Record Reviews

SENDECKI & SPIEGEL ~ SOLACE SKIP 9153 (Barcode: 4037688915322) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is the second album by the duo comprising of Polish (resident in Hamburg) Jazz pianist / composer Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist and German drummer / composer Jurgen SpiegelFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve original compositions, seven by Sendecki and five by Spiegel and one interpretation of a Pop song by Peter GabrielFind albums by this artist. The music is quite diverse and cross-genre, based on clearly defined melodic themes, but embraces dynamic development, spontaneity and improvisation, with a possibility for both musicians to have a lot of fun and freedom to express their own ideas in the process. It is imperative not to approach this music strictly within Jazz dogmas, as it is not meant to be a Jazz affair per se, despite the fact that Sendecki has an obvious affinity and history within the genre. Since Spiegel originates from outside of the Jazz parameters, this music should be accepted for what it is rather than trying to frame it into what it is not. The piano / drums duo seems to be a limited and difficult framework of making music together, but judging by what can be heard here, the proper attitude and amalgam of talents can produce a surprisingly powerful effect, which is able to reach a wide audience of music lovers, regardless of their musical inclinations and habits. Sendecki is able to showcase his virtuosity here, skillfully introducing elements of Classical, Folklore and Jazz clues within his improvisations, but avoiding lengthy excursions into the abstract zone. Spiegel supports him amicably and respectfully, adding his own personal touches and keeping the music within a precise time frame, but managing to play creatively. There is an obvious feeling of camaraderie and partnership between the two musicians, mutual respect and the joy of making music together. Overall, this is a coherent continuity from the duo’s debut album, which shows a clear path they wish to take together in the future. I am pretty certain that hearing this music live is able to provide a much stronger and immediate impact and pleasure to the listener, so catching them in a concert setting is strongly recommended. But listening to this album is definitely not a bad option as well!

Updated: 19/02/2022Posted: 19/02/2022

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SENDECKI & SPIEGEL ~ TWO IN THE MIRROR SKIP 9143 ~ POLAND ~ Smooth Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is the debut album by the duo comprising of Polish (resident in Hamburg) pianist / composer Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist and German drummer / composer Jurgen SpiegelFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven original compositions, five composed by Spiegel, four composed by Sendecki, one co-composed by them both and one is an old composition co-composed by Sendecki and Polish Jazz guitarist Jaroslaw SmietanaFind albums by this artist, while they were both members of the celebrated Extra BallFind albums by this artist band. The music is quite diverse, moving between romantic ballads and energetic explorations, all of which are only marginally related to Jazz, but have a strong Jazzy undercurrent. The piano / drums setting is by definition somewhat limited and in this specific case the attempt to present the drums on the same level with the piano creates a strange sonic balance that takes time to get used to. Sendecki gets of course plenty of opportunity to display his virtuosic technique as much as his typically Polish melancholic streak, which works like a charm every time. Spiegel plays atypically, trying to stay with the melody more than traditionally be in charge of the rhythm, which is quite innovative. They are working together well, as appropriate for musicians of their statue, obviously having fun. Overall since both these musicians don´t have to prove anything more as far as their careers are concerned, it is great to see them exploring new territory, which moves beyond the strict Jazz circle, creating music accessible to a wide audience without compromising artistic values.

Updated: 19/02/2022Posted: 17/05/2019

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