Record Reviews

JOACHIM KUHN ~ UNIVERSAL TIME UNIVERSAL 044001667121 (Barcode: 044001667121) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2002 This is an album by German pianist / composer / bandleader Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with American bassist Scott ColleyFind albums by this artist and Cuban drummer Horacio HernandezFind albums by this artist. French saxophonist / bass clarinetist Michel PortalFind albums by this artist and American saxophonist Chris PotterFind albums by this artist guest on selected tracks. The album presents eleven tracks, nine composed by Kuhn and two by Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist. Kuhn plays piano on nine tracks and saxophone on two tracks. The music is a brilliant example of modern European Jazz with a large degree of Freedom and Improvisation, but based on strictly and brilliantly composed themes. The lineup shifts between trio, quartet and quintet settings, and allows wonderful interplay between these exceptional musicians. Kuhn is undoubtedly one of the most unique and innovative European Jazz musicians, and this album, as in fact all of his recordings, clearly show why. Kuhn dominates the proceedings with his virtuosic piano parts, mostly played at a hyper-fast tempo, but all the musicians get a chance to solo and show their chops, and the excellent rhythm section manages to keep standard time most of the time. For me, Kuhn is one of the greatest and most talented weavers of wonderful melodies, and this album is full of these. Overall, this is a superb album and sadly one of the lesser known in the extensive recorded legacy by Kuhn, which is absolutely worth being discovered, although it is not easy to be found these days. The hair-raising virtuosity of Kuhn has but a few equals in modern Jazz and he never recorded an album, which is not worthy of an honorable place in a serious modern Jazz record collection.

Updated: 12/08/2024Posted: 12/08/2024

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MAREK NAPIORKOWSKI ~ WAW NYC AGORA 9788326825897 (Barcode: 9788326825897) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is an album by Polish guitarist / composer Marek NapiorkowskiFind albums by this artist, recorded (as the title suggests) with a Polish / American quartet, which also includes Cuban (resident in NY) pianist Manuel ValeraFind albums by this artist, Polish bassist Robert KubiszynFind albums by this artist and American drummer Clarence PennFind albums by this artist. American saxophonist Chris PotterFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album presents seven original compositions, six by Napiorkowski and one by Kubiszyn. The music presents a collection of beautifully melodic tunes, as appropriate for Napiorkowski´s already well established composing career, which all suite ideally his virtuosic guitar performances. Floating between genres and changing moods, the music eventually could be best described as Fusion, but of course in case of Napiorkowski that is only fitting for lack of a better term, as his music is way richer and ambitious than the usual Fusion efforts. The tunes are full of twists and turns, tempo changes and complex harmonic structures, that produce an overall powerful and broad sound, which keeps the listener on his toes from start to finish. All the musicians participating in this project are Masters of their trade and their playing here is professional and perfect in every respect. The focus is obviously on Napiorkowski, but this is definitely a group effort in every respect and the leader shares the responsibilities with his partners on an equal foot. Valera is a magnificent pianist, with an incredibly sensitive touch on the keyboard and a soulful lyricism, which are ideal for this music. Kubiszyn is a highly melodic bassist, very sensitive to the intricacies this music requires and always there where his support is needed. Penn is exquisitely dynamic, always there behind the players, but never obtrusive or overwhelming beyond the call of duty. Overall this is a wonderful album which is a true pleasure to listen to, calling for repeated listening sessions in order to get the depth and complexity of these performances absorbed in full. Fusion fans the world over should be melting to the sound of this music playing in the background, not to mention guitar diehards, who are in for a treat. But beyond the guitar artistry and group performances, the music is what stays in the long term! Hats off Maestro!

Updated: 27/01/2018Posted: 27/01/2018

CD 1 Digibook Recommend To A Friend

STEVE SWALLOW ~ DAMAGED IN TRANSIT XTRAWATT 11 (Barcode: 044006779225) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2003 This is a live album by American bassist / composer Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist, recorded in an all American trio setting with saxophonist Chris PotterFind albums by this artist and drummer Adam NussbaumFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all composed by Swallow. The music was recorded during the trio’s tour in France. The music is rather unusual for Swallow, as it offers mostly straightforward swinging Jazz, which presents plenty of opportunity for Swallow to perform lengthy solos on his bass guitar. But naturally the focus of the music is on Potter, who is in charge of the melodic contents, with Nussbaum keeping the music swinging vigorously. The nine tracks sound like one continuous piece, even though they were recorded at different dates and locations. The saxophone trio, which is usually a rather tough format for listeners, sounds very tight together and basically offers a sound of a full ensemble, able to perform a coherent continuity and not lacking anything more in order to sound whole. Most of the material is up-tempo, which is definitely a demanding challenge for the trio members, but they don’t seem to mind and pass the test with flying colors. Overall, this is an excellent album of vigorous post-Bebop Jazz, spectacularly performed by these excellent musicians. Although I usually prefer Swallows more complex and introvert compositions, this is a great document of his abilities as straight-ahead Jazz player. For the many fans and followers of Swallow’s artistry, this is definitely a must-have album.

Updated: 19/01/2025Posted: 19/01/2025

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