Record Reviews

MAREK BLIZINSKI ~ WAVE POLJAZZ / ANEX 327 (Barcode: 5907513047827) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 - 1980 Released: 2009 This is the only album as a leader recorded by Polish Jazz guitarist Marek BlizinskiFind albums by this artist, who was one of the first Jazz guitar players on the local scene. He was a very in-demand session player and participated in many recordings as well as recording with several groups of which he was a formal member, led by such Polish Jazz luminaries like Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist, Wojciech KarolakFind albums by this artist, Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist and Jan Ptaszyn WroblewskiFind albums by this artist. He was a brilliant improviser and had a wonderful tone, which ornamented many important Polish Jazz recordings. His solo career, however, never really took off and this was the only album he managed to release as a leader, before his untimely and tragic death at the age of 42. The album consists of two radio sessions, with Blizinski playing on both in a trio format, first with bassist Pawel JarzebskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist and then with bassist Zbigniew WegehauptFind albums by this artist and drummer Czeslaw BartkowskiFind albums by this artist. Both these rhythm sections are considered to be among the best ones ever active on the local scene. The album includes seven compositions, all of which are standards. Although well played, both by Blizinski and the rhythm sections, this album does not present his true abilities and sensitivities and in retrospect is unfortunately much less impressive than it could have been. Playing these standards, which present no true intellectual challenge for these experienced musicians, was a poor decision. His numerous recordings with other artists are much more impressive. Guitar enthusiasts will obviously find here many beautiful moments of mainstream Jazz, with are every bit as good as those recorded across the pond. Definitely worth remembering! Side Note: The PoljazzFind albums on this label label, which originally released this album, was active for 20 years (between 1972 and 1991) and was owned by the Polish Jazz Society. Considering the fact that the music industry in the Socialist State was centralized and totally controlled, with just one State owned music company producing all the albums, the possibilities to record and release Jazz albums were extremely limited. Poljazz was conceived and founded in order to allow for many more Jazz (and other) albums to be released independently from the State owned Polskie NagraniaFind albums on this label / MuzaFind albums on this label and as such revolutionized the music industry at the time, being the only such enterprise in Eastern Europe. The Polish label AnexFind albums on this label reissued many of the original Poljazz albums on CD, bringing this fabulous music back to life.

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

EABS ~ REFLECTIONS OF PURPLE SUN ASTIGMATIC 028 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is the 6th album by Polish Jazz ensemble EABSFind albums by this artist, which comprises of saxophonist Olaf WegierFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Jakub KurekFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Marek PedziwiatrFind albums by this artist, bassist Pawel StachowiakFind albums by this artist and drummer Marcin RakFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, five of which are the ensemble’s interpretation of the tracks included on the legendary album “Purple SunFind albums with this title” by Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, who died in 2018, and one is a short tribute to Stanko’s drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist, who died in 2016, credited to Rak. The album was recorded at Stanko’s flat and includes a booklet with extensive and highly informative liner notes by the ensemble’s manger Sebastian JozwiakFind albums by this artist. The “Purple Sun” album was recorded in Germany in 1973 by the legendary quintet led by Stanko, with included saxophonist / flautist Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, who died in 2016, saxophonist / violinist Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, who died in 1979, bassist Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist, may he live for many more years, and Stefanski. For various reasons (see the booklet) Suchanek was replaced on this recording by Swiss bassist Hans HartmannFind albums by this artist, who died in 2022. The album presented five compositions (two combined into one track), four composed by Stanko and one by Seifert. Since the album was released only in Germany on an obscure small record label, it remained almost completely unknown to most Polish and international Jazz connoisseurs for many years. The album was never properly reissued / remastered to this very day. Sadly, none of the quintet members, who recorded this album, are with us anymore. The concept of re-recording entire albums is not exactly neither new nor very revolutionary, even when the music is teleported into an entirely different sphere / universe, like in this case. EABS gradually won me over with their consecutive albums, and I learned to accept their Groove and Funky attitude, which, in their case, can result in deeply Artistic music, despite the appearances. I must admit that I had serious doubts in this specific case, as this particular period in Stanko’s musical chronology sets a certain aesthetic peak, as far as my historic perspective of Polish Jazz is concerned, where his highly adventurous searching produced some of the best Improvised Music / Free Jazz on earth at the time. This new interpretation of “Purple Sun” has absolutely nothing of that searching, subversive, groundbreaking charisma that the original album projects. The links between the original album and this offering are left purely to the spiritual / associative levels. I don’t think anybody not informed about the linkage between these two albums would ever guess its existence. So the question is if EABS have jumped the proverbial “one bridge too far” this time? I don’t have a precise answer to be honest. I do love the music, without any reservations: it is well played, it is Groovy and Funky as always, the solos are impressive and everything works just fine, including the urge to get up and dance. They have definitely found their very own style and they are consistent. Only some questions remain: what is the relevance of this music as far as its inspiration is concerned? Does it bring Stanko’s ideas forward by fifty years? Does it play tribute to Stanko’s original music, beyond the conceptual envelope? I honestly don’t know… Overall, this as good EABS album as ever, and people who love their music will enjoy this one as well. They are a talented bunch and it’s always great to hear them play, live or on record. As far as “Purple Sun” is concerned, if this album prompts people to make an effort and listen to the original album, I am more than happy!

Updated: 14/06/2024Posted: 14/06/2024

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PIOTR FIGIEL ~ PIOTR GAD 102 (Barcode: 5903068120411) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1971 Released: 2019 This is a reissue of the debut album by Polish Jazz keyboardist / composer Piotr FigielFind albums by this artist, which was largely overlooked at the time of its release and later became a highly sought-after collector´s item. The album was recorded by Figiel playing the Hammond organ and with an excellent team of musicians that included guitarist Dariusz KozakiewiczFind albums by this artist, bassist Marian SiejkaFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist. Legendary Polish Jazz figures: trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist and saxophonist / flautist Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist guest each on one track, and no less prominent vocal group BemibekFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The rest of the team (mostly brass players) remains anonymous, as the exact details about the session disappeared into the void. The original album presents nine tracks, seven of which were composed by Figiel, one is an arrangement of a Classical composition by Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist and finally one is by Wojciech PietowskiFind albums by this artist, who was the sound engineer recording the album and a prominent composer. This reissue adds two alternate takes as bonus tracks. The music is absolutely brilliant, from start to finish, incorporating early Progressive Rock and Fusion explorations, soaked in the sublime sound of the Hammond organ – somewhere between Procol HarumFind albums by this artist and Jimmy SmithFind albums by this artist. Figiel´s original composition are grandiose, wonderfully melodic and full of sublime lyricism, and his treatment of the Chopin piece puts most of the countless attempts by Polish Jazz musicians to something similar completely to shame. This is undoubtedly one of the greatest Polish Jazz / Fusion hidden gems and GADFind albums on this label Records deserves the gratitude of all Polish Jazz fans for bringing it back to life. It is had to believe that music recorded five decades ago can be so up to date and fresh, completely timeless and aesthetically perfect. Hearing is believing in this case… Of all the wonderful reissues on GAD Records this is definitely one of my all time favorites!

