Record Reviews

EUROPEAN JAZZ ENSEMBLE ~ LIVE AT THE JAZZ CLUB U MUNIAKA NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is a wonderful video by the European Jazz EnsembleFind albums by this artist, a quintet comprising of German baritone saxophonist August Wilhelm ScheerFind albums by this artist, Polish (resident in Munich) saxophonist / composer Leszek ZadloFind albums by this artist, Polish pianist Wojciech GroborzFind albums by this artist and young rhythm section: bassist Wojciech SzwugierFind albums by this artist and drummer Wieslaw JamiolFind albums by this artist. During the two hours concert they perform mostly music by John ColtraneFind albums by this artist in the first set and standards in the second set. The U Muniaka Jazz Club in the old town of Krakow is one of the most legendary and oldest Jazz Clubs in Poland and has a wonderful atmosphere due to its location in an ancient cellar. Zadlo, my dear Friend since many decades, is undoubtedly the greatest Polish interpreter of Coltrane’s music, and his virtuosity, talent, dedication and decades of experience make him a true phenomenon on stage, as can be witnessed here. But the entire quintet performs brilliantly and fans of Modern Jazz should enjoy this music immensely. Overall, this is an excellent opportunity to hear the music of John Coltrane performed by European musicians, with a different aesthetic and dynamic approach usually heard on the other side of the pond. This DVD could be quite difficult to find, but making an effort will be definitely worth it!

Updated: 15/12/2023Posted: 15/12/2023

DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend

WUNSCH / STRAUCH SEXTET ~ JOANA`S WALTZ JAZZ`N`ARTS 3205 (Barcode: 4260089370036) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005 This is an album by German Jazz sextet co-led by pianist / composer Frank WunschFind albums by this artist and drummer Oliver StrauchFind albums by this artist, which also includes British trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and German saxophonists Gerd DudekFind albums by this artist and August Wilhelm ScheerFind albums by this artist and bassist Paul G. UrlichFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, four of which are original compositions by Wunsch, three by Wheeler and two are standards. The album finds Wheeler among fellow German musicians, in one of several such encounters. He was always open and ready to participate in projects involving international lineups and in retrospect is probably the British Jazz musician, who recorded more often on the European scene than anybody else, in dozens of diverse settings. This is one of many Wheeler’s recordings, which remains almost completely obscure and does not appear in most of his discographies. I was very lucky to get it from Kenny’s private collection. The music is a marvelous example of modern European Jazz, based on melodic, somewhat melancholic themes, in an environment that suites Wheeler’s stylistic approach ideally. Wheeler has a lot of opportunity to solo, and this album offers some of Wheeler’s typically splendid work, which never ceases to amaze. Despite the fact that this is a sextet recording, most of the times it presents one soloist supported by the rhythm section, with limited appearances by the entire brass section, which creates an intimate, relaxed climate. Overall, this is an excellent modern European Jazz album, performed by first class musicians, which is absolutely worth digging for, not only for the great contributions by Kenny Wheeler, but no less importantly for the splendid music and superb performances by the entire team.

Updated: 12/05/2023Posted: 12/05/2023

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend