Record Reviews

PATRYCJUSZ GRUSZECKI ~ FACES BNB 011 (Barcode: 5903714963270) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is the second album by Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer Patrycjusz GruszeckiFind albums by this artist, recorded with the same trio that recorded the debut five years earlier, which includes organist Kajetan GalasFind albums by this artist and drummer Zbigniew LewandowskiFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Janusz SzromFind albums by this artist sings on one track. The album presents nine original compositions, eight by Gruszecki and one by Lewandowski. The album was recorded at the excellent Monochrom Studio and engineered by Ignacy GruszeckiFind albums by this artist, with the usual superb sound quality, close to the classic early Blue NoteFind albums on this label sound. The music continues the path set by the debut, presenting a series of coherent, melody based compositions, excellently performed by the trio, all strictly within mainstream Jazz and often bordering on Smooth Jazz, which is accessible to a wide range of music lovers, including those beyond the strict Jazz circles. The trio has a very unique sound due to the unusual instrumentation, which sets it aside from most other Polish Jazz ensembles. Gruszecki has a beautiful rounded sound and technical skill, Galas is an amazing organ player with a wide range of diverse sound techniques and innovative approach to the instrument and Lewandowski is a Master drummer, driving the music with his dense but not overbearing polyrhythmic virtuosity. Together they are a lean and mean swinging machine, which manages to create music, which keeps the listener both fascinated and entertained for the duration. Overall, this is an excellent album from start to finish, which lets the listener to relax and enjoy the music without too much analyzing or cerebral pseudo-intellectual effort to look beyond what the ears can hear. Despite what the Jazz snobs will probably say, this music is fun, without sacrificing any basic musical qualities. Simply listen and enjoy. It is of course wholeheartedly recommended as far as my taste buds are concerned!

Updated: 19/07/2022Posted: 19/07/2022

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PATRYCJUSZ GRUSZECKI ~ SOMETHING ABOUT BCD 42 (Barcode: 5906881885420) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the debut album by Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer Patrycjusz GruszeckiFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with organist Kajetan GalasFind albums by this artist and drummer Zbigniew LewandowskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve original compositions, all by Gruszecki. The album was recorded at the RecPublica Studios and was engineered by Lukasz OlejarczykFind albums by this artist, with the usual superb sonic quality. The music is well behaved mainstream Jazz, with solid compositions and great Swing / Groove feel, which sways the listener´s body involuntarily from start to finish. The compositions are well structured, with the ballads being my personal favorites, but they present a consistent and well weaved musical fabric. The unusual and minimalistic lineup of trumpet / organ / drums works out perfectly and misses nothing in order to sound round and complete. All three musicians play splendidly, as expected from Polish Jazz musicians. Personally the Hammond Organ always steals the show for me, as it has been my favorite instrument for over fifty years, but credit is due to the trio for their work as a unit, combining their personal strengths. Gruszecki has a beautiful round sound on trumpet and flugelhorn, but his improvisations are a bit withdrawn and "controlled" at times, which suits this specific recording well, but leaves the listener a bit hungry for more. Galas is superbly melodic and offers great improvised parts with his work being irreproachable all the way through. This is the third album I reviewed, which features his organ work, and he is always perfectly right on the money. Lewandowski also plays excellently, being solely responsible for the rhythmic pulsations of this music (supported by the organ´s bass pedals). His percussive feel is truly exquisite, precise and outward virtuosic – something to learn from. Overall this is a splendid debut album, catering to the listeners on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, but still excellent in every way, with an atypical lineup and sound, which is fresh and very effective. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 27/10/2017Posted: 27/10/2017

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KRZYSZTOF LENCZOWSKI ~ LOST JOURNEY REQUIEM / LYDIAN 2021/17 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This is the third album as a leader by Polish Jazz cellist / composer (and now also guitarist) Krzysztof LenczowskiFind albums by this artist, primarily known as a member of the superb Atom String QuartetFind albums by this artist, but with a rich and exciting recording legacy of dozens of albums by top Polish artists. This album finds him in an exciting organ trio format with the wonderful organist Kajetan GalasFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartek StaromiejskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions, all by Lenczowski. The music is absolutely delightful, like a ten-course meal in a tree-star Michelin restaurant. Each and every of those compositions is completely different and the diversity is simply astounding, including Classical Music, Rock, Prog, Fusion, World and other influences, skillfully exploited to create a dazzling kaleidoscope of sounds. It is hard to believe that all this music is performed by just three instrumentalists, which emphasizes their individual skills and talents. Lenczowski is a brilliant cellist of course but here he demonstrates amazing scale of different sounds he is able to create on his cello. Galas, whom I have been following closely for a few years now, is a stunning talent, able to express a myriad of feelings using the keyboards. Staromiejski adds his robust drumming to drive the music steadily through the rapid turns and twists and frequent mood changes with sensitivity and skill. It is very difficult to accurately define this music stylistically, and for luck of a better term, it would probably be best described as Jazz-Rock Fusion, although that might not do the music justice, as it is way more rich in textures than what usually passes as Fusion. The leagues of Prog fans should also feel perfectly comfortable with this music, as in fact should all lovers of ambitious melodic music, full of surprising vistas and virtuosic performances. There are very few musicians today, who can match Lenczowski’s compositional ingenuity and chameleonic cross-genre and cross-idiom approach. A retrospective glance at his recorded legacy so far is already highly impressive, and one can never guess what he will come up with next – which of course is one of his many virtues. Overall this is an absolute gem of an album, which a great appeal to all Artistic souls out there, of all ages and all musical affiliations. I can’t imagine anybody not loving this music, and if they don’t I am really sorry for them…

Updated: 01/04/2021Posted: 27/03/2021

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JACEK NIEDZIELA-MEIRA ~ BURRELLHOUSE SJ 039 (Barcode: 5912596066719) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is an album by the veteran Polish Jazz bassist / composer / educator Jacek Niedziela-MeiraFind albums by this artist which his debut album as a guitar player, recorded in a classic guitar trio setting with Hammond player Kajetan GalasFind albums by this artist and drummers Lukasz ZytaFind albums by this artist or Grzegorz PalkaFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, two of which are original compositions by the leader, six are standards and one is a Polish Pop song. The music was recorded at the excellent Studio Tokarnia and offers a wonderful classic Blue NoteFind albums on this label sound. For people familiar with the Polish Jazz scene this album comes of course as a surprise, as a result of the decision by the leader to switch instruments, but the result is very satisfying. The sound and material are based on classic model set by American Hammond player Jimmy SmithFind albums by this artist and his trio, which included among others guitarists also the superb guitar Master Kenny BurrellFind albums by this artist, who serves as an obvious influence on the leader. The conservative mainstream Jazz approach, going back s few decades in the history of the Jazz idiom, could be pretty disastrous musically, but in this case it is a fresh breath of air, which proves that well played mainstream Jazz still sounds solid, beautiful and enjoyable in spite of the passing time. Niedziela-Meira turns out to be a very talented and technically proficient classic / old style Jazz guitar player, who emphasizes the clarity of the tone and precision of the notes like a true pro. His sound does follow the example set by the Jazz guitarists form the 1950s / 1960s almost exactly, but with a fresh vigor and fluidity. Galas is of course an absolute marvel with his Hammond bringing back fond memories of the glory of this beautiful instrument. His improvisations, always melodic and coherent and yet often surprisingly sophisticated, are an absolute sensation and are alone worth having this album. Both alternating drummers keep the time like clockwork, which for this kind of music is exactly what the doctor prescribed. Overall this is a very pleasant album, which reproduces the mood and sound going back half a century, but offers a rejuvenated perspective on the guitar trio format, which is almost completely absent from the contemporary Jazz scene. Full of wonderful music and excellent musicianship, this album is fun from start to end for listeners who like this period of Jazz. For guitar and Hammond connoisseurs, this is a must of course!

Updated: 02/05/2019Posted: 02/05/2019

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ORGAN SPOT ~ OITAGO SJ 083 (Barcode: 5905489721086) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2024 Released: 2025 This is the 2nd album by Polish Jazz trio Organ SpotFind albums by this artist, released following a twelve years’ gap, led by organist / composer Kajetan GalasFind albums by this artist with guitarist Szymon MikaFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz MaslowskiFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Marcin KaletkaFind albums by this artist guests on several tracks. The album presents eight tracks, three composed by Mika, two by Galas, one co-composed by them both and two are standards. The music is all within the mainstream Jazz idiom, with strong Blues influence, but since the Hammond organ is my all-time favorite instrument, and Galas is a true Master of the Hammond organ, nothing could keep me happier than another album by this splendid trio. Mika is a fabulous guitarist and Maslowski keeps time splendidly and creatively, so these three musicians don’t need any help to create a full-sounding band. Kaletka is a welcome, but not essential companion. The original compositions are all splendid, as is the sound and recording, which basically means that for me this is an instant balm on my old bones, which keeps me perfectly happy, without expecting anything more that the soothing sound of the organ and the great music. I admire Galas for sticking with the Hammond tradition, not trying to re-invent the instrument, or make it anything that it is not. Respecting the tradition and keeping it alive is everything one can ask for in this case. Overall, this is another excellent album by Galas and the trio, which is an instant gratification for every Hammond lover of the planet. Anybody who loves the Hammond Masters, both Jazz and Jazz-Rock oriented (see Brian AugerFind albums by this artist), will be in seventh heaven.

Updated: 20/03/2025Posted: 20/03/2025

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ORGAN SPOT ~ ORGAN SPOT SJ 006 (Barcode: 5902596066055) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 The Hammond B-3 Organ is one of my all time favorite musical instruments, with endless reminiscences overflowing my mind every time the unique sound starts buzzing in the air. Scores of superb albums were recorded using the B-3 over the years, not only in Jazz but also in Rock of course, and hundreds of keyboardists used the instrument over the years, which in time achieved a legendary status. In addition, the Hammond B-3 / guitar cooperation (in duos and trios mostly) has a fascinating tradition in Jazz from way back in the 1950s, which is still very much alive and kicking today. Therefore listening to this album was quite an emotional journey for me. Organ SpotFind albums by this artist is a trio comprising of three young Polish Jazz musicians: organist Kajetan GalasFind albums by this artist, guitarist Szymon MikaFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartek StaromiejskiFind albums by this artist. The album consists of seven tunes, five of which are Jazz standards and two are originals, composed one each by Mika and Galas. Not surprisingly the album was recorded at the excellent Studio Tokarnia and engineered by the studio owner and himself a fellow Hammond "brother in arms" Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist. The wonderful sound quality and ambience is one of the key factors which makes this album such a sweet gem, as Studio Tokarnia has a wonderful ability to create a truly "retro" sound, which resembles classic Jazz recordings for such legendary labels as Blue NoteFind albums on this label. Watch out for the worn-out LP gap between the tracks in one case, which gives a hint as to the "retro" intensions herein. The performances by all three trio members are spotless and incredibly well balanced. There are no ego trips here and they all play together respectfully listening to each other and supporting each other. Although the organ is obviously the center of attention on this album, the listeners should definitely pay attention to the incredible guitar parts, which are truly invigorating. Some great guitar players must be smiling in Heaven hearing this stuff. Musically this album is not looking for innovation or breaking new ground; it´s all about keeping a wonderful tradition (sonically, stylistically and aesthetically) alive, and doing it in a fresh and interesting way. This album is every inch as good as any similar music produced anywhere else, which speaks for itself as far as the talents and abilities of these young musicians are concerned. Having respect for the tradition, studying and preserving it, are not self-understood these days and are definitely something to be praised and appreciated. Overall this is as close to a perfect mainstream Jazz album as it gets; it is honest, well played, sounds great and most Jazz connoisseurs can enjoy it in full. Definitely a most impressive debut!

