Record Reviews

ECSTASY PROJECT ~ EUROPAE MONOTYPE 014 (Barcode: 5908310927022) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007 This is the 3rd album by the Polish ensemble Ecstasy ProjectFind albums by this artist, founded and led by drummer / percussionist / composer Rafal GorzyckiFind albums by this artist. Gorzycki, who is also active in other musical projects, like the excellent Sing Sing PenelopeFind albums by this artist ensemble, formed Ecstasy Project as a vehicle for his compositions, which lay in the fuzzy area between Jazz and contemporary Classical music. The ensemble includes also flautist Tomasz PawlickiFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Pawel NowickiFind albums by this artist, violinist Lukasz GorewiczFind albums by this artist and bassist Pawel UrowskiFind albums by this artist, and is capable of performing the complex music and creating an atmosphere that bridges between chamber contemporary Classical music and modern Jazz, moving between the two smoothly and seamlessly. The music, almost entirely composed by Gorzycki, is quite intricate at times, but does not cross the point of total alienation to the less experienced listener, keeping enough melody and rhythm to hold on through the more difficult passages. Of course listeners with more experience in Classical music will find this music familiar and quite enchanting from the very first listen. As the title suggests, this is very European music, encapsulating the musical traditions the 19th and 20th Centuries, from neo-romanticism, via atonal experimentation and minimalism, right into the Avant-Garde. And yet the music is not over-intellectual and leaves a lot to feeling and atmosphere, keeping the overall emotional level alive and aesthetically satisfying. Definitely worth investigation for more adventurous listeners!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ECSTASY PROJECT ~ THEY WERE P MW 003 (Barcode: 5903292101118) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011 This is the 5th album by the Polish ensemble Ecstasy ProjectFind albums by this artist, founded and led by drummer / percussionist / composer Rafal GorzyckiFind albums by this artist. Gorzycki, who is also active in other musical projects, like the excellent Sing Sing PenelopeFind albums by this artist ensemble, formed Ecstasy Project as a vehicle for his compositions, which lay in the fuzzy area between Jazz and contemporary Classical music. The ensemble includes also flautist Tomasz PawlickiFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Pawel NowickiFind albums by this artist, violinist Lukasz GorewiczFind albums by this artist and bassist Pawel UrowskiFind albums by this artist, and is capable of performing the complex music and creating an atmosphere that bridges between chamber contemporary Classical music and modern Jazz, moving between the two smoothly and seamlessly. The music, almost entirely composed by Gorzycki, is quite intricate at times, but does not cross the point of total alienation to the less experienced listener, keeping enough melody and rhythm to hold on through the more difficult passages. Of course listeners with more experience in Classical music will find this music familiar and quite enchanting from the very first listen. This is very European music, encapsulating the musical traditions the 19th and 20th Centuries, from neo-romanticism, via atonal experimentation and minimalism, right into the Avant-Garde. And yet the music is not over-intellectual and leaves a lot to feeling and atmosphere, keeping the overall emotional level alive and aesthetically satisfying. Definitely worth investigation for more adventurous listeners!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ENSEMBLE TUNING XIII ~ MUZYKA NA TRZY INSTRUMENTY REQUIEM / OPUS 2021/55 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2019 - 2020 Released: 2021 This is the third album by Polish Jazz drummer / composer / bandleader Rafal GorzyckiFind albums by this artist, recorded under the Ensemble TuningFind albums by this artist moniker, now with a new variant of the moniker, i.e. Ensemble Tuning XIIIFind albums by this artist. The new lineup is extended into a quartet, which now includes alongside the leader clarinetists Piotr MelechFind albums by this artist and Michal GorczynskiFind albums by this artist and pianist Jakub KrolikowskiFind albums by this artist, which explains the album title, which in English means “Music For Three Instruments” (i.e. clarinet, piano and drums). Guitarist Jakub ZiolekFind albums by this artist guests on the final track. The album presents six original compositions / improvisations, credited to various combinations of the quartet members. The album is a continuation of the two previous recordings by Gorzycki: “PlayingFind albums with this title” (2016) and “Ensemble TuningFind albums with this title” (2018). I have been following Gorzycki and his work for the last two decades since he first arrived on the Polish Jazz scene as the leader of the Ecstasy ProjectFind albums by this artist (debuted in 2000) and Sing Sing PenelopeFind albums by this artist (debuted in 2004). He is certainly one of the constantly searching and horizon expanding Polish Jazz musicians / composers, with a strong tendency to amalgamate Jazz and contemporary Chamber music. This album is somewhat surprising as it presents almost entirely Improvised Music elements, which are not necessarily the usual modus operandi as far as Gorzycki is concerned. But the two clarinets, played by my favorite Polish Jazz clarinetists, add some thrilling moments and by the fifth and longest track the ensemble finally finds the nirvana spot and the music becomes magical. Personally the labeling of the music is somewhat misleading, as this certainly is not contemporary Chamber Classical music, so why try and use that particular label? But besides labeling, this music offers a lot of unexpected vistas, demanding dot-connecting and other cerebral exercises, which are always welcome. Overall, this is a very unique, unusual and highly demanding listening adventure, but at the same time a highly rewarding experience for open-minded music lovers, who are prepared to take risks in order to expand their horizons. Hats off to Gorzycki for his consistency and tireless searching!

Updated: 02/10/2021Posted: 27/09/2021

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

LUKASZ GOREWICZ ~ THE STRING OF HORIZONS BIG FLOW 02 (Barcode: 5904730520010) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is a very interesting solo album by Polish violinist / composer Lukasz GorewiczFind albums by this artist, a prolific figure on the local scene primarily known as a member of the Ecstasy ProjectFind albums by this artist ensemble, but also as author of and participant in many other ventures. On this album, which is performed solely by Gorewicz playing all the instruments, he presents nine original instrumental pieces, the last of which is added as a bonus track. The music is a beautiful mixture of diverse influences, ranging between Classical Music, improvisation and Ambient atmospheric vistas, resulting in a very introvert, deeply melancholic and minimalist pieces, which develop slowly and create a deep sensation of tension and even apprehension, in spite of their subdued intensity. In many respects this music sounds like a soundtrack of an imaginary horror film. Gorewicz plays mostly the violin, which is the most dominant instrument on this album, but he also uses the piano to create a frame of reference for the prolonged violin improvisations and electronics to create some rhythmic patterns and to extend the sonic range of the overall result. This music needs quite a lot of concentration and attentive listening to expose all of its depth and hidden beauty. Although it tends to create a sensation of standstill and little development, in fact it moves along at all times, even when frequently slowed down and almost silenced to a whisper. This technique, which involves playing with the dynamics and changing the tempi, is extremely effective, although not always easy to follow or to enjoy at first. This album is definitely one of the most ambitious and original statements on the Polish musical scene of 2015, but its complexity and intrinsic oddity will make it difficult to achieve a wide popularity, which is sadly the story of all valuable creations. Nevertheless Gorewicz manages to make an uncompromising personal statement, which is here to stay and proves his maturity and obvious talent both as a virtuosic violinist and notable composer. Although every Polish violinist who uses improvisation is almost automatically adopted to the famous Polish Jazz violin school, personally I think Gorewicz, except for the slight similarity to Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, is not a typical Jazz violinist but rather a member of a new Polish Jazz violin school, which is much closer to Classical Music, like the two violinists of the Atom String QuartetFind albums by this artist for example. Overall this is an album definitely worthy of exploration and should delight ambitious music listeners, who have enough patience and open mindedness to embrace it.

Updated: 13/04/2016Posted: 13/04/2016

CD 1 Digipak Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

GORZYCKI & DOBIE ~ NOTHING REQUIEM 086 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 This is the third and last part in a triptych of duo recordings by Polish drummer / composer Rafal GorzyckiFind albums by this artist (see his duo albums with Sebastian GruchotFind albums by this artist and Kamil PaterFind albums by this artist), this time with British guitarist / composer Jonathan DobieFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original pieces co-composed by Gorzycki and Dobie. In the last decade or so Gorzycki firmly established his position on the Polish scene as one of the most individual voices, amalgamating Jazz with contemporary Classical music, electronic and ambient influences and above all standing firmly as a symbol of uncompromising music creation. His work as a leader and member of such forward thinking ensembles as Sing Sing PenelopeFind albums by this artist or Ecstasy ProjectFind albums by this artist and his individual projects in duo, trio and quartet settings are all exceptional examples of individuality and excellence. In many respects this duo album is a culmination of Gorzycki´s modus operandi, which presents a minimalistic and fragmented approach to melody and harmony, which often hints at some musical statements rather then expressing them in full, leaving it to the listener to connect the dots. Dobie is obviously an ideal partner and cohort in such circumstances, playing short fragments of rapid guitar fire, which reminds early improvising electric guitarists such as John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist or Jimmy HendrixFind albums by this artist and utilizing ancient fuzz and other sound devices. This retro sound combined with the modern approach creates an absolute stunning effect. Of course, as in every other duo album, the interplay between the two partners is the essential ingredient of the entire project. Gorzycki´s seemingly endless palette of drums and percussion instruments and Dobie´s guitar pyrotechnics are perfectly suited for each other and their dialogs reach telepathic levels. I am very glad that Gorzycki manages finally to achieve at least some recognition by the Polish musical "establishment", after years of being ignored and neglected beyond the small circle of his musical partners. Hopefully this recognition will enable him to create even more of his groundbreaking projects, to the delight of old and new fans. Visiting his personal web site will allow a glimpse at his huge achievements so far. This album is a must have for the many fans of the alternative Polish Jazz / contemporary music scene and is of course is highly recommended.

Updated: 19/01/2018Posted:

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

GORZYCKI & GRUCHOT ~ EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY FOR TUNE 0021 (Barcode: 5902768701210) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the debut album by a new duo, in which two Polish musicians combine forces to create new, experimental, adventurous music: drummer / percussionist / composer Rafal GorzyckiFind albums by this artist and violinist / composer Sebastian GruchotFind albums by this artist (resident since many years in Norway). Gorzycki is one of Poland´s most prolific and fascinating activist known to listeners of contemporary Polish music from his activities as a member of such ensembles as Sing Sing PenelopeFind albums by this artist, Ecstasy ProjectFind albums by this artist and other collaborations. Gruchot also participated on several Sing Sing Penelope albums, but most of his work is in the sphere of contemporary Classical, Avant-Garde and electronic music. The album presents eight original pieces, seven of which were co-composed by the duo and the last one is by Gorzycki. The music is a wonderful glimpse into a new musical universe, which is intimate and often minimalistic, but extremely expressive and captivating. As difficult as it is to come up with something truly innovative these days, the duo manages to do it brilliantly. The seemingly endless array of percussive sounds, rhythms and patterns that Gorzycki manages to produce is simply awe-inspiring. He is one of the very few drummers, who actually play on their instrument, rather than beat the hell out of it. Gruchot is an ideal partner in this process, as his idiosyncratic contribution on strings or electronics are also very "percussive" and compliment the sounds produced by Gorzycki. There is very little melody here in the conventional sense, and it is up to the listener to discover and possibly to weave his own melodic content around the ambient vistas produced by the duo. Perhaps this is an opening of a new Art Form, where the listener actually participates with the musicians in the process of creation on an imaginary plane, or perhaps it´s just my feverish imagination. In any case this music is definitely something else in every sense. In his liner notes Gorzycki says that he wanted to move away from the familiar Jazz patterns he operated within for many years. He surely managed to do it here, but rather than abandoning them he transformed them into new tools of expression. True, this is not straightforward Jazz in any sense, but why should it be. The path of constant progress, discovery and exploration is the only true path of every Artist, and we, the audience in this case, should be grateful for the gift bestowed upon us as a result. This is definitely one of the best experimental albums recorded in Poland in 2013 and hopefully will be discovered by open-minded listeners. I ca only salute Gorzycki & Gruchot for being honest to themselves and doing their own thing. Chapeau!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

PATER / WOJTCZAK / UROWSKI / GORZYCKI ~ A-KINETON OWOC 001 (Barcode: 5903292101378) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 This wonderful album, recorded by the Polish quartet comprising of guitarist Kamil PaterFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Irek WojtczakFind albums by this artist, bassist Pawel UrowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Rafal GorzyckiFind albums by this artist, with guest trumpeter Maurycy WojcinskiFind albums by this artist, is an excellent example of contemporary Jazz, played by young musicians who slowly establish a new school of Polish Jazz, continuing the splendid tradition of the country´s achievements in that area. For people following the scene these names won´t be completely new, as they have been active in many different ensembles during the last decade, like Sing Sing PenelopeFind albums by this artist, Ecstasy ProjectFind albums by this artist, Contemporary Noise SextetFind albums by this artist and others. Pater, Urowski and Gorzycki, with saxophonist Aleksander KaminskiFind albums by this artist, recorded the splendid "Dziki JazzFind albums with this title" (Wild Jazz) album earlier on. Pater wrote five of the eight compositions on this album, with Urowski and Gorzycki contributing one composition each and one being a group composition. The music is excellent modern Jazz, with some basic melodic content, but mostly improvised with a lot of both individual and collective freedom extended towards the participants. The performances are all inspired and highly professional, and overall the album is a great piece of music, which flows elegantly from one composition to another, constantly keeping the listener on the edge. By and large the atmosphere is somewhat similar to the music played by the groundbreaking Polish ensemble Sing Sing Penelope, which of course is not entirely surprising and should be seen as a compliment. Hopefully this quartet has a lot more to offer in the future, and I´m looking forward to hear their next album. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

TOMASZ PAWLICKI ~ BASNIOWE GRY (TRIAL) REQUIEM / LYDIAN 2019/6 ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is the debut solo album by Polish flautist / multi-instrumentalist / composer Tomasz PawlickiFind albums by this artist, recorded with the help of seven additional Polish instrumentalists from various genres, including trumpeter Wojciech JachnaFind albums by this artist, drummer Jacek BuhlFind albums by this artist and others, each appearing on between one and four of the tracks. The album presents twelve original compositions, all by Pawlicki. The music is a minimalist, chamber Jazz-Classical Fusion presented by the relatively short pieces, which although unrelated melodically, can be easily conceived as parts of a suite like coherent whole. Since Pawlicki is usually associated with the Polish Avant-Garde Jazz scene, this music seems at times somewhat "tame", but it is in fact a logical continuation of his work with the Ecstasy ProjectFind albums by this artist ensemble or the trio with Rafal GorzyckiFind albums by this artist and Jakub ZiolekFind albums by this artist. Both the compositions and the performances are brilliant all the way through and although this music is targeted towards the more refined audiences, it can be enjoyed by a relatively wide range of listeners from the Avant-Garde contemporary Classical Music and / or Jazz echelons to any member of the open-minded and curious public. The subtle use of electronics adds another interesting layer to the music, without changing the overall chamber effect. I have enjoyed immensely listening to this unusual, ambitious and beautiful music, with the solo violin piece played by Filip LipskiFind albums by this artist being my favorite piece on this album. But all the music offers a highly aesthetic experience and deserves to be heard by as many people as possible. Definitely well done!

Updated: 07/08/2020Posted: 07/08/2020

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

SING SING PENELOPE ~ WE REMEMBER KRZESELKO ELECTRIC EYE 003 (Barcode: 5905912552874) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2006 - 2007 Released: 2008 This is the 3rd album by excellent Polish ensemble Sing Sing PenelopeFind albums by this artist, led by drummer / composer Rafal GorzyckiFind albums by this artist, one of the most versatile and diligent Polish musicians, who also created and leads other ensembles, like Ecstasy ProjectFind albums by this artist. Gorzycki incorporates Jazz tradition with contemporary Classical music, Avant-Garde, Rock, Punk and a myriad of other genres and sub-genres, completely ignoring conventions, like many of his Polish contemporaries on the off-centre music scene. His recording legacy in the last decade is quite prolific, presenting many quite contrasting, but always intriguing musical vistas. This album is definitely one of the most interesting of his recordings, and one of the best albums coming out of Poland in the first decade of the 21st Century. On this album the ensemble includes trumpeter Wojciech JachnaFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Tomasz GlazikFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Daniel MackiewiczFind albums by this artist and bassist Patryk WeclawekFind albums by this artist. Violinist Sebastian GruchotFind albums by this artist guests on four tracks. The music, all original of course, is a stunning amalgam of Modern Jazz, Avant-Rock, RIO, contemporary Classical; in short completely beyond classification. Somehow all this makes perfect sense musically and leaves the innocent listener completely stunned. The strange thing is that this music might appeal to Jazz and Rock (especially Progressive Rock) audiences with equal might, but certainly it´s extremely unlikely someone might stay indifferent to it. In short this is a blast of an album, which took me by complete surprise and made me return to it several time already. As to the album´s title, I have no idea what the ensemble really meant, even after watching the short video included on the album, but my guess would be that it´s a pun on the many Polish Jazz albums dedicated to the memory of Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, including the famous "We`ll Remember KomedaFind albums with this title" album? In any case this album is an absolute must!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend