Record Reviews
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  | HALINA FRACKOWIAK ~ GEIRA
GAD 095 (Barcode: 5903068120299) ~ POLAND ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2019
This is a reissue of the second album by Polish Pop / Rock vocalist Halina FrackowiakFind albums by this artist, which she recorded with the legendary Polish group SBBFind albums by this artist comprising of bassist / keyboardist Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist. The omnipresent female vocal ensemble AlibabkiFind albums by this artist guests on the final track. The album presents nine original songs, all composed by Skrzek with lyrics by Julian MatejFind albums by this artist, a Polish poet who often cooperated with Skrzek.
The music presents a diverse collection of themes, which might surprise the SBB / Skrzek fan base, and which is quite different from the material he composed for the group. It is certainly more ambitious, complex and extended than what most of the Polish Pop / Rock mainstream scene was into at the time, and as a result manages to remain interesting even today, whereas most of Frackowiak contemporaries and their output are long forgotten. The album reflects Frackowiak´s modus operandi as a determined Artists, always looking to expand her horizons and deal with non-trivial material, often connected with Polish poetry, which has set her apart from other Pop performers in her country.
The sound, which is drenched in synthesizer overdose, is definitely dated, but a few guitar solos, inventive drumming and great vocal performances save the day overall and the album is an interesting, albeit a bit nostalgic trip to the history of the Polish Pop / Rock scene of the late 1970s.
For the many SBB / Skrzek fans this album is an integral part of the extended discography and a must for collectors. As usual, kudos to the GADFind albums on this label Records label for bringing this music back to life from the deep cellars of the Polskie NagraniaFind albums on this label / MuzaFind albums on this label archives.
| | Updated: 17/02/2020Posted: 17/02/2020 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | NIEMEN ~ LIVE IN HELSINKI 1973
GREEN TREE 169 (Barcode: 4015689001695) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 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.
The first three tracks on the album were recorded during a concert at the Helsingin Juhlaviikot (Helsinki Festival), Finland captured on August 28, 1972 (not on the 26th as the CD info states) and recorded by Finnish National Broadcasting Company (YLE) and later broadcasted on Finnish Radio and TV. Polish TV years later broadcasted the concert giving the wrong recording year, which is why the wrong date is associated with these tracks here and on YouTube, where the TV recording can be found. Another Polish Rock group, KlanFind albums by this artist, was also invited to that festival and their performance captured on the same day by the YLE can be found on the "Live Finland 1972Find albums with this title" album released by the great archival record label GADFind albums on this label Records – this time completely legally and with restored sound quality.
The two other tracks were recorded at the "Jazz Now!" 1972 Olympic Games concert in Munich, Germany, captured on August 17, 1972 and recorded by the German TV, which can also be found on YouTube. German Jazz critic / author / activist and my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist was the Artistic Director of the entire "Jazz Now" series (August 17 to 20, 1972) and his love and knowledge of the Polish scene was the reason why Niemen was the only Artist from behind the Iron Curtain invited to take part in this highly prestigious event..
All the 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, accompanying Niemen´s vocals.
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: 29/12/2023Posted: 15/12/2019 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | NIEMEN ~ ODE TO VENUS
GREEN TREE 118 (Barcode: 4015689001183) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2003
This is the 2nd album recorded by Polish singer / keyboardist / composer / lyricist / poet Czeslaw NiemenFind albums by this artist as part of his 4 albums deal with CBSFind albums on this label. It was recorded in Germany (same as the debut CBS release “Strange Is This WorldFind albums with this title”) and with the same musicians: Józef SkrzekFind albums by this artist on keyboards and electric bass, Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist on guitar and Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist on drums, but without Helmut NadolskiFind albums by this artist, who returned to Poland. Skrzek, Apostolis and Piotrowski were about to form SBBFind albums by this artist soon after, and the album’s sound bears a strong resemblance to the early SBB albums as these sessions crystallized their sound and their unique approach to Jazz-Rock. Skrzek composed and co-composed several of the tracks present here, which of course emphasizes even more the process of the build-up of the trio as a future independent unit. Their parting with Niemen was unfortunately not a happy one, as he felt they were using his name and popularity as a vehicle for their success, but such incidents are of course quite common in the music world. Dominated by the Jazz-Rock attitude, the album presents some superb melodies and excellent musicianship, but is slightly less adventurous than its predecessor. Nevertheless it is as good if not better that most of the music created at the time by other Western European or American musicians. Niemen’s powerful music, his completely unique vocals and the virtuosity of his band create together a musical experience that stands the tides of time wonderfully and remains a superb achievement of Polish musical heritage. It goes without saying that the album is an absolute must for any Niemen fan, but most Prog and Jazz-Rock lovers anywhere in the world should be able to enjoy this great music.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | NIEMEN ~ STRANGE IS THIS WORLD
GREEN TREE 119 (Barcode: 4015689001190) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2003
Polish singer / keyboardist / composer / lyricist / poet Czeslaw NiemenFind albums by this artist was one of the greatest musical geniuses to come out of Eastern Europe. His extraordinary life and personality has been already a subject of several books, but much more will be written about him in the future, especially since he’s sadly no longer with us. Niemen and his music served as a lighthouse to generations of East European musicians, who had limited access to music recorded and released in the Western world. His prophetic vision and out-of-this-world talent enabled him to create a whole universe of music, which was so powerful, pioneering and light-years ahead of its time, that it single-handedly educated whole generations of musicians, who studied, copied and learned from the Master. With the release of his debut album in 1967 (entitled “Dziwny Jest Ten SwiatFind albums with this title”, or “Strange Is This WorldFind albums with this title” in Polish), Niemen was instantly crowned as the absolute monarch of Eastern European Rock, and his subsequent releases, which documented his faster-then-light development, were all absolute musical marvels, cherished and adored by fans and musical peers alike. Following his stellar career in Poland, Niemen tried to build up a career in the West. He moved to Italy, where he performed and released several singles, but his music was obviously way too advanced for the popular market. He did manage however to get signed by CBSFind albums on this label Europe, with a contract to record 4 albums. The first 3 of these albums were recorded in Germany and the last in the US. This is the first of these albums and presents Niemen at his absolute best in every respect. With enough material written over the years for his Polish releases, Niemen selected just four of his most notable compositions, rearranging them musically and spiritually for the (then) present, including the translation of the lyrics into English and expanding the framework of the songs dramatically. The phenomenal quintet that recorded this music includes Niemen on vocals and organ, Józef SkrzekFind albums by this artist on keyboards and electric bass, Helmut NadolskiFind albums by this artist (a visionary Polish Avant-Garde musician) on acoustic bass, Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist (as the name suggests a Greek born Polish resident) on guitar and the extremely talented young drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist. People, who are somewhat familiar with the Polish scene, might know that Skrzek, Apostolis and Piotrowski were about to form SBBFind albums by this artist, the greatest Polish Prog / Jazz-Rock group of the 1970s, soon after leaving Niemen’s group. The music on this album is majestic and sublime in every sense – dramatic vocals, superb instrumental work, beautiful melodies and complex arrangements, all coming together just perfectly. Nadolski inserts some incredible Avant-Garde bow work and Apostolis supplies some of the hottest guitar licks ever recorded. It is extremely difficult to categorize this music as far as genres are concerned, as it constantly shifts between Prog, Jazz-Rock and even Free Jazz. Niemen was simply beyond any one single musical category, producing total music, which is eternal and always stimulating. In retrospect this music remains 100 % valid and relevant today, with very few examples of anything done then and since to rival its brilliance. Of course only very few people beyond Poland ever heard about Niemen, but that is definitely their problem. Beyond essential!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | SBB ~ ANTHOLOGY 1974-2004
METAL MIND 001 (Barcode: 5907785025936) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974 - 2002 Released: 2004
This stupendous Box Set, released to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the legendary Polish Jazz-Rock / Fusion group SBBFind albums by this artist, is an attempt to present the entire recorded legacy of the band, as know at the time of the release. Later on two additional Box Sets and other releases unearthed more of their recordings, so this box is by far not a "complete recordings" collection.
The band was formed in 1971 in the southern Polish province of Upper Silesia and consisted of bassist / keyboardist / composer Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist. They called themselves Silesian Blues BandFind albums by this artist and started to perform locally. By the end of that year Skrzek was approached by Poland´s leading Rock personality, Czeslaw NiemenFind albums by this artist, to join his new group formed in order to fulfill the international contract Niemen signed with CBSFind albums on this label Europe. Eventually Anthimos and Piotrowski also joined the band and the trio stayed with Niemen for about a year and a half, recording several albums with him, including the two albums released outside Poland: "Strange Is This WorldFind albums with this title" and "Ode To VenusFind albums with this title". By mid-1973 they left Niemen´s group, shorten their name to SBB and the rest is history.
From 1974 on SBB became the leading Polish Rock / Prog / Fusion band, recording a series of revolutionary albums and changing the face of music not only in their native country but in the entire Eastern European world living behind the Iron Curtain. SBB were also well known outside of Eastern Europe and in the span of the thirty years documented by this Box Set performed extensively in Western Europe and the USA as well. There is no doubt that their music influenced entire generation of Eastern European musicians, who had limited access to music made in the West and therefore SBB served for them as a musical role model for years.
This Box Set included twenty two CDs, which can be separated into several sub-groups. First there are the studio albums vs. the live recordings, which are the majority. Then there is the output by the original trio in the years 1974-1980 vs. the later recordings after the group was reactivated in 1991 and played with different drummers (Miroslaw MuzykantFind albums by this artist, Paul WerticoFind albums by this artist).
As far as the music is concerned, in retrospect one must admit that there was not that much change over the years, except perhaps for the fact that the group somewhat lost its steam in due process. Obviously the early recordings are the most groundbreaking, adventurous, inspired and therefore interesting. Both in the studio and live the early recordings are full of improvisation, which often borders with Avant-Garde Rock and exhibits strong Jazz / Fusion influences. The sessions with guest Jazz musicians like Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, Tomasz SzukalskiFind albums by this artist, Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist and others are among the highlights in this Box Set. In time, and especially after the re-activation, the music turned more Rock oriented, and the added vocals did not help to make it more interesting. All the musicians involved are of course superb instrumentalists and there is plenty of great solos (guitar especially), but the magic is definitely lost.
There is also a problem of the same material being included repeatedly, although in different versions, but still basically the same. In contrast to Jazz, where each performance of the same tune can be completely different from every other, it does not happen here and a sizeable part of the music included here seems redundant to a degree. In retrospect perhaps it would have been wiser to split this box into two separate boxes, one with the early material, which is divine and another with the later stuff, which would be for the die hard fans only.
Overall this box includes some of the most important music made in Eastern Europe during the formative years of Rock history, and as such is invaluable. The size and contents of this limited edition Box Set might appear to be a bit megalomanic, but is lovingly excused by most.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 22 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SBB ~ FOLLOW MY DREAM
GAD 105 (Barcode: 5903068120442) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1977 - 1978 Released: 2019
This is a reissue of the album recorded by the iconic Polish Prog / Fusion band SBBFind albums by this artist (bassist / keyboardist / composer / leader Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist) in West Germany and released on the West German SpiegeleiFind albums on this label label, being their first album released beyond the Iron Curtain. This is also the first album that features lyrics in English language, written or in one case translated from Polish by Pawel BrodowskiFind albums by this artist. One song features English lyrics by Marek MilikFind albums by this artist. The music, as usually composed by Skrzek, presents two extended suites (each on one side of the original LP) this time each separated into four distinct sub-parts. This reissue adds three bonus tracks recorded for Polish Radio, one of which is again an extended suite, another one is a solo (accompanied in the background by synthesizer) bouzouki performance by Anthimos, and yet another one is a solo electric piano performance by Skrzek.
Stylistically SBB continue their modus operandi, but slowly depart from their early recordings in several manners: the music is distinctly well behaved, mellow and melodic and it is also heavily dominated by a plethora of synthesizers, which significantly diminish the role of the guitar. Considering the close proximity of the themes Skrzek is continuously creating, the music is definitely losing some of its initial strength and attraction and generally is running out of steam, getting closer to more commercial outings. As a result it was sadly their weakest album to date (at the time). The bonus tracks, however, are much more interesting, with the wonderful bouzouki solo by Anthimos alone being worth the price of this album.
Overall this is still an important part of the great SBB legacy, definitely worth revisiting, and of course owning in your collection, simply for the reason that nobody makes music like this today. This album still holds water today and with the bonus tracks is certainly a powerful statement.
| | Updated: 10/03/2020Posted: 10/03/2020 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SBB ~ HOFORS 1975
GAD 042 (Barcode: 5901549197532) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2016
This is the third archival album on the GADFind albums on this label Records label, which presents live material by the seminal Polish Jazz-Rock Fusion group SBBFind albums by this artist. The material was recorded during the group´s tour in Sweden in May of 1975 and presents the original lineup of the group: bassist / keyboardist Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist performing a long improvised version of just one composition ("Works In Iron"), split into two parts, both lasting close to twenty minutes.
At the time this recording was made the group already had a very intensive period of activity behind them and managed to create their own style and coherent stage act, based on lengthy instrumental improvisations on basic riffs and tunes, which often moved into hypnotic repetition and intensive ventures, sometimes even flirting with Free Form.
As this recording clearly proves, they had no competition to the title of top Fusion act in Poland at the time and honestly very little competition from any other European bands as well. The intensity of their act and the virtuosity of their respective instrumental abilities were truly unparalleled. Therefore the discovery of previously unheard material from that period is an absolute blessing, in spite of the fact that there is a plethora of live SBB material on the market already.
Although the sound quality of this recording, which was of course never meant for release in the first place, is a little muddy, it is definitely good enough to be enjoyable and manages to convey the authentic sound experience at the time. Overall this is of course a must to all SBB fans all over the world and a significant addition to their early period recording legacy.
| | Updated: 08/03/2020Posted: 17/03/2017 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | SBB ~ KARLSTAD LIVE (LIMITED EDITION)
METAL MIND 0336 (Barcode: 5907785026193) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2006
The legendary Polish Prog / Fusion group SBBFind albums by this artist needs little introduction to the avid Prog / Fusion fans the world over. Now in its fifth decade of activity, the group already established a unique position on the music scene, which can be rivaled only but a chosen few. Their prolific studio and live recordings include dozens of albums, each and every one of which is a meaningful musical experience of unrepeated intensity and depth and a display of dazzling virtuosity. This album documents the band´s live show by the first lineup of the group: bassist / keyboardist Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist from their legendary Swedish tour. Great stuff!
Side Note: Limited Edition of 1,000 copies only.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SBB ~ LIVE CUTS: ESBJERG 1979
GAD 189 (Barcode: 5903068122873) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2022
This is an archival 2CD album by the legendary Polish Prog / Fusion ensemble SBBFind albums by this artist, which comprised of vocalist / keyboardist Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, guitarists Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist. It presents a live recording of an entire concert which opened the trio’s 1979 tour in Denmark. This material is previously unreleased.
CD1 presents the first set (eleven tracks) with well-known SBB material, written mostly by Skrzek, except for the last tracks, which is a group improvisation. CD2 presents the second set (seven tracks), which is all a series of group improvisations.
After seven years of performances and several successful albums the trio achieved a telepathic communication between its members and leaned more and more towards improvisation rather than playing straightforward copies of album material. Their concerts were unpredictable and completely unique, which of course sets them apart from most contemporary Prog / Fusion ensembles active at the time.
In time, Skrzek almost completely abandoned the bass guitar and his keyboards completely dominated the sound of the trio, dramatically influencing the overall direction of the music, from Power Trio Blues / Rock of the early days, via Progressive Rock / Fusion period and into the keyboards-drenched sound of the late Ambient period. The grueling concert schedule had its impact as well, which resulted in the group’s first dramatic split in 1980.
Although SBB released a myriad of live albums, of various quality, most of those are unique enough to be interesting, both to the dedicated fans and sporadic listeners. This album offers a nice balance of pre-composed material and improvised pieces and offers good sound quality.
Overall, this is another addition to the colossal recorded legacy by one of Poland’s greatest musical phenomena, which always manages to show something previously unencountered. The cooperation between GADFind albums on this label Records and the SBB vaults, which seem to be bottomless, will surely bring us many more surprises in the future. An absolute must for SBB fans and an eye (ear) opener for music livers unfamiliar with their music.
| | Updated: 08/05/2022Posted: 08/05/2022 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | SBB ~ LIVE JAZZ NAD ODRA 1975
GAD 008 (Barcode: 5901549197075) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2013
This is a live recording by the legendary Polish Prog / Jazz-Rock Fusion group SBBFind albums by this artist, captured during the annual Jazz Nad Odra Festival in Wroclaw, one of Poland´s most important Jazz events running uninterruptedly since its first edition in 1964. Over the years the festival exposed generation after generation of Polish Jazz players to the wide audience, as a result of the competition held every year, which presents the best musicians under the age of thirty. Winning this competition was the first major step in the careers of many of the most important Polish Jazz musicians.
This recording presents the original lineup of SBB with guitarists Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist, keyboardist / bassist Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist. They perform original material, which at the time was mostly not yet recorded in the studio and would eventually be released on their second ("Nowy HoryzontFind albums with this title" released 1975) and third ("PamiecFind albums with this title" released 1976) albums. The group was at the time in a transition from their Progressive Rock phase, which started while they were still members of the Czeslaw NiemenFind albums by this artist´s band, into the Jazz-Rock Fusion, which would be their home turf for many years to come. Since there are relatively very few recordings from this period, the very existence of this recording is a miracle and the fact that we can enjoy it now, almost forty years later, is a blessing.
The music comprises mostly of lengthy pieces, which were the group´s trademark, that include extended improvisations and atmospheric passages, building up slowly towards a dramatic climax or even several climatic peaks, one after another. The overall impression this music created was a trans-like state of mind, which drew the listeners into a magic world of dreamy, almost psychedelic reality. Obviously such music making relied heavily on the virtuosic abilities of all the three members of the group. Skrzek, as the primary composer, sets the melodic framework and the moods; Anthimos creates the dramatic guitar arpeggios and musical peaks and Piotrowski brilliantly keeps it all moving forward and invigorates the music with his pulsations.
For many SBB followers, and Polish music lovers this period of the group´s activity is, in retrospective, their most inspired, fascinating and mind-boggling. This music epitomizes the process of constant search for the undiscovered, the manic restlessness and the audacity to step into the unknown, which characterizes it. There is no doubt that this is one of the artistic peaks of Eastern European music, brewed behind the Iron Curtain. And honestly, as far as Prog and Jazz-Rock Fusion are concerned, very few of the things that happened since can stand up to this level.
The sound quality of this material is a bit muffled and with a limited sonic range and clarity, but considering the fact it was recorded live and never intended for release, it is certainly more than adequate. Of course both musically and historically it is absolutely superb and should not be missed by anybody who cares about SBB or Eastern European music from the 1970s. Grab it and enjoy!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | SBB ~ LOST TAPES, VOL. 1 – STUDIO & LIVE RECORDINGS 1974-1978
METAL MIND 001 (Barcode: 5907785027046) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974 - 1978 Released: 2005
In 2004 the Polish record label Metal MindFind albums on this label released a magnificent Box Set called "Anthology 1974-2004Find albums with this title", with contained 22 CDs of music by SBBFind albums by this artist - the most important Polish / East European Prog band active behind the Iron Curtain. These epic recordings changed the face of music as we know and influenced generations of musicians across the Soviet Empire and its satellite states, which makes that Box Set a well deserved tribute to the band and a superb document of enormous historical and aesthetic value. People interested to learn more about SBB should simply read the review of that release.
The process of collecting the material for the anthology Box Set did not stop however with the box being released and somehow reanimated itself and kept going with additional previously unreleased material being uncovered continuously. This led to the release of two additional Box Sets, called "Lost TapesFind albums with this title", of which this is the first volume.
The music included here was recorded during the first five years of SBB activity, which is by far the most interesting and dramatic. It covers a plethora of studio, radio and live recordings, all by the original lineup consisting of bassist / keyboardist Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist. By far the most interesting recording in this Box Set is the quintet meeting between SBB and the legendary trumpeter Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist and bassist Helmut NadolskiFind albums by this artist, in short the lineup that recorded with NiemenFind albums by this artist, this time sans Niemen himself. Another very interesting recording is the album SBB recorded with Polish female vocalist Halina FrackowiakFind albums by this artist, which is the only occasion the group agreed to accompany a vocalist.
These three Box Sets with SBB music contain hours of excellent music and invaluable retrospective of history, but to be completely fair they also raise the question about compilations such these being "the right thing to do". There is a lot of repetition here and not every moment is truly inspired; much of it might have been perhaps best left undiscovered. Of course the band has a wide fan base ready to swallow any new piece of music recorded by SBB, but some moral / ethical questions could be also raised about cynical exploitation and opportunism.
That said it is for the individual fan to decide if he wants to purchase all three Box Sets or not. All three Box Sets are numbered limited editions of one thousand copies.
| | Updated: 26/08/2020Posted: | CD 9 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | SBB ~ LOST TAPES, VOL. 2 – STUDIO & LIVE RECORDINGS 1971-1979
METAL MIND 002 (Barcode: 5907785029156) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1971 - 1979 Released: 2006
In 2004 the Polish record label Metal MindFind albums on this label released a magnificent Box Set called "Anthology 1974-2004Find albums with this title", with contained 22 CDs of music by SBBFind albums by this artist - the most important Polish / East European Prog band active behind the Iron Curtain. These epic recordings changed the face of music as we know and influenced generations of musicians across the Soviet Empire and its satellite states, which makes that Box Set a well deserved tribute to the band and a superb document of enormous historical and aesthetic value. People interested to learn more about SBB should simply read the review of that release.
The process of collecting the material for the anthology Box Set did not stop however with the box being released and somehow reanimated itself and kept going with additional previously unreleased material being uncovered continuously. This led to the release of two additional Box Sets, called "Lost TapesFind albums with this title", of which this is the second volume.
The music included here was recorded during the first six years of SBB activity, before they disbanded in early 1980, which is by far the most interesting and dramatic. It covers a plethora of studio, radio and live recordings, all by the original lineup consisting of bassist / keyboardist Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist. By far the most interesting recording in this Box Set is the quintet meeting between SBB and the legendary trumpeter Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist and bassist Helmut NadolskiFind albums by this artist, in short the lineup that recorded with NiemenFind albums by this artist, this time sans Niemen himself. Another very interesting recording is the meeting with Przybielski, captured on the last CD of this set. The opening CD of this set collects early recordings by SBB members, made before the group was formally founded.
These three Box Sets with SBB music contain hours of excellent music and invaluable retrospective of history, but to be completely fair they also raise the question about compilations such these being "the right thing to do". There is a lot of repetition here and not every moment is truly inspired; much of it might have been perhaps best left undiscovered. Of course the band has a wide fan base ready to swallow any new piece of music recorded by SBB, but some moral / ethical questions could be also raised about cynical exploitation and opportunism.
That said it is for the individual fan to decide if he wants to purchase all three Box Sets or not. All three Box Sets are numbered limited editions of one thousand copies.
| | Updated: 26/08/2020Posted: | CD 9 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | SBB ~ SBB
MUZA 843 (Barcode: 5901844988125) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2004
This is the 1st album by the seminal Polish Prog / Fusion group SBBFind albums by this artist, founded by three ex-members of NiemenFind albums by this artist´s support group: bassist / keyboardist / leader Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist. All three musicians were absolute virtuosi on their respective instruments and all three composed music. Their unusual approach, power of imagination and disregard of conventions turned them into immediate superstars on the East European music scene, with no rival act to challenge their supremacy for many years. Their influence on the music scene in Poland and other East European countries was enormous and their music and they way they made music served as a model to countless Prog / Fusion ensembles. The lengthy (running for the entire duration of both LP sides) improvisations, with incredible dynamics and changing tempi, moods and themes was quite innovative at the time, and SBB were one of the very few groups who could actually make it work. In retrospect this remains as one of the most important debut Prog / Fusion albums of all time and an absolutely essential piece of any serious record collection.
Side Note: This limited edition presents the remastered original album in gatefold mini-sleeve packaging and is absolutely impossible to find.
| | | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | SBB ~ SBB & MICHAL URBANIAK
POLSKIE RADIO 1982 (Barcode: 5907812249823) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015
This is a live recording at Polish Radio Studio Three by the legendary Polish trio SBBFind albums by this artist (keyboardist / bassist / composer Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist), who are joined on four tracks by no less legendary Polish violinist / composer Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine compositions, most of them by Skrzek, which originate mostly from their early albums, which are now about forty years old.
I have attended a similar live gig by SBB at about the same time at the underground concert hall located in the "Guido" coal mine in Zabrze (Silesia) and my reflections are quite similar in both cases. SBB are a living legend and absolutely masterly musicians, who changed the face of Polish Music and even Polish Culture, but they continue to play the same material for far too long to be attractive any more. Of course the music is great and the atmosphere is electric, but every SBB fan has heard this music many times before. Even Urbaniak´s contributions, as electrifying as they are, make to impact whatsoever as to the basic feeling of déjŕ vu.
One very positive factor about this specific recording is the fact that this is the best sounding recording by SBB ever, which is perhaps good enough reason to buy this album. Other than that, nihil novi sub sole…
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | SBB ~ SBB (WOLANIE O BRZEK SZKLA)
GAD 096 (Barcode: 5903068120367) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2019
This is a reissue of the album recorded by the iconic Polish Prog / Fusion group SBBFind albums by this artist (bassist / keyboardist / composer / leader Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist) in Czechoslovakia and released on Czechoslovak market in 1978. The group´s fame and following easily crossed the border between Poland and the neighboring Czechoslovakia and the local state owned SupraphonFind albums on this label Records label was keen to have their albums released on the local market. Initially licensing Polish releases was planned, buy eventually an original product won over and was released in 1978. The original LP presented just two extended tracks, both being almost 20 minutes long suites composed by Skrzek and including lyrics by Julian MatejFind albums by this artist. This reissue adds as bonus tracks both sides of a single (with two short tracks) released before the album was released.
The music is a continuation of the concepts that clarified during the creation of the first four quintessential albums recorded by the group in Poland. They were successfully merging several quite distinct musical directions: Progressive Rock epic compositions including several discrete themes, Fusion based instrumental improvisations and Ambient explorations emphasized by the growing interest in electronic music by their leader.
To a careful listener the entire approach was running slightly out of steam and the patterns started to repeat themselves, and as a result the group was unable to achieve the same amount of excitement and exhilarating intensity on studio albums as those existing during their live performances. The basic power trio format was being replaced by a myriad of synthesizers and the wonderful talent of Anthimos was being pushed aside. Although SBB were enjoying an enormous peak of popularity, their music was slowly becoming stagnant, a phenomenon that sadly was the curse of most Prog and Fusion bands over time.
Having said that, this is still a great album and an enjoyable, even exciting listening experience, which did not loose much of its impact in the decades that followed. It was certainly every inch as advanced musically as anything created west of the Iron Curtain, and in many cases probably more exciting overall.
Although this album was already reissued several times before, those reissues tend to sell out rather rapidly and it´s good to see it available again, at least for a while. Classic Prog / Fusion stuff indeed!
| | Updated: 08/03/2020Posted: 07/03/2020 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SBB ~ WARSZAWA 1980
GAD 022 (Barcode: 5901549197280) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1980 Released: 2014
This is a live recording by the legendary Polish Jazz-Rock band SBBFind albums by this artist, capturing the group at the very last stage of the first phase in the group´s history, after they recorded the last studio album of that first phase ("Memento Z Banalnym TryptykiemFind albums with this title"). In many respects this recording is very special, not only because it finds the group in top form, but since it presents the short-lived double lead guitar lineup, with guitarist Slawomir PiwowarFind albums by this artist (ex-ParadoxFind albums by this artist, ex-Niemen AerolitFind albums by this artist) playing alongside guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist, bassist / keyboardist Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist. It also marks Skrzek returning to the role of bass player, after years of concentrating on playing just the synthesizers.
The addition of Piwowar was a much needed new blood transfusion for the band, filling it with new energies and revitalizing its show, but sadly did not save it from falling apart soon after. SBB, which of course exists to this very day (see side note below), is one of those phenomenal bands, which state almost everything they have to say on their first two / three albums, and everything recorded later is in one way or another musically based on the initial statement. The band, comprising of incredible musicians, had the advantage of being able to simply improvise freely for hours on end, quite in the same way early improvising bands like CreamFind albums by this artist or Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist did earlier on. Therefore an addition of another improvising musician, with superb instrumental skills, was exactly what the group needed at that time.
As the album´s liner notes state, this Warsaw concert from April 1980, is definitely one of the best moments ever captured on tape by SBB. The sound, the energy, the inspiration are all there, contributing to this momentous occasion. The guitar exchanges between Anthimos and Piwowar are of course the pinnacle of the event, and guitar fans will definitely find them brilliant in every respect. But in fact the entire group plays simply superbly, with Skrzek playing his synthesizers less aggressively and very melodically, which balances the guitar solos perfectly. And of course Piotrowski, who is surely one of the best Fusion drummers on this planet, keeps this music together, with precision and incredible power.
Overall this is probably the best archival live SBB album ever released, and iconic piece of Polish music history. Thanks to GADFind albums on this label Records for making this available to all of us, which, as usually in their case, is beautifully packaged, remastered and presented.
Side Note: In April 2015 I had the pleasure to attend a concert by SBB, which took place in a very unusual concert hall, which is situated 320 meters under the surface in an old coal mine called Guido, in the Silesian town of Zabrze. This phenomenal cultural temple hosts both classical and popular music concerts in a completely unique acoustic ambience and cultural atmosphere. SBB played in their classic Skrzek / Anthimos / Piotrowski trio format to a packed audience, mostly older fans that followed the group since its inception. Nor surprisingly they played mostly their old material, which seemed to delight the audience. And a good time was had by all (me with tears-filled eyes of course included)!
| | | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | SBB ~ WELCOME
GAD 109 (Barcode: 5903068120510) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2019
This is a reissue of the album recorded by the iconic Polish Prog / Fusion band SBBFind albums by this artist (bassist / keyboardist / composer / leader Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist) released on the West German SpiegeleiFind albums on this label label, being their second album released beyond the Iron Curtain. This is also the second album that features lyrics in English language, two written by Pawel BrodowskiFind albums by this artist and four by Paul DraschFind albums by this artist. The music, as usually all composed by Skrzek, presents seven shorter songs, leaving behind (al lest for a while) the extended suites format preferred by the group and their fans. Some additional drum parts were played by Zbigniew WiatrFind albums by this artist. This reissue adds four bonus tracks, one of which is a radio recording, two are alternate tracks from the album and the last one is from a writing session by Skrzek.
Although stylistically SBB continue their modus operandi, on this album they move further away from the early days and slowly approach commercially oriented material. The music is completely drenched in endless synthesizer doodling with the guitar parts sadly being pushed away almost completely. As a result this album is even weaker than its predecessor and almost completely lacks focus and most of the initial charm SBB was able to infuse into their music.
With the 1970s nearing the end of the decade Prog and Fusion were losing their sense of existence and SBB were definitely not alone in the creative predicament. Sadly the genres refused to adopt new directions and the creative magic that characterized the idioms a decade earlier were slowly dying. SBB were still an awesome live band, but their recordings lost the impetuous. Even their next, this time Polish album "Memento Z Banalnym TryptykiemFind albums with this title", the last before the group disbanded in 1980 (to be reunited several times later), although returning partly to the suites formula, failed in retrospect to save the day.
Overall this is still an important part of the great SBB legacy, definitely worth revisiting, and of course owning in your collection, simply for the reason that nobody makes music like this today. This album still holds water today and with the bonus tracks is certainly a statement worth revisiting.
| | Updated: 13/03/2020Posted: 13/03/2020 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SBB ~ ZA LINIA HORYZONTU
POLSKIE RADIO 1950 (Barcode: 5907812249502) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016
This is the first new studio album by the legendary Polish Rock / Prog / Fusion ensemble SBBFind albums by this artist, following several years of inactivity as recording artists. SBB, which comprises of bassist / keyboardist / leader Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist, makes live appearances quite regularly all over Poland, keeping the fan base happy and a plethora of archival live recordings is being constantly released, flooding the market and slowly driving the diehard aficionados to bankruptcy.
The music on the new album is a stylistic mixture of all the sub-genres that the group ventured into during their long career. The album presents eight pieces, three of which were composed by Skrzek, three by Anthimos and one was co-composed by all three members of the group. The closing piece the album, a three part suite, was partly co-composed by all three members of the group and partly composed by Skrzek. The pieces composed by Skrzek feature lyrics (in Polish) while those by Anthimos are instrumentals (well, almost).
Most of the material is Rock oriented, with relatively short and well organized songs. The instrumental pieces are more Fusion oriented. There is relatively very little improvisation and open space, which takes this album away from the Jazzy ventures the group tried in the past. The album has modern sound and production techniques, making it feel contemporary, which is not necessarily a compliment in their case. Of course these are brilliant musicians with an enormous legacy, but that is not apparent on this album. Anthimos is definitely the most interesting player and his guitar licks are still stunning after all these years.
Overall this is a nice, pleasant album, which proves that SBB is alive and kicking, still able to create solid Rock and Fusion music, but nothing that would prove their Phoenix-like rebirth or discovery of new previously uncharted territory. It is always great to hear them in action and their live concerts, especially when they return to their early and then revolutionary material, are a stunning experience. No doubt the numerous fans of the group will enjoy this album but I wonder if this will bring them any new fans from among the young generation of listeners? One has of course to admire their stamina and consistency and the ability to keep their iconic status. Altogether well done!
| | Updated: 12/10/2016Posted: 12/10/2016 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOZEF SKRZEK ~ JOZEF SKRZEK
POLSKIE RADIO 2420-2421 (Barcode: 5907812247744) ~ POLAND ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 1974 - 2022 Released: 2022
This is a 2CD collection of radio recordings by Polish Rock bassist / keyboardist / vocalist / composer / bandleader Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, founder of the legendary SBBFind albums by this artist trio and one of Poland’s most renowned musical figures.
CD 1 presents eight tracks recorded between 1974 and 2015, two of which feature SBB with guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist. Legendary trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist plays on one track and saxophonist Tomasz SzukalskiFind albums by this artist plays on two tracks. Four of the tracks are solo keyboards performances by Skrzek.
CD 2 presents an eleven-part suite performed on solo piano from 1998 and one additional track performed on solo keyboards from 2022.
The music reflects Skrzek’s activity over the years, mostly as a solo performer, which is somewhat less documented as his activity with SBB, which is covered by dozens of albums, mostly recorded live. As much as I appreciate Skrzek’s contribution to Polish Rock, Blues-Rock and Jazz-Rock Fusion during the early years of his feverish artistic development, the later solo keyboards era somehow seems to me less exciting, often moving into Ambient / Electronic music, which I never felt fully attached to. Of course this is only my very personal feeling and there is no doubt that he is still an important composer and activist on the Polish scene.
Overall, this is a nice collection of Skrzek’s solo activity, which should be highly interesting to his many fans in Poland and around the globe. The excellent bi-lingual booklet by Michal WilczynskiFind albums by this artist, the owner of the GADFind albums on this label label, which released many albums by SBB and Skrzek, tells the story behind the music and offers some great photographs of the Maestro. This is definitely something worth pursuing for Skrzek completists.
| | Updated: 02/04/2023Posted: 02/04/2023 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOZEF SKRZEK ~ MOJA MUZYKA
VIATOR 001 (Barcode: 5901549197235) ~ POLAND ~ Electronic & Ambient
Recorded: 1978 - 1981 Released: 2014
This is an archival album by Polish bassist / keyboardist / composer Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, one of the leading musicians in the country and the founder and leader of the legendary group SBBFind albums by this artist. This album concentrates on Skrzek as a synthesizer player and presents eight tracks, seven of which are performed only on synthesizers and one with features also the SBB drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist. The opening and closing tracks were recorded solo live during TV shows and the remaining six tracks are fragments of live performances by SBB, edited out to showcase the synthesizer parts. All music was composed by Skrzek.
The music is a loosely connected series of ambient / electronic pieces, which are only marginally interesting. There are no real melodic themes developed and expanded by improvisations, but mostly loops and repetitive sounds which result in uneventful music, reminiscent of efforts by New Age / ambient artists. The closing, almost half hour long title track, is in fact pretty difficult to listen to without falling asleep.
Of course many diehard SBB fans will find this music to their liking, but honestly Skrzek is at his best when playing bass with SBB and making ass-kicking music that rocked Eastern Europe in the early years, rather than pretending to make "serious" music, which goes nowhere. Considering the plethora of available SBB and Skrzek live recordings, there comes a point when one should let the bygones be bygones and concentrate on new music, if possible, rather than dig out more pieces from the past which do not add anything to the long list of achievements by Skrzek or SBB.
This album is a first release on a new label called ViatorFind albums on this label Records, owned by Skrzek and dedicated to release his music, including more archival material like the one present on this album.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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