Record Reviews

EL GRECO ~ SING CUCKOO INSPIRAFON 02 (Barcode: 5903111259006) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2011 Released: 2013 This is the debut album by Polish ensemble El GrecoFind albums by this artist, led by keyboardist / composer Joachim MencelFind albums by this artist, which also includes vocalist Jorgos SkoliasFind albums by this artist, DJ Wojciech DlugoszFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Mr. KrimeFind albums by this artist) who performs turntablism, bassist Andrzej SwiesFind albums by this artist and Austrian drummer Harry TanschekFind albums by this artist. The album includes ten tracks, eight of which are songs and the remaining two instrumental pieces. The eight songs are all composed by Mencel to lyrics by Polish poets (five of the songs, naturally sung in Polish) and literary texts in English (the remaining three, sung in English). One of the instrumentals is a group composition and the remaining one is by Gil EvansFind albums by this artist. This is obviously quite an ambitious project, well within the Jazz & Poetry realm, which seems to be a favorite of the Polish music scene. However, contrary to many splendid efforts in this area this album leaves me quite cold. It´s quite difficult to pinpoint the exact reasons for my opinion, but somehow the mixture of complex, sophisticated poetry with the rather simplistic music does not work for me. Anybody engaging in the poems of Cyprian Kamil NorwidFind albums by this artist must be aware of their masterly interpretation by the legendary NiemenFind albums by this artist or more recently by Stan BorysFind albums by this artist and in comparison the versions presented here seem to be quite pale. The music seems to be by and large based on blues themes, with a modernistic rhythm patterns emphasized by the turntablism. There is a limited space for serious improvisation and the atmosphere is more of an alterative Rock album than a Jazz album, which of course might be just what the ensemble (or the leader) wanted to achieve. The only thing that makes this album enjoyable as far as I´m concerned is the truly excellent work by Andrzej Swies, who emerges as the star of this particular project and without whom this music simply wouldn´t work at all. As usually the attempt to sing in English proves to be fatal. Overall this is not a bad album and many people will probably enjoy it, but I just can´t seem to be able to warm up towards it. Mea culpa!

Updated: 31/01/2017Posted:

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EDI KOHLDORFER TRIO ~ HOVER ATS 1012 (Barcode: 9005216010127) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is an album by Austrian Jazz guitarist / composer Edi KohldorferFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with bassist Martin HeinzleFind albums by this artist and drummer Harry TanschekFind albums by this artist. A couple of guest musicians serve as an alternative rhythm section on three tracks. The album presents ten tracks, all composed by the leader. The music is all beautifully melodic, delicate and relaxed, with strong World Music influences on several of the tracks. The electric guitar sound as acoustic as possible, with a dash of echo and reverb, but basically very clean and straightforward, which sounds perhaps a bit nostalgic but offers the full beauty of the instrument, which has been pretty much stamped on over the years. As a result, the album sounds in many respects like the music played by the early Masters of Jazz guitar some five decades ago, and I mean this as a true compliment. The rhythm section is in perfect sync with the leader, playing exactly what is best for this kind of music, most importantly complimenting the guitar respectfully and not trying to overshadow it. The resulting sound is just what the doctor prescribed, as far as a guitar trio album is concerned, enabling the leader to show his chops in many different styles and techniques, without becoming a showoff, which guitar albums have often a tendency to do. Overall, this is a wonderful Jazz guitar album, of great sophistication and beauty rarely heard these days, which perfectly presents the composing skills and the virtuosity of the leader and manages to eschew all the traps of guitar albums. This is first and foremost great music, which is a true pleasure to listen to, with absolutely no BS attitude. For Jazz guitar lovers this is an absolute eye (ear) opener, but all Jazz fans should be delighted by the result. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 23/04/2024Posted: 23/04/2024

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MUNIAK / MENCEL / VON HOMBRACHT / TANSCHEK ~ CONTEMPLATION INSPIRAFON 03 (Barcode: 5903111259013) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2015 This is a long awaited recording by the legendary Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quartet setting with Polish pianist Joachim MencelFind albums by this artist, American bassist Willem von HombrachtFind albums by this artist and Austrian drummer Harry TanschekFind albums by this artist. Together they perform nine tunes, eight of which are standards and one is an original composition by Muniak. Although the album is credited to all four quartet members, it is obvious that it celebrates the participation of Muniak, who last recorded an album in 2002, i.e. ten years before this material was recorded three years before it was released. Muniak´s original composition on this album is the title track of that previous album. It is obviously almost impossible to be even seemingly objective abut this music considering the legendary figure of the leader, who is without a doubt one of the great Godfathers of Polish Jazz. The album is entirely immersed in the mainstream Jazz idiom, both as far as the music which is being performed and the way it is performed. Muniak´s tone is still intact, although he plays mostly softly and keeps his phrases short and sweet. The piano trio supporting him is solid and very amicable, supporting the leader all the way through. Everybody is extremely cautious, trying to be gentle and round, which means there are risks being taken at all. In many respects this album makes me sad and reflective, as it points out that time is not standing still for anybody. Overall this is a nice mainstream album, no surprises, no risks, no news, a gentle wave of hand by a great Master saying "I can still do it". Respect!

Updated: 31/01/2016Posted:

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