Record Reviews
15 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | GRAMINE ~ GRAMINE
GAD 113 (Barcode: 5903068120565) ~ POLAND ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1971 - 1974 Released: 2020
This is a reissue of the only album recorded by the Polish ensemble GramineFind albums by this artist, a large conglomerate of musicians and guests that continued the path set by the previous incarnation of the group called Grupa Bluesowa StodolaFind albums by this artist, which also managed to record and release a single album "BluselkaFind albums with this title" a few years earlier. The renamed group featured no less that four female vocalist and a male vocalist, who also played saxophone. Vocalist Halina SzemplinskaFind albums by this artist was the driving force of the ensemble and composed many of the songs included here. The ensemble also included the Jazz drummer Kazimierz JonkiszFind albums by this artist. More Jazz musicians appeared as guests on selected tracks. All the music was original, composed by members of the ensemble, and the excellent lyrics were co-written by Tomasz BielskiFind albums by this artist and Boguslaw ChoinskiFind albums by this artist. This remastered and expanded reissue adds three bonus tracks recorded by Grupa Bluesowa Stodola three years earlier and were previously unreleased.
Completely forgotten in the tides of time, the album offers a splendid amalgam of Blues / Rhythm And Blues and strong Jazzy undercurrent, all original and offering poetic texts, in short a one of a kind gem that deserves to be heard again, a wish fulfilled as usual by the splendid GADFind albums on this label Records label, which emerged as the greatest archeological team of Polish recorded music.
It is hard to imagine how this kind of music was conceived and recorded behind the Iron Curtain, almost completely isolated from the exposure to this kind of music at the time. For researchers and lovers of Polish music scene this is a true revelation. Warmly recommended!
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 12/09/2020 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MAREK GRECHUTA ~ DROGA ZA WIDNOKRES
POMATON 724352574322 (Barcode: 724352574322) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2000
This is the third album by Polish singer / songwriter / poet Marek GrechutaFind albums by this artist, one of the most iconic figures on the Polish popular music scene and the most important representative of the Music & Poetry movement in Poland. This is also his first album with the group WIEMFind albums by this artist (an acronym of the Polish phrase "W Innej Epoce Muzycznej"), which Grechuta formed after he left his previous group AnawaFind albums by this artist. The new group comprised initially of guitarist Pawel ScieranskiFind albums by this artist, brilliant bassist Pawel JarzebskiFind albums by this artist and three drummers / percussionists Jozef GawrychFind albums by this artist, Bogdan KulikFind albums by this artist and Tadeusz KalinowskiFind albums by this artist. Later on the group was expanded with some personnel changes and included among others violinist Piotr MicheraFind albums by this artist, guitarist Antoni KrupaFind albums by this artist and drummer Kazimierz JonkiszFind albums by this artist. The album includes eight tracks, all composed by Grechuta, who wrote lyrics to only one of the songs and the remaining lyrics are by some of the Polish poets Grechuta admired: Jan ZychFind albums by this artist, Tadeusz NowakFind albums by this artist, Tadeusz SliwiakFind albums by this artist and others.
Musically the album marks a dramatic change in comparison to the acoustic World Music / Psychedelic atmosphere of his previous albums and moves into Jazz-Rock Fusion / Progressive Rock, which is quite understandable considering that all the new band members were previously active in these areas. But the music also amalgamates the lyrical elements dominating Grechuta´s music and the intrinsic melancholy of the poetic lyrics. The instrumental work is rather intimate, with the guitar being the only soloing instrument, playing sweet Bluesy / Jazzy riffs. The absolutely sublime performances on the (acoustic) bass are the album´s backbone, upon which the entire musical contents is completely dependent. The later, expanded version of the group, included much more developed instrumental support to Grechuta´s lyrics, as can be heard on the bonus tracks.
Grechuta is a master of his trade and his vocal delivery is simply sublime. Always somewhere in between singing and reciting, his interpretation of the lyrics is exquisitely intelligent and insightful. The band performs also divinely, displaying obvious talents and sensitivity. Such combination of beautiful music performed as perfectly as here is indeed extraordinary. Therefore in retrospect this is one of the best Rock / Prog albums ever recorded in Poland, although less innovative and shocking musically that its predecessor. It stands the test of time beautifully and is an absolute must have for every lover of Polish music. This expanded and remastered edition includes seven bonus tracks recorded by the Polish Radio, all of excellent quality, both sonically and musically. One of the tracks is an extended almost all instrumental version of the epic title track of the previous album, which is truly brilliant. A gem worth having!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | JANCZARSKI & SIDDIK 4TET ~ CONTEMPLATIONS
FOR TUNE 0147 (Barcode: 5906395808625) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020
This is a live recording at the Warsaw 12 on 14 Jazz Club by the quartet co-led by Polish Jazz saxophonist Borys JanczarskiFind albums by this artist and veteran American trumpeter Rasul SiddikFind albums by this artist, with Polish bassist Michal JarosFind albums by this artist and veteran drummer Kazimierz JonkiszFind albums by this artist. Together they perform seven pieces, six of which are Jazz standards and one is an original composition by Siddik.
