Record Reviews

BAKERLOO ~ BAKERLOO (EXPANDED EDITION) ESOTERIC 2468 (Barcode: 5013929456846) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2014 This is a reissue of the only album by the obscure British trio BakerlooFind albums by this artist, which comprised of guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist, bassist Terry PooleFind albums by this artist and drummer Keith BakerFind albums by this artist. The original album presented seven tunes, five of which were co-written by Clempson and Toole (and Baker on one of them), one was a blues standard and one was an arrangement of a Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist composition (the same composition was also recorded by Jethro TullFind albums by this artist and released as "Bouree" on their second album "Stand UpFind albums with this title"). This remastered and expanded edition adds five bonus tracks, which are a B-side, a couple of alternate tracks and a couple of previously unreleased tracks. The music is floating somewhere between Blues-Rock and early Progressive Rock, featuring brilliant guitar work by Clempson, who of course was about to join Colosseum soon after Bakerloo disbanded and achieve world fame. The fact that this album was dug up is primarily due to the fact that Clempson plays on it, although with all fairness it is a solid release worth being remembered. The last track on the original album is an extended piece which last for about fifteen minutes, which of course hints as to the Proto-Prog connection of the band and its music. The British Blues Revival produced hundreds of bands similar to Bakerloo in the late 1960s, most of which tried to copy bands which already achieved fame and acclaim, like CreamFind albums by this artist, John MayallFind albums by this artist´s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist, Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist, Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, Ten Years AfterFind albums by this artist and many others. Many of these bands never managed to make an album at all, many others recorded one album, like Bakerloo, which disappeared into the vaults of record labels, and are now occasionally rediscovered by reissue labels. Guitar freaks will find this album highly exciting, as Clempson plays much more aggressively and prominently on this album than at any other point of his career, obviously due to the fact that he was the leading voice in this trio and there were no restrictions whatsoever. Some of his neck-breaking / hair-raising solos on this album are completely unrepeatable. Overall this is a great trip down the memory lane and the remastered music sounds superbly fresh and is highly enjoyable, again emphasizing the fact that those were the most productive years in British (and worldwide) music scene, sadly long gone, albeit not forgotten. Highly recommended!

Updated: 21/01/2017Posted: 21/01/2017

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RICHARD GALLIANO ~ AROUND GERSHWIN PENTATONE 8717306262293 (Barcode: 8717306262293) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2023 - 2024 Released: 2024 This is a solo album by French Jazz accordion / bandoneon virtuoso Richard GallianoFind albums by this artist, which as the title indicates, is dedicated to the music of George GershwinFind albums by this artist, but also other early 20th Century composers, like Sergei RachmaninoffFind albums by this artist, Eric SatieFind albums by this artist, Claude DebussyFind albums by this artist, Maurice RavelFind albums by this artist and Gabriel FaureFind albums by this artist, all adapted for accordion by Galliano, and also including a couple of pieces composed by himself. The album presents fourteen tracks and offers a splendid sound quality. I have been following the career of Galliano since as long as I can remember (he is almost exactly one year older than me) and he was always one of my favorite Jazz musicians, long before he achieved the international fame and recognition. His incredible sensitivity and power of expression are almost unparalleled, and his openness to other musical cultures and genres makes him a true total Artist. His accumulated contribution to European Jazz is simply colossal. This is not the first album which finds Galliano interpreting Classical music, and his earlier albums with music by Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist, Antonio VivaldiFind albums by this artist or Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist are all warmly recommended, but this album is closest to my heart, for several reasons. Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” is my all-time favorite piece of music (as irresponsible as that kind of statement might sound), and Galliano’s interpretation of it is simply Godly. I have heard hundreds of recordings of RIB, but this is definitely one of the most profoundly moving ones, especially in view of the completely new environment and the ability to overcome the devilishly difficult score and underlying changes of mood / melody / tempo, etc., which Galliano conquers with his usual wit, intelligence and charm. But perhaps more important is the statement, subtly hidden behind the vail, which places Gershwin with his “serious” Classical Music contemporaries, recognizing his position as a no less “serious” composer, which is more often than not denied from Gershwin, mostly recognized for his work as a songwriter, with his Classical compositions often ignored and neglected, and which deserves to be put straight. Overall, this is a marvelous album, full of delightful music, brilliantly performed and cleverly put together, which puts a new light on the sublime music composed by Gershwin, and offers an hour of tete-a-tete between the listener and one of the greatest musicians out there. Another great production by the PentatoneFind albums on this label label and of course, this is something way beyond recommendation…

Updated: 04/10/2024Posted: 02/10/2024

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ANDRZEJ JAGODZINSKI TRIO ~ BACH STUDIO REALIZACJI MYSLI TWORCZ (Barcode: 5907222840047) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020 This is an album by veteran Polish Jazz pianist / composer Andrzej JagodzinskiFind albums by this artist recorded with his fabulous trio with bassist Adam CegielskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Czeslaw BartkowskiFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, the album is dedicated to the music of Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist and presents six of his compositions, beautifully transformed into the Jazz idiom. Playing Bach by Jazz musicians is of course nothing new and the romance goes back to the early 1960s, when French pianist / composer Jacques LoussierFind albums by this artist made a grand career by Jazzing up Bach’s compositions for the crowds, and many other Jazz musicians since tried to tackle this task, including Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist and Brad MehldauFind albums by this artist, with varying results. Bach’s music, which undoubtedly is one of the absolute pinnacles of Human artistic ingenuity, in most cases is best served by being left alone in its original form and shape, with rare exceptions. I am happy to see (or rather hear) that Jagodzinski and his trio are up to the challenge of successfully transforming Bach’s music into the Jazz realm, served by their great sensitivity, talents and of course extensive experience. They manage to avoid trivializing this great music, keeping the original sense of flow, melody and rhythm intact, and adding the Jazzy ornamentations with carful respect of the original compositions. This is not altogether surprising taking into consideration the sublime Jazz oriented interpretations of the music by Polish National composer Frederic Chopin, which Jagodzinski and his cohorts managed to create in the past. The performances are absolutely stellar, as expected, and although the piano is naturally in the epicenter of the sonic experience, the rhythm section also contributes some superb parts, which deserve no less admiration. Personally I hear a bit of Chopin on these interpretations of Bach, which again is hardly surprising, as Chopin’s music flows in the blood (or sub consciousness) of every Polish musician at all times. Overall this is a wonderful album in every sense, both emotionally and intellectually, which deserves to be heard by every true lover of Jazz-Classical Fusion, Bach’s followers and Jazz piano trio enthusiasts all over the world. A true elixir for mind and body at these crazy days of misfortune and suffering. On a personal note, almost exactly to a day last year I had the immense pleasure to attend a concert at a small Jazz club outside of Warsaw, where messieurs Jagodzinski, Cegielski and Bartkowski (and others) were performing. This was an unforgettable evening of great music and friendship, especially since it was the last live concert I managed to attend before the pandemic and the last time I was abroad…

Updated: 05/02/2021Posted: 05/02/2021

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JOACHIM KUHN ~ ALLEGRO VIVACE ACT 9750 (Barcode: 614427975027) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2003 Released: 2005 This is a solo piano album by veteran German Jazz pianist / composer Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist, one of the great pioneers of modern European Jazz and one of my favorite musicians since decades. On the album Kuhn plays his interpretations of Classical music by Francois CouperinFind albums by this artist, Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist and Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist, classic Jazz music by John ColtraneFind albums by this artist and Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist and finally his original compositions, all with the same passion and unique approach to the instrument. The music was recorded during one studio session and offers a superb sound quality. For many of Kuhn´s fans this album might come as a surprise, as it presents him in one of his calmest and most introvert moments of his career, gently stroking the keyboard, as if hesitating before making his next move, in complete contrast to the usual energetic and almost hyperactive self. As the result of this unique approach the listener is exposed to the contemplative side of Joachim Kuhn, which is a revelation. Obviously Kuhn treats the Classical pieces with a dose of liberty and perspective, which turns out to be way more interesting than a note for note treatment, which would only prove his technical ability to play Classical scores, rather than his ability to understand and feel the music, turning it into his very own on the fly. There is certain amount of frivolity and humor involved of course, which is truly a great fun. His treatment of the Jazz pieces are much closer to what Kuhn is know for, but of course his enormous sensitivity turns that music into a fountain of emotions sprinkling European Jazz aesthetics. Kuhn transforms the Jazz tunes into wonderful mini piano suites, which are superb examples of his ability to cross genres with ease and elegance. Obviously the last part of the album, where Kuhn plays his own music, is the absolute pinnacle, as nothing is better than Kuhn playing Kuhn. Limited only by his own imagination Kuhn stretches out his wings and soars to the sky lifted by his pieces. His virtuosity and improvisational powers come to full bloom here and the concentration of energy and emotion are truly electrifying. Overall this is a beautiful solo piano album, which all connoisseurs of this particular genre should try and get a copy of, and of course cherish. Although Kuhn is a very prolific artist, this is definitely one of his most intriguing recordings and as such is highly recommended.

Updated: 13/11/2016Posted: 13/11/2016

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JOACHIM KUHN / MICHAEL WOLLNY ~ LIVE AT SCHLOSS ELMAU ACT 9758 (Barcode: 614427975829) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009 This is an album by German Jazz piano duo comprising of Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist (born 1944) and Michael WollnyFind albums by this artist (born 1978). The album presents six tracks, two each composed by Kuhn and Wollny, one co-composed by them and one an interpretation of a Classical composition. Four tracks are piano duos and one each is a piano solo by Kuhn or Wollny. Despite the generation gap and stylistic differences between these two musicians, they manage to communicate and cooperate remarkably well, creating a series of Improvised Music vistas, which are as cross-genre as humanly possible. Although based on pre-composed motifs, the music is totally a spur of the moment creation, and yet manages to sound completely coherent and even melodic to some extent. This is a somewhat extreme example of the “Art of the Duo”, waiting to be appreciated. For listeners familiar with Kuhn’s long and illustrious career, such open-mindedness and virtuosic piano playing is nothing new, but at the time this album was recorded Wollny’s career was just taking off and sharing the stage with a legendary figure like Kuhn must have been challenging. Without a doubt he stood up to the challenge without a hitch. For me the highlight of the album is Kuhn’s solo interpretation of Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist’s “Chaconne”, which lasts for over thirteen minutes – an absolute treasure! Overall, this is a very interesting musical meeting, and for piano lovers especially a truly delightful exploration. Although the music is almost completely improvised, it magically makes perfect sense. For more experienced listeners the comparison between the two Artists is especially fascinating. Perhaps not suitable for a wide range of listeners, but those who are up to a challenge, a true delight!

Updated: 26/08/2024Posted: 26/08/2024

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MALUBA ORCHESTRA ~ MALUBA ORCHESTRA STUNT 19042 (Barcode: 663993190426) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is the debut album by Danish thirteen-piece Jazz orchestra called Maluba OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which name combines the first two letters of the three co-leaders: percussionist / composer Marilyn MazurFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / composer Fredrik LundinFind albums by this artist and guitarist Kasper BaiFind albums by this artist. In its ranks we also find the excellent Polish (resident in Denmark) trumpeter Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions, five by Mazur, three by Lundin and two by Bai. The music is an absolute brilliant display of what European Orchestral Jazz is all about. It combines perfectly the entire kaleidoscope of Jazz sub-genres, from Swing to Free, and offers complex but coherent compositions, superb arrangements and of course sublime execution by the orchestra members. There is plenty of space for individual soloing, but the full power of the orchestra is most impressive in the collective performances. Each and every one of the composition is a true gem, and the entire album offers a diverse, stylistically and more importantly aesthetically perfect equilibrium of sensitivity and good taste, which characterizes European Jazz at its best. The final piece on the album is an ode to Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist, based on his New Year chorale (BWV 288), which is a classic example of Jazz-Classical Fusion and which makes only subtle references to the actual source and leaves the rest to an intelligent listener. The many followers of Dabrowski have here a wonderful opportunity to hear many of his excellent contributions here, often more "conventional" than on his own recordings but by no means less impressive, as usual representing Polish Jazz proudly. Overall this is a beautiful orchestral Jazz album, which has no dull moments and offers a glimpse into the Danish Jazz scene, which in the last decade enjoys a renaissance with many excellent young musicians playing alongside their veteran colleagues. Absolutely not to be missed!

Updated: 06/01/2020Posted: 06/01/2020

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MARCIN MASECKI ~ JAZZ Z MACV WARSZAWSKA OPERA KAMERALNA 003 (Barcode: 5904316586850) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is an album by Polish pianist / composer / bandleader Marcin MaseckiFind albums by this artist, recorded with the Musicae Antiquae Collegium VarsovienseFind albums by this artist (MACVFind albums by this artist), an early music orchestra playing original period instruments. The album presents three harpsichord / piano concertos, one each by Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist, Carl Philipp Emanuel BachFind albums by this artist and Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist. All works are in three parts and all are performed by Masecki on piano. Masecki received Classical Music education and was recognized early on as an exceptionally gifted pianist. Later on he added Jazz to his milieu and since many years is active in both genres. In Classical Music he is known for his very unique interpretations of Classical pieces, in which he shows incredible originality and innovative approach. In Jazz he seems to be truly ubiquitous, playing everything between Ragtime and Avant-Garde, always brilliantly and with matchless virtuosity. He also presents a highly idiosyncratic stage persona, which offers a fascinating live experience. This album is somewhat puzzling, since Masecki performs the three concerti with remarkable restraint and almost complete reproduction of the original scores. Only a patient and very attentive listening will lead to the discovery of his delicate personal “artifices” utilized herein, all very clever and elegant, as expected, but somewhat too modest to call this entire enterprise as an “interpretation” of the original works. Overall, this is a very nice Classical Music album, which offers excellent performances of well-known keyboard concerti with a bit of “hide & seek” detective aspect, trying to find the subtle personal alterations utilized by Masecki. Calling this album Jazz is a wide stretch, but anything played by Masecki is definitely worth listening to. Personally I’d prefer to hear more of his “wild side”.

Updated: 31/12/2023Posted: 22/02/2023

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MODERN BLUES QUARTET ~ BLUES ON BACH REQUIEM / LYDIAN 2020/08 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020 This is the debut album by a Polish Jazz quartet called Modern Blues QuartetFind albums by this artist, which comprises of flautist / composer Ryszard BorowskiFind albums by this artist, violinist Mateusz SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Rafal SarneckiFind albums by this artist and bassist Michal JarosFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Borowski. As the title suggests, the music is "inspired" by compositions of Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist, and follows many similar Jazz projects mentioned in the album´s liner notes. The liner notes also state that there is very little of Bach´s music as such on this album, and the proximity is mostly associative, which is quite correct. The resulting music is easy on the ear and quite entertaining, obviously meant for wider audiences. The musicians are of course some of Polish Jazz top instrumentalists, as their individual performances attest, providing plenty of excellent solo showcases. The delicate sound of a drumless quartet works very well and the excellent bass parts manage to keep the music swinging, even without percussive support. Smoczynski´s parts take the music into the Gypsy Jazz idiom and are (for me) the highlights of this project. Sarnecki plays some tasty swinging guitar parts, but is less dominant. Overall this is a nice amalgam of Jazz-Classical Fusion and Smooth Jazz, which many listeners on the lighter side of the Jazz idiom can enjoy immensely.

Updated: 09/01/2021Posted: 27/09/2020

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NOVI ~ CHOPIN MUZA 1295 (Barcode: 5907783422959) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1971 Released: 2010 This is a reissue of the third album by Polish Jazz vocal quartet NOVIFind albums by this artist, led by vocalist / composer Bernard KawkaFind albums by this artist and including vocalist Ewa WanatFind albums by this artist, Janusz MychFind albums by this artist and Waldemar ParzynskiFind albums by this artist. The album, originally entitled "NOVI Sing ChopinFind albums with this title", presents eleven compositions by the Polish National composer Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist, arranged for the vocal quartet singing a cappella. Obviously following in the footsteps of The Swingle SingersFind albums by this artist, who recorded arrangements of music by Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist and other Classical composers, NOVI undertook this difficult and very ambitious project to sing Chopin´s music in a similar Swing fashion and against all odds succeeded beyond all expectations. This recording immediately achieved a status of a cult album, and although not really a Jazz album per se, was warmly embraced by the Jazz community as part of its milieu. In many aspects the album symbolizes the Polish Culture, as it embodies the idea of Polish Music, which became a part of Polish Cultural Heritage, transforming in time and staying contemporary regardless the changing frame of reference, in this case the Jazz idiom. The vocal performances on this album are absolutely brilliant and remain unmatched by any other vocal group since attempting to tackle Chopin´s compositions, not only on the Polish scene, but globally. This reissue is well remastered from the original studio tapes and presents a wonderful sonic quality, especially in view of the challenging task of recording human voices. It does not correct, unfortunately, the lack of information that has been associated with this album since day one as to the arrangement credits and the name of the bass player who accompanies the vocal quartet (i.e. the album is not strictly an a cappella recording as the vocals are accompanied by a bass player on eight tracks). This is a timeless classic of course and an absolute must have for any Polish music fan, Jazz or otherwise! Side Note: After some intensive investigations I do have now all the missing discographical information, which is mentioned above. The bass player that accompanies NOVI is Pawel JarzebskiFind albums by this artist. As to the vocal arrangements, eight are by Parzynski, two by Mych and one by Kawka. Of course I am not disclosing my sources ;)

Updated: 12/01/2017Posted: 07/01/2017

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ORZECHOWSKI / MASECKI ~ BACH REWRITE DECCA 602537545759 (Barcode: 602537545759) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is definitely one of the most intriguing albums released in Poland in 2013; a completely cross-genre innovative project, which should interest a wide range of music connoisseurs. It combines the eternal music of Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist with two Polish enfants terribles: pianist / composer Piotr OrzechowskiFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. PianohooliganFind albums by this artist) and pianist / composer Marcin MaseckiFind albums by this artist, usually associated with Avant-Garde Polish Jazz but also know to have flirted with Classical music, contemporary and otherwise. Orzechowski included a Bach prelude on his debut demo album in 2011 and then shook up the Polish music scene in 2012 with the album presenting his interpretations of the music by the celebrated Polish composer Krzysztof PendereckiFind albums by this artist. Masecki performed and recorded many times his interpretations of Classical music pieces earlier on and even recorded in 2012 a complete album covering Bach´s "Die Kunst Der Fuge". Therefore this meeting is not really as surprising, as it might appear at the first glance. The pianists perform three Bach concerti for harpsichord, strings & continuo; each performs one concerto and together they perform a double concerto for two harpsichords. They are accompanied by the Capella CracoviensisFind albums by this artist Orchestra conducted by Jan Tomasz AdamusFind albums by this artist, which specializes in performing early Classical music played on original instruments of the period. The "catch" is that rather than using the harpsichord as intended, Orzechowski uses the Fender Rhodes electric piano and Masecki uses the Wurlitzer electric piano. Other than the effect of hearing an electric piano accompanied by a Baroque orchestra the album sounds pretty straightforward / "normal" and almost conventional. The big surprises are hidden almost at the very end of each of the concerti, when the pianists perform a "solo" / free improvised section, which of course is not a part of the original concerti (in the double concerto they perform this section together as a duo). This bold and innovative idea is what adds an extra "spark" to what this album offers to its listeners. There is of course also the a.m. disparity between the electric pianos and the orchestra, but after a while it simply vanishes and Bach´s music heals this gap quite naturally. Both pianists and the orchestra perform their roles formidably and the overall effect is pleasing, but not overwhelming. The entire project turns out to be less innovative / challenging that one might expect. The short improvised passages are somewhat alien to the music at large and appear to be more "conceptual" than natural. The orchestra is absolutely perfect and the worm sound of the instruments is a true delight. The sound quality is acceptable, but not sensational. Summa summarum this is a pleasant, interesting album, which tries to bring Bach´s music into contemporary environment, which is always commendable. It is not, however, a major / revolutionary concept / achievement. Side Note: The author of the liner notes accompanying this album keeps rumbling on and on about Wendy CarlosFind albums by this artist´ 1968 album "Switched-On BachFind albums with this title", which was a first of its kind recording of Classical music performed on a Moog synthesizer. I completely fail to see any connection whatsoever between that album and the music included herein. Although innovative, "Switched-On Bach" was after all just a gimmick intended to sell records, which worked very well BTW. Any attempt to uplift its status to a significant masterpiece is simply ridiculous as it connecting it with this album.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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PIOTR ORZECHOWSKI ~ 24 PRELUDES & IMPROVISATIONS DECCA 028948164011 (Barcode: 028948164011) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is a monumental solo piano album (2 CDs) by the Polish pianist / composer Piotr OrzechowskiFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. PianohooliganFind albums by this artist), which presents twenty four preludes composed by him, each of them followed by an improvisation connected to the prelude; altogether forty eight short pieces of music, sequenced in the order of the chromatic scale from C major to B minor. This is Orzechowski´s fourth album for the Classical DeccaFind albums on this label label, which consistently and faithfully supports his career. The music beautifully portrays the two faces of Orzechowski´s musical personality, rooted on one side in Classical Music ranging between Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist and Krzysztof PendereckiFind albums by this artist and on the opposite side in Jazz and Improvisation. Although perfectly capable to stand on its own, this music is much better understood when seen (or rather heard) in the full scope of Orzechowski´s recordings, as presented on the abovementioned Decca albums. But even for a person completely unaware of Orzechowski´s background and recording legacy, it should be immediately apparent that this is a great Artist at work, both as a composer and as a performer. The scope of his imagination, intelligence, musical depth and aesthetic perfection is evident in every one of these forty eight miniatures. Listening to this music is a deep, almost spiritual experience, which should leave no music lover indifferent. In spite of the seemingly serious and complex exterior of this music it is wondrously accessible to every open-minded listener, way beyond hard core Classical or Jazz listeners. The beauty of this music wins the listener over almost immediately and the fact that these pieces are short and diverse completely excludes any chance of boredom or tiredness. Personally I found this music so fascinating that the entire double album seemed to last but a few short moments to me. This music is immensely multilayered. It can be experiences on its exterior layer, but it can also be probed into the inner layers, which reveal intricate complexities in both the composed preludes and the improvised pieces. As such this music should require repeated listening sessions to be explored in depth. Overall this is a masterpiece of contemporary Polish music, which proudly represents the incredibly high level of musical creativity and talent, which many young Polish composers and musicians are blessed with. For people unfamiliar with the treasures of Polish Music, this album could be a wonderful window into what is happening in Poland today. Brilliant stuff!

Updated: 26/08/2020Posted: 01/12/2017

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PIOTR ORZECHOWSKI ~ PIANOHOOLIGAN NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011 Polish pianist / composer Piotr OrzechowskiFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. PianohooliganFind albums by this artist) is at the moment the youngest Polish Jazz piano star. Tenderly aged 21 he already has an impressive CV, which many much older musicians could envy, which includes winning several competitions both as instrumentalist and composer. Classically trained, he discovered Jazz as a teenager and has been active on the Jazz scene since. His nickname "Pianohooligan" is quite appropriate for his disregard of music conventions, which he does not hesitate to break at every possible occasion. This incredible debut demo recording, presents him both as a pianist and composer, in the most difficult setting as a solo performer. The music included starts with a prelude by Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist, continues with an eight-part scherzo composed by Orzechowski, followed by a Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist tune and finally concludes with a fugue by Dmitri ShostakovichFind albums by this artist. This strange collage of musical pieces makes perfect sense when performed by Orzechowski, even though at the first glance one might wonder what all this music has in common. His incredible virtuosity and individuality, as well as his great sense of melody, harmony and rhythm manage to produce a coherent musical experience, which brigs the listener many moments of bliss and supreme musical joy. The attempt to fuse Classical music and Jazz in this case works beautifully, proving yet again that great music is cross-genre and universally aesthetically perfect. The treatment of the Classical pieces is genuinely sublime and the original music is masterfully crafted. Overall it is a great album from start to finish and honestly quite scary, considering the age of its creator. For people of such talent sky is the only limit!

Updated: 18/10/2022Posted:

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PINK FREUD ~ PLAYS AUTECHRE MYSTIC (PL) 294 (Barcode: 5903427879066) ~ POLAND ~ Electronic & Ambient Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 Four years after their previous album Polish group Pink FreudFind albums by this artist, led by bassist Wojtek MazolewskiFind albums by this artist, hits the market with their ninth album, dedicated, as the title suggests, to the music of the British electronic music duo AutechreFind albums by this artist. Although the album´s booklet gives absolutely no information about the recording or even the band´s current lineup, which of course is sloppy, arrogant and plain stupid, a short research on the web will tell us that this is a live recording and the remaining members of the group are trumpeter Adam Milwiw-BaronFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Karol GolaFind albums by this artist and drummer Rafal KlimczukFind albums by this artist. They perform eight pieces composed by Autechre. What the booklet does include is a lengthy rant by Mazolewski, who tells the listeners how this album is a realization of a dream, which he has been planning since many years and why he thinks Autechre are the next best thing to silence. Personally I find the music of Autechre terribly boring and comparing them to John ColtraneFind albums by this artist or Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist is a cultural sacrilege Following the good advice of "don´t judge the book by the cover" I was ready to disregard the shortcomings of the album´s booklet, giving the music a fair chance, but alas to no avail. The music is simply going nowhere, repeating the simplistic, mechanical rhythmic patterns ad nauseam and saying very little. Milwiw-Baron is of course a very talented player and I have always enjoyed his performances, but he is by far not able to save this album by himself. Contrary to the hopes that we all developed about Pink Freud returning to playing Jazz, this album takes us again off the target. This repetitive and dull music lacks everything that Jazz stands for: originality, aesthetics and innovation. Better luck next time.

Updated: 13/05/2016Posted: 13/05/2016

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VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ POLISH RADIO JAZZ ARCHIVES VOL.30 POLSKIE RADIO 2063 (Barcode: 5907812244026) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1966 Released: 2017 This is the thirtieth 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 tracks presented here were recorded live in October 1966 during the ninth Jazz Jamboree Festival in Warsaw and are the second volume of a collection of tracks from that event. The first ten tracks present the legendary French vocal group The Swingle SingersFind albums by this artist, led by Ward SwingleFind albums by this artist (an American in Paris) and including seven more vocalists. The vocal octet is accompanied by bassist Guy PedersenFind albums by this artist and drummer Daniel HumairFind albums by this artist. In contrast to the earlier iconic French vocal ensemble Les Double SixFind albums by this artist (which included several of the Swingle Singers members earlier on), which sung vocal versions of Jazz standards, The Swingle Singers performed mostly vocal Jazz arrangements of Classical Music pieces, by Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist, Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist and others. The tracks present here are all in this particular idiom. The next two tracks present a trio led by American organist Lou BennettFind albums by this artist, who moved to Paris in 1960. The other members of the trio are: Belgian guitarist Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist and Italian drummer Franco ManzecchiFind albums by this artist. These tracks are of interest as early examples of Catherine´s playing before he started his illustrious solo career. The last track presents a Polish Jazz quartet led by saxophonist Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist, which also includes pianist Adam MatyszkowiczFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Adam MakowiczFind albums by this artist), bassist Janusz KozlowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Czeslaw BartkowskiFind albums by this artist. They perform an original composition by Namyslowski, recorded on his debut Polish album by the same lineup. 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: 07/07/2017Posted: 07/07/2017

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MARCIN WASILEWSKI TRIO ~ EN ATTENDANT ECM 2677 (Barcode: 602438100057) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2021 This is the 6th album by the Polish Jazz trio led by pianist / composer Marcin WasilewskiFind albums by this artist, which also includes bassist Slawomir KurkiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, three of which are parts of the same composition / improvisation cycle co-composed by all three members of the trio, one is by Wasilewski, one by Carla BleyFind albums by this artist, one by Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist and finally one by The DoorsFind albums by this artist. Although the album was released well over two years ago, somehow a copy never landed on my desk until my recent visit in Warsaw, where I attended a concert by the trio and got a copy of the album, autographed by the musicians, following a chat in the dressing room. Life is hectic and with pandemics, wars and political upheavals, anything can happen… Together for well over two decades, the trio is not only one of the most firmly established Polish / European Jazz entities, but also a superb example of the unifying force of a stable Artistic environment. Three great and highly creative individuals, who are able to function like a multi-headed organism, in perfect symbiosis. The music on this album is the most serene, delicate, contemplative and melodic collection of sounds that the trio created since a long time. In perfect contrast to the havoc surrounding my life at present, this is a perfect balsam for the soul, exactly what the doctor prescribed. As far as a classic Jazz piano trio is concerned, these are but a few better examples of the harmony, not only musical but also spiritual, that can be achieved within this format, going as far back as the Bill Evans / Scott LaFaro / Paul Motian trio, with an up to date musical format of course, which includes shades of Free Improvisation entwined within the proceedings. Overall, this is a truly Masterful piece of contemporary Jazz, one of Wasilewski & Co. best recordings and an absolute must for all Polish / European Jazz enthusiasts. A minimalist outing, with the “less is more” mantra at helm, this album is an immediate classic!

Updated: 29/12/2023Posted: 29/12/2023

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HANS-GUNTHER WAUER / GUNTER SOMMER ~ VERSCHRANKTE KONSTRUKTION EDEL CONTENT 4029759080633 (Barcode: 4029759080633) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1986 Released: 2012 This is a reissue (first time on CD) of an album by a duo of East German improvisers: organist / composer Hans-Gunther WauerFind albums by this artist and drummer / composer Gunter SommerFind albums by this artist. It presents eight original compositions, three composed by Wauer, two composed by Sommer and three co-composed by the two musicians. The music was recorded in the Cathedral of Merseburg during a festival of organ music. The magnificent church organ is meant to be played solo of course, or to accompany chants sung during prayer, but it can be occasionally found also in quite different musical environments, including Jazz and Improvised Music, like the project presented here. Pairing instruments with the church organ is of course an extremely difficult and complex task, both musically and sonically, as the overwhelming sound produced by the organ often surpasses everything else in the vicinity, but this project masterfully combines the organ with a most unlikely companion – a drum set. The music, although mostly improvised, is still very much under the spell of the dominant organ sound, which brings associations of the organ music tradition going way back to the times and work of Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist. Wauer creates a modern polyphonic sound not limited by fixed meters or scales, but whatever his efforts might strive to achieve the result still sounds similar to what people associate with church organ music. It is Sommer who brilliantly adopts the drum set to play along with the organ, which is probably the most successful attempt of this kind ever made. His absolute control of the unlimited possibilities of the drums present, both rhythmically and melodically, is simply extraordinary. The urge to move forward and attempt seemingly impossible amalgams is one of the key characteristics of European Jazz, and this album is just one of the numerous such attempts. In retrospect, this is still one of the most successful and interesting projects of this kind, which lost absolutely nothing of its fascination and intrinsic beauty over time, not to mention its originality. Open minded listeners, who love church organ music, should have a field day with this album, and of course Improvised Music connoisseurs will find this lost gem to be simply irresistible. Side Note: As all the East European countries under the Socialist regime, East Germany, or DDR as it was known at the time, had only one state owned and controlled Music Company, which released most of its productions on the AmigaFind albums on this label label. Among the many Amiga releases the legendary "orange J" series was dedicated to Jazz recordings, many of which were licenses from the West, but others were original productions, mostly of Jazz made in DDR. Some of these releases, like the one described above, were absolute gems. Following the unification of Germany, the Amiga albums disappeared from the face of the earth and only in 2012 a German label reissued 15 Amiga Jazz albums on CD. They are all worth checking out!

Updated: 11/05/2016Posted: 19/03/2016

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