Updated: 09/03/2020Posted: 09/03/2020

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MAREK GRECHUTA ~ MAREK GRECHUTA & ANAWA POMATON 724352774029 (Barcode: 724352774029) ~ POLAND ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2000 This is the debut album by Polish singer / songwriter / poet Marek GrechutaFind albums by this artist, one of the most iconic figures on the Polish popular music scene and the most important representative of the Music & Poetry movement in Poland. This is also his first of the two albums with the group AnawaFind albums by this artist, which he founded during his student years in Krakow together with fellow architecture student, pianist / composer Jan Kanty PawluskiewiczFind albums by this artist. The version of Anawa playing on this album was sextet, which included also cellist Anna WojtowiczFind albums by this artist, viola player Tadeusz KozuchFind albums by this artist, bassist Jacek OstaszewskiFind albums by this artist and guitarist Tadeusz DziedzicFind albums by this artist. Several guest musicians also played on the album, including drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Marek JackowskiFind albums by this artist, violinist Zbigniew PaletaFind albums by this artist and others. The album includes ten tracks, seven composed by Pawluskiewicz and three composed by Grechuta. Grechuta wrote lyrics to three of the songs and the remaining seven are by some of the Polish poets Grechuta admired: Adam MickiewiczFind albums by this artist, Julian TuwimFind albums by this artist, Leszek Aleksander MoczulskiFind albums by this artist (closely associated with the legendary Polish group SkaldowieFind albums by this artist) and others. Musically the album is light-years ahead of its time and completely different from anything else that was happening on the Pop / Rock scene at the time in Poland or anywhere else for that matter. It amalgamates seemingly conflicting elements like contemporary Classical music, Psychedelia, chanson and cabaret, Jazz and very strong Folklore and World Music influences. In addition there is also the omnipresent Polish melancholy, emphasized by the poignant lyrics and sensitive delivery. Although the Music & Poetry movement existed in Poland earlier, mostly in the intimate cabaret environment, Grechuta took it forward making a milestone step towards perfecting the genre and no less importantly popularizing it by bringing it to huge crowds rather than to the limited Avant-Garde / intellectual audiences of small clubs and student hangouts. Grechuta is a master of his trade and his vocal delivery is simply sublime. Always somewhere in between singing and reciting, his interpretation of the lyrics is exquisitely intelligent and insightful. The entire band performs simply divinely, displaying obvious talents and sensitivity. Such combination of beautiful music performed as perfectly as here is indeed extraordinary. Therefore in retrospect this is simply one of the best Pop / Rock albums ever recorded in Poland and absolutely nothing recorded since comes even close to its perfection, except of course for the next album he recorded with the same group called "Korowod", which is considered even stronger than this one. It is completely untouched by time and constantly gets better in contrast to most music created today. It is an absolute must have for every lover of Polish music and no collection of Polish music will be complete without it. This expanded and remastered edition includes twelve bonus tracks recorded by the Polish Radio or in concert, all of excellent quality, both sonically and musically. Perfection incarnate!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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KLAN ~ LIVE FINLAND 1972 GAD 039 (Barcode: 5901549197501) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 2016 This is a sensational archive live recording by the legendary Polish Prog group KlanFind albums by this artist, recorded during their performance in Finland, which sees here the light of day for the first time forty four years later. The album´s booklet tells the story of this performance and the surrounding circumstances contributing to the establishment of the unique lineup of Klan which is heard here, which includes only one original member of Klan, leader guitarists / songwriter Marek AlaszewskiFind albums by this artist, who adopted guitarist Tomasz JaskiewiczFind albums by this artist (from Czeslaw NiemenFind albums by this artist´s backing group) and a formidable rhythm section consisting of bassist Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist, both members of the top Avant-Garde Polish Jazz ensemble at the time, led by trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist. Together they perform five original songs, all written by Alaszewski, which are expanded into lengthy instrumental improvisations. The resulting music is one of the most unique phenomena of the period, and considering the fact that it was a one time only event, which makes it even more important, this album becomes a major discovery. It amalgamates Prog-Rock, Jazz-Rock, Avant-Rock and Free Jazz and completely obliterates any boundaries between musical idioms and symbolizes artistic freedom, which was one of the characteristics of the period, when open-mindedness and acceptance ruled, also behind the Iron Curtain. The individual performances, especially those by Suchanek and Stefanski are absolutely stunning. Suchanek plays several brilliant solos and his pulsations all along, which are basically Jazz-based, are a superb example how Jazz and Rock rhythmic patterns can ideally coexist. Stefanski, who had a bit more Rock experience, adds his Jazz skills and drives the quartet forcefully forward, also performing some great solo parts. Both guitarists stay within the Rock territory, although the rhythm section really pushes them to improvise the whole time, much more extensively than under the unusual Rock circumstances. Although the sound quality of this recording is somewhat limited, even after very careful remastering process, the importance of it as a piece of Polish / East European Rock & Jazz history is invaluable. Therefore it is highly recommended to all listeners interested in music made behind the Iron Curtain. Of course anybody following the development of Progressive music in the broad meaning of the idiom should find this most interesting. As usual our thanks to the GADFind albums on this label Records label for unearthing and releasing this piece of history, which would have been most probably lost if not for their efforts.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 06/05/2016

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

HANS KOLLER ~ KUNSTKOPFINDIANER (MOST PERFECT SOUND EDITION) MPS 9813439 (Barcode: 602498134399) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1974 Released: 2003 Austrian saxophonist, composer and bandleader Hans KollerFind albums by this artist was one of the most important European jazz musicians and one of the forefathers of the European modern jazz movement. This is his most legendary album and for years an impossible to find rarity among collectors. The quintet includes some of the most important European jazz players: German pianist Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist (who is also one of the European jazz giants), Polish violin virtuoso Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist (whose untimely death at a very young age prevented him from achieving the status of the greatest jazz violinist ever), superb Polish drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist and Austrian bass genius Adelhard RoidingerFind albums by this artist. Together they play some of the best European jazz ever recorded, which can be described as free melodic sketches and structures. The music was composed by the quintet members (as each of them is also a gifted composer in addition to being an exceptional instrumentalist) and is full of passion, lofty inspiration and pleasurable sophistication. The German MPSFind albums on this label label, which was active in the 1960’s and 1970’s, was the first and most important independent European jazz label (before ECMFind albums on this label, EnjaFind albums on this label, SteeplechaseFind albums by this artist and scores of others), setting incredible high standards both for the musical contents and the revolutionary audiophile sound-recording quality. This album is essential to every jazz enthusiast on earth! Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 28/05/2018Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

HANS KOLLER ~ THE HORSES L+R 711020 (Barcode: 4003099711020) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 Released: 2008 This is a reissue of a sensational album by Austrian saxophonist / composer / bandleader Hans KollerFind albums by this artist, recorded with a Big Band called International Brass CompanyFind albums by this artist, which consisted of seventeen players from five countries and features such celebrated names like German trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Herbert JoosFind albums by this artist, Polish drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist and many others. The album presents seven original compositions, all by Koller, four of which are parts of a suite, which gives the album its title, inspired by the celebrated painting "The Tower Of The Blue Horses" by the German Expressionist Franc MarcFind albums by this artist, the founder of the Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider) art movement. Koller was one of the most prolific Father figures of the European Jazz and he consistently produced works of the highest quality and visionary spirit in diverse settings, from intimate small ensembles to Big Bands, like on this album. Most of his albums were release by the seminal German MPSFind albums on this label label and of course they are all a must to European Jazz connoisseurs. The music is a superb example of European Big Band Jazz, and a wonderful illustration of the differences between the European perception of the Big Band (and Jazz in general) and the American Big Band tradition. There is no doubt that this music swings beautifully, but it also goes way beyond straightforward swing, incorporating many elements of modern European Jazz, like group improvisation, odd meters, polyrhythmic progression and most importantly a huge degree of freedom: melodic, harmonic and rhythmic, which American Big Bands, even the best of them, hardly ever incorporated into their modus operandi. It also exemplifies how the European Brass Music tradition can be incorporated within the Jazz idiom. The unusual instrumentation of five trumpets, three flugelhorns and five trombones, playing those wonderful tutti parts is a unique European feature. Of course the album presents superb music and is also full of brilliant soloing by all the incredible musicians involved. Stefanski deserves an honorary mention as his drum parts are absolutely marvelous and a classic example of modern Big Band drumming, but this album is a marvel from start to finish. Serious Jazz listeners, especially those interested in modern European Jazz and its fascinating history, should find this album irresistible, as it is an essential piece of the puzzle called Jazz. Get it if you can!

Updated: 26/03/2016Posted: 26/03/2016

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

ZBIGNIEW NAMYSLOWSKI ~ NAMYSLOVSKI INNER CITY 1048 (Barcode: 077712710480) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 1977 Released: 2010 This is a reissue of the first of the two albums by the Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist released by the American Inner CityFind albums on this label label. He is accompanied by Polish Jazz musicians: pianist Slawomir KulpowiczFind albums by this artist, bassist Pawel JarzebskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Namyslowski. Namyslowski, who was one of the Godfathers of the modern Polish Jazz scene and remained one of its prominent leaders for decades, was a musical pioneer, who introduced into Polish Jazz innovations such as Jazz-World Fusion and other attempts to fuse Jazz with different musical genres. He was a prolific composer and an educator, and his groups were one of the most important “stables’, producing generation after generation of young Polish Jazz musicians. The music on this album presents some of his cross-genre explorations, and of course the incredibly high level of the Polish Jazz musicians, which was a complete surprise for American Jazz listeners, who mostly completely dismissed Jazz originating from outside of the US. Namyslowski was brought to the attention of the Inner City label by Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist, who recorded an album for the label a short time before this album was released. Overall, this is a brilliant album, which withstands the test of time without any problem. It documents the attempt of Polish Jazz musicians to develop a career in the USA, which in retrospect achieved a very limited success, and led to almost all of them returning to Poland, leaving no impact whatsoever on the American Jazz scene, which of course is hardly surprising. However, it produced some memorable recordings, this being one of them. For Polish Jazz fans this is a gem worth visiting!

Updated: 23/05/2022Posted: 23/05/2022

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NIEMEN ~ ON STAGE 1970 / 1972 GREEN TREE 170 (Barcode: 4015689001701) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1970 - 1972 Released: 2018 This is an archival album, which presents live recordings by the greatest Polish Rock / Fusion musician of all times, vocalist / keyboardist / songwriter Czeslaw NiemenFind albums by this artist. Two of the tracks were recorded during the 1970 Jazz Jamboree Festival in Warsaw and three other at the 1972 National Festival of Polish Song in Opole. Niemen was at the time at the absolute peak of his artistic creativity as well as at the top of his immense popularity. Four of the tracks time at about ten minutes and one at almost twenty minutes, and all offer extended instrumental improvisations by some of the best Polish Rock and Jazz musicians active at the time. The 1970 tracks feature organist Jacek MikulaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Tomasz JaskiewiczFind albums by this artist, bassist Janusz ZielinskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Czeslaw BartkowskiFind albums by this artist as well as a vocal trio and an ensemble comprising of top Polish Jazz musicians: saxophonists Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist, Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist and Tomasz SzukalskiFind albums by this artist, violinists Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist and Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, bassist Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist. The 1972 tracks feature the core of what was to become the most famous Polish Fusion band SBBFind albums by this artist: bassist / keyboardist Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, guitarists Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist and two great Polish Avant-Garde Jazz musicians: bassist Helmut NadolskiFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist. The music is absolutely stunning, as expected, and even the dubious sound quality of these recordings is not able to spoil the unadulterated pleasure this music is still able to generate almost fifty years after it was initially performed. Niemen was always light years ahead of his contemporaries on both sides of the Iron Curtain, and the fact that he remains still relatively anonymous beyond Eastern Europe, despite his revolutionary contributions and pioneering spirit, is a crying shame. It is a great pity that the entire legacy of Niemen´s recordings made outside of Poland and many of his live recordings remain unreleased and are available only unofficially, like all the Green TreeFind albums on this label titles. His third Box Set, which was to include all these treasures, remains sadly an unfulfilled dream. For all Polish Rock / Fusion enthusiasts as well as for the numerous Niemen fans this is an essential piece of his discography, which is definitely worth having, despite its technical flaws.

Updated: 07/09/2019Posted: 07/09/2019

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NOVI ~ RIEN NE VA PLUS (POLISH JAZZ VOL.82 DELUXE) MUZA 1082 (Barcode: 5907783420825) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1973 Released: 2005 This is a reissue of the fourth album by the sensational vocal quartet NOVIFind albums by this artist, which was one of the greatest Polish Jazz acts in the 1970s. Continuing the tradition of Jazz vocal groups like the French Les Double SixFind albums by this artist and The Swingle SingersFind albums by this artist, NOVI expanded the borders further on into more experimental areas and used more instrumental backing, provided the best Polish Jazz musicians at the time. The quartet was led by singer / arranger / composer Bernard KawkaFind albums by this artist and included also the incredible female vocalist Ewa WanatFind albums by this artist and two additional male vocalists Janusz MychFind albums by this artist and Waldemar ParzynskiFind albums by this artist. Together they created beautiful vocal harmonies of exceptional sophistication and unique style, unparalleled to this day. The performed a mixture of original material, mostly composed by Kawka, and standards or contemporary Pop material, but the incredible arrangements turned everything into a distinctive NOVI vocal signature. On this specific album they are accompanied by an all-star band, led by saxophonist Jan Ptaszyn WroblewskiFind albums by this artist, which includes such luminaries as saxophonists Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist, Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist and Tomasz SzukalskiFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, guitarist Marek BlizinskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Wlodzimierz NahornyFind albums by this artist, drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist and many others. This is definitely one of the climax moments of the Polish Jazz in the 1970s and an absolute must for every vocal jazz connoisseur! Side Note: This is one of those Polish Jazz albums, released by the Polskie Nagrania / MuzaFind albums on this label label, which should have been released as part of the legendary "Polish Jazz" series at the time, but somehow never made it. From the historic perspective it definitely deserved to be a part of that series and this was partially corrected by this edition, as it is one of the items in the expanded "Polish Jazz Deluxe" series of reissues.

Updated: 13/10/2016Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TADEUSZ PREJZNER ~ SPACER BRZEGIEM MORZA GAD 046 (Barcode: 5901549197600) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1972 Released: 2016 This is a reissue, first time on CD, of a cult Polish Jazz album, which presents music performed by an ensemble conducted by composer Tadeusz PrejznerFind albums by this artist, which included some of the top Polish Jazz musicians of the day, like vocalist Ewa WanatFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, pianist / saxophonist Wlodzimierz NahornyFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, guitarist Janusz SidorenkoFind albums by this artist, bassist Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist, drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist and a nine piece string section. The ensemble performs thirteen original compositions, five of which were composed by Prejzner, two each by Stanko, Nahorny and Jan Ptaszyn WroblewskiFind albums by this artist and two more by other Polish composers. The music is an attempt to create a "lighter", more relaxed music, with strong ties to Jazz but which a wide range of listeners might enjoy – in short an early form of Smooth Jazz. However, as usual with Polish attempts of such projects, the result is quite spectacular and hardly deserves the dubious reputation of Smooth Jazz. Considering the status of the musicians involved as well as the fact that Polish Jazz musicians did not develop the chaltura (look it up) attitude yet, the resulting music is simply wonderful in every respect. Not only are the compositions beautifully melodic and anything but trivial, but also the execution is stunning and includes many first rate solos which would make any Jazz album proud. Overall this is a wonderful obscure gem, which deserves to be remembered, which is why GADFind albums on this label Records decided to bring it back to life, which is as usual highly appreciated.

Updated: 18/01/2017Posted: 18/01/2017

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

QUARTET ~ THE QUARTET POLJAZZ / ANEX 302 (Barcode: 5907513047575) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 Released: 2009 The QuartetFind albums by this artist was formed by the rhythm section of Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist´s so called "third quartet", i.e. pianist Slawomir KulpowiczFind albums by this artist, bassist Pawel JarzebskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist, with the addition of saxophonist Tomasz SzukalskiFind albums by this artist, one of Poland´s all-time greatest Jazz musicians and a spectacular player of rare quality. Although Szukalski naturally dominated the sound of the ensemble, it was Kulpowicz who was the spiritual leader and the sole composer of all the original material they performed. Spiritually the music was soaked in the John ColtraneFind albums by this artist legacy, with Szukalski playing lengthy "wall of sound" solos, supported passionately by the rhythm section, with Kulpowicz vamping a la McCoy TynerFind albums by this artist, Jarzebski delivering virtuosic bass parts and Stefanski raising all hell behind it all, which engulfed the overall effect with incredible power and overwhelming strength of expression, similar in character to the Coltrane late period recordings. In spite of the fact that The Quartet was undoubtedly the most important Polish Jazz ensemble in the late 1970s, their recorded legacy is truly pitiful and includes this live album recorded in 1978 and their sole studio album, recorded in Finland in 1979 and released by the tiny independent Finnish label LeoFind albums on this label Records (which released also two albums by Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist from the same period). Therefore the double CD full of superb archival radio and concert recordings by this ensemble, also entitled simply "The QuartetFind albums with this title", released in 2013 by Polskie RadioFind albums on this label is an absolute marvel and a must have for every Polish / European Jazz connoisseur. Following the ensemble´s breakdown in mid-1980, the Polish Jazz scene will never again experience this kind of music, so close in spirit, sound and emotion to the epicenter of Modern Jazz created by Coltrane. The Quartet´s brief three and a half years period was the closest ever moment in which Polish Jazz would become very close to American Jazz of a decade earlier, both in spirit and in practice. The Quartet somehow managed to put aside the omnipresent Polish melancholy and lyricism, which dictates most of the unique music created under the Polish Jazz banner. Usually, when Polish Jazz musicians try to imitate their idols from across the pond, they fail rather miserably, with The Quartet being the only exception, which proves the rule. Young Polish Jazz musicians should study this music note by note – this is universally sublime document of human expression, freedom and power of creation, which happens rarely. Inspired by Coltrane´s music, this creation sparks a life of its own, which stands shoulder to shoulder with the original, without any inferiority complexes whatsoever. It is not a copy of the source; it is a thankful gratitude for the inspiration itself. Side Note: The PoljazzFind albums on this label label, which originally released this album, was active for 20 years (between 1972 and 1991) and was owned by the Polish Jazz Society. Considering the fact that the music industry in the Socialist State was centralized and totally controlled, with just one State owned music company producing all the albums, the possibilities to record and release Jazz albums were extremely limited. Poljazz was conceived and founded in order to allow for many more Jazz (and other) albums to be released independently from the State owned Polskie NagraniaFind albums on this label / MuzaFind albums on this label and as such revolutionized the music industry at the time, being the only such enterprise in Eastern Europe. The Polish label AnexFind albums on this label reissued many of the original Poljazz albums on CD, bringing this fabulous music back to life.

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QUARTET ~ THE QUARTET POLSKIE RADIO 1246-1247 (Barcode: 5907812242466) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1977 - 1979 Released: 2013 This is the first installment in a series of releases documenting the recorded legacy of the great Polish Jazz pianist / composer Slawomir KulpowiczFind albums by this artist, most of which is released for the first time. Kulpowicz, who died prematurely in 2008 at the age of 56, was a victim of cancer. He was a member of groups led by the top Polish Jazz players like Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist and Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist and led / co-led his own ensembles like The QuartetFind albums by this artist, In-FormationFind albums by this artist and also cooperated with many other musicians over the years. He was an avid follower of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist´s music and kept in touch with Coltrane´s wife Alice ColtraneFind albums by this artist. Following his visit to India, Kulpowicz discovered Indian music and the spiritual aura of India, which became his own. The Quartet was formed by the rhythm section of Zbigniew Namyslowski´s so called "third quartet", i.e. pianist Slawomir Kulpowicz, bassist Pawel JarzebskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist, with the addition of saxophonist Tomasz SzukalskiFind albums by this artist, one of Poland´s all-time greatest Jazz musicians and a spectacular player of rare quality. Although Szukalski naturally dominated the sound of the ensemble, it was Kulpowicz who was the spiritual leader and the sole composer of all the original material they performed. Spiritually the music was soaked in the John Coltrane legacy, with Szukalski playing lengthy "wall of sound" solos, supported passionately by the rhythm section, with Kulpowicz vamping a la McCoy TynerFind albums by this artist, Jarzebski delivering virtuosic bass parts and Stefanski raising all hell behind it all, which engulfed the overall effect with incredible power and overwhelming strength of expression, similar in character to the Coltrane late period recordings. In spite of the fact that The Quartet was undoubtedly the most important Polish Jazz ensemble in the late 1970s, their recorded legacy is truly pitiful and includes one live album recorded in 1978 and released by the PoljazzFind albums on this label label (reissued by the AnexFind albums on this label label) and their sole studio album, recorded in Finland in 1979 and released by the tiny independent Finnish label LeoFind albums on this label Records (which released also two albums by Tomasz Stanko from the same period). Therefore this double CD full of superb radio and concert recordings by The Quartet is an absolute marvel and a must have for every Polish / European Jazz connoisseur. Following the ensemble´s breakdown in mid-1980, the Polish Jazz scene will never again experience this kind of music, so close in spirit, sound and emotion to the epicenter of Modern Jazz created by Coltrane. The Quartet´s brief three and a half years period was the closest ever moment in which Polish Jazz would become very close to American Jazz of a decade earlier, both in spirit and in practice. The Quartet somehow managed to put aside the omnipresent Polish melancholy and lyricism, which dictates most of the unique music created under the Polish Jazz banner. Usually, when Polish Jazz musicians try to imitate their idols from across the pond, they fail rather miserably, with The Quartet being the only exception, which proves the rule. Young Polish Jazz musicians should study this music note by note – this is universally sublime document of human expression, freedom and power of creation, which happens rarely. Inspired by Coltrane´s music, this creation sparks a life of its own, which stands shoulder to shoulder with the original, without any inferiority complexes whatsoever. It is not a copy of the source; it is a thankful gratitude for the inspiration itself. Bringing this music out of the vaults is commendable, although keeping it in the vaults for so long was simply criminal. Such treasures of the Polish Cultural heritage should be exposed in all their glory. Hopefully the people in charge of the Polish Radio archives realize that.

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KRZYSZTOF SADOWSKI ~ AND HIS HAMMOND ORGAN (POLISH JAZZ VOL.21) MUZA 1021 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 Released: 2006 This is the first album on the legendary Polish Jazz series, which is dedicated to the Hammond organ, the godfather of the electronic keyboards and probably the most significant new instrument, which dominated Jazz and Progressive Rock in the late 1960s and early 1970s (although available since the 1930s). Keyboardist Krzysztof SadowskiFind albums by this artist belongs to the first post WWII generation of Polish Jazz musicians, debuting in the 1950s and active on the local scene for many years. He combined his love of Jazz and Rock, playing with the leading ensembles of both genres with equal dedication and success. This album presents his Hammond organ performances in two different environments: Side A of the original LP captures him accompanied just by drummer Andrzej DabrowskiFind albums by this artist and the duo moves through a Rocky set, which includes a BeatlesFind albums by this artist medley. Side B finds him accompanied by the Polish Radio Jazz Studio OrchestraFind albums by this artist, led by saxophonist / composer Jan Ptaszyn WroblewskiFind albums by this artist and featuring top Polish Jazz players, among them saxophonist Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, bassist Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist, drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist and many others. This set is much closer to Jazz and features a beautiful version of Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist´s ballad from "Rosemary´s Baby".

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ZBIGNIEW SEIFERT ~ NORA GAD 001 (Barcode: 5901549197006) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2010 This wonderful album collects all the existing recordings by the early Jazz quartet led by Polish violinist / saxophonist / composer Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, a world class virtuoso who was unfortunately taken away from this world by the ever-so-cruel cancer at the ridiculous age of 32. Seifert discovered Jazz while being a student at a music high school, where he studied classical music. Immediately stricken by Jazz, he started to live a double life, continuing his degree studies as a classical violinist and in parallel playing and later leading his own Jazz quartet. Seifert almost immediately moved into modern Jazz, even ultra-modern at the time, as his immediate model would be the late period John ColtraneFind albums by this artist. Seifert´s hypersensitive and well trained ears were able to follow Coltrane´s convoluted music note by note, thus enabling him to absorb his style. In order to emphasize the separation between his classical violin training Seifert played the alto saxophone exclusively at the early stages of his career, returning to the violin only much later, a move which gained him his international recognition and success, cut short soon after by his untimely death. By the end of the 1960s Seifert was a permanent member in the Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist quintet, Poland´s pioneering Free Jazz outfit at the time, as well as leading his own quartet with pianist Jan JarczykFind albums by this artist, bassist Jan GonciarczykFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist (who was also a member of the Stanko quintet). The quartet never recorded an album for the "Polish Jazz" series, but three of their performances were recorded by the Polish Radio and are presented on this album: The 1969 concert at the Jazz nad Odra Festival and the 1969 and 1970 concerts at the Jazz Jamboree Festival – all together eight tracks, only two of which (taken from the 1969 JJ) were previously released on record in a various artists compilation entitled "New Faces In Polish JazzFind albums with this title" (Polish Jazz Vol. 20). Seifert composed five of the tunes, Jarczyk one and the other two are standards. The music is just sensational, mostly almost Free, with long and well developed solos by Seifert and Jarczyk, with superb backing by the rhythm section. That kind of music would fit perfectly well anywhere in the world at that time, but taking into account the fact it comes from Poland, a country deep beyond the Iron Curtain with minimal exposure to the latest trends and under a Socialist regime, which does not tolerate artistic deviance, it is an absolute miracle. The historic importance of these recordings is invaluable, especially since the quartet wasn´t able to secure a proper studio recording in a reality when the only record company on the market was state owned and run by party officials. Thank God for the Polish Radio archives and the initiative to compile and release this album. Although "too little too late" applies here, so does "better this than nothing". I´ll add that in order to fully appreciate this music in proper historic perspective and its meaning in the history of Polish (and Eastern European) Jazz, I´d recommend reading the recently published Zbigniew Seifert excellent biography entitled "Man of the Light", by Aneta NorekFind albums by this artist – alas this privilege is limited to people who can read Polish (unless the book gets translated into English, which it truly deserves). In the meantime savor this fantastic music, as it lost nothing of its intensity over time. A must to all Polish Jazz lovers!

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ZBIGNIEW SEIFERT ~ POLISH RADIO JAZZ ARCHIVES VOL.32 POLSKIE RADIO 2145 (Barcode: 5907812248697) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 - 1978 Released: 2018 This is the thirty-second installment in the series of releases initiated by the Polish Radio, which presents archive Jazz recordings from the radio vaults. Radio recordings are always a fabulous source of remarkable material, and as far as Polish Jazz history is concerned, the Polish Radio, which was a state monopoly for 45 years, recorded over time a plethora of invaluable material, which apart from the albums released by the Polskie Nagrania record company (also a state monopoly), is the only available additional source of Polish Jazz recordings. For many years Polish Radio recorded concerts presented during Poland´s most important Jazz venues, including the annual Jazz Jamboree Festival and many other festivals as well. The seven tracks presented here were recorded by one of the most iconic Polish Jazz figures: saxophonist / violinist / composer Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, who sadly died at a ridiculously young age succumbing to cancer. Influenced by the music of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, Seifert revolutionized the Polish Jazz violin school and achieved international recognition. All the tracks are original compositions by Seifert. The first five tracks were recorded live on November 14, 1978 at the "Pod Jaszczurami" Jazz club in Krakow, just three months before Seifert´s death. They were recorded by a quintet, which also included guitarist Jaroslaw SmietanaFind albums by this artist (also not with us anymore, another victim of cancer), keyboardist Janusz GrzywaczFind albums by this artist, bassist Zbigniew WegehauptFind albums by this artist (my dear and sadly also departed friend) and drummer Mieczyslaw GorkaFind albums by this artist. Grzywacz and Gorka were at the time members of the legendary Polish Jazz-Rock ensemble LaboratoriumFind albums by this artist while Smietana and Wegehaupt were at the time members of another no less legendary ensemble Extra BallFind albums by this artist. The music, although composed by Seifert, gets here a Fusion oriented treatment, as a result of the fact that all members of the quintet except for Seifert were involved with Fusion at the time. Sadly these five tracks are only a selection from the entire recording session captured by Polish Radio Krakow, which has been previously partially released as a double LP entitled "KilimanjaroFind albums with this title" by the Polish Jazz Society label PoljazzFind albums on this label (available also separately as "Kilimanjaro Vol.1Find albums with this title" and "Kilimanjaro Vol.2Find albums with this title") and later on as a double CD bootleg album in its entirety. Why wasn´t the entire material finally released properly and legally on this album is a mystery and sadly a grave opportunity loss to put things in order once and for all and honestly a mess! The sixth track originates from a recording Seifert made with the Polish Radio Jazz Studio OrchestraFind albums by this artist directed by Jan Ptaszyn WroblewskiFind albums by this artist in 1972. It presents him as a soloist backed up by an excellent Jazz orchestra, performing one of his early compositions, which is also previously unreleased. The seventh and last track goes even further back and was recorded in 1970 during the thirteenth edition of the Jazz Jamboree Festival. On this track Seifert plays saxophone and is accompanied by pianist Jan JarczykFind albums by this artist, bassist Jan GonciarczykFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist. This track was already released in 2010 by the great Polish reissue label GADFind albums on this label Records on the album "NoraFind albums with this title", dedicated to Seifert´s early recordings, and the inclusion of this track here is redundant and somewhat questionable. The beautifully restored sound quality is excellent and the warm ambience of the analog recording is a true joy. As usual with this series, which is very reasonably priced, I miss the presence of "in depth" liner notes / booklet, which should convey the circumstances at which this music was recorded and its importance to the development of Jazz in Poland. Nevertheless this is an absolutely essential piece of Jazz history which every Jazz fan will surely consider an absolute must.

Updated: 01/10/2018Posted: 28/09/2018

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

WLADYSLAW SENDECKI ~ PIANO PROVOCATEUR 1039 (Barcode: 5038491103929) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007 Polish pianist / composer Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist is one of the finest representatives of European Jazz. As a child prodigy he started his classical studies at the age of 11 and performances at the age of 15. Once he discovered Jazz, his passion for music concentrated in this field and he became involved with the Polish Jazz scene, playing piano in famous Polish groups like Extra BallFind albums by this artist and Sun ShipFind albums by this artist, both of which pioneered the Polish Jazz-Rock Fusion movement. In 1981 Sendecki left Poland (as did many gifted musicians at the time) first to Sweden and later settled in Switzerland. In 1990 he moved to Germany (Hamburg) and took the resident piano chair with the excellent NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist. He played with other Polish expatriates (Leszek ZadloFind albums by this artist, Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist and Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist) in the Polski Jazz EnsembleFind albums by this artist, which also visited Israel by my invitation. This beautiful piano solo album was recorded 20 years after his last recording as a leader and is a most welcome return and a great opportunity for new listeners to get exposed to his great talent. He composed most of the music, including the three parts suite dedicated to painter Marc Chagall and the Art of painting. Three pieces by other composers are also included, reflecting his love of music by other talented composers. The album is an absolutely stunning piece of music, performed with virtuosity and deep musical sensitivity. Sendecki keeps his brilliant technique “in check”, not letting it overshadow his delicate and impressive improvisational exploits. For well-trained listeners, the Polish musical tradition, especially the piano legacy of Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist, is quite evident (Chopin’s romanticism and soul-searching qualities influence all Polish piano players to this very day). The music flows beautifully from one piece to another and for me it was all over much too soon, which means it will be played again many a time. The sound quality of the album is (not surprisingly) excellent, as all the other recordings on the ProvocateurFind albums on this label label. Piano lovers, Jazz lovers or just plain music enthusiasts should find plenty of content here and even if the Artist’s name is completely unfamiliar to them, it is absolutely worth investigating. I for one am proud to have such a superb musician for a friend. Hopefully we won’t have to wait for 20 years to enjoy another album of his.

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TOMASZ STANKO ~ JAZZMESSAGE FROM POLAND B.FREE 6098 ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1972 Released: 2016 This is a reissue of a relatively obscure album by the Polish Jazz icon Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, released originally by a small independent German label JGFind albums on this label Records. The album was recorded by the first quintet Stanko formed as a leader, shortly after the death of the Godfather of Polish Jazz, pianist / composer / bandleader Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, with whom Stanko recorded extensively for years. The quintet included the best Polish Jazz musicians at the time: violin virtuoso Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, flautist / saxophonist Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, bassist Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist. This album is one of three albums this quintet recorded, following the legendary "Music For KFind albums with this title" (from 1970) and proceeding "Purple SunFind albums with this title" (from 1973, with Hans HartmannFind albums by this artist on bass instead of Suchanek), also originally released on a small German label CaligFind albums on this label Records. The album was recorded live and presents just three extensive pieces, the longest almost half an hour in duration. The pieces are credited to Muniak / Stanko, Seifert and Stanko respectively. The music is a brilliant example of early European Free Jazz / Improvised Music, which illustrates the differences between the American approach to Free Jazz and the European Free Jazz aesthetic, with is much more settled and sophisticated already at this early stage. It also shows the development of Stanko and the members of his quintet and their involvement with Free Jazz, proving to be a major step forward from what they played together on their debut album. All the musicians are prominently featured on the album, which in spite of the fact that it was recorded live, offers a crystal clear sound quality and allows the individual instruments to be perfectly audible. Seifert is spiritually closest to Stanko´s explorations and proves to be also an equally brilliant instrumentalist, being able to transform the John ColtraneFind albums by this artist inspirations into the European sphere of aesthetics, which Stanko is pursuing as well. Muniak also contributes very valuable input and the rhythm section offers an exquisite mixture of free time and discipline, which holds this music brilliantly together. In retrospect this is a milestone recording and an essential piece of Polish / European Jazz history, which is worth its weight in gold and should be a part of every serious European Free Jazz collection!

Updated: 22/04/2018Posted: 22/04/2018

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TOMASZ STANKO ~ PURPLE SUN MILO 003 (Barcode: 5907513047230) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1973 Released: 2006 Brilliant early album by Polish trumpeter / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, one of the founding fathers of modern Polish and European Jazz and one of the most important Jazz pioneers in music today. The album was recorded in Germany and originally released on LP by the tiny private CaligFind albums on this label label, being unavailable for 33 years, so this reissue is a true blessing. The album was recorded by Stanko´s quintet, which comprises of the violin virtuoso Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, German bassist Hans HartmannFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist, and is a superb example of revolutionary modern European Jazz. The album is full of brilliant solos and telepathic group interplay with endless climaxes which go right down the listener´s spine. This is European Jazz at its best, with intelligent music and virtuosity predominant at every step of the way. I can´t imagine any serious fan of modern Jazz not wanting this album in their collection. Brilliant stuff!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TOMASZ STANKO ~ W PALACU PRYMASOWSKIM POLJAZZ / ANEX 219 (Barcode: 5907513047483) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1982 Released: 2009 Brilliant album by Polish trumpeter / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, one of the founding fathers of modern Polish and European Jazz and one of the most important Jazz pioneers in music today. The album includes just two lengthy compositions, the first performed by Stanko´s quintet, which comprises of the violin virtuoso Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, bassist Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist, and the second a solo trumpet performance, which is a rarity in his repertoire and a stunning display of his craftsmanship. The album is full of brilliant solos and telepathic group interplay with endless climaxes which go right down the listener´s spine. This is European Jazz at its best, with intelligent music and virtuosity predominant at every step of the way. I can´t imagine any serious fan of modern / Free Jazz not wanting this album in their collection. Brilliant stuff!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TOMASZ STANKO QUINTET ~ WOODEN MUSIC I ASTIGMATIC 020 ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1972 Released: 2022 This is an archival live album by the iconic Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist and his legendary first quintet, which also included saxophonist / flautist Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / violinist Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, bassist Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded by Radio Bremen on June 15, 1972 and presents six tracks with uncredited music, entitled simply pieces 1-6. The sound quality, clarity and separation of this recording is better than any other album recorded by this quintet, live or in the studio. The album includes a 32 pages bi-lingual booklet presenting historical background about the quintet and the music and photographs. Stanko formed the quintet in 1968 following his departure from the Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist quintet, and it soon became Poland’s most important, searching and pioneering ensemble on the early 1970s. The quintet activity, which lasted until 1973, marked the first period of Stanko’s career as a leader and his extensive explorations of the Free Jazz / Improvised Music idiom. The quintet performed and recorded more often in Western Europe, especially in Germany, than in Poland and as a result also recorded more albums there than at home. The collective discography of the quintet includes the legendary “Music For KFind albums with this title” (Poland 1970), “Jazzmessage From PolandFind albums with this title” (Germany 1972), “Purple SunFind albums with this title” (Germany 1973), “W Palacu PrymasowskimFind albums with this title” (Poland 1973 / Side A only) and now this album and its successor “Wooden Music IIFind albums with this title”, not yet released at the time of writing. The album, in addition to the fabulous music of course, offers a highly interesting glance at the European Jazz scene at the time and presents the Polish Jazz contribution to the European emancipation from the American domination, in creating a completely new Jazz aesthetics. Other interesting aspects of the music are the hair-raising virtuosity of Seifert, who left the saxophone and concentrated totally on the violin, revolutionizing the violin’s position in Jazz, or the brilliant contributions by Suchanek, who is the absolute centerpiece of the quintet, without whom this music would never sound as coherent as it does here or the sublime polyrhythmic drumming by Stefanski, who was a superb Master of the trade. Overall, this is a brilliant addition to the Polish Jazz discography, nothing short of a holy grail, considering it took half a Century for the music to be discovered and released. Polish Jazz owes a huge gratitude to the German radio stations and record labels, which recorded the music at a time when recording in Poland was extremely limited and many treasures, such as this one, would have never been preserved for eternity. This is an essential piece of European Jazz discography and an album deserving an honorable place in any serious record collection.

Updated: 07/06/2024Posted: 19/01/2023

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

TOMASZ STANKO QUINTET ~ WOODEN MUSIC II ASTIGMATIC 026 ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1972 Released: 2023 This is the second archival live album by the iconic Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist and his legendary first quintet, which also included saxophonist / flautist Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / violinist Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, bassist Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded by NDR Hamburg on November 9, 1972 and presents four tracks with uncredited music, which are collectively improvised. It is the second volume of the German Radio recordings and the sound quality, clarity and separation of these recordings are better than any other albums recorded by this quintet, live or in the studio. Stanko formed the quintet in 1968 following his departure from the Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist quintet, and it soon became Poland’s most important, searching and pioneering ensemble on the early 1970s. The quintet activity, which lasted until 1973, marked the first period of Stanko’s career as a leader and his extensive explorations of the Free Jazz / Improvised Music idiom. The quintet performed and recorded more often in Western Europe, especially in Germany, than in Poland and as a result also recorded more albums there than at home. The collective discography of the quintet includes the legendary “Music For KFind albums with this title” (Poland 1970), “Jazzmessage From PolandFind albums with this title” (Germany 1972), “Purple SunFind albums with this title” (Germany 1973), “W Palacu PrymasowskimFind albums with this title” (Poland 1973 / Side A only) and now the two “Wooden MusicFind albums with this title” archive albums. The album, in addition to the fabulous music of course, offers a highly interesting glance at the European Jazz scene at the time and presents the Polish Jazz contribution to the European emancipation from the American domination, in creating a completely new Jazz aesthetics. Other interesting aspects of the music are the hair-raising virtuosity of Seifert, who left the saxophone and concentrated totally on the violin, revolutionizing the violin’s position in Jazz, or the brilliant contributions by Suchanek, who is the absolute centerpiece of the quintet, without whom this music would never sound as coherent as it does here or the sublime polyrhythmic drumming by Stefanski, who was a superb Master of the trade. Overall, this is a brilliant addition to the Polish Jazz discography, nothing short of a holy grail, considering it took half a Century for the music to be discovered and released. Polish Jazz owes a huge gratitude to the German radio stations and record labels, which recorded the music at a time when recording in Poland was extremely limited and many treasures, such as this one, would have never been preserved for eternity. This is an essential piece of European Jazz discography and an album deserving an honorable place in any serious record collection.

Updated: 07/06/2024Posted: 07/06/2024

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

BRONISLAW SUCHANEK / DOMINIK WANIA ~ SKETCH IN BLUE NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 786851249323) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2008 This beautiful bass / piano duo album presents a meeting between two generations of great Polish Jazz players. Veteran bassist Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist was one of the most prominent players on the Polish modern Jazz scene, playing with top names, like Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist (see the groundbreaking legendary “Music For KFind albums with this title” album). He left Poland during the turbulent years of Socialist regime, first to Sweden and later to USA, where he lives now. He played with other Polish expatriates (Leszek ZadloFind albums by this artist, Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist and Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist) in the Polski Jazz EnsembleFind albums by this artist, which also visited Israel by my invitation. Dominik WaniaFind albums by this artist is a Polish pianist, with an impressive list of musical achievements in spite of his young age. Wania traveled to Boston, to get his Masters degree in music and there he met Suchanek. This album is a result of their musical cooperation. Both players are virtuoso performers on their respective instruments and their cooperation is in perfect sync, creating great exchange of ideas and interplay. Both musicians contribute equally to the compositional content, each of them by writing four compositions and one composition being co-authored. There are some superb melodies here and of course great performances from start to finish, full of sensitivity and intelligence, typical European Jazz at its best. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD-R 1 Recommend To A Friend

VARIOSPHERES ~ LIVE IN SOLOTHURN ZBIGNIEW SEIFERT FOUNDATION 2 (Barcode: 5907222048016) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 Released: 2017 This is an archival release of a live recording by the European quartet VariospheresFind albums by this artist, led by the legendary late Polish Jazz violinist Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, which also included Belgian pianist Michel HerrFind albums by this artist, Swiss bassist Hans HartmannFind albums by this artist and Polish drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist. They perform six compositions, four of which were composed by Seifert, one by Herr and the remaining one is unidentified. Variospheres, which existed actually in two different lineups, was Seifert vehicle for European touring and of course part of his personal development as a composer and a player. Recorded in January of 1976 this live performance was a beginning of a hyperactive period in Seifert´s life. In that year alone he recorded albums with Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist ("SpringfeverFind albums with this title" for AtlanticFind albums on this label) and Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist ("Helen 12 TreesFind albums with this title" for MPSFind albums on this label) and his first album as a leader ("Man Of The LightFind albums with this title" for MPS) as well as his solo violin album ("Solo ViolinFind albums with this title" for EMIFind albums on this label which was released only a couple of years later). Sadly that year also brought the discovery of his illness, which took his life just three years later. The music is typical of the modern European Jazz of that period, which was heavily involved in post-Coltrane Free improvisation and constant search of new forms of expression. The European scene, on both sides of the Iron Curtain, was buzzing with incredible productivity and discovery, and Seifert and his quartet represent the atmosphere of the period perfectly. Although the sound quality of this recording is far from perfect, it manages to bring forward the incredible intensity of the music and the total involvement from the musicians. Seifert and Herr deliver lengthy fiery solos and the rhythm section supports the music and drives it ahead, both during the more swinging parts as well as during the freely improvised parts. Seifert´s incredible compositions are always a delight. The importance of the fact that this music is finally seeing a release, over forty years after it was recorded, is enormous. It adds to Seifert´s relatively limited recorded legacy and sheds light on a very interesting period in European Jazz, which is always more than welcome. For the numerous Polish Jazz and Seifert´s music connoisseurs this is an obvious must, and we should all be grateful to the Zbigniew Seifert FoundationFind albums on this label, run by the incredible Aneta NorekFind albums by this artist, who is also the author of the excellent Seifert´s biography, for faithfully bringing Seifert´s legacy into the limelight!

Updated: 22/06/2018Posted: 03/01/2018

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JAN PTASZYN WROBLEWSKI ~ STUDIO JAZZOWE POLSKIEGO RADIA 1969-78 POLSKIE RADIO 2327-2331 (Barcode: 5907812248222) ~ POLAND ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1969 - 2017 Released: 2020 This is an iconic archival album documenting the recorded legacy of one of the Godfathers of Polish Jazz, saxophonist / composer / arranger / bandleader Jan Ptaszyn WroblewskiFind albums by this artist. The first four CDs in this 5CD set present recordings by the Polish Radio Jazz Studio OrchestraFind albums by this artist led and conducted by Wroblewski between late 1968 and early 1978, and the last CD presents recordings by his quartet and sextet, recorded between 1979 and 2017. The entire crème de la crème of the Polish Jazz scene in the crucial decade of its development (late 1960s to late 1970s) can be heard on these recordings, including such celebrated names like Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, Andrzej TrzaskowskiFind albums by this artist, Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist, Wlodzimierz NahornyFind albums by this artist, Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist, Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist, Jerzy MilianFind albums by this artist, Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, NOVIFind albums by this artist Singers and many others. Almost all the music on these CDs was composed and arranged by Wroblewski and the members of the orchestra. Wroblewski (born 1936), who is nearing his eighty fifth birthday, is still active today and he wrote the liner notes accompanying this release, reminiscing about the decade during which he fronted the orchestra. The artistry of the Big Band idiom and the sophistication of the arrangements are of course the focal points of the music and although the American Big Bands are an obvious inspiration, the result reaches way beyond the basic model, creating the European Big Band approach, which looks for inspiration in way more complex compositions (like the music of Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist in this case) and experimental soloing, bordering on Free Jazz, which can be heard extensively here. The fact that the members of Komeda’s ensembles play on these recordings speaks for itself and the contributing composers are all pioneers of modern Polish Jazz. The music is, as expected, absolutely brilliant from start to finish, and in retrospect glorifies the level of the Polish Jazz musicianship and talent at the time. It is “criminal” that this music was locked down in the vaults of the Polish Radio for so long, and hopefully the rest of it (at least twice as much as was released now) will be released in the future. The damages made by limitations of the Polish music industry at the time and the monopoly of State owned music enterprises, which controlled and censored the output of recorded music for decades, should be all made right in time, preserving the Cultural treasures hidden from public access. Polish Jazz enthusiasts all over the world should find this album an absolute must have in their collection. The list of participating musicians and the quality of the compositions is certain to satisfy the most demanding listeners and the historical importance is unprecedented. Essential listening!

Updated: 11/02/2021Posted: 11/02/2021

CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

JAN PTASZYN WROBLEWSKI ~ SWEET BEAT GAD 004 (Barcode: 5901549197037) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1972 Released: 2012 A couple of years after they collaborated on the first Polish Easy Jazz album ("Jej PortretFind albums with this title"), saxophonist / composer / arranger / bandleader Jan Ptaszyn WroblewskiFind albums by this artist and saxophonist / keyboardist / composer Wlodzimierz NahornyFind albums by this artist meet again on this, another Easy Jazz recording, this time of the Jazz & Strings variety. This time however, Wroblewski is the primary soloist, fronting a wonderful quintet which includes Nahorny on keyboards, bassist Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist, drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist and percussionist Jozef GawrychFind albums by this artist. The quintet is accompanied by an expanded string section, conducted by Zygmunt MahlikFind albums by this artist. The album includes eleven original compositions, eight by Wroblewski and three by Jerzy WasowskiFind albums by this artist (a wonderful composer of cabaret songs). Wroblewski also wrote all the elaborate arrangements. Although, as intended, the orchestral arrangements are indeed Easy Jazz, the wonderful saxophone solos are anything, but easy, often being quite complex and even slightly Free Form, sometimes in complete contrast to the melodic background. However the overall atmosphere of this album is relaxed and focuses on delivering a musical experience, which can be enjoyed by a variety of listeners, including those who don´t listen to Jazz on a regular basis. Regardless of the concept behind this music, it is very apparent that neither Wroblewski nor any of his colleagues take this project lightly and the level of execution is simply perfect, as are the compositions. Wonderfully melodic, yet far from being banal, these melodies stand the test of time marvelously and sound completely relevant also today. The overall project might sound a bit dated, but that is also its charm, rising waves of nostalgia for times long gone. This superb reissue presents exceptional remastered sound quality and fourteen bonus tracks, previously unreleased, which demonstrate other collaborations between Wroblewski and the Polish Radio string ensemble between 1967 and 1971. Wroblewski composed all of these tracks, with the exception of one standard. These recordings are a wonderful window into the "behind the scenes" of the Polish Jazz scene at the time, where experimentation and individualism might have bees suppressed by State censorship, but never stopped the protagonist from trying. Sadly neglected and almost forgotten over the years, this album truly deserves a second life and GAD Records, as usual, made the right decision to reissue it, making a splendid job as always. I love this stuff!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

LESZEK ZADLO ~ MISS B. FOR TUNE 0136 (Barcode: 5906395808489) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1995 Released: 2018 This is an archival album by Polish (resident in Germany) Jazz saxophonist / composer / educator Leszek ZadloFind albums by this artist recorded in a trio format with bassist Andrzej CudzichFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents six compositions, four of which are originals composed by Zadlo and two are standards. The album was recorded the day after the funeral ceremony of Barbara Kwiatkowska-LassFind albums by this artist (the Miss B. to whom this album is dedicated), Leszek´s wife. Sadly both Cudzich and Stefanski are not longer with us as well. Although this is supposed to be an album´s review, this music and the people behind it are way to close to me and my family to allow me to write about it in an objective way, and I´d rather state here a few personal comments / memories about it. Leszek and I share many common crossroads in our life´s stories. We were both forced to leave Poland in the 1960s for political reasons. Leszek left first to Austria and later to Germany and I left to Israel. We both managed to build successful personal lives and careers in our new homelands, but we also kept in touch with our Polish friends and of course with the Polish Culture in general and Polish Jazz in particular. Both of us were banned from visiting Poland for many years and our Polish passports were confiscated and voided. We both organized concerts and events to support the Polish "Solidarity" movement in its struggle for political freedom in Poland and we both rejoiced when Poland finally managed to break the shackles of Socialist tyranny. During all these years and to this very day, for five decades, we stayed in constant contact, supported each other in hours of need and sorrow and consoled each other when dark skies have hidden the sunshine. In the 1980s and first half of 1990s my family (my wife, my daughter and myself) have spent many days in the incredible house in the suburbs of Munich, where Leszek and Basia (as we called Barbara) and their lovely dogs greeted as always with friendship and love and great food and splendid company. We shared our love of people, music, movies and of course dogs, spending hours on end talking and eating and drinking wine till the small hours of the night. Basia was the sweetest, gentlest person one can imagine. She was completely devoid of the ego mannerisms often associated with film stars, a wonderful devoted mother and a true friend. The news about her serious illness and finally about her tragic and unexpected death were a horrific blow to Leszek and of course to all the people who knew and loved her, our family amongst them. We all remember her most fondly and she will always be a part of our lives. In 2016 Leszek and I received on the same stage our respective Polish Jazz "Oscars", he for his lifetime achievements as a musician and I for my achievements in Jazz Journalism. A few months later I invited Leszek to be the Resident Artist of the Singer Jazz Festival, of which I am the Artistic Director. During this residency Leszek, supported by a dream team of top Polish Jazz musicians, performed the lost musical composed by the Godfather of Polish Jazz, Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, called "Wygnanie Z RajuFind albums with this title" ("Exile From Eden"), which we immediately re-christened jokingly as "Wygnanie Z Kraju" ("Exile From Our Country") referring to our common past. The recording of this historic concert will be released by For TuneFind albums on this label Records, hopefully soon. As to the album I am supposed to write about: Well Leszek never played an unnecessary note in his life and the traumatic circumstances surrounding this recording only emphasize his sublime power of expression, with the music serving as the only way to both escape and express his grief. Everything else is already within the music itself. For me Leszek will always be the greatest Polish saxophone player of all times. Love you my friend, as always!

Updated: 28/10/2018Posted: 28/10/2018

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend