Record Reviews

MARIAN PAWLIK ~ OLD BASS LINE NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 5907222318409) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 This is the debut album as a leader by veteran Polish bassist / composer Marian PawlikFind albums by this artist, renowned as a member of the legendary Polish Jazz-Rock ensemble DzambleFind albums by this artist, which recorded just one cult album "Wolanie O Slonce Nad SwiatemFind albums with this title". This album, recorded in a quartet setting, finds Pawlik in the company of the young generation Polish Jazz players: pianist Kuba PluzekFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Bartlomiej NoszkaFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal HellerFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, five of which are originals: two by Pawlik and three by Pluzek and four are by celebrated Jazz bassists: two by Paul ChambersFind albums by this artist and one each by Ron CarterFind albums by this artist and Oscar PettifordFind albums by this artist. The music was excellently recorded and the up-front bass presence is a delight to the many enthusiast of the instrument. As the album´s title suggests, it is primarily a tribute to the double bass, its heroes and history, and as a result the music is mostly within the boundaries of American Bebop tradition, albeit the majority of it was composed by the Polish members of the quartet. There is no doubt that the three compositions by Pluzek are the most interesting musical endeavors, even if they are still closely related to the Bebop spirit, as they offer typical twists and turns Pluzek often employs in his compositions, which make the cognoscenti smile. The music is executed perfectly, with a lot of soloing space offered to the leader, who obviously displays first-class technique and feel for the music. Noszka and Pluzek solo extensively as well, always according to what is expected in this kind of music. Heller keeps the time like clockwork and stays mostly in the shadows. Personally I find this kind of music uninteresting, but listeners who still listen to Bebop should be able to enjoy this music and since this is an opportunity to listen to a legendary musician still in great form, it is a source of joy.

Updated: 10/12/2018Posted: 10/12/2018

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