Record Reviews

OLES BROTHERS & JORGOS SKOLIAS ~ MAGGID FENOMMEDIA 013 (Barcode: 5907604327135) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the second album by the Polish trio comprising of brothers Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist, who plays bass and Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist, who plays drums, collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist, and vocalist Jorgos SkoliasFind albums by this artist. The trio is also referred to as SefardixFind albums by this artist, a name they adopted from the title of their debut album together, recorded four years earlier. The album continues to pay tribute to the Sephardic Jewish culture, by using several Ladino songs originating in the Judeo-Spanish tradition, but also using Greek, Balkan and other Mediterranean sources. All the songs were selected, arranged and transcribed for double bass by Marcin Oles, except for one song which was composed by him. All of the lyrics are traditional except for three cases where Skolias wrote Greek lyrics. Although the trio is seemingly limited to use just the rhythm section to accompany the vocals, in fact Marcin´s bass and Bartlomiej´s drums and percussion instruments create a full orchestral accompaniment, with both the bass and the drums also playing the melodic parts. Together with the vocals the full sound of the trio is incredibly expressive and lacks absolutely nothing. The virtuosic instrumental parts and the extraordinary vocals are completely unique and breathtaking. The music offers not only a respectful treatment of the tradition but also a very up to date arrangement and execution, creating a masterpiece of Jazz-World Fusion, with has very little competition. It is the instrumental minimalism and the vocal mannerism and theatrics which work together so well, creating this powerful result. Skolias is a completely one of its kind vocal artist, who feels perfectly at ease singing vocals or improvising vocalese, with his deep hoarse baritone, which is simply charming. There is nobody else on the Polish scene remotely close to Skolias and his great talent gets here a full exposure, like almost never before. The Oles Brothers refuse to stick to the role of Poland´s most formidable Jazz rhythm section and keep producing incredibly diverse music both individually and as a team. Sefardix, which is just one of their multifaceted activities, is certainly one of the most impressive. The long wait for this album certainly paid off in full. This is one of the most impressive Jazz-World Fusion albums ever recorded in Poland, which is known for the incredibly high level of musical output. This is a kind of album which should sell millions of copies all around the world, in an ideal world; alas we don´t live in an ideal world… An absolute must, don´t even dare to think twice!

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted: 10/03/2016

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