Record Reviews

ACOUSTIC ACROBATS ~ LIVE LUNA 277 (Barcode: 5900672922776) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 This is the debut album by the excellent Polish Jazz-World Fusion ensemble Acoustic AcrobatsFind albums by this artist, which comprises of clarinetist Piotr SkupniewiczFind albums by this artist, accordionists Jacek HolubowskiFind albums by this artist and Boguslaw ZiebaFind albums by this artist, bassist Jacek FedkowiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Adam LesniakFind albums by this artist. The album, recorded live, includes ten original tracks composed by the ensemble members: seven by Holubowski, one each by Zieba and Skupniewicz and the remaining one co-composed by Zieba and Skupniewicz. There is also a bonus track with one of the composition given a studio overhaul with surprising results. The band lists their manager, lighting and transport man occasional vocalist Damian RekasFind albums by this artist as a sixth member, so I´ll comply as well. The unusual instrumental lineup of the ensemble sets them almost immediately apart from most other Jazz-World Fusion groups. They produce quite an innovative overall sound, with the two accordions collaborating wonderfully, complimented by the great rhythm section, with the clarinet wailing on top. Although the Jazz component is often quite subtle, it is nevertheless the driving force pushing the ensemble at all times and allowing for the extended improvised sections. The World Music influences are quite varied and include Balkan, Jewish, Klezmer, Latin American and African spices, all used with moderation and good taste. The music is after all original, with distinctive melodies and climates, with the World Music additions ornamenting it rather than dictating the final result. The individual instrumental abilities of these musicians are beyond reproach and often border on virtuosity. The level of interplay and mutual respect is also commendable. Experience tells that this kind of music sounds the best when heard live and therefore the unconventional decision of releasing a live album as a debut is definitely the correct one. The fact that it also is the least expensive way to record an album is secondary in this case. Overall this is a first rate album, which is pure fun to listen to, without being simplistic or vulgar. In fact this music is quite complex musically and hides many wonderful moments, which will be revealed by repeated listening. This is definitely a band worth following, going to hear them play in concerts if possible and now also waiting for their next album. Kudos!

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MOTION TRIO ~ POLONIUM ACORDEONUS 009 (Barcode: 5907437034361) ~ POLAND ~ Classical Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 The Polish accordion trio, called Motion TrioFind albums by this artist, is one of the most intriguing musical ensembles active today, mostly acknowledged in the contemporary Classical sphere, but known also to cross over to other music areas, including Jazz. Founded in 1996 by Janusz WojtarowiczFind albums by this artist, who is the trio´s leader and primary composer of the original music they perform, the trio also includes Pawel BaranekFind albums by this artist and Marcin GalazynFind albums by this artist. Over time the Motion Trio turned out to be a most prolific recording act and this is their eleventh album since 2002. This album plays tribute to the four great Polish contemporary Classical composers, who achieved international fame and recognition, often more so abroad than at home: Witold LutoslawskiFind albums by this artist, Krzysztof PendereckiFind albums by this artist, Henryk GoreckiFind albums by this artist and Wojciech KilarFind albums by this artist. In addition they also play one composition by Wojtarowicz co-composed with accordionist Jacek HolubowskiFind albums by this artist, a member and primary composer of Acoustic AcrobatsFind albums by this artist, another excellent Polish ensemble. Also included, as a special track, is a composition by Marta PlaszynskaFind albums by this artist, a famous Polish composer living in the USA, dedicated to the trio. Polish Jazz pianist Leszek MozdzerFind albums by this artist guests on the Gorecki piece. The accordion is sadly a most mistreated and misunderstood instrument in contemporary music, usually associated with folklore, street music and other "low culture" phenomena by Classical music snobs. Very few music lovers understand the incredible wealth of the instrument, its limitless possibilities and the beauty of its profound sound. Therefore the fantastic exposure that the accordion is given by the Motion Trio is a most welcome occurrence of great musical importance. This, in addition to the sheer virtuosity and inventiveness of the trio members, is a guarantee of first-class musical experience, which this album offers. Although the unusual instrumentation may seem a bit strange in relation to the four compositions by the four Master composers, open-minded listeners will be very quickly completely absorbed in the new sonorities and re-discover these pieces in a new light, with undeniable delight. Of course playing such ambitious music speaks highly of the trio´s cerebral approach on one hand and emotional abilities on the other as far as keeping their minds open to a wide scope of music rather than thread on the easy path to success. During my recent meeting with Maestro Penderecki we discussed this album briefly and he wholeheartedly approved this specific interpretation of his composition, certifying his opinion in writing by autographing my copy of the album ;) As long as works of Art like this album are being produced, our Culture is still alive and kicking, but for how long, unfortunately no one can predict.

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