Record Reviews

MARCELINA GAWRON ~ NOTES OF LIFE SJ 040 (Barcode: 5912596066733) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is the debut album as a leader by Polish Jazz vocalist / songwriter Marcelina GawronFind albums by this artist, recorded with an excellent quartet comprising of trumpeter Robert MajewskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Adam JarzmikFind albums by this artist, bassist Michal BaranskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Piotr BudniakFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original songs, all by Gawron, seven of which have lyrics in English and two in Polish. The music is all melodic mainstream Jazz, mostly melancholic and somewhat somber, mostly kept on the same emotional level, which makes the album a bit uniform. The English lyrics are not very helpful either. But all things considered, there is plenty of music herein that should keep vocal Jazz enthusiasts happy. The accompaniment is of course first class, with Majewski and Baranski representing the Polish Jazz veterans and Jarzmik (who was in charge of the arrangements) and Budniak proudly representing the new generation. Jarzmik´s wonderful flow and excellent soloing are the album´s highlight and Majewski´s solo parts add a nice topping. Gawron could hardly find a more able team to support her vocals than the one present here. The vocal parts, both lyrics and vocalese, are all well executed and combined with the quartet´s accompaniment, but they are a bit timid and lack strong emotional expression, which of course is a question of choice and a decision the vocalist obviously made. Overall this is a very accessible vocal Jazz album, which can be listened to by a wide and not necessarily strictly Jazz audience.

Updated: 22/05/2019Posted: 22/05/2019

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ADAM JARZMIK ~ EUPHORIA AUDIO CAVE 2017/004 (Barcode: 5905669566254) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the debut album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Adam JarzmikFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quintet setting with trumpeter Pawel PalcowskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Jakub LepaFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Piotr BudniakFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions by Jarzmik and one arrangement of a standard. The music is all within the mainstream Jazz idiom, with solid compositions and sleek execution, not very innovative but definitely worth hearing, especially in view of the age of the musicians involved. It is amazing how young Polish Jazz musicians are able to achieve a level of professionalism at an amazingly young age, which often takes musicians elsewhere twice the time. Jarzmik´s compositions are his true forte and their quality and imaginative themes are the focus of this album. Although they are mostly rather atypical as far as the Polish Jazz scene is concerned, being more inclined towards the American Jazz tradition with the post Bebop dominance, they are still interesting enough to save the day. The lyrical ballads, like the title track, are more characteristic of Polish Jazz, and are the best pieces on the album by far. Overall this is a very presentable debut album, which shows a lot of potential both as far as the leader / composer is concerned and as far as the musicians in the quintet, some of which already have a recording history, especially the drummer, are concerned. For many musicians some decades ago, albums like this one were the pinnacle of their career, and since this is after all a debut, it definitely shows the level of extraordinary musicianship these young people already posses at their early age. These musicians are definitely worth listening to and watching for their future achievements, which are sure to be even more accomplished.

Updated: 25/05/2017Posted: 25/05/2017

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ADAM JARZMIK ~ LIVE AT RADIO KATOWICE PRK 0135 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is the second album by young Polish Jazz pianist / composer Adam JarzmikFind albums by this artist, recorded with the same quintet as his debut album released just a few months earlier, this time recorded "live in the studio". The quintet includes trumpeter Pawel PalcowskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Jakub LepaFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Piotr BudniakFind albums by this artist. Guitarist Jakub MizerackiFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album presents five original compositions, all by Jarzmik, all different from the compositions featured on the debut album, which proves that Jarzmik is a very prolific composer. Considering the rather short playing time of the album (about thirty five minutes) this is rather an EP than a full album. The music is kept within the contemporary mainstream Jazz, but the compositions on this album are more ambitious and focused than those on the debut, which means that the music flows flawlessly from one track to another, serving as a vehicle for the individual improvised parts. The ensemble sound is very well defined and kept in check, with the saxophone and trumpet stating the melodic themes unisono, before the music is "released" to the soloists to state their parts. The individual performances are all perfectly executed, considering the fact that this is a live recording and the young age of the musicians involved, and are a faithful testimony of the overall high level of the young Polish Jazz musicians. The track which features the guitar takes off in a slightly different direction, emphasizing the Fusion approach, which might be interesting for future ventures by Jarzmik. Overall a solid effort, with great music and excellent playing, which should keep most mainstream Jazz fans happy. The album offers nothing groundbreaking or extraordinary, but is definitely worth checking out.

Updated: 19/09/2017Posted: 19/09/2017

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ADAM JARZMIK ~ ON THE WAY HOME AUDIO CAVE 2019/005 (Barcode: 5905669566742) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is the third album by young Polish Jazz pianist / composer Adam JarzmikFind albums by this artist recorded with the same quintet that accompanied him on the two previous albums: saxophonist Jakub LepaFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Pawel PalcowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Piotr BudniakFind albums by this artist, but expanded to a sextet by the presence of the American guitarist Mike MorenoFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, all by Jarzmik. The music was recorded at the Monochrome Studio by Ignacy GruszeckiFind albums by this artist, and offers the expected excellent sound quality. The music is again kept strictly within the mainstream Jazz idiom and although the compositions are solid and well developed, they seem to be stuck in the same mold that created the two earlier recordings. Usually by the third album young Polish Jazz composers come up with a more open formula, which allows them to spread their wings and move into new territory, but this does not happen on this album. This does not mean that the music is not valuable, but it does not fulfill the high hopes that were expected. Of course the musicians involved are all highly professional players, with slick licks and polished technique, and the music is definitely very well performed, but remains somewhat mechanical and lackluster. Moreno, albeit his experience and reputation adds very little, if anything at all to the album´s contents, and the music would have sounded about the same without him. Overall this is a relatively less successful effort by Jarzmik and his excellent team, definitely not up to par with his earlier work, but still offering highly professional original mainstream Jazz. Better luck next time I hope ;)

Updated: 14/04/2019Posted: 14/04/2019

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PAWEL KAMINSKI ~ LET`S DO IT SJ 041 (Barcode: 5912596066740) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2019 This is a debut album by young Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer Pawel KaminskiFind albums by this artist recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Adam JarzmikFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Jedrzej LaciakFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal DziewinskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which are original compositions by Kaminski and one is a standard. The music is all within modern Jazz mainstream, strictly melody based but diverse enough to present the proficiency of the leader as a composer and the band as a performing init. Overall the original compositions are all coherent and well rounded, and sound much more mature than what one might expect from such a young composer. The performances are also excellent, especially those by Jarzmik, who is clearly the most experienced player on this album and who also has previous recording experience. His soli are all perfectly fluent and are classic examples of Jazz piano at its best. Kaminski also plays very well, with a steady and clear tone and interesting soloing abilities. The rhythm section is amicable and sympathetic, doest not stand in the way of the music and is also given opportunity to solo occasionally. Although the presence of a bass guitar usual pushes the music towards Fusion, both stylistically and sound-wise, it is not the case here. There is some more fusion oriented music here, but its character is defined by the usage of electric piano rather than the bass, which stays conventionally Jazz oriented. Overall this is an excellent debut effort, which as usual on the Polish Jazz scene surprises with its high standard of compositions and the ability of the players, who sound as if they have been playing Jazz for decades. The youthfulness and energy are well tamed by restrain and self discipline, resulting in a tasteful showcase of young Polish Jazz at its best. Well done indeed!

Updated: 21/05/2019Posted: 21/05/2019

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SZYMON KLEKOWICKI ~ A DAY IN THE BUS AUDIO CAVE 2019/001 (Barcode: 5905669566698) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz trombonist / flugelhornist Szymon KlekowickiFind albums by this artist, recorded in a sextet setting with saxophonist Jakub LepaFind albums by this artist and Marcin DabrowskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Adam JarzmikFind albums by this artist, bassist Tymon TrabczynskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal DziewinskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, five by Klekowicki and two by Jarzmik. The music is conventional melody based contemporary European Jazz, with solid compositions and arrangements, which create ideal opportunities for the members of the sextet to show their chops. The two compositions by Jarzmik are more rounded and mature, similarly to his excellent work presented on his two earlier album releases. Klekowicki´s music is somewhat Bebop oriented, but by no means outdated and full of great ideas. All the compositions are coherent and interesting, creating a wonderful musical flow that seems to be over way too soon, leaving the listener wishing for more. The level of execution is of course nothing short of excellent all the way through and these "youngsters" sound like Jazz veterans, which never ceases to amaze. The saxophone unisono parts are a neat and effective arrangement trick, which produces a "big" sound of the entire sextet and wonderful harmonic "colorization". Klekowicki seems to be proficient both on trombone and flugelhorn, thus adding sonoric diversity to the entire album. Jarzmik is of course also a terrific piano player and his superb melodic phrases ale balsam on the ears. The rhythm section plays exactly what is expected of them, keeping strict time and not being obtrusive, which is what this music needs the most, being already dense enough, but they get an opportunity to shine as well. Overall this is a first class debut effort, which gives Klekowicki a solid head start of his career. He joins the ranks of the young generation of European Jazz musicians, who proudly keep the idiom alive and kicking, making us, the elders, smile with hope that not all is lost. Albums like that one are heartwarming and obviously highly recommended. Already waiting for the next one!