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TOMASZ PRUCHNICKI ~ TOTAL IMMERSION AKADEMIA MUZYCZNA WROCLAW 022 (Barcode: 9788365473295) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is the second album as a leader by Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer Tomasz PruchnickiFind albums by this artist, this time recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Dominik WaniaFind albums by this artist, organist Kajetan GalasFind albums by this artist and drummer Przemyslaw JaroszFind albums by this artist, which is basically the same lineup as the one playing on the last Yarosh Organ TrioFind albums by this artist album “Progressive SynthesisFind albums with this title”. The album presents ten original compositions by the leader. The music is modern Jazz, based on melodic themes but with a large degree of Freedom, which allows all the participants to improvised extensively. The compositions are absolutely stellar and offer a wonderful foundation for the musicians to express themselves in full. The highly unusual lineup, which features both acoustic piano and organ, presents a unique sound, which adds to the overall atmosphere this album manages to create. The organ plays both harmonic layers and bass pulsations, as well as soloing passionately, emphasizing again the incredible talents of Galas. Wania plays waves of piano sounds, which are as brilliant as one can expect from top Polish Jazz pianist, Jarosz manages to keep everything in perfect control rhythmically, and the leader offers amazing saxophone parts, full of emotion, brilliant technique and typical Polish Jazz lyricism. Overall, this is a highly emotional, unusually sounding and amazingly executed album, which proves that Polish Jazz is always there to surprise and amaze. The post Covid frenzy activity, which results in dozens after dozens of new Polish Jazz releases that land on my desk on a regular basis, is a joyful evidence of things being back on track. For organ lovers this is a very special treat, but all lovers of Polish / European Jazz should be able to enjoy this gem. Well done Gentlemen!

Updated: 27/01/2023Posted: 27/01/2023

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SOUND PACK ~ ZYJ KOLOROWO SJ 070 (Barcode: 5905489720003) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is the second album by Polish Jazz vocal quartet Sound PackFind albums by this artist, led by Marcin WawrzynowiczFind albums by this artist with Joanna Swiniarska-SzebeszczykFind albums by this artist, Katarzyna MirowskaFind albums by this artist and Malgorzata BiniekFind albums by this artist. The instrumental support this time is in the most capable hands of the Yarosh Organ TrioFind albums by this artist, led by drummer Przemyslaw JaroszFind albums by this artist with saxophonist Tomasz PruchnickiFind albums by this artist and organist Kajetan GalasFind albums by this artist. The album presents new arrangements of ten Polish Jazz evergreens, six of which were arranged by Bartosz PernalFind albums by this artist. There are very few surprises on this album, since the concept of a vocal Jazz quartet has been explored on the local scene since its early days. I am happy to see that the group followed my suggestion to switch to songs in Polish, which solves the problems with diction and pronunciation, but somehow they also decided to keep their vocal arrangements to bare minimum, which makes the entire affair rather less exciting. I also have a problem with the balance between the vocal and the instrumental parts, despite the fact that I absolutely love the organ trio, but somehow the match does not work for me as ideally as I have hoped for, which might be also a result of the sound recording and the mix. The overall sound is somewhat mushed and muddy. Of course all these are just my very personal impressions. But all things considered, the Sound Pack are a valid concept as is the selection of material, especially for Polish Jazz fans familiar with these songs, so I am pretty sure many local listeners will enjoy this album. Perhaps a straightforward piano trio accompaniment might have proved much more appropriate here and the organ trio proved to be a tad too complicated to handle. Overall, this is a nice Jazz vocal quartet recording, with an unusual organ trio accompaniment, which results is some less than ideal match, but at least is highly unusual and somewhat aurally challenging.

Updated: 13/02/2023Posted: 13/02/2023

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YAROSH ORGAN TRIO ~ ALTERAKCJE AKADEMIA MUZYCZNA WROCLAW 015 (Barcode: 5902738950006) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 In time Jazz evolved so dramatically, that the common perception of the idiom is by far not relevant any more. The Polish Jazz scene contributed in the last two decades a phenomenal input into the worldwide Jazz scene, rejuvenating the genre and taking it places that were not considered possible until recently. The most important characteristic of the Polish Jazz scene is its complete disregard of convention and conceptual limitations of any kind, which more often than anywhere else on this planet makes Polish Jazz albums innovative and original. Veteran Polish Jazz drummer / composer Przemyslaw JaroszFind albums by this artist founded the Yarosh Organ TrioFind albums by this artist with organist Kajetan GalasFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Tomasz PruchnickiFind albums by this artist, which released its excellent debut album a couple of years ago. They are now back with their sophomore release, joined by the vocalist Katarzyna MirowskaFind albums by this artist. It presents six original compositions, five by the leader and one by the saxophonist. Everything about this album shouts originality; from the completely unusual instrumental lineup, the stylistic "coolness" and the individual performances which add up to a musical experience, that makes the listener focus on the music. Beautifully spiced with the new element of vocals and vocalese, which fits the music like a silk glove, the overall effect is truly impressive. The music is much more complex and open this time, in comparison to the debut, with a lot of breathing space and "almost free" passages, which of course makes this album more adventurous, without however sacrificing its melodic qualities. As such it should be of interest not only to the mainstream Jazz fans, but also to the more audacious listeners, who like facing challenges. This new attitude can be felt in all three layers (or four in fact); the saxophone improvisations are at times almost avant-gardist, the organ produces a plethora of "strange noises" not usually associated with the most melodic of all instruments, the drums play way more polyrhythmically and dynamics and on top the wonderful vocal ornamentations just make it all perfect. Jazz is, after all, the Art of the unexpected, and this album is more often unexpected than not, which of course is what makes it work so well. All I can wish for is that it does get to as many listeners as possible, as this is definitely way too good to fall under the radar. Well done Lady and Gentlemen! Side Note The above are my liner notes included on this album's artwork. I am honored when asked by the Artists to write liner notes for their albums, always hoping that my words reflect the true spirit of the music. This is also a symbol of our mutual respect and friendship developed over the years. The same is also true when Record Labels ask me to write liner notes for their releases, mostly in the case of reissues of archival albums, which is a symbol of their appreciation of my knowledge and historical perspective and my recognition of their dedication to the preservation of the history of recorded music and the effort to keep human Culture and Aesthetics alive.

Updated: 22/11/2018Posted: 22/11/2018

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YAROSH ORGAN TRIO ~ PROGRESSIVE SYNTHESIS AKADEMIA MUZYCZNA WROCLAW 021 (Barcode: 5902738950044) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This is the third album by Polish Jazz Yarosh Organ TrioFind albums by this artist comprising of drummer / composer / bandleader Przemyslaw JaroszFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Tomasz PruchnickiFind albums by this artist and organist Kajetan GalasFind albums by this artist. The trio is expanded into a quartet on all tracks bar one with the addition of keyboardist Dominik WaniaFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, six composed by Jarosz and two by Pruchnicki. The music continues the trend of exploring more adventurous material, even more so than the previous album, for which I had the pleasure of writing the liner notes. The music maintains some melodic continuity, but is widely open to free improvisation and quirky rhythmic patterns, which result in splendid modern Jazz of the highest level. The addition of Wania is of momentous influence, as his phenomenal playing brings the entire ensemble several levels up in their imaginative cooperation. His brilliant cadenzas and telepathically fitted chord progressions sound completely natural, as if he was a part of the ensemble for ages. Of course nothing less could be expected from him, considering his stellar rise to the highest pedestal of the Polish Jazz in just one decade of his intensive activity. One has to admire the decision of Jarosz to bring Wania on board and firmly stand shoulder to shoulder with his Genius, with the trio holding its ground proudly, amicably and creatively. All three members of the trio contribute equally important parts of the entire puzzle, which includes Wania’s contributions as an integral part of the whole. The resulting music speaks for itself, producing some of the most interesting sounds created on the local scene lately. Overall, this is an outstanding album, full of highly inspired music and hair-rising performances, which depicts Polish Jazz at its very best and proudly holds the banner high, leaving most of the competition far behind. Unusual and challenging in every aspect, this music is pure unadulterated emotional and intellectual pleasure, which only the best Jazz is able to kindle. Congrats are in order and hats off to you Gentlemen!

Updated: 22/09/2021Posted: 22/09/2021

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YAROSH ORGAN TRIO ~ YAROSH ORGAN TRIO V 010 (Barcode: 5903111377106) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is the debut album by the Polish Jazz ensemble called Yarosh Organ TrioFind albums by this artist, led by veteran drummer / composer Przemyslaw JaroszFind albums by this artist with organist Kajetan GalasFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Tomasz PruchnickiFind albums by this artist. Together they perform eight original compositions, all by the leader. The album was recorded live, judging by the audience reaction at the very end, although this is not specified on the artwork. The music is mostly melodic mainstream with occasional ventures into more ambitious territory, but overall it is overtly accessible. I have always declared my unconditional love for the Hammond B-3 organ with the Leslie speaker, and this is what dominates the sound of this album, which of course makes it extremely easy to be liked by yours truly. But beyond the Hammond sound, the album presents a series of fine compositions, which are far from trivial and the unusual amalgamation of saxophone, Hammond and drums is also intriguing. Galas already recorded a great album with his trio Organ SpotFind albums by this artist three years earlier and his performances here are a clear proof of his progression as a player over time. Jarosz has an extensive career as a recording artist and Jazz educator and Pruchnicki also already made his mark on the local scene. Together as a trio they perform spotlessly and together they present a well oiled music machine, which takes the stage by storm. Of course this kind of music is not supposed to break any new background or revolutionize the idiom; its sole purpose is to entertain and provide the listener with an opportunity to have a great time, which is perfectly OK with me in this case. Hammond freaks should all have a field day with this album!

Updated: 11/09/2016Posted: 11/09/2016

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MARGO ZUBER ~ CISZA SJ 077 (Barcode: 5905489720522) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is the debut album by Polish Jazz vocalist / songwriter Margo ZuberFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded in an unusual setting with the vocalist supported by Hammond organist Kajetan GalasFind albums by this artist, pianist Mateusz PalkaFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz PalkaFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, eight of which are original songs, one composed by Zuber, five co-composed by Zuber and Galas and two composed by Galas, all with lyrics by Zuber. The ninth, a bonus track, is an interpretation of the iconic “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” composed by Charles MingusFind albums by this artist with words by Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist. Despite the fact that Galas is one of my favorite Polish Hammond players and I absolutely love his playing here, and both Mateusz Palka and Grzegorz Palka are excellent and by now very experienced instrumentalists, and together they manage to provide a very interesting and unusual instrumental accompaniment on this album, the rest of it does not work for me. The compositions are way too similar to each other, which makes the album sound samey and flat for the entire duration. The vocal parts have a very limited range, both emotional and musical. There are some touching moments of course, especially the brilliant piano touches, but not enough to support a lasting interest in the music for the entire duration. It is a matter of taste I suppose, but sadly I remained unconvinced, although I did listen to the very end waiting for the bonus track, which sadly wasn’t able to save the day. Overall, despite an honest effort on my side I remain unimpressed, which of course is entirely my fault. I hope to be proven wrong next time and thank everybody for their efforts.

Updated: 25/03/2024Posted: 25/03/2024

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