The album offers a warm and authentic club atmosphere but the music is all strictly within American mainstream boundaries and is completely predictable. This is a third recorded collaboration between Janczarski and Siddik released on the For Tune label, all of which follow the same well established pattern of Bebop oriented music making, which has hardly changed in the last 70 years or so.
As for the performances, despite the fact that Siddik has a well earned reputation of playing with some very important American Jazz names in the past, his playing here (and on the two other a.m. albums) is very shaky and unimpressive, Janczarski is much more vigorous but not really notable and only the excellent rhythm section is up for the job, especially Jaros whose bass parts are the absolute highlights of this album.
Overall this music might have been nice to listen to at the club while enjoying a drink, but has no lasting value beyond that. At least the music is well recorded by Tomasz PierchalaFind albums by this artist, the club owner and persistent Warsaw Jazz scene activist.
| | Updated: 18/11/2020Posted: 18/11/2020 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | KAZIMIERZ JONKISZ ENERGY ~ 6 HOURS WITH RONNIE
FOR TUNE 0070 (Barcode: 5902768701739) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015
This album documents the meeting between veteran Polish Jazz drummer Kazimierz JonkiszFind albums by this artist and his ensemble EnergyFind albums by this artist with legendary American baritone saxophonist Ronnie CuberFind albums by this artist. The following musicians also take part in the recording: saxophonists Borys JanczarskiFind albums by this artist and Tomasz GrzegorskiFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Robert MurakowskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist and bassist Wojciech PulcynFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded at the fabulous Studio Tokarnia, owned by Smoczynski, who also engineered and mastered the album, with the usual spectacular sonic result. The music includes six compositions, two of which are originals by Pulcyn, one is by Cuber and the remaining three are standards.
The music is, as expected, straightforward mainstream Jazz, with the two Pulcyn tunes being by far the most refreshing pieces on this album. It is executed without a flaw by all the participants, although the session seems to be lacking any high energy or particular joy of life, which is typically present on the best Jazz recordings.
Overall this is a nice, well played and well recorded mainstream Jazz album, which is no different from thousands of similar albums recorded before. As such it contributes nothing to the Jazz milieu and with all due respect is simply banal. Smoczynski plays some great introvert piano parts and Pulcyn, as always, keeps time beautifully, but other than that it´s all déjà vu.
Of course since baritone saxophone is not heard very often, this is a good opportunity to enjoy this beautiful instrument being played well.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | KAZIMIERZ JONKISZ QUARTET ~ MONTY & SOUL
SJ 078 (Barcode: 5905489720676) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Blues Fusion
Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024
This is an album by veteran Polish Jazz drummer / bandleader Kazimierz JonkiszFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with saxophonist Borys JanczarskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Mark WaggonerFind albums by this artist and bassist Michal JarosFind albums by this artist. The album is dedicated to the memory of American saxophonist / vocalist / bandleader Monty WatersFind albums by this artist, who died in 2008, with whom Jonkisz often performed. The album presents ten tracks, all composed by Waters. Some archival spoken word and vocal fragments are included on the album as well.
The music is all Blues soaked mainstream Jazz, excellently performed by the quartet members, all of which are experienced and talented musicians. As expected, Jonkisz gets to play several drum solos, as appropriate for the occasion.
Overall, this is a nice tribute album, well played and highly entertaining to mainstream Jazz fans, who should appreciate the performances by these talented musicians. The pianoless lineup makes the music a tad less expected and guitar fans can enjoy the guitar parts as well.
| | Updated: 12/08/2024Posted: 12/08/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | KULPOWICZ QUARTET ~ EXPRESSION
FOR TUNE 0145 (Barcode: 5906395808595) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2007 - 2018 Released: 2019
This is an archive release of music recorded by the legendary Polish Jazz pianist / composer Slawomir KulpowiczFind albums by this artist and his quartet shortly before his untimely death in 2008. Following a long period of inactivity on stage Kulpowicz reformed his ensemble called simply The QuartetFind albums by this artist in 2006 with saxophonist Piotr CieslikowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Wojciech PulcynFind albums by this artist and drummer Kazimierz JonkiszFind albums by this artist. They recorded this album in 2007 but it remained unreleased following the havoc of his death. This album presents six tracks selected from the studio tapes, all original compositions by Kulpowicz. Trumpeter Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist added (overdubbed) trumpet parts to three tracks of the original recording in 2018.
Kulpowicz, who was one of the most talented Polish Jazz composers / pianists and a fascinating personality, was a devoted follower of John Coltrane´s music and his own compositions followed stylistically and spiritually the legacy of the great Master, which the music on this album reflects beautifully. The material recorded by Kulpowicz constitutes one the absolute peaks of the Polish interpretation of American Modern Jazz, avoiding mimicking and replication and adding a fresh, independent approach, and this album beautifully solidifies this approach, being a valuable addition to the legacy Kulpowicz left behind him. I have written extensively about the music Kulpowicz created in the reviews of his other albums, which can be easily found on this site simply by clicking on his name.
I was somewhat taken aback by the idea of overdubbing the original recordings, which at first glance looks quite sacrilegious, but upon further examination it looks like the original material was intended to be overdubbed by guest musicians, with obvious rhythm section only gaps left within the music waiting to be filled. The musical producer Ryszard WojciulFind albums by this artist couldn´t have found a more appropriate musician to create the missing pieces of the puzzle than Dabrowski, who stood up to the challenge outstandingly. Sometimes doing the unthinkable is simply the right thing to do.
Overall this is an absolutely brilliant piece of music, an outstanding addition to the legacy of Kulpowicz in particular and Polish Jazz in general. For TuneFind albums on this label managed to create another must have item for the Polish Jazz connoisseurs and the release of this album is of the same level of importance for Polish Jazz like the releases of previously undiscovered material by John Coltrane for global Jazz scene. An absolute must!
| | Updated: 21/01/2020Posted: 21/01/2020 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | PIOTR LEMANCZYK ~ NAHA PEOPLE
SOLITON 122 (Barcode: 5907577112233) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009
This is a wonderful album by Polish Jazz bassist / composer Piotr LemanczykFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with American trumpeter Tim HagansFind albums by this artist and Polish vibraphonist Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist and veteran drummer Kazimierz JonkiszFind albums by this artist. On three tracks the lineup is expanded to a quintet with the inclusion of saxophonist Maciej SikalaFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, all by Lemanczyk.
The music is a brilliant example of modern Polish Jazz at its best, with superb compositions full of lyricism and elegance, as always in the case of Lemanczyk. Although within the mainstream idiom, the compositions allow for a degree of Freedom, which allows the soloists and the entire ensemble to float around the harmony and the rhythmic patterns, adding an element of surprise and curiosity. Although at the time of writing the album is nine years old, it sounds completely fresh and lost absolutely nothing of its vitality.
The individual statements are all excellent, as appropriate for musicians of this class. Hagans plays amazing staccato phrases and his clear tone and articulation are exemplary. I am pretty sure that the unusual lineup and Lemanczyk´s brilliant compositions are able to squeeze more out of him than his work within an American environment, which explains why he tends to play extensively with Europeans. Bukowski stays mostly in the background, although of course his playing always deserves to be up front, setting the harmonic layer for the music. His almost brotherly cooperation with Lemanczyk is an obvious bond of respect and complementation. Jonkisz elegantly drives the quartet / quintet with a firm hand and a gentle, respectful attitude of a true. Sikala adds some superb soloing on the tracks he is featured.
Lemanczyk´s playing is of course excellent as always, both as part of the rhythm section and as a soloist, and this album, as all his recordings, show why he is considered one of the absolute top Polish / European bassist. His compositions are equally impressive, beautifully woven and always coherent, with a touch of elegance and flair that only the most skillful Jazz composers are blessed with.
Overall this is, in retrospect, a classic Polish Jazz album, which deserves much more respect and attention that it received at the time of its release. Wholeheartedly recommended for all Polish Jazz fans and European Jazz connoisseurs, as an essential piece of the puzzle called Polish Jazz!
| | Updated: 17/06/2018Posted: 17/06/2018 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | NIKA LUBOWICZ / ALL STARS ~ NIKA SINGS ELLA
FOR TUNE 0157 (Barcode: 5906395808717) ~ POLAND ~ Pop & Rock
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2022
This is the third album by Polish vocalist Nika LubowiczFind albums by this artist, this time recorded by a classic Jazz combo comprising of veteran Polish Jazz players led by Wieslaw PieregorolkaFind albums by this artist, who also arranged most of the tunes. The excellent rhythm section with pianist Andrzej JagodzinskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Wojciech PulcynFind albums by this artist and drummers Kazimierz JonkiszFind albums by this artist or Marcin JahrFind albums by this artist provide the backbone. Vocalist Wojciech MyrczekFind albums by this artist guests on a couple of tunes.
As the album’s title suggests, Lubowicz performs a collection of Jazz standards associated with the repertoire of the great American Jazz vocalist Ella FitzgeraldFind albums by this artist, which of course sets an incredible challenge in view of the Majestic status held by Fitzgerald in the Vocal Jazz tradition.
Lubowicz approaches the classic repertoire with a straightforward attitude, sticking to the convention and intelligently avoiding mimicking her model but at the same time eschewing any extravagant innovations. As faithful as the music is to the source, Lubowicz manages to put forward her personality as a vocalist, which is beyond reproach. Her vocalese parts are especially interesting.
The instrumental performances are all exactly what one might expect from a collection of such experienced players, with brief, but excellent soli and obvious empathy to the material. The arrangements are very conservative, which in this case is just what the doctor prescribed.
Overall, this is a tribute to the tradition of a great Artist and a kind reminder of what Jazz sounded like more than half a Century ago. For the many fans of the great Ella Fitzgerald and classic Vocal Jazz tradition this is a most welcome effort, which will surely be enjoyed immensely.
| | Updated: 10/09/2022Posted: 10/09/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ZBIGNIEW NAMYSLOWSKI ~ POLISH RADIO JAZZ ARCHIVES VOL.36
POLSKIE RADIO 2422-2423 (Barcode: 5907812247720) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1974 - 1995 Released: 2023
This is the thirty-sixth 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 of that period. 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 music on this album presents radio recordings of live performances by one of Godfathers of Polish Jazz, saxophonist / composer / bandleader Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist, who sadly departed recently (February 2022), paying tribute to his artistry. Namyslowski was active on the scene since the late 1950s and his music embraced diverse environments, playing Jazz in all its forms and idioms, between Traditional Jazz and Jazz-Rock Fusion. The 2CD album presents nineteen tracks recorded between 1974 and 1995 which are a wonderful collection spanning his various activities. Namyslowski composed all but one of these tracks.
The first four tracks on CD1, recorded in 1974, feature a quintet with saxophonist / flautist Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, pianist Wojciech KarolakFind albums by this artist, bassist Pawel JarzebskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Czeslaw BartkowskiFind albums by this artist.
The next four tracks on CD1, recorded in 1975, feature a sextet with saxophonist Tomasz SzukalskiFind albums by this artist, Karolak, Jarzebski, drummer Kazimierz JonkiszFind albums by this artist and percussionist Jerzy BartzFind albums by this artist.
The first four tracks on CD2, recorded in 1992, feature a quartet with pianist Leszek MozdzerFind albums by this artist, bassist Zbigniew WegehauptFind albums by this artist and drummer Cezary KonradFind albums by this artist.
The last seven tracks on CD2, recorded in 1995, feature a quintet with the same lineup as the quartet above, with the addition of trumpeter Piotr WojtasikFind albums by this artist.
The fact that five of the musicians playing on this album (Namyslowski, Muniak, Karolak, Szukalski and Wegehaupt) are no longer with us is a sad reminder of the phenomenon of the first generation of the Polish Jazz scene disappearing.
The series, which was brought back to life after three years of absence, offers an upgraded packaging, which finally offers bi-lingual liner notes, fitting the importance of this music. The beautifully restored sound quality is excellent and the warm ambience of the analog recording is a true joy. Overall this is an absolutely essential piece of Jazz history which every Jazz fan should consider as a must.
| | Updated: 25/03/2023Posted: 25/03/2023 | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | NOVI ~ POLISH RADIO JAZZ ARCHIVES VOL.24
POLSKIE RADIO 1670 (Barcode: 5907812246709) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1968 - 1971 Released: 2016
This is the twenty-fourth 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 thirteen tracks collected here were recorded during three separate occasions by the sensational Polish Jazz vocal quartet NOVIFind albums by this artist Singers: a Polish Radio Studio session from 1968 (four tracks), a live performance at the 1969 Jazz Jamboree Festival (five tracks) and finally a live performance at the 1971 Jazz Jamboree Festival (four tracks). NOVI, formed in 1964 by Bernard KawkaFind albums by this artist, included also Ewa WanatFind albums by this artist, Janusz MychFind albums by this artist and Waldemar ParzynskiFind albums by this artist. During the studio session they were accompanied by an orchestra of unknown lineup, during the 1969 concert they were accompanied by a trio comprising of organist Krzysztof SadowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Janusz KozlowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Andrzej DabrowskiFind albums by this artist and finally during the 1971 concert they were accompanied by a Big Band which included trumpeters Stanislaw MizeradzkiFind albums by this artist and Bogdan SkawinaFind albums by this artist, trombonist Stanislaw CieslakFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Tomasz SzukalskiFind albums by this artist, Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist and Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Marek BlizinskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Jan JarczykFind albums by this artist, bassist Tadeusz GogoszFind albums by this artist and drummer Kazimierz JonkiszFind albums by this artist.
The material is mostly original with five compositions by Kawka, two by Parzynski and one by Mych. Three tracks are standards, one was composed by Namyslowski and one is an arrangement of a Classical piece by Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist, which the quartet performs a cappella.
Inspired by such vocal groups like the French Les Double SixFind albums by this artist and The Swingle SingersFind albums by this artist, also originally formed in France, NOVI took the vocal group artistry a notch further, presenting a wide and ambitious repertoire ranging from arrangements of Classical Music via complex Jazz compositions, mostly original, featuring advanced vocal shenanigans and finally arrangements of Pop material. They used lyrics in some of their material but were absolutely at their best when singing wordless vocalese, which they brought to perfection.
This particular album had the potential of being one of the most interesting releases in this series, since live material by NOVI is almost completely absent from their recorded legacy, but sadly it suffers from some problems, which make it much less attractive that it should have been. Firstly the tracks recorded during the three separate sessions have been sequenced here quite randomly, rather than being presented grouped together by session. Secondly the recording quality is sadly very problematic on most of these tracks and even the careful restoring and remastering was not able to make them sound better. Of course the human voice is the most difficult recording challenge and considering the limitations present at the time the quality should be judged leniently, but in this case the sound quality seriously hinders the listening experience. Thirdly, as usual for this series, there is no background information about the artists, historic background, etc. which recordings of such importance truly deserve.
Nevertheless all things considered, this is still a very important document of the Polish Jazz legacy and considering the importance of this material this album immediately becomes another must have for all Polish Jazz fans and collectors of Polish Jazz recordings.
| | Updated: 17/07/2016Posted: 17/07/2016 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | PIOTR RODOWICZ ~ RAZEM NA TEJ ZIEMI
SOLITON 1008 (Barcode: 5903684230082) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020
This is an album by veteran Polish Jazz bassist / composer Piotr RodowiczFind albums by this artist recorded with a bunch of "friends" like pianist Bogdan HolowniaFind albums by this artist, flautist Ryszard BorowskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Jaroslaw BothurFind albums by this artist, guitarist Mark WaggonerFind albums by this artist and drummer Kazimierz JonkiszFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original pieces (one in two versions), seven composed by Rodowicz and three by Holownia.
The music is all strictly melodic mainstream Jazz, on the lighter side of the idiom, but the compositions are solid and well crafted, and in the hands of these veteran performers they are all also splendidly executed.
Although this is not the kind of Jazz I tend to listen to on an everyday basis, I firmly believe that it is a legitimate part of the genre, especially since it is accessible to a much wider audience than just the hardcore Jazz buffs. As long as the music has an intrinsic artistic value, is honest and professionally executed, it is fine with me, regardless of what the Jazz snobs my say.
Overall this is a lightweight, pleasant listening experience, with Jazzy flavor and a solid entertainment value. Recommended for listeners with such inclinations!
| | Updated: 10/09/2020Posted: 10/09/2020 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | JANUSZ SKOWRON ~ POLISH RADIO JAZZ ARCHIVES VOL.35
POLSKIE RADIO 2322 (Barcode: 5907812243319) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1981 - 1998 Released: 2022
This is the thirty-fifth 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 of that period. 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 music on this album presents radio recordings of live performances by one of the most prominent Polish Jazz musicians, keyboardist / composer Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist, who sadly departed recently (February 2019), paying tribute to his artistry. Skowron was active on the scene since the early 1980s and his music embraced diverse environments, playing Jazz and Fusion. The album presents eleven tracks recorded between 1981 and 1998 and are a rather incidental collection spanning his various activities. Skowron composed three of these tracks.
The first track, recorded in 1981, features the quartet led by drummer Kazimierz JonkiszFind albums by this artist, where Skowron played piano, which also included violinist Krzesimir DebskiFind albums by this artist and bassist Andrzej LukasikFind albums by this artist.
Next track, recorded in 1982, features one of Poland’s most important Fusion groups String ConnectionFind albums by this artist, which also included Debski.
Next track, recorded in 1985, features Skowron’s own band, which includes bassist Zbigniew WegehauptFind albums by this artist (departed 2012).
Next track, recorded in 1985, features the quartet led by trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist (departed 2018), which includes drummer Tadeusz FederowskiFind albums by this artist (departed 2018).
Next track, recorded in 1987, features the FreelectronicFind albums by this artist band also led by Stanko, which includes synthesizer player Tadeusz SudnikFind albums by this artist.
Next track, recorded in 1990, features the quartet led by saxophonist Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist (departed in 2022).
Next track, recorded in 1991, features also the Zbigniew Namyslowski quartet.
Next two tracks, recorded in 1992, feature the quartet led by trumpeter Piotr WojtasikFind albums by this artist, which includes saxophonist Tomasz SzukalskiFind albums by this artist (departed 2012).
Next track, recorded in 1995, features the reunited String Connection group.
The last track, recorded in 1998, features a duo of Skowron and Tomasz Stanko.
The fact that six of the musicians playing on this album are no longer with us is a sad reminder of the phenomenon of the first generation of the Polish Jazz scene disappearing.
The series, which was brought back to life after three years of absence, offers an upgraded packaging, which finally offers bi-lingual liner notes, fitting the importance of this music. The beautifully restored sound quality is excellent and the warm ambience of the analog recording is a true joy. Overall this is an absolutely essential piece of Jazz history which every Jazz fan should consider as a must.
| | Updated: 25/02/2023Posted: 25/02/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | PIOTR WOJTASIK ~ VOICES
INDYGO 003 (Barcode: 5907222872024) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2022
This is the third album by Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader / educator Piotr WojtasikFind albums by this artist, released on his IndygoFind albums on this label Records label. The album was recorded with the Choir of the White Stork Synagogue in Wroclaw, conducted by Stanislaw RybarczykFind albums by this artist, vocalist Magdalena ZawartkoFind albums by this artist, harpist Julia ZiembinskaFind albums by this artist and the members of Wojtasik’s quintet: saxophonist Marcin KaletkaFind albums by this artist, pianist Michal TokajFind albums by this artist, bassist Michal BaranskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Kazimierz JonkiszFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions by Wojtasik, one co-composed with Sylwester OstrowskiFind albums by this artist. The music was superbly recorded at the RecPublica Studios and offers a sublime quality, balance and clarity of sound.
The music reflects the deep sorrow and personal anguish of Wojtasik, which resulted from the tragic circumstances surrounding his life at the time. As such it is quite different from the “usual” mainstream Jazz, spiced with Gospel, that dominated his earlier recordings, and this time is absolutely drenched in melancholy and painful lyricism, showing a new facet of his musical identity.
The use of the Choir is absolutely perfect for the music and the amalgamation of its sound into the fabric of the compositions is nothing short of perfection. The Jazzy aspects, as reflected by the soloing of the quintet members follow suit smoothly, with sympathetic echoing of the somber atmosphere. Wojtasik, Kaletka and Tokaj are highly experienced players and perform as expected, as is the brilliant rhythm section, which keeps everything in a clear framework.
The biggest surprise of the album are actually the vocal contributions, both those by the Choir but even more so by Zawartko, who is simply sensationally brilliant. Since her arrival on the scene a few years ago, she never stops to amaze and her other recordings are all worth checking out.
Overall, this is a beautiful album, full of melancholy and glumness, but nevertheless offering a moving aesthetic experience, beautiful melodies and heartfelt performances by all the participants. Hopefully making this album was, at least partly, a process of healing and time will do the rest to make things better. Wojtasik has never made a bad album in his life and this is a proof that he does not mean to lower his standards, come what may. My heart is with you my Friend!
| | Updated: 04/06/2022Posted: 04/06/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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