Record Reviews

PRZEMEK DYAKOWSKI ~ LUDMILA ALLEGRO 047 (Barcode: 5901157049476) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 This is an album by veteran Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Przemek DyakowskiFind albums by this artist, recorded in a sextet setting with saxophonist Wojciech StaroniewiczFind albums by this artist, organist Artur JurekFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Janusz MackiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Maksymilian KreftFind albums by this artist, and featuring the vocalist Joanna KnitterFind albums by this artist. The album is a tribute to the Polish vocalist Ludmila JakubczakFind albums by this artist, who died tragically in 1961, being just twenty-two years old, and presents Jazzed up interpretations of songs from her repertoire. The music is all within the mainstream Jazz / Swing idiom, perfectly executed by this excellent and highly experienced team. Knitter also delivers her usual soulful and warm vocals, which are always great fun to hear without being a tad pretentious. The main purpose of this album is to bring back some first class songs created by best Polish composers and lyricist at the time, which lost nothing of their charm and quality over time, emphasizing the old saying that “they don’t write songs like this anymore”, which is sadly more and more truthful as the time flows by. Overall, this is a nice, pleasant and somewhat educationally nostalgic album by a first class group of Polish Jazz musicians, which is a great fun to experience and reminiscence about the good old days. Warmly recommended to listeners who like their Jazz to Swing ;)

Updated: 10/08/2023Posted: 10/08/2023

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PRZEMEK DYAKOWSKI ~ SWING! ALLEGRO 032 (Barcode: 5901157049322) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is a live recording of a concert that celebrated the 80th Birthday Anniversary of the veteran Polish Jazz saxophonist Przemek DyakowskiFind albums by this artist. The music, recorded at Radio Gdansk, was performed by a group of Dyakowski´s friends, which included, in addition to him of course, vocalist Joanna KnitterFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Wojciech StaroniewiczFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Artur JurekFind albums by this artist (who also arranged all the songs), bassist Janusz MackiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Tomasz SowinskiFind albums by this artist. A few guest musicians also took part in the proceedings. The album presents eight songs (and a bonus track with vocalese by Hanna BanaszakFind albums by this artist), seven of which are originals: two each by Staroniewicz and Knitter, and one each by Dyakowski, Bukowski and Mackiewicz. Knitter also wrote the lyrics (in English) to all these original songs. The last song is a standard. The music is exactly what the album´s title promises: a set of songs kept within the mainstream Jazz tradition, all of which sound as if they were well known Jazz standards, which of course means that they are all beautifully crafted to the highest standard. The performances are also excellent, executed with flair and obvious professionalism, spiced with many beautiful solos. The relaxed atmosphere and good sound make the music flow smoothly from one song to another, with an overall effect of joyous occasion and great fun had by all the musicians present Knitter manages to pass the test of singing in English, which usually has a disastrous result on Polish Jazz albums. Her pronunciation, although obviously non-English, is charming enough and highly musical, which makes the overall result comparable to other great non-native English language singers. Her singing here and her warm timbre fit the general concept of the music like a glove. Her lyrics are also quite excellent, so she comes out of this recording definitely on the winning side. Overall this album is definitely as good, if not better, than most American mainstream / Swing albums, and the original music herein is way better, which of course means that Polish Jazz is not inferior anymore to anything from across the pond.

Updated: 12/02/2016Posted: 12/02/2016

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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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JAKUB HAJDUN ~ JAKUB HAJDUN TRIO SNJ (Barcode: 5903684230631) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz pianist Jakub HajdunFind albums by this artist recorded in a classic Jazz piano trio setting with bassist Janusz MackiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Roman SlefarskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks which are all Jazz standards, two of which combine two standards each. The music is completely within the classic Jazz mainstream idiom, sounding like many similar piano trio recordings, and yet at the time of hectic barrage of sounds we live in today it is like a miraculous oasis in a desert, delightful with its tranquility and familiarity. Hajdun is an excellent pianist, showing a great technique and feeling for the music. Perhaps not very original in his approach and interpretation, but certainly able to carry a tune in a most pleasant way, bringing joy and a smile, like all good music should. Supported by a superb rhythm section, which plays exactly as the doctor prescribed, staying in time and perfect sync with the leader, what else can one ask for? The obviously intentional retro sound and highly swinging approach sounds like honey to one´s ears after years of all that Avant-Garde katzenjammer ;) Yes, yes, I can already hear the critics saying this is something one can hear in a coffee house… Where I ask? Show me? I´d love to have my coffee (and cake mind you) in that coffee house every day while listening to this delightful music. Get lost, you snobs! In short if you like good, old, swinging Jazz piano trio, this is it. They don´t make music like this any more! The only critique I can think of is the fact that it lasts for only just over forty minutes ;)

Updated: 02/01/2021Posted: 02/01/2021

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JAKUB HAJDUN ~ UTWORY WLASNE SOLITON 1225 (Barcode: 5903684232253) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is the second album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Jakub HajdunFind albums by this artist, recorded in the same classic Jazz piano trio setting like the debut released in 2020, with bassist Janusz MackiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Roman SlefarskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, all original compositions by the leader, which offer a suite-like structure with an intro, seven themes and an outro, strongly linked thematically and stylistically. The music is melody based mainstream Jazz, offering excellent compositions and spotless execution by Hajdun and the rhythm section, which develops coherently and intelligently throughout the duration of the album. Although there is no attempt to innovate or break any musical boundaries, the music flows gracefully from one track to another, taking the listener along on a ride, which is both entertaining and satisfying. As I have already stated in my review of the debut album, Hajdun manages to create a sparkling, eventful and enjoyable Jazz music, which combines some Classical influences and Polish lyricism, and is delightful in its simplicity and straightforwardness. Overall, this is an excellent follow up to the promising debut album, which continues the same musical direction. For Jazz piano trio lovers with melodic, often romantic music, this album is everything they may wish for. Within the boundaries of Jazz there is certainly place for musicians, who can weave a beautiful tune and play it a heartfelt manner. Not everything has to be groundbreaking.

Updated: 15/06/2022Posted: 15/06/2022

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JANUSZ MACKIEWICZ ~ FROGSVILLE ECNALUMBA 0002 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2008 This is the second album as a leader by Polish Jazz bassist / composer Janusz MackiewiczFind albums by this artist. It is a live recording, which also features saxophonist Dariusz HerbaszFind albums by this artist, trombonist Grzegorz NagorskiFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Adam CzerwinskiFind albums by this artist, all well seasoned players from the Polish Baltic Tricity scene. The quintet performs seven compositions, six of which are original compositions: four by Mackiewicz, one each by Bukowski and Herbasz and the last one is a Charles MingusFind albums by this artist tune. The music is all well within mainstream Jazz, but the excellent compositions and spotless execution turn it into a very pleasant listening experience, mostly low key and somewhat subdued. The music is definitely not trying to break any new musical ground, but it does represent highly professional well played contemporary Jazz, which is accessible to a wide Jazz audience and should satisfy most regular Jazz connoisseurs all over the world. In many respects this music has a nostalgic feel of the Bebop hay days as captured during the 1950s and 1960s on Blue Note, Prestige and other labels, but with a more contemporary sound quality. This album is definitely worth checking out, especially for Polish Jazz collectors, as it proves beyond any doubt that Polish Jazz musicians can play classic Jazz as well as the guys across the pond.

Updated: 01/06/2018Posted:

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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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WOJCIECH STARONIEWICZ ~ A`FREAK-AN PROJECT ALLEGRO 021 (Barcode: 5901157049216) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 This is a very interesting concept album by veteran Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer Wojciech StaroniewiczFind albums by this artist, dedicated to African music. Staroniewicz assembled an unusual lineup, fronted by a four-saxophone brass section: himself on tenor, Przemek DyakowskiFind albums by this artist on tenor, Dariusz HerbaszFind albums by this artist on baritone and Irek WojtczakFind albums by this artist on tenor and soprano saxophones. There are no keyboards, as appropriate for African music, which are replaced by typical African instruments like marimba and kalimba, with some vibraphone, all played by Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist. The rhythm section comprises of bassist Janusz MackiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Adam CzerwinskiFind albums by this artist and two percussionists complete the lineup: Larry Okey UgwuFind albums by this artist and Slawomir BernyFind albums by this artist. The album includes seven original compositions, all by the leader, and was recorded "live" in the studio. Rather than copying obvious African elements, Staroniewicz creates a set of compositions, which are African more in spirit than in form, a task which is most commendable and of course much more difficult. The brass arrangements sound similar to African Brass Bands, mostly those from Southern part of the continent, but what is most impressive, is that Staroniewicz presents Africa as a whole, with music influences originating from all the four corners of the Black Continent – North with its Middle-Eastern flavor, West with its typical rhythm signatures, East with its enchanting expressive melodies and South with its highly energetic, danceable spirit. The decision not to include keyboards, especially electronic ones, adds significantly to the authenticity and genuineness of the overall result. Although obviously a team effort, especially in light of the live recording circumstances, there are plenty of great solos by all the players involved. These are all experienced and talented musicians, mostly leaders of their own ensembles and the common strength of their conglomerated effort is quite impressive. One should note that although this is obviously a Jazz-World Fusion album, the ethnic elements are not dominating the basic Jazz feel and order of things here, which happens so often in this genre. After all these are European musicians, who grew up on European aesthetics and heritage, and for them pretending to be native Africans would be ridiculous. Therefore this subtle and intelligent approach is much more effective. In addition to the great musical content the album is also beautifully packaged and the graphic design of the digipak enclosure is simply wonderful and highly original, which proves how much thought and love went into making this album. Highly recommended to Jazz-World Fusion enthusiasts, who should enjoy this music wholeheartedly and repeatedly, discovering the many layers it has to offer. Nice stuff!

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WOJCIECH STARONIEWICZ ~ A`FREAK-KOMEDA PROJECT ALLEGRO 029 (Barcode: 5901157049292) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is the second album by veteran Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer Wojciech StaroniewiczFind albums by this artist and his A`Freak-aN ProjectFind albums by this artist ensemble, which consists of a four saxophones front line: Staroniewicz on tenor, Przemek DyakowskiFind albums by this artist on tenor, Dariusz HerbaszFind albums by this artist on baritone and Marcin JanekFind albums by this artist on soprano. The extended rhythm section includes vibraphonist Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Janusz MackiewiczFind albums by this artist, drummer Roman SlefarskiFind albums by this artist and percussionist Larry Okey UgwuFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, the album is dedicated to the music of Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist and four of the six tracks presented here were composed by Komeda, and the remaining two are original composition by Staroniewicz, who also arranged all the music. The African influences on this album, similarly to its predecessor, are relatively subtle and are wisely intertwined with the Jazz content, being felt primarily on the rhythmic plane and the overall atmosphere of the music. As a result this music is still very much mainstream Jazz, and not overtly a Jazz-World Fusion, although African spirit is present during the entire proceedings. The arrangements of Komeda´s tunes work all very nicely, which on one hand proves that Komeda´s music is completely universal, and on the other that Staroniewicz and his colleagues do a great job here, lovingly and respectfully treating the creations of the great composer. The two originals by Staroniewicz ale also first rate tunes, fitting the overall atmosphere of the album. The four saxophones section plays both superb ensemble arrangements and inspired individual solos, which are a true delight. Bukowski is also excellent, as usual, as is the solid rhythm section, which simply does a perfect job here. The level of instrumental work on this album is highly professional and full of joy and elegance. Altogether this is a superb mainstream Jazz album, which features great music, intelligent arrangements and perfect execution. The almost impossible task of saying something innovative in relation to Komeda´s music was successfully achieved here as well. Therefore hopefully as many Jazz fans as possible will decide to check out this beautiful little gem and share its gift of music. Once again I´d like to say that the graphic design of this album, which continues its predecessor´s idea, is among the most elegant and eye-catching album designs on the Polish Jazz market.

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WOJCIECH STARONIEWICZ / A`FREAK-AN PROJECT ~ LIVE IN GDANSK ALLEGRO 038 (Barcode: 5901157049384) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2016 Released: 2019 This is the third album by veteran Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Wojciech StaroniewiczFind albums by this artist and his A`Freak-aN ProjectFind albums by this artist ensemble, which is an octet featuring a saxophone quartet and an extended rhythm section: Staroniewicz on tenor, Przemek DyakowskiFind albums by this artist on tenor, Dariusz HerbaszFind albums by this artist on baritone, Marcin JanekFind albums by this artist on soprano, Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist on vibraphone, Janusz MackiewiczFind albums by this artist on bass, Roman SlefarskiFind albums by this artist on drums and Larry Okey UgwuFind albums by this artist on percussion. The album, which was recorded live at Radio Gdansk, presents seven compositions, two of which are originals by Staroniewicz, four are by Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist and one is by McCoy TynerFind albums by this artist, all arranged by Staroniewicz. This album is in fact a live version of the previous album by the ensemble from 2015, called "A`Freak-Komeda ProjectFind albums with this title", except for the Tyner track. Therefore basically everything I wrote about that album applies also here – just click on the link. As Staroniewicz says on the album´s artwork, this album is a great opportunity to compare the same music recorded in studio and live, which of course can be very different. The live concert setting offers much more dynamics and excitement and expanded improvisations, but is prone to minor "mishaps", which in retrospect are usually simply charming. Since the Komeda arrangements are really very special, I recommend to Polish Jazz enthusiasts to put their hands on this album as well and compare these versions with the studio ones, and enjoy a great live album with excellent musicians on board.

Updated: 14/01/2020Posted: 14/01/2020

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VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ ILLINOIS JACQUET IN MEMORIAM NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2017 As the title suggests, this is a tribute album to the great American saxophonist Illinois JacquetFind albums by this artist, recorded live by top Polish Jazz musicians. The album presents eight tunes recorded over a period of one year at the Gdynia Jazz club UCHO and two bonus tracks recorded earlier at the NOSPR concert hall in Katowice. The album features ten Polish tenor saxophone players, whose ages span four generations: Piotr CheckiFind albums by this artist, Michal Jan CiesielskiFind albums by this artist, Przemek DyakowskiFind albums by this artist, Tomasz GrzegorskiFind albums by this artist, Dariusz HerbaszFind albums by this artist, Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, Maciej SikalaFind albums by this artist, Wojciech StaroniewiczFind albums by this artist, Irek WojtczakFind albums by this artist and Jan Ptaszyn WroblewskiFind albums by this artist. They are accompanied by various rhythm sections comprised of organist Wojciech KarolakFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist, guitarists: Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist, Marcin WadolowskiFind albums by this artist and Michal ZienkowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Janusz MackiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummers: Eric AllenFind albums by this artist (an American in Gdynia who played with Jacquet´s quintet and Big Band) and Tomasz SowinskiFind albums by this artist. Two of the tracks are originals by Jacquet and the rest are standards. Although recorded live, the album offers excellent sound quality. The music is everything one might expect form a tribute album like this one: familiar tunes, superb playing and an obvious joy ride. This is Swing and Bebop at its best and the participants seem to have great fun but the performances are all professional and heartfelt. It is great to see four generation of Polish Jazz musicians cooperating on one stage and playing every inch as good as any American musician might do, again simply wiping out any inferiority complexes still present among Polish Jazz musicians and many Jazz fans in Poland. Mainstream classic Jazz fans all over the world should have a great fun with this music, as it is full of the Jazz spirit and offers a high standard of playing well beyond of what is present on similar album recorded over the pond. The entire project, including this superbly produced album with beautiful artwork and fabulous photography is an obvious labor of love and the people standing behind it deserve all the praise we can offer them, including buying the album. Great stuff!

Updated: 24/11/2019Posted: 31/07/2018

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VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ PRZYJACIELE GRAJA HAJDUNA ALLEGRO 023 (Barcode: 5901157049230) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2011 This album presents the live recording of a memorial concert dedicated to the Polish pianist / composer Janusz HajdunFind albums by this artist, who died a year before this concert took place. Hajdun composed music to more than a hundred films, including the short animated film "Tango", which was the first and so far only Polish film to win the Oscar in 1983, as well as many popular songs. His music was characterized by a distinctive swing and a Jazz spirit, and therefore it is only natural that the Polish Jazz musicians taking part in this concert would pay this loving tribute to the beautiful music composed by Hajdun, hoping to preserve it for posterity. The album presents thirteen compositions by Hajdun (in two cases co-compositions), all of which were beautifully arranged by the participating musicians and three of which include vocals sung by Wanda StaroniewiczFind albums by this artist. The instrumentalist are: legendary pianist Wlodzimierz NahornyFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Piotr NadolskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Marcin WadolowskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Wojciech StaroniewiczFind albums by this artist, bassist Janusz MackiewiczFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Dariusz HerbaszFind albums by this artist, percussionist Adam GolickiFind albums by this artist and pianist Kuba HajdunFind albums by this artist (the composer´s son). The music is truly beautiful, full of the typical Polish lyricism, somewhat melancholic and even gloomy, but always absorbing and aesthetically perfect. There is more than a coincidental similarity to Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist´s cinematic work, which indisputably inspired Hajdun, as it did all Polish composers. Hearing all this music collected here makes a great impact as a sum total and emphasizes his incredible value as a composer and contributor to the development of Polish Culture. The performances are inspired and overall perfect, full of superb solos and excellent team work, kept in relative low-key, as appropriate for a memorial concert. Ranging from solo piano performances to a full-blown Jazz ensemble, things are definitely happening here, which should leave no listener cold. The fact that people pay tribute to their departed colleagues and mentors is heartwarming and commendable and when it is done with such love, dedication and talent, it becomes an unforgettable event. This is Polish Jazz at its best, and as such it deserves to be listened to with attention and open-mindedness. Taking care of the past and the heritage is every bit as important as taking care of the future, let´s not forget it.

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MARCIN WADOLOWSKI ~ BLUE NIGHT SESSION ALLEGRO 028 (Barcode: 5901157049285) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is the second album by the Polish Jazz guitarist / composer Marcin WadolowskiFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with saxophonist Wojciech StaroniewiczFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Janusz MackiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Adam CzerwinskiFind albums by this artist, all seasoned players from the Polish Tricity region. The album presents ten original compositions, all by Wadolowski. Wadolowski can be also heard as a member of Elec-Tri-CityFind albums by this artist and MoongangFind albums by this artist. The music is all very melodic and kept within the mainstream Jazz conventions. All the tracks are relatively short, creating a sort of "songs" album, although of course entirely instrumental, in contrast to a typical Jazz recording, which focuses on the improvisational skills. Wadolowski simply decides to concentrate on featuring his skills as a composer and presenting his music rather than his and his quintets performing talents. There is basically absolutely nothing wrong with such approach of course. Nevertheless the album features very talented and skilled instrumentalists and although the framework and time limitations of this album allow rather modest contributions, those are all executed perfectly. Staroniewicz is a marvelous player and so is Bukowski, who uses recently more and more the xylosynth (a combination of xylophone and synthesizer, which sound really more like a keyboard and produces some very beautiful moments. The rhythm section is also perfect for the job, staying mostly in the background but providing a solid support for the soloist and doing it with grace and elegance. As to the leader, personally I prefer his work in a more electric / Fusion / Funky environment than playing gentle almost acoustic guitar, which limits his possibilities or perhaps exposes more his technical weaknesses, but overall his performance is also quite satisfactory. All in all we have here a pleasant well played album, which should satisfy most Jazz connoisseurs, with a slight tendency towards melodic and less complex musical forms. This album is quite ideal for a lazy evening with a glass of a wonderful cognac or very old single malt on ice.

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