Record Reviews
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  | 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!
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  | EXTRA BALL ~ AQUARIUM LIVE NO.3
POLJAZZ / ANEX 305 (Barcode: 5907513047605) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2009
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, keyboardist Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist, bassist Jan CichyFind albums by this artist and drummer Benedykt RadeckiFind albums by this artist. These live performances are the last recording by the original lineup, except for drummer Marek StachFind albums by this artist, who replaced Radecki. Recorded live at the Warsaw Aquarium Jazz club, this is an amazing performance with a band at their highest peak, but torn internally as to the musical direction, which led to their demise soon after, with Sendecki and Olejniczak forming Sun ShipFind albums by this artist. The inclusion of two Jazz standards clearly points out the tendency of some band members to return to the more traditional Jazz forms rather that continue the Fusion path. Smietana´s superb guitar licks will amaze every Fusion fan, who was never exposed to his performances and Sendecki´s keyboard wizardry is simply astounding. This is an excellent album, which all Fusion lovers on this planet should be proud to have in their collections. An absolute must!
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  | EXTRA BALL ~ BIRTHDAY (POLISH JAZZ VOL.48)
POLSKIE RADIO 0545 (Barcode: 5901448115453) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2005
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, keyboardist Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist, bassist Jan CichyFind albums by this artist and drummer Benedykt RadeckiFind albums by this artist. Smietana and Sendecki wrote the material for this, their debut album, which is truly outstanding in every sense. The melodies are complex and well developed, covering a wide range of cultural influences, both from the Jazz tradition and from other sources like folklore and European Classical music and Rock. The level of musicianship is amazingly high, definitely well beyond what one might expect from people in their twenties. Smietana´s superb guitar licks will amaze every Fusion fan, who was never exposed to his performances and Sendecki´s keyboard wizardry is simply astounding. This is an excellent album, which all Fusion lovers on this planet should be proud to have in their collections. An absolute must!
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  | ZBIGNIEW LEWANDOWSKI ~ ZBIGNIEW LEWANDOWSKI
GAD 121 (Barcode: 5903068120770) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1983 Released: 2020
This is a reissue of the debut album by Polish Jazz drummer / composer / bandleader Zbigniew LewandowskiFind albums by this artist, originally released on the legendary PoljazzFind albums on this label label. The music was recorded in 1983 during two sessions separated by several months, with two lineups. The first lineup was a quintet which included alongside Lewandowski also iconic trumpeter Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Piotr BaronFind albums by this artist, guitarist Pawel ScieranskiFind albums by this artist and bass guitarist Krzysztof ScieranskiFind albums by this artist. The second lineup was extended to an octet and included also saxophonist Andrzej OlejniczakFind albums by this artist, second bass guitarist Mieczyslaw JureckiFind albums by this artist and percussionist Jose TorresFind albums by this artist. The original LP presented six tracks but this remastered edition was expanded by two additional tracks from the first session, previously unissued. All the compositions were by the musicians participating in the recording except for one standard.
The music, influenced by the revolutionary work of Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, has a distinct Fusion tinge, but is very far from an attempt to copy the great Master. Przybielski, aged thirty-nine at the time of the recording, was already Poland´s most idiosyncratic Jazz musician and trumpet Genius. He displays the full range of his abilities, and the fact that the music is Fusion oriented, offers a rare opportunity to hear him in that specific idiom, rather than within his "usual" Avant-Garde environment. His performances on this album are amongst the most extensive documents of his playing, including his weird sense of humor. In retrospect this album emphasizes the devastating loss Polish Jazz suffered with his untimely death in 2011. I had the immense luck and pleasure to produce the album "The Book Of JobFind albums with this title", just a couple of years after this recording was made, which also featured Przybielski at his absolute best.
Baron, only twenty-two years old at the time, also contributes wonderfully to the album´s overall ambience, offering his compositions, most of the arrangements and excellent soloing. The rest of the players were already more experienced and their professionalism and obvious talents are clearly evident in the resulting music.
