Record Reviews
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  | PIOTR DOMAGALA ~ PNACZA
KAAN 003 (Barcode: 5908259907031) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013
This is the third album by Polish guitarist / composer Piotr DomagalaFind albums by this artist, recorded in an intimate trio format with trumpeter / flautist Adam KawonczykFind albums by this artist and percussionist Slawomir BernyFind albums by this artist. The same lineup recorded also Domagala´s previous album called "Slavonic TalesFind albums with this title". The album presents nine original compositions, all by Domagala.
The music is a wide amalgam of influences, including World Music form Far and Near East and Domagala´s domestic Polish Folklore, obviously Jazz but also some Classical Music hints, in short a cross-genre offering, which sounds absolutely brilliant from start to finish. The music is serene and relaxed, based on exquisite melodies, which serve as a basis for extensive improvisations and elaborate expansions. Even the up-tempo numbers sound perfectly peaceful and focused.
The guitar is of course at the center of the listener´s attention, often multi-tracked to achieve a richer and more spacey sound, but the trumpet / flute and the superb percussion work all add up to make this album an unforgettable experience. In addition the music is beautifully recorded, with excellent detail and separation, which allows every singe note and tone to be perfectly audible.
Domagala´s guitar playing is nothing short of virtuosic and his technique allows him to express the depth of his aesthetics and the beauty of his compositions. When talent, experience and dedication come together, like on this album, the result is simply overwhelming and the minimalism of this music works in its favor, creating a superb result in which every single note counts.
Overall this is an album of rare beauty, which every guitar connoisseur on this planet should absolutely fall in love with. Although recorded a few years before it arrived on my desk (courtesy of the creator) it is definitely way too good to be ignored and I hope some people will discover this gem now; better late than never. An absolute must!
| | Updated: 10/06/2017Posted: 10/06/2017 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | EXTRA BALL ~ AKUMULA-TORRES
POLJAZZ / ANEX 215 (Barcode: 5907513047445) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1983 Released: 2006
Polish Jazz-Rock Fusion band Extra BallFind albums by this artist was the best and most dominant ensemble on the local scene in the late 1970s. Founded by the best young Polish Jazz musicians at the time, members of the second generation of the country´s splendid tradition, they displayed an amazing level of individual talents both as players and composers. Led by guitarist Jaroslaw SmietanaFind albums by this artist, the initial incarnation of the band also included saxophonist Andrzej OlejniczakFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist. Although the band practically ceased to perform and record by the end of the 1970s, Smietana organized an ad-hoc lineup for the recording of this, the last album by the legendary band, recorded live at the Warsaw Aquarium Jazz club. The lineup includes trumpeter Adam KawonczykFind albums by this artist and bassist Antoni DebskiFind albums by this artist from the last active incarnation of the band, with drummer Jacek PelcFind albums by this artist and Cuban percussionist Jose TorresFind albums by this artist, who lives in Poland. Saxophonist Henry MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist and conga player Adam KawonczykFind albums by this artist guest on the album. Stylistically this album marks a more percussive approach to music mixed with traditional Jazz elements, but is excellent in every sense, as everything the band recorded. An absolute must!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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