Updated: 21/02/2019Posted: 21/02/2019

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MICHALSKA / JARZMIK QUINTET ~ MONIUSZKO: PRAGNIENIA I ROZTERKI MUSIC ART FUN (Barcode: 5907745979309) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019 This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz quintet co-led by vocalist Patrycja MichalskaFind albums by this artist and pianist Adam JarzmikFind albums by this artist, which also includes saxophonist Jakub LepaFind albums by this artist, bassist Mateusz SzewczykFind albums by this artist and drummer Stefan RaczkowskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven Jazz arrangements by Jarzmik of songs from the "Home Songs" collections composed by Polish Classical composer Stanislaw MoniuszkoFind albums by this artist, with texts by different Polish poets. Moniuszko published twelve volumes of "Home Songs", which contained altogether 268 songs, meant to be sung by people at home, rather that be used for performances in concert halls. They include some of Moniuszko´s most beautiful melodies and are full of the typical Polish melancholy and lyricism. The album was recorded at the excellent Monochrom Studio and engineered by Ignacy GruszeckiFind albums by this artist with the usual excellent sound quality. 2019 is Moniuszko´s birth bicentenary, which resulted in quite a few new recordings of his music, but this album is certainly one of the most successful modern interpretations of his music, full of respect and deep understanding of his credo, especially the lyrical streak, which was superbly captured by Jarzmik´s arrangements and the delicacy of Michalska´s vocal delivery. The music is splendidly executed, as expected. Jarzmik is an excellent pianist, with an established reputation and his playing is always a source of great pleasure. Lepa, who played with Jarzmik on all of his albums so far, is perfect for the job, adding ably to the ensemble sound. The rhythm section, although very young, does exactly what is expected, with precision and taste. Michalska delivers the lyrics with sensitivity and respect, avoiding unnecessary theatrics, which could have spoiled the desired result. Overall this is an intelligent, very well played piece of music, which treats the legacy of Moniuszko´s music with respect and love, adding a contemporary point of view, which might be instrumental in bringing this music to younger generations of listeners. A splendid debut effort by all means – well done!

Updated: 08/06/2020Posted: 17/09/2019

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MARTYNA SABAK ~ BYLAM JESTEM BEDE NOT ON LANEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is the debut solo album by Polish vocalist / songwriter Martyna SabakFind albums by this artist recorded with a quintet of young but experienced Polish Jazz musicians: pianist Adam JarzmikFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Ignacy WendtFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Jakub LepaFind albums by this artist, bassist Tymon TrabczynskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Piotr BudniakFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten songs, all co-composed by Sabak and Jarzmik, with lyrics by Sabak, three of which are in English and the rest in Polish. The music is an amalgam of quality Pop, Soul and mainstream Jazz genres, excellently arranged for the accompanying quintet and a great fun to listen to from start to finish. Although definitely on the lighter side of the Jazz idiom, it is well put together and offers a pleasant musical experience. Sabak has an expressive, soul oriented vocal technique, which fits the material perfectly. The arrangements and the accompanying musicians set the songs into an attractive framework, which can be enjoyed by a wide audience. I am not a great fan of Polish vocalists singing in English, but since the majority of the songs are in Polish, this is not a major hurdle. My advice is to avoid this in the future. Overall, this is a very nice debut effort, which offers great contributions both in the vocals and songwriting departments, showing a lot of potential. Sabak needs to find her personal style, which will be more stylistically refined than what she presents here, but she is surely on the right path. All the best with your future projects, young Lady!

Updated: 14/12/2023Posted: 14/12/2023

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