Record Reviews

KAROL DOBROWOLSKI ~ BLEUE MELANCOLIE FOR TUNE 0158 (Barcode: 5906395808731) ~ POLAND ~ Gypsy Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2022 This is the debut album by Polish (resident in Paris) violinist / composer Karol DobrowolskiFind albums by this artist, recorded with an ensemble which includes no less than twelve musicians, who perform in various lineups, from a violin quartet supported by piano / bass / drums rhythm section, and adding additional violin players and other instrumentalist on selected tracks. Some of the more known names are: Hungarian violinist Roby LakatosFind albums by this artist or Polish saxophonist Borys JanczarskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions by Dobrowolski and one composition by French composer Valerie SabbahFind albums by this artist. The music is a very esoteric mixture of styles and genres, and for a lack of a better definition could be described as Gypsy Jazz (Jazz Manouche), although it definitely lacks the characteristic swing embedded in Gypsy Jazz, but instead offers some of its melancholy and melodic inclinations. There are many other recognizable musical elements, like strong Classical approach by most of the players, some Polish Folkloristic themes, a pinch of nostalgia and typical Parisian nonchalance, all with little connection to Jazz per se. The album offers a very specific sound, being recorded “live in studio” and without using any amplification, which might be highly challenging to listeners used to more rounded / balanced contemporary sound – a matter of taste of course. Overall, this is a very unusual album in many respects, which might find its enthusiasts, most probably outside of the strict Jazz circles. The idiosyncratic sound, performances and music all combined are certainly an experiment, which stretches the taste buds.

Updated: 20/10/2022Posted: 20/10/2022

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend