Record Reviews

ZBIGNIEW CHOJNACKI ~ ELEKTROTROPIZM FOR TUNE 0076 (Barcode: 5902768701784) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is the debut album by Polish accordionist / composer Zbigniew ChojnackiFind albums by this artist, which presents him playing solo accordion with some use of electronics. The album comprises of six tracks, all composed by Chojnacki, four of which are part of a suite and the other two are unrelated. From the very first moments of this album it becomes immediately apparent that Chojnacki presents a completely unconventional and novel approach to accordion as far as playing the instrument is concerned, as well as making music in general. The fascinating sounds he is able to produce are absolutely stunning, but even more so is the music, which takes the listener on a transcendental journey toward new and unchartered sound vistas. This music is so different and so engulfing that when listening to it for the first time the listener is completely left to his own frame of reference, as nothing is able to prepare him to what this music has to offer. A deeper analysis and later reflection allows one to understand the path this music takes, from the traditional role of the accordion in European music towards its influence in World Music, Jazz and other areas, via such notable accordion and bandoneón players like Astor PiazzollaFind albums by this artist, Dino SaluzziFind albums by this artist, Art Van DammeFind albums by this artist and others. We use the terms "groundbreaking" and "innovative" way too often, but his music truly deserves to be described in these terms. It presents a completely new frame of reference as far as accordion is concerned and by the time this music reaches the audience the meaning of this term will be completely transferred. Breakthroughs of this magnitude are way too far apart and it is a privilege to witness one of them in real time. The way Chojnacki plays his instrument brings fond associations of the 1960s, when the great Jazz pioneers were taking bold steps like those taken on this album. Sadly, half a Century later, musicians are ready to push the boundaries of known universe only very rarely. This album is one of such rare occasions.

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WOLFGANG DAUNER / CHARLIE MARIANO / DINO SALUZZI ~ ONE NIGHT IN `88 MOOD 33.623 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1988 Released: 1988 This is the debut album by the trio comprising of German Jazz pianist / composer Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, American saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist and Argentinian bandoneon player Dino SaluzziFind albums by this artist. The album presents four lengthy tracks, two composed by Saluzzi and one each by Mariano and Dauner. The album was recorded during just one studio session. The music is a wonderful tribute to the Tango, with original music by these excellent musicians, but close in spirit to the unique Tango mood, transferred into the Jazz environment. The interplay and obvious mutual respect and comradeship prevail and the music offers many slightly different approaches to the Tango idiom, full of brilliant improvisations, as appropriate for such Masters. Saluzzi is one of my all-time favorite bandoneonists and his playing is always full of true passion. Overall, this is almost completely unknown gem, as all the releases on the small independent MoodFind albums by this artist Records label, co-owned by Dauner, which is definitely worth searching for, as this music was created with the single purpose of making heartfelt, creative music, free of any commercial, market oriented motives. Side Note MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums. The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.

Updated: 19/02/2025Posted: 19/02/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

WOLFGANG DAUNER / CHARLIE MARIANO / DINO SALUZZI ~ PAS DE TROIS MOOD 33.630 ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1989 Released: 1989 This is the 2nd album by the trio comprising of German Jazz pianist / composer Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, American saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist and Argentinian bandoneon player Dino SaluzziFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, two each composed by Mariano and Saluzzi, one by Dauner and one by Uruguayan composer Jaime RoosFind albums by this artist. The music is a wonderful tribute to the Tango, with original music by these excellent musicians, but close in spirit to the unique Tango mood, transferred into the Jazz environment. The interplay and obvious mutual respect and comradeship prevail and the music offers many slightly different approaches to the Tango idiom, full of brilliant improvisations, as appropriate to such Masters. Overall, this is almost completely unknown gem, as all the releases on the small independent MoodFind albums on this label Records label, co-owned by Dauner, which is definitely worth searching for, as this music was created with the single purpose of making heartfelt, creative music, free of any commercial, market oriented motives. Side Note MoodFind albums on this label Records, established in 1977 and based in Germany, was a small independent record label founded by European Jazz musicians: German Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist and Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and Dutch Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist. The label was active between 1977 and 2006 and released 78 albums, first on vinyl and later on CD. In 2010 the label released 11 2CD albums with reissues of early vinyl albums. The label was the home label of the four founders, as well as the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist and many other, mostly European musicians. The total output of the label is a superb document of the European Jazz scene between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Some of these albums are absolutely essential.

Updated: 18/11/2024Posted: 09/09/2024

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

AL DI MEOLA ~ HEART OF THE IMMIGRANTS WOUNDED BIRD 9052 (Barcode: 664140905221) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1993 Released: 2005 Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist’s amazing talents as composer and guitarist have been with us since the early 1970s, when he captured the world’s attention as the guitarist of Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist. After leaving RTF in late 1976 Di Meola started to record a series of solo albums, alternating between acoustic and electric guitar. The first years of his solo career were dedicated to the Fusion genre, but gradually he incorporated many other musical elements in his work, such as classical and world music. He also cooperated with John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist and Paco de LuciaFind albums by this artist in a series of acoustic guitar trio recordings, which rank amongst the most revered albums of such type. This beautiful album presents Al’s on acoustic guitar with a group called “World Sinfonia”, playing superb instrumental music influenced by world music elements, the Argentinean tango in particular. In fact this is a second album in which Di Meola pays tribute to the Argentinean genius Astor PiazzollaFind albums by this artist. Although only four of the included tracks were composed by Piazzolla, the rest of the music, composed by Di Meola, is close in spirit to the Master’s legacy. The bandeneon virtuoso Dino SaluzziFind albums by this artist is another world famous group member taking part in these recordings and his contribution help immensely to create the authentic tango atmosphere. The entire album is a masterpiece of musical creation, exciting, emotional and incredibly beautiful all the way through. One would have to be completely deaf to stay indifferent to this enchanting music.

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AL DI MEOLA ~ WORLD SINFONIA EAR MUSIC 4029759153726 (Barcode: 4029759153726) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1990 Released: 2023 This is a reissue / remaster of an album by American guitarist / composer Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1990 and the first to feature the “World Sinfonia” moniker, which would become the name of the ensembles accompanying him on his future recordings. He is accompanied here by Argentinean bandoneonist Dino SaluzziFind albums by this artist, Armenian percussionist Arto TuncboyaciyanFind albums by this artist, American percussionist Gumbi OrtizFind albums by this artist and guitarist / luthier Chris CarringtonFind albums by this artist (born in Venezuela). The album presents ten tracks, all original compositions by Di Meola. The album marks a dramatic change in Di Meola’s musical direction, switching exclusively to acoustic guitar and choosing Jazz-World Fusion as his main interest, often playing tribute to the legendary Argentinean bandoneonist / composer Astor PiazzollaFind albums by this artist. The music is absolutely exquisite and Di Meola obviously embraces the World Music elements wholeheartedly. Despite the delicate, intimate and almost minimalist setting, the music is rich and embraces many melodic and rhythmic tapestries, which sound absolutely marvelously and lost nothing of their grace and elegance over time. It is one of my favorite Di Meola albums since the day of its release. Overall, this is a beautiful and highly influential Jazz-World Fusion album, which presents Di Meola not only as a Master guitar player, but also as a great composer. Strongly influenced by South American elements, it is one of his best albums, and offers a brilliant voyage, which is everlastingly enchanting. For Jazz-World Fusion fans and guitar aficionados, this album is an absolute must!

Updated: 14/05/2024Posted: 14/05/2024

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

GEORGE GRUNTZ ~ RENAISSANCE MAN TCB 22162 (Barcode: 725095221627) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1961 - 2001 Released: 2002 This is a wonderful archive album by Swiss pianist / composer / bandleader George GruntzFind albums by this artist, which presents a collection of fifteen recordings spread over a period of forty years, most of which have never been released before. The include intimate formats but mostly European Big Bands and Orchestras, like his Concert Jazz BandFind albums by this artist, WDR Big BandFind albums by this artist, NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist and others. The many participants include such legendary Jazz artists as pianist Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist, vocalist Sheila JordanFind albums by this artist, bandoneónist Dino SaluzziFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and Ernst-Ludwig PetrowskyFind albums by this artist and many others. The music displays the outstanding talents of Gruntz as pianist, arranger and composer, presenting beautifully diverse music, which includes mainstream Jazz, orchestral Jazz and Jazz-World Fusion pieces, always executed with finesse and absolute charm. Therefore this album is a wonderful introduction to the many talents of Gruntz for listeners not familiar with his work but also a gorgeous collection of previously unavailable recordings for those already familiar with his achievements. Gruntz was always the epitome of European Jazz as one of its Godfathers, perfectly combining the American Jazz tradition with the European Classical and Folklore traditions. The recordings included herein are all exquisite examples of what European Jazz is all about, stylistically and conceptually. Although the collected pieces have seemingly nothing in common, they amalgamate into a perfect kaleidoscope of modern European Jazz Personally I can get never enough of Gruntz and his music, so this album is simply one more token of memory by this great Artist, who is sadly relatively little known to most Jazz listeners around the world. In addition his recordings are not easily available as well, which makes the task of keeping his memory alive even harder. Overall this is a brilliant collection of excellent music, which deserves a proud place in any serious music collection. Not to be missed!

Updated: 26/09/2016Posted: 26/09/2016

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DINO SALUZZI ~ EL ENCUENTRO ECM 2155 (Barcode: 028947638346) ~ ARGENTINA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010 This wonderful album presents the orchestral works by Argentinean bandeneon virtuoso / composer Dino SaluzziFind albums by this artist. Composed for soloists and a string orchestra, the four compositions presented here introduce Saluzzi as a contemporary Classical composer, who mixes his cultural background and tradition with European Classical Music and Jazz in order to create a new amalgam, both as far as sound and stylistics are concerned. The soloists include Saluzzi on his bandeneon, the wonderful German violoncellist Anja LechnerFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Felix SaluzziFind albums by this artist (Dino´s brother). The orchestral parts are performed by the Dutch Metropole OrchestraFind albums by this artist. The music is very passionate and expressive, often complex and elusive, but always enchanting deeply engaging. This is Culture (with a capital C) at its best and most intriguing, groundbreaking and always searching for new forms of expression. Highly recommended!

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

TOMASZ STANKO ~ FROM THE GREEN HILL ECM 1680 (Barcode: 731454733625) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1998 Released: 1999 Polish trumpeter / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, one of the great Lions of European Jazz, now in his fifth decade of the tireless journey dedicated to discovering uncharted territory. This album, perhaps the most atypical one ever recorded by Stanko so far, presents his music somewhat away from the usual Jazz setting, with strong contemporary Classical and World Music influences. Not only the music, but also the choice of the musicians participating in this recording, is quite different from everything he attempted before. British saxophone Giant John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Argentinean bandoneon player Dino SaluzziFind albums by this artist, American violinist Michelle MakarskiFind albums by this artist, Swedish bassist Anders JorminFind albums by this artist and Norwegian drummer Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist create an amazing amalgam of sounds and musical ventures, travelling along Stanko´s vision. Of the fourteen relatively short pieces on this album nine were composed by Stanko, two by his Mentor Krzysztof Komeda and three by Surman. The overall effect is like a strange and enchanted sound voyage, which moves around the globe oblivious of borders and distances. Although quite demanding and less glamorous than other Stanko albums, it is full of beauty and charm and definitely worthy of admiration, like everything Stanko ever recorded. Superb stuff! Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice Who would have thought that an accordion (OK, bandoneon) could be a major enhancement of a Stanko album or a Surman album? But it is - and Messrs S&S are a fabulous partnership.

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend