Record Reviews

LIZARD ~ TALES OF THE ARTICHOKE WOOD AUDIO CAVE 2021/007 (Barcode: 5908298549261) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2004 - 2005 Released: 2021 This is a reissue of the third album by Polish Prog group LizardFind albums by this artist, originally released in 2005. The group comprised at the time of vocalist / guitarist / leader and principal author of music and lyrics Damian BydlinskiFind albums by this artist, violinist / keyboardist Krzysztof MaciejowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Janusz TanistraFind albums by this artist and drummer Mariusz SzulakowskiFind albums by this artist. The album offers ten tracks, which constitute an intro, two three-part suites, one two-part suite and finally an outro, obviously a concept album, this time presenting the idea of “painting by sounds”, with the three suites dedicated to three pivotal painters: Vincent van GoghFind albums by this artist, Salvador DaliFind albums by this artist and Pablo PicassoFind albums by this artist. The album was subtly remastered / remixed and the new edition offers (hidden) bonus tracks that originate from the group’s second album “PsychopulsFind albums with this title”, recorded live during the band’s 25th Anniversary concert, with a different lineup, as well as a new graphic design. As I have already stated several times, Lizard are one of the few Neo-Prog bands that are able to create consistently coherent and meaningful Progressive Rock, which combines great melodies, intelligent lyrics, great riffs and above all manages not to be repetitive and boring ten minutes into the music. Their success is largely due to the strong and very creative personality of the group’s leader; apparently in some situations strong leadership is probably the most effective way to achieve success. Lizard offer lyrics in Polish, but to be honest most Prog lovers should be perfectly able to enjoy their music without the verbal layer, same as they can enjoy Italian Prog or South American Prog. Of course for those listeners who are native Polish language speakers, the lyrics contain messages, which encourage thought and reflection, sadly a non-existent characteristic in other genres of today’s popular music. Overall, this is a classic Neo-Prog album, which is great fun to listen to and which stands well the test of time. For Prog lovers the world over, this is a great opportunity to grab a copy of this, long time out of print album, with some bonus material and excellent sound quality. If you have to listen to Neo-Prog, at least try to listen to some of the best out there!

Updated: 21/09/2021Posted: 21/09/2021

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

BEATA PRZYBYTEK ~ YOU DON`T KNOW WHAT LOVE IS PRK 049 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2002 Released: 2003 This is the debut album by Polish Jazz vocalist Beata PrzybytekFind albums by this artist, recorded with her quintet, which comprises of saxophonist / flautist Marcin ZupanskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Dorota ZaziabloFind albums by this artist, bassist Robert SzewczugaFind albums by this artist and drummer Ryszard BalcerFind albums by this artist. Violinist Krzysztof MaciejowskiFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album presents nine classic Jazz vocal standards, sung in their original English version. There are no arrangement credits on the album´s liner notes. The album was recorded while Przybytek was a student at the Academy of Music in Katowice where she studied Jazz vocals and her group comprises of her fellow students from the same school as well as students from the Academy of Music in Krakow. The result is certainly well above the expectations one might have from a group of very young and inexperienced musicians. Both the vocals and the instrumental backing are quite excellent and most importantly have a unique sound and afresh approach to these standards, which have been tried countless times before. The arrangements include enough space for the instrumentalists to be able to show their skills, which they do repeatedly. Przybytek unveils her warm and expressive voice, which she playfully stretches between seductive meows and heartbreaking howls, all in good taste and with obvious talent. She does not use often the husky tone, which she utilizes on her later recordings, but her enormous potential is quite evident here. She also is one the very few Polish vocalists that can get away with singing in English without sounding utterly ridiculous, which works in her favor. Her intonation tends to be on the Gospel / Blues side, which suits her well. Overall, although not very innovative or groundbreaking, this is a very solid offering, which as a debut can be definitely regarded as an outstanding effort. Vocal Jazz fans will find this quite delightful, combining youthful enthusiasm and innocence with talent and dedication. Well done!

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