Record Reviews

ALEX BAND ~ THE ECCENTRIC GAD 015 (Barcode: 5901549197174) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1980 - 1981 Released: 2014 This is a reissue of the second album by the Polish Big Band ensemble Alex BandFind albums by this artist, which was one of very few bands active in Eastern Europe playing instrumental Brass Rock and mixing Jazz-Rock Fusion, Funk and Soul. The band was founded and led by Aleksander MaliszewskiFind albums by this artist and on this album included a nine-piece brass section and a seven-piece rhythm section, with three keyboardists, i.e. a seventeen-piece (including the leader) band – definitely a unique lineup, especially so in Poland which at the time was still very much behind the Iron Curtain. The music was produced at two recording sessions, held six months apart, and released by the Polish Jazz Society´s record label HeliconFind albums on this label in late October 1981 just in time for the annual Jazz Jamboree Festival. Of course shortly thereafter the Martial Law was declared in Poland and all things cultural were washed down the drain into the Vistula River. The album included six original compositions, all by the band members, and for this reissue was expanded by three bonus tracks, all of which are studio outtakes from the album´s sessions. The music is beautifully performed and recorded, with a very unique sound and ambience, which sets it apart from almost anything else recorded at the time in Eastern Europe. On this album the brass parts are more extensive than on the debut album and feature intricate arrangements, similar to the arrangements of modern American Big Bands active at the time. In retrospect this music still sounds fresh and vital, as it was at the time of the recording. Considering the very high level of the compositions and a marvelous execution, there is no way this music will be ever outdated. Reissuing this jewel is another credit to the GADFind albums on this label Records label, which time after time manages to uncover yet another glorious glimpse of the past that in most cases was completely forgotten till now. The music on this album is a first-class example of skillful arrangements and brilliant recording, which should be studied by today´s music students. Of course this is also a historic document of utmost importance and an integral part of the long and winding road that Polish Jazz travelled on over the years. Keeping this music available should be supported by the Polish State, since it has a whole Ministry (of Culture and National Heritage) to do so, sadly very little is done on that level and it is, as always, up to private parties, like Michal WilczynskiFind albums by this artist, the man behind the GAD Records, to do the work of love which keeps Polish Culture alive and remembered. Thank you!

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ALEX BAND ~ ZDERZENIE MYSLI GAD 014 (Barcode: 5901549197167) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1979 Released: 2014 This is a reissue of the debut album by the Polish Big Band ensemble Alex BandFind albums by this artist, which was one of very few bands playing instrumental Brass Rock and mixing Jazz-Rock Fusion, Funk and Soul active in Eastern Europe. The band was founded and led by Aleksander MaliszewskiFind albums by this artist and included a seven-piece brass section and a seven-piece rhythm section, with three keyboardists, i.e. a fifteen-piece (including the leader) band – definitely a unique lineup, especially so in Poland which at the time was still very much behind the Iron Curtain. The album included eight original compositions, all by the band members, and for this reissue was expanded by three bonus tracks, one being a studio outtake from the album and two originating from a non-album single released by the band. The music is beautifully performed and recorded, with a very unique sound and ambience, which sets it apart from almost anything else recorded at the time. Concept and sound wise it is probably closest to the early Earth, Wind & FireFind albums by this artist, less the vocals of course. In retrospect this music still sounds fresh and vital, as it was at the time of the recording. Considering the very high level of the compositions and a marvelous execution, there is no way this music will be ever outdated. Reissuing this jewel is another credit to the GADFind albums on this label Records label, which time after time manages to uncover yet another glorious glimpse of the past that in most cases was completely forgotten till now. The music on this album is a first-class example of skillful arrangements and brilliant recording, which should be studied by today´s music students. Of course let´s not forget that this music was also meant to be fun, and fun it is indeed. It would sound great at any cool party and its quality puts easily to bed most of the terrible music made today and heard in public. If you can lay your hands on this gem, don´t hesitate even for a moment!

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SPISEK ~ SPISEK GAD 065 (Barcode: 5901549197884) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 1977 - 1978 Released: 2017 This is an archival release collecting previously unreleased radio recordings by the short lived Polish Funk / Jazz-Rock Fusion group SpisekFind albums by this artist, which consisted of saxophonist Stanislaw WinskiFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Leszek PaszkoFind albums by this artist and Andrzej DieringFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Janusz GoralskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jacek KrzaklewskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Mieczyslaw JureckiFind albums by this artist and drummer Leszek ChalimoniukFind albums by this artist. On three tracks they are fronted by the charismatic vocalist Krzysztof CugowskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, six of which were written by the group members (three each by Winski and Paszko) and three come from outside of the group. Spisek originated in the early 1970s as the Jazz-Rock Fusion group Spisek SzesciuFind albums by this artist (Complot Of SixFind albums by this artist) founded by Winski, and over the years it incorporated or contributed members to the leading Polish bands of the time, like Alex BandFind albums by this artist, PerfectFind albums by this artist, Budka SufleraFind albums by this artist and Porter BandFind albums by this artist. The group never recorded an album and these radio recordings are the only legacy they left. The music is a wonderful amalgam of Brass-Rock, Funk and Jazz-Rock Fusion, sparkling with superb musicianship and excellently crafted music. The brass section and the rhythm sections sound as good as any American or European groups at the time, and they present many unique Polish hooks. For Brass-Rock and Funky Jazz-Rock of the 1970s this album is an absolute revelation, which lost absolutely nothing of its power and ingenuity over the years. Considering that this music is available on record for the first time should make it very interesting to collectors worldwide! As usual our thanks go to the terrific team of GADFind albums on this label Records for making this music available, and liberating it from oblivion. Hats off!

Updated: 02/02/2018Posted: 01/02/2018

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WIESLAW WILCZKIEWICZ ~ FLY ENSEMBLE GAD 038 (Barcode: 5901549197488) ~ POLAND ~ Smooth Jazz Recorded: 1981 - 1983 Released: 2016 This album presents a collection of radio recordings by the Polish Jazz ensemble called Fly EnsembleFind albums by this artist, led by guitarist Wieslaw WilczkiewiczFind albums by this artist, who was a member in the legendary Alex BandFind albums by this artist. The ensemble also included several other ex-Alex Band members like keyboardist Marek WalarowskiFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Jerzy MuchaFind albums by this artist, and featured guest artists like violinists Krzesimir DebskiFind albums by this artist and Zbigniew WodeckiFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten instrumental pieces, five of which were composed by Wilczkiewicz, two by Walarowski, and one each by Mucha, Wodecki and American pianist Randy WestonFind albums by this artist. The music is a superb blend of Jazz / Groove / Funk, with excellent melodies and interesting arrangements, altogether perfectly executed. Although definitely on the easy side of the genre, it is fascinating and intelligent, and still sounds great over three decades later. The musicians involved in these recordings are all top professionals and manage to make the best of it. Although some people might consider this Smooth Jazz, it stands miles above what passes as Smooth Jazz these days and is infinitely more sophisticated. I had a great time listening to this music, in spite of its easy-going approach and perhaps even because of it. With music getting more and more convoluted over time, the simply stated but elegant phrases on this album are a truly relaxing and entertaining. Thanks to GADFind albums on this label Records for bringing this music back to circulation, as it fully deserves it.

Updated: 02/03/2016Posted: 02/03/2016

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