Record Reviews

RENATA IRSA ~ CZERWONA SPODNICA SOLITON 1190 (Barcode: 5903684231904) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2019 - 2021 Released: 2021 This is the second album by Polish vocalist / songwriter Renata IrsaFind albums by this artist recorded with a spectacular team of Polish Jazz musicians, which include the Atom String QuartetFind albums by this artist, pianists Nikola KolodziejczykFind albums by this artist, Artur JurekFind albums by this artist and Canadian John RoneyFind albums by this artist, bassist Jaroslaw StokowskiFind albums by this artist, drummer Grzegorz LewandowskiFind albums by this artist, guitarists Maciek PyszFind albums by this artist and Krzysztof PaulFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Piotr SzlempoFind albums by this artist and Emil MiszkFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Dariusz HerbaszFind albums by this artist. Actor Miroslaw BakaFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album presents twelve songs, eleven of which are original compositions by Roney (2), Jurek (3), Jurek & Irsa (4) and Miszk (2) and one is a standard. Irsa wrote the lyrics to the original songs, all in Polish except one in English. The album, from the very onset, is absolutely amazing, offering a dazzling amalgam of superbly composed songs and brilliant, highly intelligent, witty and humorous, and above all very personal lyrics, which can hardly be found within the Polish Jazz vocal scene lately. Although Irsa’s lyrics are not poetry per se, at least not formally, I personally think they are, and therefore the album easily falls within my favorite Jazz & Poetry idiom. What is poetry after all if not an expression of deeply personal observations, captured in a frame of words, and these lyrics do exactly that. It is a rare occasion when a collection of songs on an album consists of a coherent continuity, with each of the songs fitting perfectly to the ones preceding and following it, despite the diversity of stylistic approaches and arrangements, but Irsa manages to pull this off as well. There are no weak songs here, and each one seems to be simply irreplaceable. The vocal abilities Irsa displays here are also quite remarkable. She floats somewhere between singing and reciting the lyrics, with every syllable and every word clearly articulated and audible, and the whole always telling a story, which is believable and deeply personal. Well, these are her lyrics after all, and she knows exactly what to do with them. Accompanied by a collection of seasoned Jazz musicians, who know exactly how to play the right notes every time, she does not have to worry about what is happening behind her and is able to concentrate on her vocal parts. Her delivery is often wonderfully “old fashioned”, which is meant as a compliment here, with a close association to cabaret and on stage coquetry, and which is all charming. Combined with the excellent sound quality this album offers, it is an unadulterated piece of joy. Even the album’s elegant artwork and booklet with the lyrics are carefully designed and fit the entire picture perfectly. Overall, this is a wonderful album, exceptionally put together and performed, and a blissful reminder of what Jazz vocals can deliver, when properly done. These songs go directly to the listener’s heart, and are perfect sonic companions for rainy days. Sadly, this is one of the very few Polish Jazz vocal albums released this year that make any sense. Definitely a ray of hope and a superb listening pleasure, which could prove to be a best friend in days of need. Wholehearted recommended of course and hats off Milady for this gift of music!

Updated: 30/12/2021Posted: 30/12/2021

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GRZECH PIOTROWSKI ~ SIX SEASONS ALCHEMIK ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is the seventh album by Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer Grzech PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Grzegorz PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist), recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Marcin WasilewskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Jaroslaw StokowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Robert LutyFind albums by this artist, and with a superb string quartet, which includes violinists Mariusz PatyraFind albums by this artist and Mateusz SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, violist Aleksandra JarosinskaFind albums by this artist and cellist Krzysztof LenczowskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, all by Piotrowski, named after the usual four seasons with two additional seasons added ("pre-spring" and "pre-winter"), which together constitute a suite-like structure. The music is an ambitious Jazz-Classical Fusion project, beautifully melodic and gently flowing from one part of the suite to another, full of melancholy and tranquility. In some respects it often sounds like a soundtrack of an imaginary movie, inspiring colorful visions in the mind of the listener. It is all about precision, delicate relationships between the harmonies and elegant melodic vistas, with no much space left for spontaneity. The performances by all the participants are perfectly suited to this specific musical environment, with Jazzy improvisation being relatively limited, due to the strict arrangements, but nevertheless quite impressive. This album is not intended to present individual virtuosity as much as it is about coordinated effort, perfectly matched and working towards a common goal. Some critics will probably say that this music is way too sweet and organized and borders on Smooth Jazz or even pastiche. Admittedly, such music as presented herein, quite often ventures into these territories, but in this specific case it does not happen at all. Yes, the music is pleasant and easy on the ear, but at the same time it is full of original melodic themes, superb orchestration and arrangements, topped with flawless execution. There is an obvious effort and talent invested here by Piotrowski, and the resulting music can be seen as a tribute to Romanticism and Classical Music tradition, wonderfully intertwined with contemporary tools of the trade, used in Jazz and Pop. Personally I had a wonderful time listening to this music, which despite its pleasurable appearance, offers many inspiring moments, superb instrumental solos and fifty minutes of calmness and tranquility, which in our world happen way to infrequently. The album comes in a hand-made packaging, which adds another highly personal dimension to the entire project. Definitely not for everybody, but hopefully many listeners will find this gorgeous music deeply moving and penetrating their souls.

Updated: 26/10/2016Posted: 17/10/2016

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LAURA CUBI VILLENA & ADAM WENDT ACOUSTIC SET ~ POR LA NOCHE SOLITON 757 (Barcode: 5901571097572) ~ SPAIN ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is an album by Spanish vocalist / lyricist Laura Cubi VillenaFind albums by this artist, recorded with the Polish ensemble led by saxophonist Adam WendtFind albums by this artist, which also includes accordionist Cezary PaciorekFind albums by this artist (Pawel ZaganczykFind albums by this artist also plays accordion on one track), bassist Jaroslaw StokowskiFind albums by this artist and the Amber String QuartetFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve original tracks all composed by Wendt with lyrics by Villena. Villena and Wendt collaborated already on the last album by Adam Wendt Acoustic SetFind albums by this artist ("Acoustic TravelFind albums with this title") which apparently worked well for both of them, leading to this full album recorded together. The music is only marginally Jazz oriented and offers a dominant Spanish / Latin flavor, using elements of Tango and other World Music motifs. The music is beautifully arranged and the instrumental performances are all excellent, as expected from these veteran pros. The accordion parts are especially beautiful, as are the heartfelt saxophone solos. Villena has a deep and sensuous voice, with a rasping coloring, and her delivery is ideal for the melodic contents and sounds authentic and striking. Overall this is a fine Jazz-World Fusion / Smooth Jazz offering, which does not compromise any musical qualities and offers first class entertaining. For lovers of Latin music and the Tango, this is quite a feast. This music, with the help of a good bottle of wine, is able to teleport the listener back in time to the streets of Buenos Aires, where the Tango used to be a way of life.

Updated: 16/06/2018Posted: 16/06/2018

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ADAM WENDT ACOUSTIC SET ~ ACOUSTIC TRAVEL SOLITON 367 (Barcode: 5901571093673) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is the sixth album as a leader by veteran Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer Adam WendtFind albums by this artist, recorded in an acoustic setting with his trio which features accordionist Pawel ZaganczykFind albums by this artist and bassist Jaroslaw StokowskiFind albums by this artist. Three guest musicians are heard on a few tracks: vocalist Laura Cubi VillenaFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Tomasz WendtFind albums by this artist and euphonium player Grzegorz NagorskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve tracks, ten of which are originals by Wendt (two of which are repeated in vocal and instrumental versions) and two come from the Jazz-World repertoire, composed one each by Richard GallianoFind albums by this artist and Astor PiazzollaFind albums by this artist. Villena wrote the lyrics for the three songs she performs on the album. The music is a Jazz-World Fusion / Smooth Jazz effort, presenting a set of nice melodic compositions by the leader, all of which have a South American feel about them, mostly associated with the Tango. Wendt has a beautiful saxophone tone but his improvisations are limited within the melodic "safe" zone. It´s great to hear the accordion, which is such beautiful and yet so neglected instrument in the Jazz idiom. The bass plays clean and precise backing notes and keeps the trio well together. Overall this is a pleasant album, which offers no innovation or exploration whatsoever, staying well within the mainstream formula at all times but on the other hand it is very well executed and is very accessible for listeners who are well outside of the strict Jazz milieu.

Updated: 14/03/2016Posted: 14/03/2016

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