Record Reviews

ELEC-TRI-CITY ~ DEPTH OF FOCUS SOLITON 707 (Barcode: 5901571097077) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the second album by Polish Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble Elec-Tri-CityFind albums by this artist, which comprises of bassist / keyboardist / composer Janusz MackiewiczFind albums by this artist, guitarist Marcin WadolowskiFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist (who plays his electronic vibraphone called xylosynth) and drummer Grzegorz SyczFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions, seven of which are by Mackiewicz and the remaining three are one each by the other ensemble members. The album continues the path set by the debut and presents a superbly elegant Jazz-Rock Fusion, based on beautiful melodic compositions, which serve as vehicles for extended improvisations by the ensemble members. The music brings fond memories of what Fusion was at its early days, when it was all about the music and not about technical, but boring proficiency show-offs by mediocre musicians. Each and every one of the tunes on this album is a wonderful piece of stylish music, which stands very well on its own. All four members of the ensemble are experienced musicians with impressive personal record and the music they play here is evidently a labor of love and joy of playing. There is plenty of superb guitar, synthesizer, bass and drum solos to keep every Fusion fan happy. Overall this is a very enjoyable and yet exceptionally musical and elegant album, which is a true joy to listen to from start to end; one of those pieces of music that can simply "make your day". Warmly recommended!

Updated: 12/05/2017Posted: 12/05/2017

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ELEC-TRI-CITY ~ ELEC-TRI-CITY BITTT 002 (Barcode: 5907632690072) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the debut album by Polish Jazz-Rock / Funk ensemble Elec-Tri-CityFind albums by this artist, formed by bassist Janusz MackiewiczFind albums by this artist and including also the excellent veteran vibraphonist Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Marcin WadolowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz SyczFind albums by this artist. As the word-play title suggests, the band members originate from the country´s Tricity on the Baltic Sea. Several guest musicians participate on the album, most notably the keyboards wizard Leszek MozdzerFind albums by this artist. The album includes seven original compositions all by Mackiewicz. The music lies well within the boundaries of the Jazz-Rock Fusion / Funk variety, but presents an up to date version of the idiom and even tries to expand its boundaries by adding somewhat more electronic ambience and more advanced harmonic structures as well as more ambitious improvisations than usually utilized by musicians operating within these genres. The compositions are surely better than most sketchy melodic lines usually used in Funk over a repetitious rhythmic pattern. In short this music is a breath of fresh air as far as Funk & Co are concerned. The individual contributions are all beyond reproach, which is not surprising considering the obvious abilities of the musicians involved. Mackiewicz plays some pretty "nasty" bass lines, which can wake up the dead, Bukowski and his xylosynth (xylophone-synthesizer) produces superb atmospheric sonic layers and inspired solos, Wadolowski adds a gutsy, Bluesy guitar sound and Sycz keeps the entire shamadan moving forward straight to the listeners guts (or heart). Even Mozdzer plays here considerably more imaginatively than on his solo albums lately. Overall this is an excellent album as far as Funk is concerned, elegant and entertaining and above all great fun. I enjoyed every minute of this music, which is definitely more suitable for warm climates. Thank you guys for bringing some joy to life!

Updated: 12/05/2017Posted:

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SPECIAL JAZZ SEXTET ~ PROJEKT ELBLAG ALLEGRO 022 (Barcode: 5901157049223) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 This is the debut album by a Polish Jazz sextet, which changed its lineup and name several times before settling with the name Special Jazz SextetFind albums by this artist, before this album was recorded. It is led by keyboardist Bartek KrzywdaFind albums by this artist and includes saxophonist Szymon ZuehlkeFind albums by this artist, trombonist Artur OlewniczakFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Marcin GawdzisFind albums by this artist, bassist Janusz MackiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz SyczFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Przemek DyakowskiFind albums by this artist guests on five tracks and guitarist Jaroslaw SmietanaFind albums by this artist and violinist Jerry GoodmanFind albums by this artist each guest on one track. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Krzywda. The music is melodic mainstream Jazz bordering on Jazz-Rock Fusion. The brass section is skillfully used in the arrangements to support the keyboards / rhythm section passages and overall the sextet functions as a solid well synchronized unit, achieving a polished and highly professional effect. There are plenty of excellent solo parts by all the participants and the guests. The individual contributions by all the participants are truly outstanding and although these are not "famous" Polish Jazz musicians, their level of technical proficiency and skillful delivery are as good as those by musicians from the "premier league", which of course is a testimony of the incredibly high level of Polish Jazz in general. Overall this is a very well played mainstream Jazz album, which should be satisfying to all listeners the world over. It is fun to listen to and presents first-class musicianship and interesting compositions.

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