Record Reviews

MACIEJ GRZYWACZ ~ CONNECTED BLACK WINE 5902020424024 (Barcode: 5902020424024) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is the sixth album by Polish Jazz guitarist / composer Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist recorded in a quartet setting with three Scandinavian musicians: Danish saxophonist Jakob DinesenFind albums by this artist, Swedish bassist Daniel FranckFind albums by this artist and Norwegian drummer Hakon Mjaset JohansenFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Grzywacz. The music is a melodic contemporary Jazz, which sounds fresh and interesting from the very first notes and manages to keep the listener in suspense till the very last notes. The guitar / saxophone dual front line works very well, as both players move elegantly between the unisono parts to individual solos and back to the melody. Grzywacz does a wonderful job playing soft but complex guitar chords behind the saxophone solos and of course plays many well constructed solos. Dinesen is obviously the most expressive musician in this quartet, playing long stretches of improvisation, without loosing the melody line even for a moment. The rhythm section plays in typical Scandinavian pattern, with the bass driving the music forward with a steady pulse and the drums playing around the beat, rather that keeping time. In spite of the fact that the album features three Scandinavian musicians, it does not suffer from the typical Scandinavian lethargy that puts many music fans to sleep very effectively. Most of the music is lively and up tempo, with virtuosic solos ripping the air. Even the slower numbers have a lot of energy and vigor and keep the listener in check. There is quite a lot of freedom in the way the quartet works together, giving each other space and respect. This album is one of many projects with Polish and Scandinavian musicians collaborating, like they did in the 1960s and 1970s, which is one of the many interesting aspects of the new Polish Jazz scene. Personally I find the work of Dinesen especially rewording on this album, which is hardly surprising considering his huge success he enjoys back hope and internationally. Also this is surely the most complex and ambitious album Grzywacz recorded to date, which of course is commendable. Seeing him developing over time is truly rewarding. This is definitely a piece of music worth checking out as it holds many truly wonderful moments.

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ALEKSI HEINOLA ~ ALEKSI HEINOLA QUARTET JAZZAGGRESSION 734 ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2023 This is the second album by young Finnish drummer / composer Aleksi HeinolaFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quartet setting with veteran pianist (and drummer) Jukkis UotilaFind albums by this artist, Hungarian saxophonist Gabor BollaFind albums by this artist and Swedish bassist Daniel FranckFind albums by this artist. The album presets no less than thirteen tracks, four of which are original compositions by Heinola, one is by Uotila and the rest are standards. The music is all straightforward mainstream Jazz, Bebop and Hard Bop oriented. The five original compositions blend well with the rest of the material, so stylistically the album is coherent and for mainstream Jazz lovers, this is a great opportunity to hear some contemporary approach to the American tradition, somewhat Europeanized by the performances, but not changing the spirit of the original concept of American Jazz from the 1950 / 1960. Why would European musicians play that kind of music is another matter entirely, but whatever they do here is every bit as good as everything played across the pond at the time and often also today. Overall, for mainstream Jazz lovers, this is an excellent listening experience, as both the music and the performances are nothing short of first class. The quartet members are all pros and the music flows smoothly and effortlessly, which is what mainstream Jazz is all about.

Updated: 28/03/2023Posted: 28/03/2023

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