Record Reviews

KA1 ~ ODDECH NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 1254464499323) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is the second album by the young Polish ensemble KA1Find albums by this artist (well almost as the debut was only an EP), which is fronted by a double (male and female) vocal duo of Damian CalkaFind albums by this artist (who is also in charge of most of the lyrics) and Monika WierbilowiczFind albums by this artist (in charge of the rest of the lyrics). Other members include bassist Artur PruzinskiFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Arcadius MauritzFind albums by this artist, drummer Mariusz SkodowskiFind albums by this artist, trumpeter / guitarist Jakub SudolFind albums by this artist, guitarist Marek EliasFind albums by this artist, guitarist Edgar MakaraFind albums by this artist (the different guitarists play on different tunes of course) and finally saxophonist Andrzej ZubrFind albums by this artist. Two of the tracks feature a choir (no less than the choir of the faculty of Physics of the Warsaw University, which as a former Physics student makes me smile and which definitely should be called "The Swinging Atoms Choir"). The album presents nine original songs, eight of which are credited collectively to the ensemble and one is by Calka. The music is a surprisingly delightful amalgam of Jazz-Rock Fusion, Art Rock, Prog and Groove, which although sounding fresh and contemporary has also a delightful retro ambience, which creates an illusion of the album being recorded somewhere in the early 1970s and remotely resembling the early albums by the legendary SkaldowieFind albums by this artist, which I hope will be accepted as a warm compliment, as it is sincerely meant as one. Both the vocal and the instrumental parts are executed superbly. The double vocal lead is a nifty trick, sadly rarely used today, but deadly effective. The male and female vocals compliment each other ideally and create a pleasant harmony. Thank God the lyrics are in Polish avoiding the ridicule of singing in English, a trap which unfortunately so many Polish ensembles fall into. The instrumental parts are inventive and quite diverse, with many short, but excellent soli performed by the guitarists, the trumpeter and the keyboardist, with nice brass arrangements spread along the way and of course the use of a choir is a genius touch, a proverbial cherry on top. The rhythm section is Funky and keeps the pulse flowing smoothly. In short this is one sweet piece of a stylish, well made musical pie, which is impossible to resist. Overall this is a complete surprise and certainly one of the nicest pieces of music originating in Poland that landed on my desk in 2019, which although being on the lighter side of the musical spectrum, offers depth, refined aesthetics and a lot of passion and talent. I have had this playing on "repeat" for the entire afternoon, and I am pretty sure every true music lover will do the same upon getting his hands on a copy. Thank you Lady and Gentlemen for the gift of music!

Updated: 01/06/2019Posted: 01/06/2019

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

SUOVA ~ SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is the debut album by young Polish ensemble SuovaFind albums by this artist, which consists of keyboardist / composer Arcadius MauritzFind albums by this artist, vocalist / composer / lyricist Martyna ZajacFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Rafal DubickiFind albums by this artist, bassist Artur PruzinskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Pawel NowakFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original songs co-composed by Mauritz and Zajac with lyrics (in English, except one in Polish) by Zajac. The music is a nice mixture of Pop and Groove with strong Jazz undercurrents, similar to the excellent album by the KA1Find albums by this artist ensemble I reviewed recently, which also features Mauritz on keyboards. Although pretty straightforward the music has a charm about it, which is difficult to ignore, and is a splendid listening experience on the lighter side of the good music spectrum. The compositions are solid and the performances able, which is already better than most of the "music" made today. The modest but exactly right on the money trumpet parts are for me the proverbial cherry on top. As to the vocals, my aversion of Polish female vocalists singing in English is universally known and this album is no exception. As usual the one track with Polish vocals proves the case. Zajac offers some vocalese (sadly only a taste of) which she performs flawlessly but her accent and English pronunciation sound a bit "funny", which spoils the true abilities of her vocals. But all things considered, they are still impressive. Overall this is a very exciting debut album which offers some superb music and a great groovy feeling, without trying to be pompous and maintaining artistic quality. A bit on the "short" side with just thirty seven minutes of music, this album is definitely worthy being explored and appreciated, especially during this hot summer while enjoying a long cool drink, not to mention its danceability.

Updated: 30/06/2019Posted: 30/06/2019

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend