Record Reviews
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  | KLAN ~ CHMURA NAD MIASTEM
GAD 066 (Barcode: 5901549197891) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 - 1994 Released: 2017
This is an archival release collecting previously mostly unreleased recordings by the legendary Polish Prog group KlanFind albums by this artist, founded and led by vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Marek AlaszewskiFind albums by this artist. The material spans a period of twenty two years and includes radio, studio and live recordings featuring several lineups of Klan and recordings Alaszewski made with other musicians. Some cult Polish musicians take part in these musicians, like guitarist Tomasz JaskiewiczFind albums by this artist and Tomasz ButowttFind albums by this artist from Czeslaw NiemenFind albums by this artist´s AkwareleFind albums by this artist group, Wojciech WaglewskiFind albums by this artist and others.
The music includes a wide kaleidoscope of stylistic approaches, from Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock and Alternative Rock, and presents Alaszewski as a composer of great diversity and talent. The three part suite, which also includes string quartet arrangements, is a beautiful example of East European Prog at its best.
Considering the fact that these musical treasures remained hidden until recently, finally brought to life by the restless team of GADFind albums on this label Records, is especially significant in view of Alaszewski´s tragic health problems. All the proceeds from this album are dedicated to his convalescence.
For fans and collectors of East European Prog this album is a great find and a must have item in their collections!
| | Updated: 02/02/2018Posted: 02/02/2018 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | KLAN ~ LIVE FINLAND 1972
GAD 039 (Barcode: 5901549197501) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2016
This is a sensational archive live recording by the legendary Polish Prog group KlanFind albums by this artist, recorded during their performance in Finland, which sees here the light of day for the first time forty four years later. The album´s booklet tells the story of this performance and the surrounding circumstances contributing to the establishment of the unique lineup of Klan which is heard here, which includes only one original member of Klan, leader guitarists / songwriter Marek AlaszewskiFind albums by this artist, who adopted guitarist Tomasz JaskiewiczFind albums by this artist (from Czeslaw NiemenFind albums by this artist´s backing group) and a formidable rhythm section consisting of bassist Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist, both members of the top Avant-Garde Polish Jazz ensemble at the time, led by trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist. Together they perform five original songs, all written by Alaszewski, which are expanded into lengthy instrumental improvisations.
The resulting music is one of the most unique phenomena of the period, and considering the fact that it was a one time only event, which makes it even more important, this album becomes a major discovery. It amalgamates Prog-Rock, Jazz-Rock, Avant-Rock and Free Jazz and completely obliterates any boundaries between musical idioms and symbolizes artistic freedom, which was one of the characteristics of the period, when open-mindedness and acceptance ruled, also behind the Iron Curtain.
The individual performances, especially those by Suchanek and Stefanski are absolutely stunning. Suchanek plays several brilliant solos and his pulsations all along, which are basically Jazz-based, are a superb example how Jazz and Rock rhythmic patterns can ideally coexist. Stefanski, who had a bit more Rock experience, adds his Jazz skills and drives the quartet forcefully forward, also performing some great solo parts. Both guitarists stay within the Rock territory, although the rhythm section really pushes them to improvise the whole time, much more extensively than under the unusual Rock circumstances.
Although the sound quality of this recording is somewhat limited, even after very careful remastering process, the importance of it as a piece of Polish / East European Rock & Jazz history is invaluable. Therefore it is highly recommended to all listeners interested in music made behind the Iron Curtain. Of course anybody following the development of Progressive music in the broad meaning of the idiom should find this most interesting. As usual our thanks to the GADFind albums on this label Records label for unearthing and releasing this piece of history, which would have been most probably lost if not for their efforts.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 06/05/2016 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | KLAN ~ MROWISKO
GAD 097 (Barcode: 5903068120374) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2019
This is a reissue of the iconic debut album by the legendary Polish Rock group KlanFind albums by this artist, formed in 1969 by vocalist / guitarist / composer Marek AlaszewskiFind albums by this artist and including also keyboardist Maciej GluszkiewiczFind albums by this artist, bassist Roman PawelskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Andrzej PoniatowskiFind albums by this artist. The lineup that recorded this music includes also a brass section, string section, two percussionists and a chorus singing background vocals. The album presented thirteen original songs, all composed by Alaszewski, with lyrics by Marian SkolarskiFind albums by this artist. This reissue adds four songs from the group´s EP released before this album was released, as bonus tracks.
The music was originally written as part of an innovative multi-media spectacle, but in retrospect achieved the celebrated status of a pioneering and groundbreaking album in Polish Rock and early Art / Progressive Rock. It offers a spectacular amalgam of advanced musical forms, which include complex improvisations, obviously Jazz influenced, Rock riffs influenced by Hard Rock, and of course a potent dose of Polish lyricism and melancholy omnipresent in all music created in the country.
The thirteen songs and instrumental pieces are all connected, creating a classic "concept album" structure, with no breaks between the tracks and a continuous musical coherence, full of superb melodies and complex harmonies. Half a Century later this music still sounds very impressive and lost absolutely nothing of its original power and charm.
Sadly the original group did not release any more albums, but GADFind albums on this label Records released four CDs with archival studio and live recordings by the group, which present a much wider scope of their activities and are all absolutely fascinating.
Although this album was already reissued several times before, those reissues tend to sell out rather rapidly and it´s great to see it available again. For Polish Rock lovers and Prog enthusiasts this is an absolute must have and of course a vital piece of East European Rock history.
| | Updated: 08/03/2020Posted: 08/03/2020 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | KLAN ~ NERWY MIAST
GAD 016 (Barcode: 5901549197198) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 - 1971 Released: 2014
This is the second album released by the Polish reissue label GADFind albums on this label Records, which presents material recorded by the legendary Polish Rock ensemble KlanFind albums by this artist, which was led by guitarist / composer Marek AlaszewskiFind albums by this artist and also included keyboardist Maciej GluszkiewiczFind albums by this artist, bassist Roman PawelskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Andrzej PoniatowskiFind albums by this artist. The album includes eighteen tracks recorded between early 1969 and mid 1971, which is the initial period of the band´s existence. Most of the recordings are taken from the Polish Radio archives, one was recorded at the Polish Film Studios in Warsaw, like all the material on the album released earlier by GAD Records, and the last three were recorded "live" (without audience).
The recordings collected here are all both interesting musically and of quite surprising sound quality, which makes this album a true gem, not to mention its historic importance as far as Polish Rock history is concerned. Considering the fact that the group released originally only one LP and one EP, an addition of two CDs full of unreleased material is nothing short of phenomenal.
Klan presented a very ambitious variety of Art Rock, certainly unique on the Polish scene at the time. Their instrumental work, which was based on Jazzy riffs and improvisation, was more advanced musically than that practiced by most of their contemporaries. They were the first true rebels and obvious nonconformist on the Easter European scene, preceded only by the work of Czeslaw NiemenFind albums by this artist and his groups.
Overall this is definitely a worthy addition to the recorded legacy of Polish Rock and should be received enthusiastically by early East European Rock / Prog fans all over the world. Of course people who care about preserving the cultural heritage should be deeply grateful to GAD Records for making all this happen. Not to be missed!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | KLAN ~ SENNE WEDROWKI
GAD 003 (Barcode: 5901549197020) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2011
KlanFind albums by this artist is one of several enigmatic / idiosyncratic and later legendary ensembles, which briefly arrived on the Polish Rock scene crossing the firmament like a comet and hardly leaving any trace. Formed in early 1969 by guitarist / composer Marek AlaszewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Andrzej PoniatowskiFind albums by this artist, the group was completed with the addition of keyboardist Maciej GluszkiewiczFind albums by this artist and bassist Roman PawelskiFind albums by this artist. Later that year they recorded four songs, which were released on their debut EP. Rather than following the "usual" path of many other contemporary Pop / Rock groups of the time, they performed only sporadically and got involved in the production of a multi-media spectacle / ballet called "MrowiskoFind albums with this title", for which they provided the soundtrack. The soundtrack was finally recorded in March 1971 and released later that year, turning in time into one of the most iconic Polish Rock albums. Unfortunately the group folded shortly after "Mrowisko" was recorded. They disappeared from the scene, returning briefly some twenty years later with another album called "Po Co Mi Ten RajFind albums with this title".
Surprisingly, only very few people were aware of the fact that the group recorded thirteen original instrumentals (all composed by Alaszewski) just a month before the studio version of "Mrowisko" was recorded, which see the light of day on this album for the first time, some forty years later. This music was recorded by the Polish Film Studios in Warsaw and was meant to serve as library music for the film makers to be used as soundtracks for the documentaries produced by the studio. Many of the tracks included here were indeed incorporated later on as soundtracks.
The music is a mixture of Pop / Rock riffs and melodic themes, spiced with some Jazzy improvisations, similar to the instrumental Rock produced by other groups at the time. Although well played and recorded the music lacks the edge that characterizes their a.m. legendary album and in retrospect sheds only a little additional light on the group´s achievements and its musical value is less important. Of course the historic significance of this music is beyond reproach and kudos is due to GADFind albums on this label Records for restoring, releasing and bringing this piece of Polish Rock legacy / history to light. Definitely worth investigating!
| | Updated: 08/03/2020Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | KLAN ~ SENNE WEDROWKI (SECOND EDITION)
GAD 098 (Barcode: 5903068120312) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2019
KlanFind albums by this artist is one of several enigmatic / idiosyncratic and later legendary ensembles, which briefly arrived on the Polish Rock scene crossing the firmament like a comet and hardly leaving any trace. Formed in early 1969 by guitarist / composer Marek AlaszewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Andrzej PoniatowskiFind albums by this artist, the group was completed with the addition of keyboardist Maciej GluszkiewiczFind albums by this artist and bassist Roman PawelskiFind albums by this artist. Later that year they recorded four songs, which were released on their debut EP. Rather than following the "usual" path of many other contemporary Pop / Rock groups of the time, they performed only sporadically and got involved in the production of a multi-media spectacle / ballet called "MrowiskoFind albums with this title", for which they provided the soundtrack. The soundtrack was finally recorded in March 1971 and released later that year, turning in time into one of the most iconic Polish Rock albums. Unfortunately the group folded shortly after "Mrowisko" was recorded. They disappeared from the scene, returning briefly some twenty years later with another album called "Po Co Mi Ten RajFind albums with this title".
Surprisingly, only very few people were aware of the fact that the group recorded thirteen original instrumentals (all composed by Alaszewski) just a month before the studio version of "Mrowisko" was recorded, which see the light of day on this album for the first time, some forty years later. This music was recorded by the Polish Film Studios in Warsaw and was meant to serve as library music for the film makers to be used as soundtracks for the documentaries produced by the studio. Many of the tracks included here were indeed incorporated later on as soundtracks.
The music is a mixture of Pop / Rock riffs and melodic themes, spiced with some Jazzy improvisations, similar to the instrumental Rock produced by other groups at the time. Although well played and recorded the music lacks the edge that characterizes their a.m. legendary album and in retrospect sheds only a little additional light on the group´s achievements and its musical value is less important. Of course the historic significance of this music is beyond reproach and kudos is due to GADFind albums on this label Records for restoring, releasing and bringing this piece of Polish Rock legacy / history to light. Definitely worth investigating!
This second edition of the album brings this item back to life after the first edition was sold out. It offers a new graphic design and the liner notes are only in Polish language, but the content is identical.
| | Updated: 08/03/2020Posted: 08/03/2020 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | NIEMEN ~ LIVE IN HELSINKI 1973
GREEN TREE 169 (Barcode: 4015689001695) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2018
This is an archival album, which presents live recordings by the greatest Polish Rock / Fusion musician of all times, vocalist / keyboardist / songwriter Czeslaw NiemenFind albums by this artist.
The first three tracks on the album were recorded during a concert at the Helsingin Juhlaviikot (Helsinki Festival), Finland captured on August 28, 1972 (not on the 26th as the CD info states) and recorded by Finnish National Broadcasting Company (YLE) and later broadcasted on Finnish Radio and TV. Polish TV years later broadcasted the concert giving the wrong recording year, which is why the wrong date is associated with these tracks here and on YouTube, where the TV recording can be found. Another Polish Rock group, KlanFind albums by this artist, was also invited to that festival and their performance captured on the same day by the YLE can be found on the "Live Finland 1972Find albums with this title" album released by the great archival record label GADFind albums on this label Records – this time completely legally and with restored sound quality.
The two other tracks were recorded at the "Jazz Now!" 1972 Olympic Games concert in Munich, Germany, captured on August 17, 1972 and recorded by the German TV, which can also be found on YouTube. German Jazz critic / author / activist and my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist was the Artistic Director of the entire "Jazz Now" series (August 17 to 20, 1972) and his love and knowledge of the Polish scene was the reason why Niemen was the only Artist from behind the Iron Curtain invited to take part in this highly prestigious event..
All the tracks feature the core of what was to become the most famous Polish Fusion band SBBFind albums by this artist: bassist / keyboardist Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, guitarists Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist, accompanying Niemen´s vocals.
The music is absolutely stunning, as expected, and even the dubious sound quality of these recordings is not able to spoil the unadulterated pleasure this music is still able to generate almost fifty years after it was initially performed. Niemen was always light years ahead of his contemporaries on both sides of the Iron Curtain, and the fact that he remains still relatively anonymous beyond Eastern Europe, despite his revolutionary contributions and pioneering spirit, is a crying shame.
It is a great pity that the entire legacy of Niemen´s recordings made outside of Poland and many of his live recordings remain unreleased and are available only unofficially, like all the Green TreeFind albums on this label titles. His third Box Set, which was to include all these treasures, remains sadly an unfulfilled dream.
For all Polish Rock / Fusion enthusiasts as well as for the numerous Niemen fans this is an essential piece of his discography, which is definitely worth having, despite its technical flaws.
| | Updated: 29/12/2023Posted: 15/12/2019 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SHOW BAND ~ PUNKT STYKU
GAD 013 (Barcode: 5901549197143) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2014
The Show BandFind albums by this artist trio was one of many Polish ensembles, which never managed to record an album during their lifespan as a band, although performed extensively in Poland and abroad. Formed by bassist Anatol WojdynaFind albums by this artist it also included Hammond organ player Maciej GluszkiewiczFind albums by this artist (ex-KlanFind albums by this artist) and drummer Jan MazurekFind albums by this artist (ex-BreakoutFind albums by this artist), the trio played music that stylistically floated between Jazz-Rock Fusion and Funk, and managed to work out a specific sound and feel, which sounded more like American instrumental Funk bands (Booker T. & The MG`sFind albums by this artist immediately come to mind) than Eastern European ensembles at the time.
Luckily for us, the band was approached by the Warsaw Documentary Filmmakers Group (WDF) to records a series of tracks, which would be later used as background music for the Polish Film Chronicle documentary series. The trio eagerly accepted the offer and recorded in early 1974 ten tracks, eight of which were original compositions by Wojdyna and two were compositions by Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist. For the recording the trio was expanded by two guest musicians: pianist Jan JarczykFind albums by this artist and percussionist Aleksander BemFind albums by this artist. The recorded music survived the tides of time and sounds superbly after being remastered to modern standards.
Forty years later this music lost nothing of its charm and zest and is definitely worth being remembered and listened to. Although pretty straightforward it offers quality melodic contents and great performances. It is also a great opportunity to pay tribute to the sadly departed Jarczyk, who plays some truly excellent stuff here. For lovers of Polish Funk this is an absolute must!
Again thanks to GADFind albums on this label Records for finding this lost gem and bringing it back to life as part of the label´s modus operandi, which consistently preserves Polish musical heritage.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ KRONIKI FILMOWE
GAD 064 (Barcode: 5901549197877) ~ POLAND ~ Soundtracks
Recorded: 1963 - 1978 Released: 2017
This is an archival release collecting mostly previously unreleased music, which was originally recorded as background music for films made by the Polish Film Chronicle (Newsreel) between 1963 and 1978. The album presents thirteen recordings by Polish Jazz, Rock and Classical musicians, such as Krzysztof SadowskiFind albums by this artist, KlanFind albums by this artist, Polish Jazz QuartetFind albums by this artist, SBBFind albums by this artist and others.
The music represents the incredible variety of musical resourcefulness in Poland during the 1960s and 1970s, across different genres. These recordings are all fantastic gems of the era and a testimony to the fact that the Socialist Regime was unable to limit or castrate the creativity that the Polish musical scene always proudly cultivated and exposed. Most of the music belongs to the Jazz and Jazz-Rock Fusion idioms, which experienced a period of rapid development and great achievement during that time.
Although compilations are not my favorite cup of tea, this compilation is so marvelous, interesting and surprising, that it easily holds its ground and makes perfect sense musically, in addition to being an incredible document of the era.
For music connoisseurs unfamiliar with the Polish scene in the 1960s and 1970s this is an incredible introduction, a gateway into a whole musical universe that holds many treasures. For collectors this album offers many previously unreleased missing pieces of the grand puzzle called Polish Jazz.
Beautifully remastered and accompanied by intelligent liner notes with historic information, this is one more gem that the GADFind albums on this label Record labels offers to its faithful supporters. Incredible stuff!
| | Updated: 29/01/2019Posted: 30/01/2018 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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