Record Reviews

NIKOL BOKOVA ~ ELEMENTS SOLEIL ET PLUIE 1001 (Barcode: 8785260877662) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is the fourth album by Czech Jazz pianist / composer Nikol BokovaFind albums by this artist, recorded with a quartet, which includes also guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, bassist Martin KocianFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal WierzgonFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, all by Bokova. The music was recorded at the fabulous SONO Records studio, engineered by Jan ValaFind albums by this artist and Milan CimfeFind albums by this artist, with the usual spectacular sound quality. Coming from Classical Music, Bokova slowly developed her own unique musical universe over a period of just a few years, which offers a fascinating journey in the time / sound continuum. With her proceeding third album her stylistic preferences were crystalized, embracing the broadly defined Jazz idiom, but still very intensely rooted in Classical conventions. The meeting with Doruzka seems to be the decisive turning point, as he is probably the ideal interpreter of her melodic / harmonic approach, and his sublime guitar phrasing embodies her compositions perfectly. The music is deeply melancholic, almost mournful at times, bringing associations of black and white cinematic vistas, but not depressing, only deeply reflective. As such, the music demands attentive and intensive listening, which is ultimately very rewarding. Overall, this is a very distinctive musical experience, which despite its restrained nature is deeply penetrating and absorbing. The music is beautifully performed by the quartet and offers a truly spiritual encounter. It is great to see Bokova make such a rapid progress and, as always, to encounter Doruzka’s guitar magic. Thanks for the music Milady and good luck with your own label!

Updated: 24/02/2023Posted: 23/02/2023

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NIKOL BOKOVA ~ EXPEDITION SOLEIL ET PLUIE 1005 (Barcode: 8785260881669) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is the 6th album by Czech pianist / composer / bandleader Nikol BokovaFind albums by this artist, recorded with her quartet, which includes guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, bassist Martin KocianFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal WierzgonFind albums by this artist. Norwegian trumpeter Gunnar HalleFind albums by this artist guests on a couple of tracks and the sound engineer Jan Bok ValaFind albums by this artist adds some electronics. The album presents nine tracks, all original compositions by Bokova. Bokova continues her “expedition” into various musical universes, this time travelling the furthest from her Classical Music sources, into somewhat ambient vistas, with a set of beautiful compositions, which she weaves splendidly. The sound is more electric than on any of her earlier albums, and even some electronic soundscapes are mixed within the fabric of the music, creating a completely new visage of Bokova. Although obviously the leader behind the music, Bokova steps back as far as soloing is concerned, which is put into the capable hands of Doruzka, who proves again to be one of the most versatile and capable European Jazz guitarist around. His resourcefulness and talent are simply amazing and slowly he managed to create a unique sound and style, which is immediately recognizable. Of course the rest of the team is also brilliant, with Bokova’s clever, soulful and delicate piano parts and superbly crafted rhythm section parts, which comply superbly with the music, which results in a final effect way more than just a sum of its parts. Even the trumpet solos on the two tracks suit the music perfectly with their Nordic atmosphere. Overall, this is a beautiful album, full of deeply melodic tunes, perfectly crafted, and brilliantly executed by a well-chosen team of excellent musicians. I can’t imagine any true lover of sophisticated music not falling in love with this music instantly. The only “snag” is that the album lasts only for slightly over half an hour, and when it ends one longs for more… But good things come in small helpings! Congratulations are in order for another brilliant album, and Bokova’s productivity seems to have no limits. Thank you for the music, my Friend!

Updated: 23/08/2024Posted: 23/08/2024

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NIKOL BOKOVA ~ PROMETHEUS ANIMAL MUSIC 094 (Barcode: 8594155997206) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021 This is the third album by Czech Jazz pianist / composer Nikol BokovaFind albums by this artist recorded with an impressive team of Czech musicians: French horn player Radek BaborakFind albums by this artist, guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, Maestro Jaromir HonzakFind albums by this artist on bass and finally drummer Michal WierzgonFind albums by this artist. The album offers ten original compositions, all by the leader. The music was recorded at the excellent SONO Records studio and engineered by Milan CimfeFind albums by this artist, with the usual spectacular sound quality. The music on this album shows another step in Bokova’s artistic development, which seems to have found the necessary focus this time, based on solid melodic themes, which serve as basis for the superb improvisations by the quintet members. The French horn is a link to her Classical Music ties, and adds a nice touch to the entire sound produced by the quintet, supplying a melancholic, almost orchestral layer. Doruzka is the most impressive / intensive soloist, creating some unearthly beautiful phrases, which leaves Bokova to state the melodies and harmonize, soloing rather sparingly. Honzak is in charge of the rhythmic background, safe in his steady hands, masterly filling the blanks, and Wierzgon adds subtle drum parts, which are more coloristic than actually rhythmical. Most of the tracks are rather short and the entire album lasts for only slightly over forty minutes, which reflects the minimalist approach of the complete statement that Bokova wishes to leave the listen with. There are many understatements in the music, leaving the listener to fill the blanks; an approach often used by contemporary young Jazz Artists. Of course the assumption that the listeners will stand up to the challenge is not without its risks. Overall, it is satisfying to see / hear Bokova finding her own aesthetics and direction, following a rather hesitative start of her Jazz adventure. This album is certainly a fruit of maturity and dedication, wonderfully balancing her roots and making a unique statement, which is a joy to listen to from start to finish. With the help of some of the best European musicians, she certainly reached a save harbor this time. Well done!

Updated: 24/02/2023Posted: 02/08/2022

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PIOTR BUDNIAK ESSENTIAL GROUP ~ THE DAYS OF WINE AND NOISES NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is the third album by Polish Jazz drummer / composer Piotr BudniakFind albums by this artist and his ensemble called Essential GroupFind albums by this artist, which on this album is a quintet and includes also saxophonist Wojciech LichtanskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Kajetan BorowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Piotr NarajowskiFind albums by this artist and as guest Czech guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded live and presents five original compositions, all by the leader. Musically the album continues the path set by the earlier recordings by Budniak, presenting excellent compositions well within modern melodic mainstream, performed with vigor and technical proficiency. Lichtanski and Borowski have been with the ensemble since its inception and together with Budniak constitute the core of the group, which is obviously well solidified. The new young bassist has a very though pair of shoes to fit, filling in for the original member of the ensemble, the excellent Alan WykpiszFind albums by this artist, but manages to catch up nicely. Doruzka is a very accomplished player and his role on this album proves his versatility and skill, again filling in for the original member of the ensemble Szymon MikaFind albums by this artist. Once again the focus of the album is on the excellent compositions by the leader, which present a diverse palette and a wonderful sense of melody and harmony. The quintet performs the music with grace and elegance, but without any extravagant solo excursions, which is all for the best. On the down side the sound quality of the live recording is rather problematic, which limits the pleasure of listening to the music. It is not entirely sure if this album is a formal release or just a promo release added to the Polish Jazz Forum magazine, but in any case sound quality is a crucial part of any recording and in this case it is simply not up to par with the quality of the music. Overall this is another injection of good Jazz compositions by Budniak and excellent playing by his ensemble, less formally packaged and recorded, but nevertheless very enjoyable.

Updated: 04/05/2018Posted: 04/05/2018

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DORUZKA / FISCHMANN / NOVAK ~ GILGUL ANIMAL MUSIC 119 (Barcode: 8594211850261) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is an album by the Czech Jazz trio comprising of guitarist / composer David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, flautist / vocalist / composer Robert FischmannFind albums by this artist and drummer / percussionist Martin NovakFind albums by this artist. Three additional players participate on selected tracks: clarinetist / saxophonist Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist, bass clarinetist / saxophonist Marcel BartaFind albums by this artist and trombonist Stepan JanousekFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen tracks, which include a four-part suite and a three-part suite, six of which are traditional Jewish / Hassidic melodies arranged by Fischmann, four are original compositions by Fischmann, two are by Doruzka and one is co-composed by all three trio members. Jewish music has been an important source of inspiration in contemporary Jazz, which I had an opportunity to witness closely as the Musical Director of the Singer Jazz Festival hold in Warsaw during the last decade. Some of those attempts to combine the genres were truly inspirational and impressive, others often suffered from opportunism and chalturism due to complete lack of understanding of the Cultural background and spirituality of the Jewish and Hassidic traditions. I an extremely happy to see that this beautiful album belongs to the former category. The music offers an intimate, completely acoustic and delicate treatments of traditional material, intertwined with original compositions, which match the overall atmosphere and spirit of the entire project. Most of the tracks are performed by the trio, but five offer an extended sextet arrangement, which is somewhat more Jazz oriented than the rest of the pieces, but again stay within the intimate and highly lyrical mood. There is definitely a strong dose of Easter European lyricism and melancholy involved as well. Although there are plenty of individual solos, the music is definitely more about the concept and overall message than about display of instrumental virtuosity. Fischmann’s flute work dominates the proceedings, as the leading melodic compass, with Doruzka supplying the harmonic layers and soloing occasionally, and the wonderfully sensitive drumming by Novak keeps the music flowing gently but firmly from one tune to another. The album offers a written essay by Fischmann, which explains the sources and inspirations for the individual songs, as well as the religious concept of transmigration of souls, which gives the album its title, and which is not unique to the Jewish tradition, but plays an important role in some of the Hassidic streams. On a personal note, I’d like to mention that this music is somewhat in the same spiritual sphere as the music by the excellent Polish Jazz trio BastardaFind albums by this artist, which I wholeheartedly recommend. Overall, this is beautiful and deeply moving album, which deserves to be heard by all music lovers, also those beyond the strict Jazz circles. As usual, the superb sound quality and production by the Animal MusicFind albums on this label label is as perfect as one might hope for, for which I am, as usual, grateful. Grab a copy as soon as possible!

Updated: 18/10/2023Posted: 18/10/2023

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DORUZKA / WYLEZOL / BALLARD ~ ANDROMEDA`S MYSTERY BIVAK 004 (Barcode: 8594211850018) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is the debut album by an international Jazz trio comprising of Czech guitarist / composer David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, Polish keyboardist / composer Piotr WylezolFind albums by this artist and American drummer / composer Jeff BallardFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, four by Doruzka, three by Wylezol and one by Ballard. Doruzka emerged in the last decade as one of the most active and highly appreciated musicians on the European scene, appearing on many albums in his home country and in Poland. Wylezol is a well-established musician on Polish scene and personally one of my favorite Polish Jazz pianists, shining among a fierce competition, and Ballard is well known for playing with top Jazz musicians in the US and leading his own bands – which means this album is exploding with talent and creativity from start to finish. The music is all surprisingly well-behaved, modern and probing but based on solid melodic themes, with both Doruzka and Wylezol always weave like magic. Quite naturally Doruzka takes upon himself most of the soloing, always brilliantly supported by the two partners, but Wylezol also contributes some impressive solo parts, which are every time incredibly creative, in addition to being in charge of the bottom bass pulsations created on synths. Ballard stays somewhat in the background and deliveries a dense, polyrhythmic pulsation behind the melodic contents, ornamenting and leading the music simultaneously. The atmosphere created by the trio is somewhat dark and gloomy, despite the beautiful melodies, soaked in lyricism and profundity, which is at times overbearing, which means that this music requires serious listening attitude and focus, like all serious music should do. But the aesthetic values invoked by the music are certainly worth the effort and concentration invested. Overall, this is an elegant, highly unusual album, which offers the listener a multi-layered Artistic experience, deeply rewarding and fulfilling. Not an easy encounter, but deep stuff rarely is easy, as we all know. I was truly enchanted by this music and a heartfelt thank you is offered to you, my Friends, for taking your Art seriously and sharing it with us. Godspeed!

Updated: 13/01/2023Posted: 13/01/2023

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DAVID DORUZKA ~ SILENTLY DAWNING ANIMAL MUSIC 007 (Barcode: 8594155990078) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008 This is the second album as a leader by Czech guitarist / composer David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with Swedish vocalist Josefine LindstrandFind albums by this artist and a Polish rhythm section: bassist Michal BaranskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Lukasz ZytaFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve original compositions, all by Doruzka except for one piece which is a short percussion interlude by Zyta. Nine of the compositions feature lyrics based on poems by American poetess Emily DickinsonFind albums by this artist (four), Czech Jewish poet Jiri OrtenFind albums by this artist (two) and Lindstrand (three), one is an instrumental and another one is a vocalese / guitar duo. Lindstrand sings all the poems in their original language, i.e. English, Czech and Swedish, which of course is highly unusual and admirable. The album is elegantly packaged and all the poems are presented in appropriate translation in three languages – an obvious publishing labor of elegance and typical Czech care of details, designs and respect towards Culture. The entire album is of course a highly challenging Jazz & Poetry project, which as my readers know is one of my favorite idioms. The music is fitted to the lyrics in most of the pieces, being minimalist and beautifully delicate. The entire aura is deeply melancholic and introvert, even fragile, which is hardly surprising considering Dickinson´s moody, Orten´s mystical / philosophical and Lindstrand introvert poetry, all creating a rather intense atmosphere, which is even more emphasized by the character of the music. Doruzka, despite his age (he was only twenty-seven years old when this music was recorded) manages to compose the highly demanding musical framework for the poetic content, which is remarkably mature and respectful. Most of the vocals are accompanied only by guitar and the rhythm section is featured rather sparingly, wisely minimized to achieve the optimal effect. Baranski contributes several wonderful soli, which serve as interludes but are kept within the clear boundaries of the fragile architecture of this project. Doruzka plays both the acoustic and the electric guitar, always at low volume but certainly no less expressively. The principle of "less is more" is obviously a basic assumption, which proves to be highly effective here. Overall this is a beautiful, elegant and deeply aesthetic piece of music, utilizing the deeply European approach to interdisciplinary concept of Art and Culture, expressed here in the best possible way. It is a true joy to see David grow into a bona fide Jazz musician, especially in view of the fact that his Grandfather, the great Czech writer / music critic / Jazz activist Lubomir DoruzkaFind albums by this artist was a dear friend of mine for many years and whom I remember fondly to this very day. The apple did not, obviously, fell far from the tree ;) Godspeed!

Updated: 23/10/2020Posted: 23/10/2020

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JAROMIR HONZAK ~ A QUESTION TO ALL YOUR ANSWERS ANIMAL MUSIC 005 (Barcode: 8594155996551) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 This is the fourth album as a leader by Czech Jazz bassist / composer Jaromir HonzakFind albums by this artist and his first release on the excellent Czech label Animal MusicFind albums on this label. The album was recorded by a Czech / Polish quartet which also included Czech guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist and Polish pianist Michal TokajFind albums by this artist and drummer Lukasz ZytaFind albums by this artist, both of which played with him on this album´s predecessor "Present PastFind albums with this title". Clarinetist Tomas CisteckyFind albums by this artist, flautist Lucie CisteckaFind albums by this artist and pianist Vojtech ProchazkaFind albums by this artist appear as guests. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Honzak. Seven of the tracks were recorded at the excellent Studio Tokarnia and engineered by Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, with the usual superb sound quality. The last track was recorded at the Czech Radio and features the a.m. guests. Honzak, whom I have been watching closely since many years, proudly continues the Czech Jazz Bass tradition, established by internationally known bassists like George MrazFind albums by this artist (really Jiri MrazFind albums by this artist) and Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist, but also less known outside of their homeland like Ludek HulanFind albums by this artist, Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist, Karel VejvodaFind albums by this artist, Petr KorinekFind albums by this artist and others. His beautifully round notes and chronometric pulsations are always a guarantee of a perfect rhythm section anchor in the numerous recording he took part in. But on this album Honzak great forte are his wonderful compositions, which are beautifully woven, versatile and most importantly open enough to be stretched and explored by the quartet members, often towards unexpected directions. As a result this album is a superb ride into the unforeseen, with each track taking the listener on a new adventure. Not losing the sense of melody and coherence, the music has so much freedom and breathing space that the flexibility is endless. Of course the leader gets fantastic support from the quartet members; Doruzka, here fourteen years younger than today, is already a bright star on the European scale, while Tokaj and Zyta, despite their relatively young age at the time were already seasoned veterans, capable of playing virtually anything. Together the quartet sounds like an organic unit and in retrospect I´d love to hear this experience repeated again. Overall this is a brilliant album from start to finish, a perfect reflection of 21st Century European Jazz at its best. Fourteen years later it still sounds perfectly fresh and sparkling with ingenuity, like a gem it is. Absolutely not to be missed!

Updated: 14/11/2020Posted: 28/08/2020

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JAROMIR HONZAK ~ EARTH LIFE CUBE / METIER 20-09 (Barcode: 8591562000093) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 1998 Released: 2000 This is the second album as a leader by Czech bassist / composer Jaromir HonzakFind albums by this artist, recorded with two Polish Jazz musicians: saxophonist Piotr BaronFind albums by this artist and pianist Kuba StankiewiczFind albums by this artist, Czech guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist and Spanish drummer Jorge RossyFind albums by this artist. Three guests are featured on selected tracks. The album presents eight pieces, seven of which are original compositions by Honzak and one is a Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist standard. The album´s liner notes were written by my Friend and Mentor Lubomir DoruzkaFind albums by this artist. During his studies at the Berklee College of Music in Boston Honzak met fellow students Stankiewicz and Rossy and invited them to take part in this recording. Stankiewicz brought over Baron and Honzak invited David Doruzka (only eighteen years old at the time of the recording), a promising young musician and future Berklee student, an association that would flourish for years to come. Already at this early stage of his career, Honzak proves his strength as a composer and each of the original compositions presented here are exceptionally well written and coherent, already showing the European musical aesthetics and avoiding the dominance of the Bebop tradition. The beautiful harp / bass duo closing piece and the delicate piano trio and vocalese piece are superb examples of the forthcoming inspirations, which will dominate Honzak´s compositional palette. However the Berklee schooling and American Jazz tradition can be more clearly heard in the way the music is performed on the straightforward quartet numbers, but even those are spiced by Baron´s fiery almost-free soloing and superb piano touches by Stankiewicz. Overall this is a wonderful early recording by Honzak, which is definitely worth of being discovered, even some twenty-two years after it was recorded. The music proves to be timeless and the heartfelt execution still manages to excite. Like great wine, this music ages well over time…

Updated: 29/12/2023Posted: 26/10/2020

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JAROMIR HONZAK ~ HARD TO UNDERSTAND ANIMAL MUSIC 085 (Barcode: 8594155998715) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019 This is the tenth album as a leader by Czech Jazz bassist / composer Jaromir HonzakFind albums by this artist recorded by an all-Czech quintet comprising of some of the top Jazz players in the country: guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, clarinetist / saxophonist Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Vit KristanFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin NovakFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions by Honzak and a couple of adaptations of a medieval theme. The music was splendidly recorded at the SONO Records studio and engineered by Milan CimfeFind albums by this artist, offering a spectacular sound quality. Listeners familiar with Honzak´s numerous recordings should be able to immediately recognize the two idiosyncratic qualities that are eminently present in his music: first and foremost the quality and depth of his compositions and then his unique way of playing the bass, both acoustic and electric. These qualities have ensured a certain seal of quality present in all his recordings in the last quarter of a Century, which not surprisingly has steadily strengthened over time. The sonority of the music and its somewhat mythical atmosphere is deeply European in nature, and offers a sublime amalgam of European music, which could be considered as Classical or folkloristic in its nature, with the Jazz idiom. It is hard to distinguish how much if this aesthetics is created subconsciously and how much is cleverly conceived, but regardless of the thought processes behind it, the result is simply overwhelming. This music could have never happened the way it does, touching on every string of the listener´s musical consciousness, if not the formidable team of musicians performing it. The strangely wonderful harmony achieved by Doruzka, Soukup and Kristan, which mixes acoustic and electric sounds into new sound vistas one could never imagine possible, is the heart of the magic that happens on this album. The use of the electronics by Kristan is simply masterly and his way of balancing the quantity of synthesized sounds with the acoustic ones is brilliant. Honzak is, as always, the spine of the entire complex structures created by the team and Novak keeps the time code wonderfully present, without being obtrusive. All these musicians are great masters of their relative instruments, which combined with their impeccable taste and talent results in music that is pure nectar to the ears. This album is a remarkable piece of music, which perhaps might demand certain intellectual as well as emotional involvement form the listener in order to be able to comprehend its depth and aesthetic beauty. Repeated listening sessions are highly recommended, since peeling layer after layer from this strange fruit is a delightful experience; "hard to understand"? not really if you approach this music with the same amount of love it was created with. Thank you Jaromir and co. for this beautiful gift of music!

Updated: 17/09/2020Posted: 17/09/2020

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JAROMIR HONZAK ~ LITTLE THINGS ANIMAL MUSIC 013 (Barcode: 8594155994335) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 This is the fifth album as a leader by Czech bassist / composer Jaromir HonzakFind albums by this artist and his second release on the excellent Czech label Animal MusicFind albums on this label. It was recorded by the same Czech / Polish quartet which recorded the previous album "A Question To All Your AnswersFind albums with this title" which also included Czech guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist and Polish pianist Michal TokajFind albums by this artist and drummer Lukasz ZytaFind albums by this artist – this time expanded to a quintet with the addition of American saxophonist Chris CheekFind albums by this artist, Honzak´s colleague from the Berklee College of Music days. The PKF String QuartetFind albums by this artist plays on one track. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Honzak. The music was splendidly recorded at the SONO Records studio and engineered by Milan CimfeFind albums by this artist. The music is, as usual, a wonderful collection of beautiful melodies, deeply melancholic and superbly crafted, which Honzak manages to produce time after time from the depth of his Artistic mind. After listening to his almost entire recorded legacy, he emerges as one of the most consistent European Jazz composers today, appearing to be able to reinvent himself time after time without repeating any idea more than once. The quintet also does not disappoint, with all the participants playing absolutely perfectly. Tokaj is, as always, the epitome of melancholy, young Doruzka has always something new up his sleeve, Zyta is a true Master of the percussive sounds and even Cheek, out of his American habitat, sounds remarkably European and solos beautifully, especially on the saxophone trio track, which is the most open piece on the album. Honzak´s bass parts are of course the skeleton of the music, always perfectly in tune and on time, leading the way but in fact creating a perfect spacetime for the music to develop within it. Overall this is another brilliant album by Honzak, a wonderful example of the intrinsic beauty of European Jazz and the importance of composition in Jazz, without which all music sound simply hollow, regardless of how well it is played. Recorded eleven years before these lines are written, this music proves to be absolutely timeless and deeply moving, as always. Obviously, this is a must have for all European Jazz connoisseurs, whenever they might be…

Updated: 14/11/2020Posted: 14/11/2020

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JAROMIR HONZAK ~ THE BLUES OF A STRING HANGING IN THE WIND ANIMAL MUSIC 127 (Barcode: 8594211850452) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is the 12th album by Czech Jazz bassist / composer / bandleader Jaromir HonzakFind albums by this artist, recorded with his regular quintet, with includes saxophonist Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist, guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, pianist Vit KristanFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin NovakFind albums by this artist, and the Prague Radio Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist, conducted by Bastien StilFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, which are in fact parts of a suite for Jazz quintet and Symphonic Orchestra, all composed by Honzak. The music was recorded live and offers an exceptional sound quality, as all Animal MusicFind albums on this label releases. Life is full of surprises, sometimes very pleasant ones, and writing about this album is one of them, as only a couple of days ago I wrote about another album, which is not only of very similar nature but also features almost identical lineup, both originating from the Czech Republic (see the “Scandinavian ImpressionsFind albums with this title” album by Soukup). Despite the obvious similarities, these two albums are also very different musically, which is even more wonderful. It is not a secret that Honzak is one of my favorite European bass players, but even more so composers. His music is always absolutely breathtaking, and despite its complexity, it manages to be superbly coherent and melodic. Here, with the additional layer of orchestral arrangements (by Tomas SykoraFind albums by this artist) on top of the Jazz quintet performances, the music is even more dense and intricate than usual, and yet, as usual, it is almost clairvoyant in its intellectual verity and emotional strength. The two layers, Jazz and orchestral, complement one another perfectly, but rather oddly, whereas Honzak uses the orchestra to expand the rhythmic and even improvisational nature of the music, rather than only support the harmonic / melodic elements, which is the usual modus operandi applied in most Jazz-Classical Fusion ventures, and as such this album stands out in its originality. It goes without saying that the quintet’s performances are nothing short of stellar, as expected. Soukup is in charge of the melody lines, leading the proceedings like the pied piper of Hamelin, Doruzka spices the mixture with his tasteful chords and strings of notes, Kristan sets the harmonic base and Novak tastefully sets the paste of things. And Honzak, like always, stands firmly, like the ship’s mast, in the epicenter of the music at all times, making sure everything works, as it is supposed to. Overall, Honzak delivers again a sublime piece of music, which offers a fascinating emotional journey, and which swipes the listener off his feet the minute the music starts, and never lets go. I can’t imagine anybody who loves music not to like this album, even if it sounds somewhat strange at the first moment. This is some of the finest music one can come across these days, and it should not be missed by whatever excuse. And yes, if you listen carefully, the Blues is there…

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

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JAROMIR HONZAK ~ TWENTIES ANIMAL MUSIC 111 (Barcode: 8594211850131) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is the eleventh album as a leader by Czech Jazz bassist / composer / bandleader Jaromir HonzakFind albums by this artist, recorded with his stable quintet, which includes also saxophonist Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist, guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Vit KristanFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin NovakFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Honzak. The music was recorded at the fabulous SONO Records studio, engineered by Adam KarlikFind albums by this artist and mixed by Milan CimfeFind albums by this artist, with the usual spectacular sound quality. I waited through the entire Covid period for this album with great anticipation, as Honzak’s music has a magic effect on me with its intrinsic tranquility and almost stoic unobtrusive peacefulness, which all of us desperately lacked when the world was going mad. Well, the world is still very much insane, but at least now the music is here to console. Honzak is a great songweaver and his melodies go always straight to one’s heart. Although the music is brilliantly performed by the quintet members, it just wouldn’t be enough to achieve its full effect without those melancholic themes underlying everything, leading the listeners subconsciously on the emotional plane. Even when the music is highly improvised and less melodic per se, it still is able to bond the listener to the flow, almost involuntarily. This album is perhaps the most Ambient / Electronic in its character, more than all Honzak’s earlier recordings, possibly an echo of his innermost fears and insecurities, that we all share. The musicians playing here are amongst the finest European instrumentalist out there. Doruzka (or the “young” Doruzka, as I call him) is absolutely phenomenal, growing and developing with every new album he plays on, being most probably one of the finest guitar players today. His role on this album is central and his playing sublime, which makes me very happy as he worked extremely hard to get where he is now. Soukup, Kristian and Novak create layers upon layers of sound, which fill the entire sonic space with dense, but not obtrusive contents, and concentrate less on soloing, which of course does not diminish their contribution. The leader’s bass playing is as expressive, imaginative and virtuosic as always. It is extremely difficult to comprehend how Honzak manages to consistently create such exquisite albums, one after another, but it is simply an undeniable reality. Overall, this is another masterpiece by the Czech Giant, who unwaveringly amazes with his quiet, humble and seemingly simple music, which is able to move proverbial mountains. This music penetrates deeper with every listening session, enabling the attentive listener to discover new hidden treasures time after time. I can do nothing but to raise the proverbial hat in deep respect for these eloquent, wonderful musicians and their fearless leader. Thank you for the music, my Friends!

Updated: 19/02/2023Posted: 19/02/2023

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JAROMIR HONZAK ~ UNCERTAINTY ANIMAL MUSIC 047 (Barcode: 8594155990443) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the eighth album as a leader by Czech Jazz bassist / composer Jaromir HonzakFind albums by this artist recorded by an international quintet comprising, in addition to the leader, of French clarinetist / saxophonist Antonin-Tri HoangFind albums by this artist, Czech guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Vit KristanFind albums by this artist and Swedish drummer Jon FaltFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions by Honzak. The music was splendidly recorded at the SONO Records studio and engineered by Milan CimfeFind albums by this artist, offering a spectacular sound quality. As usual with Honzak´s musical endeavors, it is first and foremost the music he composes that touches the listener deepest. The wonderful team plays brilliantly all the way through of course, which is hardly surprising considering the quality of these instrumentalists, but the delicate and completely unique compositions are the focus of this album, especially so as this one is the most fragile, introvert and as if hesitant collection of his tunes, perhaps reflected by the album´s title. Honzak is completely atypical as a Jazz composer and his compositions are not based on the usual theme / improvisations / theme structure, but each and every one is like a micro-suite with several intertwining melody lines and fragments, which create a charming puzzle. As a result each of his albums is dissimilar from the rest of his work and has a unique character, something that rarely happens so vividly with Jazz composers. The presence of Hoang and Falt has perhaps also part in this album sounding differently. Honzak usually tends to record his album with a steady team of musicians, who repeatedly appear on his albums, which of course has its advantages. But obviously "new blood" can work wonders as well, as this album proves. Overall this is a beautiful, somewhat reserved and even minimalist piece of music, which wonderfully exemplifies the "less is more" concept as far as the performances are concerned, and offers another splendid collection of Honzak´s brilliant compositions. This is a pure delight from start to finish and is wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 30/09/2020Posted: 30/09/2020

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JULIA SAWICKA / PROJECT ~ FIELDS OF SOUL NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 5907529223369) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012 This is the second album by Polish Jazz vocalist Julia SawickaFind albums by this artist and her international band, which includes German trumpeter Hans Peter SalentinFind albums by this artist, Czech guitarists David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, Slovak keyboardists Klaudius KovacFind albums by this artist and Polish players: saxophonist Tomasz PruchnickiFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Krzysztof DysFind albums by this artist, bassist Roman ChraniukFind albums by this artist and drummer Marcin JahrFind albums by this artist. A string trio is also used. The album is beautifully packaged in a hardcover digipak, which is exquisitely designed and features some breathtaking aerial photography, obviously a high-class labor of love. The album is subtitled: "Unconventional versions of popular songs by StingFind albums by this artist", which says it all; the ten songs included have been all written (or co-written in one case) by Sting, appear here arranged in a Jazzy manner and are beautifully performed by the ensemble, which comprises of first-class musicians and does not disappoint. So far so good. However, tackling Sting´s material can be a perilous undertaking, for many reasons; Firstly his songs are quite Jazzy in their original versions, as anybody familiar with Sting´s songbook and career should be aware of, and therefore Jazzing them up might prove to be superfluous. Secondly Sting´s songs are extremely complex, tricky and above all personal, which makes any attempt to perform them by others almost completely impossible. The gravest mistake was leaving the original English lyrics, which presents an insurmountable challenge for a non-native English speaker performing the vocals. Such ambitious project should have taken the additional step of translating the lyrics into Polish, which probably would have made it so much better. As a result the album certainly presents nothing, which is "unconventional", as stated in its marketing subtitle, being simply one more tribute album of Jazzed up Pop or Rock material, which is certainly nothing new, even on the Polish Jazz scene. Secondly the vocals suffer badly from the English pronunciation, phrasing and articulation, which unfortunately are below par and plainly stand in the way of the vocalist in order to express her best abilities. All things considered this is still a nice album, mostly due to the great instrumental parts and solos, providing one can somehow isolate the vocals and not be bothered too much by them. Sawicka is probably quite a talented vocalist, but this album is not working in her favor. I´d certainly love to hear more of her work under different circumstances. In the meantime I´ll keep listening to Sting au naturel.

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PIOTR SCHMIDT INTERNATIONAL SEXTET ~ HEARSAY SJ 074 (Barcode: 5905489720379) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 This is an album by Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Piotr SchmidtFind albums by this artist, who leads an international sextet, with Lithuanian saxophonist Kestutis VaiginisFind albums by this artist, Czech guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, Polish pianist Pawel TomaszewskiFind albums by this artist and alternating American / Polish rhythm sections of Harish RaghavanFind albums by this artist and Jonathan BarberFind albums by this artist / Michal BaranskiFind albums by this artist and Sebastian KuchczynskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, five of which are original compositions by Schmidt and one is a composition by Polish Jazz vibraphonist / composer Bartosz PieszkaFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded at the same sessions and with the same lineup, as the material for the previous album by Schmidt, called “Komeda Unknown 1967Find albums with this title”. To Hi-Fi enthusiasts, the CD is gold plated. The music is another great collection of highly melodic and lyrical tunes, characteristic of the Polish melancholy, excellently performed by the sextet, which includes superb instrumentalists of international fame. Schmidt offers some scorching trumpet soloing, Vaiginis and Doruzka add their harmonic support and solo occasionally, Tomaszewski anchors everything with his sublime piano work and the rhythm section adds the swinging element. Together they create truly classic Jazz sextet sound, which reminds the best such ensembles, active throughout the Bebop era and beyond. Overall, this is a beautiful example of modern mainstream Polish Jazz, full of the melancholy elements that characterize the local strain of the genre since the 1960, continuing the great tradition with honors. Schmidt, who firmly established his position as a musician / composer, bandleader and activist on the local scene, is a proud representative of the second-generation of Polish Jazz musicians, which continues to develop the scene and keep the flame burning.

Updated: 01/08/2023Posted: 01/08/2023

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PIOTR SCHMIDT INTERNATIONAL SEXTET ~ KOMEDA UNKNOWN 1967 SJ 062 (Barcode: 5902596066796) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is an album by Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader / label owner Piotr SchmidtFind albums by this artist, recorded with an international sextet, which includes Lithuanian saxophonist Kestutis VaiginisFind albums by this artist, Czech guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, Polish pianist Pawel TomaszewskiFind albums by this artist, bassists American Harish RaghavanFind albums by this artist or Polish Michal BaranskiFind albums by this artist and drummers American Jonathan BarberFind albums by this artist or Polish Sebastian KuchczynskiFind albums by this artist. The sextet performs seven compositions, all by the Godfather of modern Polish Jazz, pianist / composer Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist. The music is quite sensational, as six of these compositions by Komeda are recorded here for the first time, fifty-five years after they were created. They were originally written as part of the project originated by my Friend and Mentor, German producer Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, which resulted in the Jazz & Poetry album “Meine Susse Europaische HeimatFind albums with this title”, that combined Komeda’s music with contemporary Polish poetry. Krzysztof BalkiewiczFind albums by this artist, Polish archivist in charge of Komeda’s heritage, found these additional compositions, which were not used in the process of creating the above album and passed them to Schmidt, who arranged them and recorded with his sextet. Obviously such discovery is a major event as far as the history and legacy of Polish Jazz is concerned. The music is everything that every Komeda fan (and therefore every Polish Jazz fan) might expect, full of brilliant melodic lines, lyricism and melancholy, which are the epitome of Polish Jazz, a big dash of tension and mystery, which characterize Komeda’s compositions and a series of brilliant performances by some of the best Polish, European and American musicians. The album has all the ingredients of an instant classic, which of course is hardly surprising. Although these compositions were not included on the original album, they are by no means less perfect. The playing time restrictions of the LP format dictated the cruel choices, and the budget restrictions dictated the fact that the planned double LP project was rejected. I often wandered over the years where did those additional compositions disappear, and in my talks with Balkiewicz over the years the subject also came up. It is absolutely delightful to see the music being alive again and the prospect that it might inspire future Jazz generations is truly uplifting. Overall, this is a monumental piece of Jazz history, a great discovery and a glorious occasion to discover another element of Komeda’s genius. Everybody involved in this project deserves my sincere thanks: the brilliant musicians, the archivist / detective, the people who brilliantly recorded the music, etc. Every true Jazz enthusiast on this planet should listen to this album, as not hearing it constitutes a big void in the ability to comprehend the European musical aesthetics.

Updated: 29/12/2023Posted: 10/07/2022

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LUBOS SOUKUP ~ SCANDINAVIAN IMPRESSIONS CESKY ROZHLAS 1216 (Barcode: 8590236121621) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is an album by Czech Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist, recorded with a Jazz quartet comprising of guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, pianist Vit KristanFind albums by this artist, Danish bassist Thommy AnderssonFind albums by this artist and drummer Kamil SlezakFind albums by this artist, the Prague Radio Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Bastein StilFind albums by this artist and the brass section of the Concept Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist (which includes my Friend trumpeter Stepanka BalcarovaFind albums by this artist). The album presents six tracks, which are in fact parts of a suite for Jazz ensemble and Symphonic orchestra, based on Soukup’s experiences during his stay in Scandinavia. The album was recorded live and offers an excellent sound quality. The music is absolutely delightful, a perfect amalgam of Jazz and the Classical vocabulary, tastefully and cleverly put together and brilliantly performed by all the musicians involved in this complex project. The music is a marriage of Slavic / East European melodic melancholy and Scandinavian ambience, which flows gently throughout the duration, constantly switching between the Jazz and the Classical facets, producing a superb example of European elegance and aesthetics. Individually, these are some of the finest Czech Jazz musicians, which in many respects are a class of their own judging by the incredible influx of Czech Jazz recordings released during the last decade or so, which often are surprisingly imaginative, innovative and original, despite the fact that they are all well within the “conventional” Jazz idiom, without moving into extreme Avant Garde in order to show something original. Although, as already stated, all the musicians involved in making of this album are highly professional and talented, the soling by Doruzka is the out-and-out highlight of the album, again emphasizing his undisputed position as one of the best guitar players in the world at present. Of course Soukup has to be congratulated for his brilliant composing / arranging work on this album, which is truly exceptional, making this album one of the most “natural” and coherent amalgamations between Jazz and Classical music, which I had the pleasure to enjoy and experience in a very long time. Overall, this is a superb Jazz-Classical Fusion album in every respect, full of exciting, moving and conceptually brilliant music, which should satisfy even the most capricious music connoisseurs. It is a gem in every respect, and it goes without saying that it deserves an honorable place in every serious Jazz records collection. Well done, my Friend!

Updated: 12/08/2024Posted: 10/08/2024

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TIBURTINA ENSEMBLE / DAVID DORUZKA TRIO ~ APOKALIPSIS ANIMAL MUSIC 041 (Barcode: 8594155997053) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is an album by Czech female vocal septet called Tiburtina EnsembleFind albums by this artist, directed by Barbora SojkovaFind albums by this artist, and Czech Jazz guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist and his trio with saxophonist / bass clarinetist Marcel BartaFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin NovakFind albums by this artist. The album presents eighteen tracks recorded at the Zvikov Castle, which combine medieval music, mostly from the early fourteenth Century Las Huelgas Codex from Spain, based on Biblical texts (mostly the Book of Revelation or Apocalypse of St. John – hence the title) and contemporary improvisations by the trio led by Doruzka. The audacious attempt to bridge the almost Millennium long chasm, not only musical but also cultural and even spiritual, seems at first completely unimaginable, but this album proves that music is indeed timeless and the musicians are able to create an amalgam, which ignores the a.m. disparities. The original medieval vocal music is performed almost "untouched", in all its glory and divinity. The individual voices of the ensemble members as well as the choir parts are absolutely stunning, which is hardly surprising considering the Tiburtina Ensemble´s well earned reputation. However, the improvised parts by Doruzka and his cohorts are even more shocking, since their contemporary form and sound differs as totally as humanly possible from the medieval music, and yet are able to create a mystical bond between the two. Symbolically, like in the Book of Revelation, where the Good eventually triumphs over Evil, here the great stylistic division manages to be conquered by human ingenuity and love of music. Obviously this is no ordinary music, and it demands from the listener a complete submission to the overall sonic experience. Cultural background and knowledge of music history can be helpful, but is not necessary in order to absorb this wonderful and very potent offering, absolutely worth of every bit of effort needed to fully enjoy it. This is one of the most profound musical projects that try to bring medieval music into contemporary musical environment that I ever encountered, and as such it deserves a special praise, in addition to the wonderful sound recording and highly aesthetic packaging, all of which speak volumes of the Czech Culture and love of music and tradition. Kudus to all the people involved in this project and of course a warmest recommendation to all true music connoisseurs to get a copy ASAP. Hats off!

Updated: 16/10/2020Posted: 16/10/2020

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PIOTR WYLEZOL QUINTET ~ LIVE NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010 This is a live recording by Polish Jazz quintet led by pianist / composer Piotr WylezolFind albums by this artist, which also includes saxophonist Adam PieronczykFind albums by this artist, Czech guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, bassist Adam KowalewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Krzysztof DziedzicFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions (one repeated twice as a bonus track), five of which were composed by Wylezol and two by Doruzka. The music is all within the mainstream Jazz idiom, based on solid melodies, and as usual with Eastern European composers with a distinct share of melancholy. There is little drama on this album with the tunes flowing gently one after another, leaving the listener in a state of blissful relaxation. The individual performances are all excellent, as expected from musicians of this class. Pieronczyk is one of the top Polish saxophonists with a vast experience and Doruzka is one of top European guitarists, in addition to the talented and also very experienced leader and the excellent rhythm section. There is nothing but professionalism and elegance herein. On the other hand considering the strength of the lineup, one might expect a somewhat more exciting and fulfilling result. Overall this is a nice live mainstream album, which should keep most Jazz listeners happy, but which in retrospect joins a long list of albums that go gently into that good night and remain consequently desolate.

Updated: 04/05/2017Posted: 04/05/2017

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AGA ZARYAN ~ HIGH & LOW WARNER MUSIC POLAND 190295534981 (Barcode: 190295534981) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 It is almost unheard of for a Polish Jazz album to take a year to get to me; in fact in most cases I get new releases before they are even formally released… Apparently the tides of time rocked our (Aga´s and mine) boats pretty high & low in the last year, keeping us apart. As appropriate for old Argonauts it took a common sail on the good old Argo to get us finally together and share a glass of wine and a warm smile, and a word or two… ergo Argo served Pandora´s role and this album finally landed in my lap. Aga ZaryanFind albums by this artist, surrounded by her beloved musicians, recorded twelve songs, some new and some old, some of hers and some by her favorite songwriters, a story in twelve chapters describing her life´s story in the five years proceeding the recording. Her lyrics tell the story sometimes subtly, but often straight in the face. She was never afraid to say what´s on her mind and she definitely does not mean to start now. A mature, intelligent, open-minded Woman, who cares about her loved ones, her friends, people in general and the world we share. So is this a Jazz album? Well, not really, but who cares; it is a beautiful piece of music performed by some of the best musicians around with a distinct Jazzy tinge, and wonderfully sung by a first class vocalist, who does not care if she needs to stick to any rules any more, as she has nothing more to prove. The only thing that matters is if her delivery is convincing and moving, and anybody in their right mind has to agree that it certainly is so. Zaryan has learned to use her hard learned Jazz experience to get above genre classification – she simply sings like nobody else. But there are plenty of instrumental passages that bring fond Jazz memories and with a crew that includes keyboardist Michal TokajFind albums by this artist, guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, bassist Slawomir KurkiewiczFind albums by this artist and other Jazz legends nothing can go wrong. Whatever the fussy Jazz "critics" might say (or already did) means very little, as Zaryan is by now in a class of her own, and whatever she decides to do is entirely her own decision. Her loyal fans definitely seem to think the same. Zaryan certainly didn´t loose any of her ability to write great songs, as this album proves beyond any doubt. Her melodies are well weaved and her lyrics concise, straight to the point and heartwrenching in their openness and directness, however painful. Getting together and parting, politics and social issues, sex and femininity, freedom of speech, nothing is taboo especially in times when people "fill their mouth with water" instead of voicing an opinion. Her poetic streak seems to be alive and kicking and getting better with maturity. Of course her faithful long-term partnership with Tokaj as the arranger and often co-creator of these songs should also be mentioned here. So whatever happens, my Dear, high & low, here or there, sad or merry, please just be yourself and do what you do best: sing. And yes after all these years you are still the only Polish vocalist able to sing in English and not make a fool of yourself!

Updated: 10/11/2019Posted: 10/11/2019

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AGA ZARYAN ~ LOOKING WALKING BEING BLUE NOTE 5099963139020 (Barcode: 5099963139020) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 - 2009 Released: 2010 This is the 5th album by Polish Jazz vocalist Aga ZaryanFind albums by this artist and her first release on the legendary Blue NoteFind albums on this label label, a first ever by a Polish artist. This album marks a new stage in Zaryan´s career, characterized by performing original material especially composed for her by pianist / composer Michal TokajFind albums by this artist (six of the twelve songs on the album) and Czech guitarist / composer David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist (four songs), both actively playing on this album. One additional song was composed by guitarist / composer Larry KoonseFind albums by this artist, who accompanied Zaryan on her earlier recordings and another one is by the great and sadly recently departed Polish bassist / composer Zbigniew WegehauptFind albums by this artist. Apart from Tokaj and Doruzka the other accompanying musicians include bassist Michal BaranskiFind albums by this artist, drummer Lukasz ZytaFind albums by this artist and percussionist Munyungo JacksonFind albums by this artist. Zaryan also takes charge of writing the lyrics for seven of the album´s songs with the remaining five being poems by the marvelous British-born American poetess Denise LevertovFind albums by this artist. The lyricism of Zaryan´s texts and the intricacy of Levertov´s modern and deeply moving poetry give the album a clear artistic direction, which draws from the beautiful tradition of combining music and poetry, especially the Jazz & Poetry movement, which flourished in the 1960s. The music is a perfect match to the complex lyrics, fluidly and gently carrying the singer´s words on the waves of sound. It is mostly lyrical as well, reflective and introvert, but energetic enough to prevent an overall morose atmosphere, which many "serious" musical projects suffer from. Obviously this kind of music requires serious and repetitive listening to uncover its complex content and allow intimate contact, but its obvious beauty is quite obvious from the very first exposure to it. This is both intellectual and emotional music, a rare quality indeed, especially these days. Zaryan´s performances as well as the accompaniment are both an absolute bliss. As usual she cooperates with her musicians on levels rarely achieved elsewhere, making the best of their respective talents and abilities. Doruzka, who is the main soloist, plays some of the finest guitar I´ve heard in a long time and Zaryan´s obvious love for the guitar is commendable, as most singers prefer to use the piano as the main supportive instrument. The album, which was recorded in Warsaw and Los Angeles over a period of several months, displays an overall level of musicianship and recording / production as well as sonic quality, which are simply extraordinary. There is no doubt that Zaryan and her cohorts deserve an honorable place on the Polish Jazz scene as much as being a part of world´s Jazz elite with the Blue Note as their home base. Buying this album is definitely a no brainer and I can´t imagine money better spent that this. A must!

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AGA ZARYAN ~ SARA WARNER MUSIC POLAND 5054197336003 (Barcode: 5054197336003) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 “Writing about music is like dancing about architecture”. I often ponder about this maxim, especially in cases when I write about music, which is particularly close to my heart, overwhelmingly emotional and with personal association, and as such possibly clouding my judgment, which some people think should be “objective”. I have been aware of this project from its very conception, being close to its creators on so many physical and metaphysical levels. Anna CiciszwiliFind albums by this artist, who wondrously translated the poems by American poetess Sara TeasdaleFind albums by this artist into Polish, recently published in a book, became practically a Family member, when the miracle of human contact joined together her and my Families forever. Aga ZaryanFind albums by this artist, whom I admire since so many years, is a symbol of Polish Jazz in its most Artistic revelation and such a wonderful Human being. Andrzej RejmanFind albums by this artist, who inspired this project and composed one of the melodies, is an old acquaintance. Czech guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, who is a grandson of my dear friend Lubomir DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, who in turn was an inspiration to me in my early days of writing about Jazz, and who is one of the most talented young guitarists and composers around, as is Szymon MikaFind albums by this artist, who’s career I have been following closely since his first days on the stage, and who is also a superb songweaver. In short, everything connected with this album is extremely personal to me. The poetry of Teasdale, deeply lyrical and often mysterious, deserves a serious study and admiration, and her life, tragically ended by suicide, is also highly fascinating. The fact that she was the first winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry speaks volumes about her talent, but during the century following her death her life’s work was largely forgotten, which makes this album especially important. The album presents twelve songs, based on Teasdale’s poems, in one case featuring a Polish translation and the rest sung in English. The music was written mostly by Doruzka and Mika, with one song by Rejman and three by Zaryan in cooperation with Doruzka and Mika. The entire instrumental accompaniment is created solely by the two guitarists, which of course is uniquely original and striking as a musical concept. The music completely eschews all attempts of classification by accepted genre genealogy, with obvious Jazz lineage, but at the same time a completely unique amalgam of stylistic heritage. The sublime work of the guitar duo, which puts the vocals up there at the very front of the stage, and yet supports the singer most effectively, is a true revelation. The constant role changing between the guitarists, shifting the focus between accompaniment and soloing, is breathtakingly beautiful and intelligent at the same time. The harmonizing and role-sharing is a great example of the “Art of the Duo”, even if the duo consists of two musicians playing the same instrument and appears in “supporting” role only. Zaryan is completely at her element here. Being a romantic at heart, she fits Teasdale’s poetry expressionism perfectly, weather she sings the lyrics or just improvised vocalese. Her identification with the underlying messages of the poetic values is as impeccable as one might have wished for. Although this is not her first encounter with the Jazz & Poetry idiom, it seems that this time her personal intimate involvement with the text goes way beyond that, which is expected, perhaps somewhat motivated by her own recent personal experiences. Thank you, my Friends, for the gift of music! Overall, this is a milestone album, which bears unique approach to treating poetry within the Jazz milieu, focusing on the Art of delivery and a conceptual triumph in a minimalist setting. The poetry itself is deeply emotional, almost hunting, and the execution nothing short of miraculous, which of course happens all too rarely. The album grows on the listener with each listening session, expanding the intimacy as experienced within a developing love affair. This is definitely a paradise for the hopeless Romantics, whatever the price might be.

Updated: 23/11/2022Posted: 23/11/2022

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