Record Reviews

GRAZYNA AUGUSCIK ~ 2 THE LIGHT GMA 1724-13 (Barcode: 642613632614) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2023 This is an album by Polish Jazz vocalist / songwriter Grazyna AuguscikFind albums by this artist, recorded during the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020, using remote recording techniques, with fourteen musicians recording in USA, Poland and Sweden. The album was put together by Swedish producer / bassist / keyboardist Stefan PetterssonFind albums by this artist. The Polish musicians, who took part in the recording, contributing (remotely) on different tracks, include violinist Mateusz SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, accordionist Jaroslaw BesterFind albums by this artist and bassist Krzysztof PabianFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine songs, all composed by Auguscik, with lyrics in English and Polish by different writers, including two with lyrics by Auguscik, three with lyrics by Sara WollanFind albums by this artist and one with lyrics co-written by them. The music is everything one might expect from Auguscik, a wonderful mixture of Jazz and Folkloristic themes, beautifully lyrical and often deeply melancholic. The rich, almost orchestral arrangements by Pettersson add depth and atmospheric splendor to the music, which expand the compositions to new, often unexpected musical spheres. The solos by the guest musicians are the proverbial cherries on top, adding yet another layer to the final result. The music is certainly on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, which should make this album accessible to a wide audience, but does not compromise any aesthetic values and stays sophisticated and creative. It seems that this album finds Auguscik healed and almost complete again, following the rocky events in her personal life, and ready to pick up her recording career at full blast. She certainly has a lot to share with her faithful followers and her position on the local Jazz scene is still unshaken. Although the Polish Jazz scene has a lot of new young female vocalists, it takes years of experience and practice to reach the level that Auguscik offers, so let’s rejoice and enjoy her offerings. Overall, this is a beautiful, elegant and moving collection of excellent songs and wonderful performances, which should find many music lovers around the world able to enjoy it in full. Auguscik is an experienced Artist and a seasoned songwriter, which is evident to anybody listening to this music, and she is splendidly supported by great gathering of international instrumentalists, which results in an unbeatable amalgamation of talent. Since these word are written on her Birthday, may I wish you a very Happy Birthday and many more years of creative activity, which is always a blessing!

Updated: 17/08/2023Posted: 17/08/2023

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