Overall this is a momentous recording, perhaps one of the most important Polish Jazz albums from the 1980s, and beyond. Polish Jazz / Fusion fans should be grateful to GADFind albums on this label Records for resurrecting this gem and saving it from oblivion. Brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 23/09/2020Posted: 23/09/2020 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | OLEJNICZAK / SENDECKI EUROPEAN QUARTET ~ BIRTHDAY LIVE #2
BLUE NOTE ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013
This is a live recording at the Blue Note Poznan Jazz club, celebrating the club´s fourteenth Anniversary, by a wonderful quartet led by two extraordinary Polish Jazz heroes: saxophonist Andrzej OlejniczakFind albums by this artist and pianist Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist, with French bassist Laurent VernereyFind albums by this artist and British drummer Mark MondesirFind albums by this artist. Olejniczak and Sendecki share some of the glory days of the Polish Jazz in the 1970s, when they were both members of the legendary Extra BallFind albums by this artist ensemble and founders of the no less legendary Sun ShipFind albums by this artist ensemble. Both living now outside of Poland (Olejniczak in Spain and Sendecki in Germany) they are still an integral part of the Polish Jazz phenomenon, as this album proves beyond any doubt. The album includes seven pieces, two each by Olejniczak, Sendecki and Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist and the remaining one being a folk tune arranged by Sendecki.
The members of this quartet are some of the finest European Jazz musicians and the resulting album is simply exceptional in every respect. The music is all excellent from start to finish, modern full-fledged and highly spirited Jazz with numerous superb solo spots and an exceptional live ambience, which happens only rarely. It is obvious that everybody had a wonderful time and the musicians are simply giving everything they have, sharing, supporting and challenging each other constantly in perfect harmony and with telepathic thoughtfulness. Although the two soloists are naturally in the center of attention, one must immediately recognize the incredible role of the outstanding rhythm section, which stands shoulder to shoulder with the soloists at all times.
The saxophone and piano solos are all sensational and there is no exaggeration whatsoever in that statement. In many respects these performances are absolute classics, which should be taught at music schools as examples of what real Jazz is all about, especially European Jazz, as this is, again in many respects, a revelation of the European elegance and sophistication that makes all the difference. This music is completely devoid of ego trips and attempts to prove who can play faster or louder or prettier, it is simply a perfect teamwork, which is always the ground upon great Jazz music is firmly based.
The last tune on the album is dedicated to the memory of the great Polish Jazz bassist Zbigniew WegehauptFind albums by this artist, who was not only a friend of the Polish musicians but also a dear personal friend of mine and whose tragic and premature death left a scar in the hearts of all of us.
There is not much more that needs to be said here, except for Gracias, Danke, Merci, Thanks and of course Dziekuje to all the people involved for this heartbreakingly beautiful music.
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  | ANDRZEJ OLEJNICZAK ~ NEW SAX CONCERTOS
POLSKIE RADIO 1855-1856 (Barcode: 5907812248550) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014
This is a wonderful album by Polish (living in Spain) Jazz saxophonist Andrzej OlejniczakFind albums by this artist, who performs three "borderline" pieces bridging Jazz and Classical music, which feature the saxophone as the leading instrument. The album was recorded live with Olejniczak performing the music with the Polish Radio OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Krzesimir DebskiFind albums by this artist. Drummer Lukasz ZytaFind albums by this artist is featured as co-soloist on one track.
The first piece, entitled "Focus Suite", was written by American composer Eddie SauterFind albums by this artist specifically for saxophonist Stan GetzFind albums by this artist, who recorded the suite in 1961 on the album entitled "FocusFind albums with this title", which to this day remains as one of the most revered Jazz recordings of all times. The original recording features Getz supported by a Jazz piano trio (pianist Steve KuhnFind albums by this artist, bassist John NevesFind albums by this artist and drummer Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist) and a small string ensemble, with the music beautifully arranged by Sauter.
The second piece, entitled "Sax Concerto For Soprano Saxophone And Symphony Orchestra, was written by American composer Mark KussFind albums by this artist in 2006.
The third piece, entitled "Jazz Concerto For Saxophone And Orchestra", was written by Polish violinist / composer / conductor Krzesimir Debski in 2008. Debski and Olejniczak were both members of the legendary Polish Jazz ensemble String ConnectionFind albums by this artist, which was active in the 1980s. The concerto was written for Olejniczak and incorporates many of the themes that appeared on the albums String Connection recorded at the time and the solo saxophone parts are based on transcriptions of the violin solos played by Debski at the time. In many respects this concerto symbolizes the closing of a time loop bringing the two great musicians together again.
The music is excellently performed by Olejniczak, who has a beautiful tone and superb technique. Although most of the music here is composed, there are plenty of opportunities for Olejniczak to express his own improvised passages, making this entire performance a once in a lifetime event. The orchestra is also top notch, supporting the soloist with elegance and obvious sympathy.
Fans of Jazz-Classical fusion will find this music right up their alley, but listeners of both Classical Music and Jazz should find this music worth their attention, especially in view of its aesthetic merits. Warmly recommended!
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  | ANDRZEJ OLEJNICZAK / APERTUS STRING QUARTET ~ DIFFERENT CHOICE
QUADRANT 00022 (Barcode: 4040824081706) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010
Veteran Polish saxophonist Andrzej OlejniczakFind albums by this artist, who was a member of such legendary ensembles as Extra BallFind albums by this artist, Sun ShipFind albums by this artist and String ConnectionFind albums by this artist, left Poland in the mid 1980s and disappeared completely from the local scene for many years. He continued his career as a musician and educator in Spain, which is quite successful and fruitful. The idea to record an album featuring the saxophone playing with a string quartet and improvising to its accompaniment fascinated Olejniczak for many years and was finally realized in 2010, when this album was recorded in Poland with the Polish Apertus String QuartetFind albums by this artist. The music was mostly composed and arranged by the great Polish violinist / composer Krzesimir DebskiFind albums by this artist, the leader of String Connection, with Olejniczak contributing three compositions and two additional compositions being by other composers. The overall concept is to create a synthesis between Jazz and contemporary Classical music, with Olejniczak, who plays tenor and soprano saxophones, improvising at length over a pre-arranged background performed by the string quartet. This is definitely "serious" music, which has absolutely nothing to do with the popular sax & strings muzak, a music which requires attentive listening and quite an intellectual effort to follow. Olejniczak is a very experienced improviser and his tangled and convoluted solos are often challenging, and with the complex layers of the music played by the strings the total musical experience might easily prove a bit too much for a casual listener. Serious music connoisseurs however, should be able to enjoy this music profoundly. It does require several listening sessions, but the effort is definitely worth it. Such musical journeys are rare and Olejniczak (and Debski, who is definitely a major force behind this music) deserves praise and respect for pulling it through and making "different choices" indeed. It won´t probably prove to be a very "popular" album, but this is exactly the reason why such music should be made, especially at a time when Artistry is fighting for its very existence. Wholeheartedly recommended!
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  | STRING CONNECTION ~ 2012
POLSKIE RADIO 1419 (Barcode: 5907812244194) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011
Over 20 years after the Polish Jazz ensemble String ConnectionFind albums by this artist ceased to exist after several years of leading the local Jazz scene, here they are again, reunited, rejuvenated and recharged with new energies. Led by the violin virtuoso / composer Krzesimir DebskiFind albums by this artist, who founded the original group in 1981 and who was also responsible for group´s breakup due to his mounting commitments as a composer for film and contemporary Classical music, the group also includes original members: saxophonist Andrzej OlejniczakFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist, bassist Krzysztof ScieranskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Krzysztof PrzybylowiczFind albums by this artist. Female vocalist Anna JurksztowiczFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The music was composed mostly by Debski (six of the eight tunes on the album) with Olejniczak and Scieranski contributing one composition each. All these players are of course masters of their trade and their performances are always top notch, as expected. The music covers a wide spectrum of compositions, from World Music influences to Fusion, with the typical Eastern-European awareness of somewhat quirky melody lines and rhythmic patterns. There are no surprises here or groundbreaking innovations, but a lot of excellent and enjoyable music. For Jazz violin connoisseurs this is a must of course, as Jazz albums with violin are unfortunately a rarity, especially those of such quality like this one. Recommended!
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  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ TRIBUTE TO KOMEDA
NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012
There is no doubt that the legendary figure of pianist / composer / bandleader Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, the Godfather of Polish Jazz, is still very much present on the local scene, more than forty years after his untimely and tragic death. Komeda´s charisma, mystique, prophetic vision and above all his extraordinary talent as a composer keep his legacy alive generation after generation, with his musical heritage being passed on to the upcoming young Polish Jazz artists, as an integral part of the modern Polish Culture.
In the scope of those forty plus years since Komeda´s death the Polish Jazz scene produced a plethora of recordings, concerts, festivals and other events dedicated to his memory. As a result the idea of commemorating Komeda has been overexploited and often even abused by lesser quality attempts, which result in blemishing his memory rather than uphold it. Fortunately this album is definitely not one of those damaging efforts; on the contrary, it offers many new and fascinating discoveries, as well as thrilling interpretations by excellent musicians, which treat the music with respect and obvious admiration.
The album includes ten Komeda compositions, performed by several different ensembles: pianist Janusz OlejniczakFind albums by this artist with Atom String QuartetFind albums by this artist, bassist Zbigniew WrombelFind albums by this artist and his quintet (drummer Krzysztof PrzybylowiczFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Maciej FortunaFind albums by this artist, pianist Piotr WrombelFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Karol SzymanowskiFind albums by this artist) with actor Kamil MackowiakFind albums by this artist, the duo of saxophonist Andrzej OlejniczakFind albums by this artist and pianist Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist, the duo of tuba player Zdzislaw PiernikFind albums by this artist and synthesizer player Tadeusz SudnikFind albums by this artist and finally solo piano performances by Lena LedoffFind albums by this artist.
Such diverse settings are an ideal vehicle to present the diversity of Komeda´s music and the endless possibilities, in which it can me expressed and interpreted. All the performances are truly superb, moving and deeply engaging and pay a fitting homage to Komeda´s heritage. My personal preferences are the trumpet pats by Maciej Fortuna, the incomparable piano playing of my friend Wladyslaw Sendecki and the solo piano pieces by Ledoff. But each and every musician participating in this recording deserves full admiration and respect. The quality of these live recordings in not ideal, but neither is life, so true music lovers can certainly live with it and enjoy it immensely.
The most interesting two pieces on this album are the early Komeda Jazz & Poetry compositions to poems by Jerzy S. Sito, known mainly for his work as translator, who died in 2011. Komeda´s involvement with the Jazz & Poetry movement, presented by him during the 1960 Jazz Jamboree festival, is one of the most fascinating, but sadly neglected, milestones of his career. The two pieces were restored from Komeda´s notes by the great vibraphonist / composer Jerzy MilianFind albums by this artist, who was a member of Komeda´s group in the late 1950s. Honestly that entire program simply screams for proper restoration work.
Overall this is a superb piece of music, which is worthy of an honorable place in any serious Polish Jazz music collection and should be of interest to the many Komeda followers all over the world. Brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 01/01/2016Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | ZBIGNIEW WEGEHAUPT ~ SAKE
POLJAZZ / ANEX 326 (Barcode: 5907513047810) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1983 - 1984 Released: 2009
Polish bassist / composer Zbigniew WegehauptFind albums by this artist has been a pillar of the Polish Jazz scene for the last three decades, proving time after time his role as a versatile and virtuoso player and a steady anchor for almost all Jazz ensemble leaders in his country. His compositional skills however, although exceptional as well, are rarely documented, which is a great pity. This album, his debut recording as a leader, is the first glimpse of these splendid tunes, recorded with a superb lineup of Polish Jazz musicians, both veterans and members of his age group: saxophonists Andrzej OlejniczakFind albums by this artist and Henryk MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist, pianist Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist and drummer Czeslaw BartkowskiFind albums by this artist. The album features six beautiful compositions, prime examples of modern Jazz writing based in the Jazz tradition, but expanding it with the European influence, which adds many new dimensions to the music. Connoisseurs of the art of bass playing will be delighted with this recording, but every Jazz enthusiast should find it exceptionally satisfying. Wholeheartedly recommended!
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