Record Reviews

JARMUZEK / PAKOWSKA ~ PRZED SKONCZENIEM SWIATA NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 5907731954853) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is the debut album by Polish duo comprising of keyboardist / composer / arranger Robert JarmuzekFind albums by this artist and vocalist Kasia PakowskaFind albums by this artist. They are supported by a rhythm section comprising of bassist Marcin LamchFind albums by this artist and Hungarian drummer Peter SomosFind albums by this artist. A few guests also participate on selected tracks. The album presents thirteen Polish Folk songs, mostly from Lower Silesia, arranged by Jarmuzek. The album was partly recorded at the Monochrom Studio and engineered by Ignacy GruszeckiFind albums by this artist, and offers a spectacular sonic experience. The music sounds completely contemporary due to the masterly arrangements, which offer a strong Jazz under-taste, mixed with ambient sonic vistas. The Folklore basis is still present in the vocal layer, which is kept close to the traditional atmosphere, but modernized slightly in pronunciation and vocal ornamentation, which Pakowska manages to keep under remarkable control. It is encouraging to hear the young generation of Polish musicians discovering the riches of the Polish Culture, especially the regional Folklore, which is extremely diverse and offers endless hidden treasures. This album is an excellent example of tradition being handled with respect and class, as well as imaginative contemporary adaptation. Overall, this is an excellent album, intelligent and highly aesthetic, which offers a glimpse at the depth of Polish Folklore in an exciting, Jazzy perspective, which deserves to be heard by every music lover. It is certainly one of the most rewarding albums on the Polish scene that arrived on my desk lately. Well done!

Updated: 06/05/2022Posted: 06/05/2022

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