca featured on Life Upside Down before the sax role is passed to Krzysztof Kusmierek on Rush and Don’t Look Behind.

Now the trio is out promoting the album around the world, so catch Don’t Look Behind Always Forward wherever you can.

Find Hania Derej’s impressive range of music on Bandcamp