Record Reviews

ANTYKWINTET ~ ANTYKWINTET (SWINGING TRICITY VOL.3) SOLITON 231 (Barcode: 5901571092317) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 - 1980 Released: 2012 This is the third installment in the excellent archival series documenting Polish Jazz created in the country´s Tricity on the Baltic Sea, one of the important centers where Polish Jazz thrives and over the years produced numerous first-rate musicians and superb bands. The series presents material, which in most cases never previously appeared in any form and therefore is of immense historic importance. This chapter presents the AntykwintetFind albums by this artist ensemble, which was a relatively short lived quartet / quintet founded in 1978 and active for about four years, but unfortunately never managed to record even one album under their name, which sadly was the fate of many Polish Jazz artists during the Socialist regime. However they did participate three times (1978, 1979 & 1980) in the Jazz Nad Odra festival in Wroclaw, where all of the material on this album comes from. Antykwintet was founded by pianist / composer Leszek KulakowskiFind albums by this artist and flautist Antoni SliwaFind albums by this artist (who´s siblings played with two other ensembles documented by this series: BasztaFind albums by this artist and Rama 111Find albums by this artist). The initial quartet also included bassist Lech WielebaFind albums by this artist and drummer Jozef EliaszFind albums by this artist. That quartet also included percussionist Piotr SapiejaFind albums by this artist as a guest musician. Later on the quartet was expanded to a quintet with the addition of trumpeter Mariusz StopnickiFind albums by this artist and Eliasz was replaced by Marian SzarmachFind albums by this artist. The music includes seven compositions, six of which are originals by Kulakowski and one is by American guitarist Barney KesselFind albums by this artist, all recorded live as mentioned earlier. The sound quality is not great, but remastered it is certainly good enough to be enjoyed. The live setting allows for expanded treatments of the compositions, four of which are over ten minutes and one over seventeen minutes long. This means there are ample opportunities to hear long solos, mostly by the pianists (on both acoustic and electric piano) and the flautists. Since the flute is sadly rarely used as the front solo instrument in Jazz, this album should be greatly interesting to flute aficionados. The quintet with the trumpet / flute front line is also very unusual, almost unique in fact, which is another interesting aspect of this album. The music is modern mainstream, not revolutionary but certainly interesting and quite innovative at the time. The live setting again allows for a lot of freedom, especially during the extended solos, which, assuming the ensemble would have continued together might have developed into more imaginative pastures, but alas we´ll never know. In any case this is certainly worth revisiting some thirty plus years later. This is another great piece of Polish Jazz history, which should definitely be told and preserved as part of the country´s Cultural Heritage. Kudos to Marcin JacobsonFind albums by this artist for creating this series and keeping it going!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

FRANCESCO BRUNO ~ ZAKYNTHOS ALFA MUSIC 285 (Barcode: 8032050023243) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is an album by Italian guitarist / composer / bandleader Francesco BrunoFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with bassist Andrea ColellaFind albums by this artist and drummer Marco RovinelliFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions by Bruno. In many respects this intimate guitar trio recording is a celebration of a “full circle” in Francesco’s career, which spans decades and a wide range of stylistic encounters. Stripped down to the basics, with the guitar clearly in the epicenter and Jazz at helm, Bruno demonstrates his cumulative experience and his natural talent, now completely matured and ripened. I have accompanied Francesco, who happens to be also a Dear Friend, since many years now, and after hearing him play on several occasions some time ago, I told him that I truly enjoyed his guitar playing again, which received less prominent exposure in his projects, and encouraged him to bring the guitar up to the front again, and I am very happy to see him doing just that. As a result, we are able to hear a wonderful cascade of notes he manages to create on this album, which goes back to the style and feel of the legendary Classic guitar masters, like Jim HallFind albums by this artist, Barney KesselFind albums by this artist, Kenny BurrellFind albums by this artist, Joe PassFind albums by this artist and others. The new compositions are also somewhat more vibrant and full of delightful Mediterranean breeze, as the title of the album suggests. Sunny beaches, a “zephyr” wind and the smell of the sea if what we, the people living around the Mediterranean all love, and which brings us together, often without a need for words. The compositions are ideal vehicles for the extensive guitar soloing, and the sensitive and amicable rhythm section is up to the task at all time. Overall, this is an excellent Jazz guitar trio album, sounding both contemporary and fondly reminiscent of the classic Jazz guitar recordings, beautifully played, composed and recorded, which should delight all Jazz lovers around the world and make guitar freaks salivate. There are very few guitar recordings like this one made nowadays, so don’t even think twice before you grab a copy. Molte grazie, amico mio!

Updated: 06/08/2023Posted: 06/08/2023

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FRODE KJEKSTAD ~ A PIECE OF THE APPLE LOSEN 178 (Barcode: 7090025831782) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-Soul Fusion Recorded: 2014 Released: 2017 This is an album by Norwegian guitarist / composer Frode KjekstadFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with American saxophonist Eric AlexanderFind albums by this artist, organist Mike LeDonneFind albums by this artist and drummer Joe FarnsworthFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, four of which are original compositions by Kjekstad and five are standards. The music is a retro Soul / Blues / Jazz bordering on Smooth Jazz session, very well played but lacking challenge or innovation. Nevertheless it is a very enjoyable listen, especially due to Kjekstad´s excellent guitar work, which is definitely worth hearing. His style fits the musical environment of this album ideally and brings fond memories of some great Jazz guitar players from the 1950s and 1960s, like Barney KesselFind albums by this artist, Herb EllisFind albums by this artist and others. LeDonne´s organ work is also nothing short of pure bliss. The instrumentation featuring three lead instruments (organ, saxophone and guitar) opens up the soloing opportunities and creates a wonderful nostalgic warm sound, which is great fun to listen to, especially to the elders of the tribe like yours truly. Overall a very enjoyable and pleasurable album, which is accessible to a very wide Jazz and beyond audience, which presents superb instrumental work and successfully avoids the muzak trap, but remains open to people who listen to Jazz for fun!

Updated: 15/07/2017Posted: 15/07/2017

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JAN ERIK KONGSHAUG ~ THE OTHER WORLD ACT 9267 (Barcode: 614427926722) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1998 Released: 1999 This is the debut album by Norwegian Jazz guitarist / composer Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with three young (at the time of the recording) and upcoming musicians: pianist Svein Olav HerstadFind albums by this artist, bassist Harald JohnsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Per Oddvar JohansenFind albums by this artist. Together they perform ten pieces, six of which are original compositions by Kongshaug and four are standards. If anybody is wondering if this is the same Jan Erik Kongshaug who is the legendary sound engineer and owner of the Rainbow Studio in Oslo, the answer is yes it is. Jan Erik Kongshaug gave me this album himself when I visited him in his studio and even autographed it, as you can see on the scan of the album´s cover. The album´s title might hint to the guitar playing as being the other world of his illustrious career in sound engineering. The music is beautiful mainstream Jazz, based on superb melodic themes and executed perfectly by the participants and of course fabulously recorded as well. The three young lions, which played and recorded together as a piano trio before this recording, are perfectly synced and balanced together, and play classic Jazz patterns as if they have been doing it for decades. Kongshaug´s guitar will probably surprise many listeners, as it is as professional and inspired as they come, somewhat reminiscent of Barney KesselFind albums by this artist. The most important characteristic of this recording is the elegance and the atmosphere of comradeship between the musicians. This is music made with love and respect, shunning ego and competition, while and simply having fun while doing it. Lovers of classic Jazz guitar playing should have a lot of fun with this album, especially since it avoids all form of flashy guitar pyrotechnics and simply does what is right at every moment, supported by a dream-team rhythm section. Kongshaug´s extremely busy schedule allowed so far for only one more recording session with the same lineup five years later, a review of which will follow shortly.

Updated: 01/11/2016Posted: 01/11/2016

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

DOM MINASI ~ TAKIN` THE DUKE OUT CDM 1001 (Barcode: 765432100123) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001 US guitarist / composer Dom MinasiFind albums by this artist is surely one of the most original and innovative Jazz artists active today and hearing his music is a true revelation. A veteran of the NY Jazz scene, Minasi was influenced by the Jazz Giants like John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and Eric DolphyFind albums by this artist, all of which he heard performing live at NY clubs during his adolescence. Very early on Minasi realized that Free Jazz and Improvised Music were something he wanted to do and he’d stay faithful to that decision throughout his entire career. That does not mean he didn’t study the entire tradition of the Jazz genre (with an emphasis on guitarists of course) and even played “straight ahead” Jazz, which he still enjoys to do from time to time, but his true passion is the more challenging highly improvised and boundless facet of Jazz making. Minasi debut recordings as a leader were released in the mid-1970s by the legendary Blue NoteFind albums on this label label, which unfortunately by that time was already taken over by the Majors and attempted to produce mass-market music. Completely disappointed and frustrated by the treatment received from the Music Industry, Minasi decided to abstain completely from recording music, dedicating his time to live performances, teaching, writing and educating. Almost a quarter of a century later he finally made his return as a recording artists and soon after established his own recording label – CDMFind albums on this label Records – which is now his base of operations. This album is the first release on that label and a triumphant return of Minasi to public exposure, spotlighting his amazing talent as a player and improviser. Recorded live at the legendary NY Knitting Factory it features Minasi and his regular trio with the extraordinary bassist Ken FilianoFind albums by this artist and drummer Jackson KrallFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, the material consists entirely of Minasi’s far-reaching interpretations of classic Jazz standards written by Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist and Billy StrayhornFind albums by this artist. Hearing this music is a true revelation. Minasi does things with his guitar, which are simply unimaginable, displaying a technique and virtuosity of staggering proportions, as well as amazing improvisational ability. He can be gentle and lyrical one moment and ferocious the next, all in perfect sense and impeccable taste. Guitar lovers can hear the entire history of Jazz guitar playing in his lines, from Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist, Barney KesselFind albums by this artist, Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist and up to Derek BaileyFind albums by this artist. His supersonic speed is breathtaking and overwhelming, but never flashy and always in total control. Filiano is also amazing, both plucking and bowing his heart away, and Krall displays a rare sensitivity and attention, all of which turns them both into ideal partners for the ride. This is an amazing album, which ought to be heard not only by every guitar player on this planet, but also by every true Jazz lover. Considering the fact the American Jazz is now mostly a vast wasteland of meaningless mainstream doodling, a rare oasis like Minasi is especially refreshing. A gem!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

RAY RUSSELL ~ TURN CIRCLE VOCALION 8436 (Barcode: 765387843625) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2007 Guitarist / composer Ray RussellFind albums by this artist has been active on the British Jazz and Fusion scene for the last five decades and has always been considered as a first class musician. Most of his recorded output belongs to the Fusion movement and he can be certainly considered as one of the genre’s pioneers. In the early and mid-1960s Russell was a member of the Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist and Georgie FameFind albums by this artist’s backing band Blue FlamesFind albums by this artist, two outfits that were among the first to combine Rhythm And Blues with Jazz. By the end of the 1960s Russell started to lead his own groups and record with them, although in parallel he participated in numerous recordings in his capacity as a studio musician. He was also a founding member of the excellent Rock WorkshopFind albums by this artist ensemble and later of RMSFind albums by this artist. This album presents Russell’s debut album as a leader and is quite different from most of his recorded output, as it is closer to straightforward Jazz then anything else he recorded. Accompanied by three excellent young musicians: Roy FryFind albums by this artist – piano, Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist – bass and Alan RushtonFind albums by this artist – drums, the quartet plays some fabulous music, composed mostly by Russell (two standards are also included). Russell’s guitar tone, completely devoid of any electronic devices so popular at the time, sounds more like classic guitar work by Grant GreenFind albums by this artist or Barney KesselFind albums by this artist, but with a harder edge and more attack. Overall this is a great document of the era and of Russell’s musical legacy, which stands the test of time beautifully. Great fun and recommended listening!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JAN PTASZYN WROBLEWSKI ~ FLYIN` LADY (POLISH JAZZ VOL.55) POLSKIE RADIO 0534 (Barcode: 5901448115347) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 Released: 2005 This is an excellent album by Polish veteran Jazz saxophonist / composer / arranger / bandleader Jan Ptaszyn WroblewskiFind albums by this artist. One of the great pioneers of the Polish Jazz movement since the 1950s, Wroblewski remained very active on the local scene in many capacities, which included leading his own ensembles, directing the Polish Radio Jazz Studio OrchestraFind albums by this artist and teaching generations of Polish Jazz musicians. Wroblewski always firmly stood for the Jazz tradition, keeping the mainstream Jazz in Poland on a very high level. He was rarely associated with the Polish Jazz modernists and avoided Free Jazz excursions, even when these were fashionable. Nevertheless his unique and innovative approach to Jazz composition and virtuosic ability as a player make his very extensive legacy an infinite source of superb Jazz moments. This album presents six original compositions by Wroblewski, superbly performed by a quartet, which includes guitarist Marek BlizinskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Witold SzczurekFind albums by this artist and drummer Andrzej DabrowskiFind albums by this artist. Blizinski should be noted as one of the greatest Polish guitarists and perhaps the Jazziest one, who avoided getting into Fusion at all costs, keeping his sound in the Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist / Barney KesselFind albums by this artist tradition. Altogether this is a great example of the versatility of the Polish Jazz scene and its excellence, regardless of the specific sub-genre in question. Highly recommended!

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