Record Reviews
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  | JOLA LITERSKA ~ PROTEST SONGS (PIESNI LUTRA)
NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Gospel
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017
This is a wonderful and completely out of the ordinary album by Polish (well Silesian) vocalist Jola LiterskaFind albums by this artist, which as the title suggests presents her interpretation of eight songs composed and written by the 16th Century Protestant Reformation leader Martin LutherFind albums by this artist, who was also an accomplished composer. Literska´s concept is to interpret these songs as Protest Songs, which in many respects they were, considering the theological and social upheaval Luther´s teachings managed to create. Literska sings the songs in the Polish language and is accompanied by a small group of musicians, which includes guitarist Tomasz BienekFind albums by this artist, bassist Andrzej RusekFind albums by this artist and violinist Tomasz MuchaFind albums by this artist; all three also arranged the songs. Guitarist Stefan MalejkaFind albums by this artist and violinist Jacek DzwonowskiFind albums by this artist guest on a couple of tracks.
Although the music has distinctive mediaeval characteristics, it sounds also amazingly contemporary, and turns out to be almost Bluesy. The arrangements, which are very delicate and minimalistic, are astoundingly effective and powerful. Literska´s beautiful vocals, which are kept within strict stylistic limitations, amaze with their simplicity and intrinsic gorgeousness. The instrumentalists make every note count and adorn the spiritual music with angelic beauty.
This album is a superb example of great taste, intelligent treatment of the subject matter and divine esthetics, which combined together are simply irresistible. Even without the deeply theological layer, which is expressed by the song´s lyrics, the music has a spiritual nature and quality, which is almost never achievable by today´s musical standards.
Personally I was completely smitten by this concept album, which proves the power of modesty and "less is more" approach, especially if the actual concept matter is as powerful as in this case. It takes a lot of courage to tackle such an unusual and ideologically challenging project and the fact that the result is as powerful and successful as in this case, is truly rewarding.
This is definitely one of the most unusual recordings on the Polish scene in quite a while and I recommend to every music connoisseur, including those who do not know the Polish language, to try and get a copy of this gem. Silesia Rules!
| | Updated: 11/02/2018Posted: 11/02/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | PARTY SAHNE ~ PARTY SAHNE
NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022
This is the debut album by Polish / Silesian trio called Party SahneFind albums by this artist, which comprises of guitarist Tomasz BienekFind albums by this artist, bassist Andrzej RusekFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz ImielskiFind albums by this artist. French horn player Michal ZdrzalekFind albums by this artist plays on four tracks and vocalists Jola LiterskaFind albums by this artist and Marek McCarron MotykaFind albums by this artist also participate, each on one track, as does the rapper DonoFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original tracks, six of which were composed by Bienek and three are from different sources. The album is dedicated to Rusek, who tragically fell victim to the Covid-19 pandemic during the recording of the album.
The music is an idiosyncratic amalgam of Rock, Fusion, Blues and Ambient elements, which characterize Bienek’s earlier recording projects. His excellent guitar playing, which eschews flashy displays of vanity and stays focused and pretty minimalist, is captivating and heartfelt. The solid rhythm section drives the music forward, adding a Funky Groove and solid ground for the guitar solo parts. The French horn melodic layer is a wonderful idea and fits the rest of the music like a glove.
Overall, this is a splendid and highly entertaining album, which offers a diverse mixture of highly melodic, well-constructed music, which is superbly executed by all the musicians involved. There is nothing pretentious or hyper-cerebral in this music, just pure solid musical contents and an honest statement. It’s a great pleasure to follow my Silesian musical friends, who never disappoint. Highly recommended!
| | Updated: 23/07/2022Posted: 23/07/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | KRZYSZTOF PUMA PIASECKI ~ BACKWARD / FORWARD
HRPP 043 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016
This is the sixth album by Polish Jazz-Rock Fusion guitarist / composer Krzysztof Puma PiaseckiFind albums by this artist. He is accompanied by a team of musicians, which includes bassist Andrzej RusekFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Charli GreenFind albums by this artist, vocalist Katarzyna Puma PiaseckaFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Tadeusz LesniakFind albums by this artist and drummer Arek KondrowskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve original compositions, all by Piasecki.
The music is a great collection of melodic Fusion tunes, beautifully crafted and most importantly honest and down to earth. Piasecki is of course "old school" and for him a good tune is the basis for a great performance. These tunes are almost danceable, and certainly a great fun to listen to, which basically scream pure unadulterated musical fun.
Of course the guitar is the focus of this album, and Piasecki is a Master of the trade. He plays many different guitars, with different sound effects and in many different moods, doing so always right on the money and straight to the heart. People like me, who still remember the good old days when guitar was the King of the musical Universe, are probably more prone to the heartwrenching guitar sounds that this album is full of. The other players all contribute amicable and highly professional parts on this album, staying however mostly in the background and leaving the spotlight for Piasecki and his stunning guitar parts.
Sometimes music should simply serve as an island of sanity in this crazy world of ours, and this album is a great example of such music. Flowing smoothly from one tune to another this music has no dull moments and keeps the listener in a state of bliss. Forget the cerebral doodling and pretentious over sophistication – this is 100% pure delight.
Of course this album is an absolute must for all guitar fanatics all over the world and the hordes of Fusion fans, who still populate this earth. This is no bullshit real deal - please remember you heard it from me first!
| | Updated: 23/09/2017Posted: 23/09/2017 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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