Record Reviews

APOSTOLIS ANTHIMOS ~ 50 – LIVE IN NOSPR NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 5903068122774) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021 This is a 2CD album by Polish Jazz / Fusion guitarist / drummer / composer Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist, recorded live at the fabulous NOSPR concert hall in Katowice, celebrating his 50 years of musical activity. The music was recorded by a core quartet with keyboardist Piotr MatusikFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Olaf WegierFind albums by this artist and bassist Robert SzewczugaFind albums by this artist and guests: French trumpeter Erik TruffazFind albums by this artist, Polish DJ Wojciech DlugoszFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Mr. KrimeFind albums by this artist) and Dutch drummer Yoran VroomFind albums by this artist. The album presents eighteen tracks, including a repeated (six times) theme called “For 50 Years”, all composed by the leader. Although primarily know as a founding member of the legendary Polish Prog / Fusion group SBBFind albums by this artist, Anthimos cultivated a solo career in parallel to his career with SBB, recording solo albums and participating in recording of many albums by various Polish and international artists / groups, constantly shifting between Jazz, Fusion and Rock. Although usually associated with playing guitar, he is also an accomplished drummer. The album reflects all the virtues Apostolis has to offer, as a guitarist, drummer and above all as a composer. The highly melodic and yet beautifully structured tunes are perfect vehicles for the musicians to show their chops and create a smooth continuity and highly pleasant and absorbing music. The inclusion of Truffaz adds a wonderful Jazz layer to these proceedings and are a fond reminder of Anthimos’ work with Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist. Apostolis is a highly imaginative guitarist, which of course is evident throughout his entire career, and has a unique sound, which amalgamates many different elements, including his affinity to Greek music, a highly developed Jazz sensibility and the Rock elements, creating together one of the most distinguished European Fusion voices. Overall, this is a wonderful Fusion album that no fan of the genre should miss in his collection, with great music and brilliant guitar playing rarely met elsewhere. Highly recommended!

Updated: 17/12/2021Posted: 17/12/2021

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

KOBYLINSKI / TRUFAZ ~ GIVE ME NOVEMBER JAZOVIA ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 This is the debut album by a duo comprising of veteran Polish Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader / entrepreneur Krzysztof KobylinskiFind albums by this artist and French trumpeter Erik TruffazFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Kobylinski. The music is all based on the strongly melodic themes, which are Kobylinski´s trademark, full of typical Polish melancholy and lyricism and often reflecting references to Polish Folklore. Some of these compositions appeared on earlier recordings by Kobylinski, but this intimate duo setting puts them in a different light and mood, and makes them worth revisiting. Most of the improvisational artistry on this album is naturally performed by Truffaz, who is a proven Master of his instrument. On this album Truffaz demonstrates a mellow, melodic mood, as appropriate for the circumstances, but his playing is full of artistry and sensitivity. Kobylinski stays mostly in the background, accompanying the trumpet lead amicably, taking occasional solos as well. The duo works together well and manages to create a full musical experience, proving that the unusual piano / trumpet instrumentation is completely viable and artistically convincing. Overall this is a enjoyable album, which emphasizes the gentle side of the Jazz idiom, well within the mainstream tradition, but offers an unusual instrumental setting and deeply melodic contents, which is accessible to a wide range of Jazz and Jazz related listeners.

Updated: 25/11/2018Posted: 25/11/2018

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend