Record Reviews

CHOCHOL / GEMBALSKI / MAJCHRZAK / ZDUNIAK ~ OUR LAST SESSION NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2008 Released: 2019 This is an archival release of an improvised recording session by four Polish Jazz musicians: guitarist Andrzej ChocholFind albums by this artist, violinist Henryk GembalskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Krzysztof MajchrzakFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal ZduniakFind albums by this artist, all members of groups like LabiryntFind albums by this artist, ZdubopFind albums by this artist (or Zdu-bopFind albums by this artist) and other ensembles, active usually on the alternative Polish Jazz scene far from the fame and glory of the mainstream but certainly not less significant. The session was recorded at the studio owned by Zduniak, who was at the time already gravely ill and sadly died a year to the day since the session date. The album presents seven tracks, six of which are spontaneous improvisations and one was composed by Majchrzak. The music is an incredibly dense barrage of group improvisation by these four veteran musicians, creating a wall of sound effect, which still enables the individual instruments to be heard clearly. The individual parts vary in their intensity and dynamics, bringing each of the musicians up front, but there are no straightforward solo parts as such. Although this music is all about group improvisation, the individual contributions are all first rate. Gembalski is sadly one of the most underrated Polish Jazz violinists and his parts on this album are nothing short of spectacular. Majchrzak is a brilliant bass guitarist, also sadly little known beyond a close list of friends and followers. Perhaps the fact that he lives in Paris since many years took him out of the public eye, but he is a world class player and has little competition on the local Polish scene. Chochol contributes some hair-rising electric guitar soli, and he also deserves a much wider recognition. Zduniak contributed superb drumming parts to many iconic Polish Jazz albums and his untimely death was a blow to the scene. It is truly great to have this music available, as it not only deserves to be heard, but is also an important historic record of the lesser known components of the Polish Jazz scene, which should be remembered and documented. Overall this is a fascinating piece of music with historic significance, which is worth looking for and listening to, and which might surprise many listeners with its richness and uniqueness.

Updated: 04/01/2020Posted: 04/01/2020

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GEMBALSKI / IWANSKI / MAJCHRZAK / ZDUNIAK ~ 1999 HARMOLODIC ODYSSEY MTJ 11977 (Barcode: 5906409119778) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1999 Released: 2020 This is an archival album by a Polish Jazz quartet comprising of violinist Henryk GembalskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Janusz Yanina IwanskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Krzysztof MajchrzakFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal ZduniakFind albums by this artist. The album presents five lengthy improvised pieces, co-credited to the participating musicians. The music was recorded live and waited for over twenty years to be finally released. It is dedicated to the memory of Zduniak, who sadly passed in 2006. Polish political martyrology created the “cursed soldiers” idiom to commemorate the lesser known heroes of the struggle for independence, but many Polish Culture champions, who acted over the years on the margins of the Polish post WWII State sanctioned mainstream Culture never won the proper recognition, neither collectively as a movement nor individually as fighters for intellectual freedom. Polish Jazz is of course no different. In parallel to the Jazz activities overseen by the State recognized Polish Jazz Society, which controlled the local scene with an iron fist, many less conformist Jazz musicians managed to create their own, mostly Avant-Garde oriented facet of Polish Jazz, which enjoyed many creative peaks. People like Andrzej MitanFind albums by this artist, Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist and many others were almost completely anonymous on the Polish Jazz scene for decades, and even today are known only to a handful of hardcore specialists. The musicians on this album also belong to the league, which operated mostly on the outskirts of the Polish Jazz mainstream, taking part in ensembles like LabiryntFind albums by this artist, Tie BreakFind albums by this artist, Free CooperationFind albums by this artist and others, playing exactly what they wanted to, regardless if it fit any “party line” or not, and often suffering the consequences. The music is a mixture of Fusion and Avant-Garde, or Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion, which is a wonderful amalgam of the four individual voices, with diverse stylistic accents, which creates a forceful statement, losing nothing of its intensity and innovation over time. Between Gembalski, who represents the Free Jazz approach, Iwanski, who is a Rocker at heart, Majchrzak, who is a Fusion kicks-ass and Zduniak, who is simply a brilliant drummer beyond classification, the music is a highly concentrated exchange of individual soloing and ensemble playing, which although demanding, is unique and superbly uplifting, with energies equaling an erupting volcano. Overall this is excellent document of the lesser travelled path of Polish Jazz, that rightfully deserves to be a part of the documented history of the genre. Good to see it finally available and hopefully more of such hidden gems will float to the surface. It would be a Cultural crime to have this music doomed as forgotten.

Updated: 30/03/2021Posted: 30/03/2021

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INTUITION ORCHESTRA ~ SUMMA INTUITIVA AUDIO CAVE 2021/010 (Barcode: 5908298549438) ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This is the fifth album by Polish Improvised Music ensemble called Intuition OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which comprises of a core trio: saxophonist Ryszard WojciulFind albums by this artist, keyboardist / cellist Boleslaw BlaszczykFind albums by this artist and drummer Jacek AlkaFind albums by this artist. They are joined by no less than seven distinguished guest musicians from different musical idioms, including legendary bassist Krzysztof MajchrzakFind albums by this artist, World Music tsarina Maria PomianowskaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Wojciech BlazejczykFind albums by this artist, electronics wizard Krzysztof KnittelFind albums by this artist, drummer Krzysztof SzmandaFind albums by this artist and others. The album presents nine tracks, which as usual in such circumstances, are rather arbitrary parts of the continuum, all being collective improvisations. The music offers a distinctly “younger” (unrelated to the musicians’ age) feel and groove, with Fusiony touches created by Majchrzak and Blazejczyk and contemporary electronics, in addition to the traditional acoustic instruments. As a result, the music is also a touch more approachable to wider audiences this time, perhaps not intentionally, but definitely de facto. All the instrumental and vocal performances, especially those by Wojciul, are exceptional. As I have already stated previously, Intuition Orchestra is able to create genuinely Improvised Music, without sounding completely senseless, self-indulgent and artistically empty. This music has a wonderful natural flow, a feel of continuity and coherent direction, which makes listening to it an uplifting experience. Overall, it is great to witness a continuous growth and development of this ensemble, which is able to rejuvenate its sound and retain its creative powers for many years, without giving up an iota of their conceptual freedom of expression. As far as Improvised Music is concerned, this is one of the relatively few examples where it is able to create a lasting aesthetic experience, which continues to satisfy beyond the moment of its creation. Hats off my friends!

Updated: 17/12/2021Posted: 17/12/2021

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KRZYSZTOF MAJCHRZAK ~ 432 HZ SOLITON 1261 (Barcode: 5903684232611) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2018 Released: 2022 This is a solo album by Polish (resident in France) Jazz bassist / composer / bandleader Krzysztof MajchrzakFind albums by this artist, one of the lesser known but highly prolific and active musicians on the Polish scene, who in time managed to create his own aesthetic niche, which combines Fusion and Avant-Garde. Majchrzak plays electric bass and guitars and some other instruments and electronics, using extensive overdubbing, which creates an almost orchestral sound effect. The album can be seen as a continuation of the previous solo recording “Cosmic TripFind albums with this title” from 2006, but whereas the older album features live performances with no overdubs, this one is based on the concept of “improvisation with myself”, which sees Majchrzak adding layer after layer of music to create a one-man ensemble effect. The music is a brilliant amalgam of gutsy Fusion / Funk pulsations and Free improvisation on top, mixed with ambient electronic effects and hypnotic cyclic continuum, altogether an absolutely delightful listening experience. It is difficult to believe all this music was created by just one person, but apparently Majchrzak had both the stamina and talent to pull this through. Overall, this is a highly unique album by an Artist, who never stays too long in one comfort zone before exploring new ground. His links to the fringe circle of the Polish Jazz scene keep creating new bands, which always have many surprises up their sleeves. For listeners, who love to explore adventurous vistas, this is certainly an album worth being discovered and like anything with his name on it, the music won’t disappoint!

Updated: 04/06/2022Posted: 04/06/2022

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KRZYSZTOF MAJCHRZAK ~ COSMIC TRIP NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 192914868941) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 This is a solo album by Polish (resident in France) bassist / guitarist Krzysztof MajchrzakFind albums by this artist, recorded live in studio using a plethora of basses and guitars, all without overdubs. The album presents eight spontaneous compositions, obviously all by Majchrzak. The music is deeply rooted in Jazz-Rock Fusion, but covers many other areas, like Ambient, Electronic, World Music and Improvised Music, and is completely cross-genre in its nature. Considering the fact that it is all performed live by one person is quite astounding, as it often sounds like an entire orchestra. Majchrzak obviously has a strong desire to explore uncharted territory and take risks, rather that follow the beaten track of Fusion, which honestly has very little to offer at its current condition. This music is exciting, full of surprises and challenges the listener´s intellect, rather that have him just tap his heel. Being completely unconventional, this music also promises new discoveries with every listening session, which can only be said about a miniscule fraction of contemporary music. Overall this is a unique, bold and unconventional musical statement, which is great fun to listen to as much as it is able to excite and delight. Highly recommended to open minded listeners, who are ready for new experiences!

Updated: 18/02/2019Posted: 18/02/2019

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KRZYSZTOF MAJCHRZAK / DRUMMONAUT ~ H-E-K-A NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 192914858294) ~ POLAND ~ Electronic & Ambient Recorded: 2017 - 2018 Released: 2018 This is a duo album by Polish (resident in France) bassist / guitarist Krzysztof MajchrzakFind albums by this artist and drummer DrummonautFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Dawid Wojtek LewandowskiFind albums by this artist). It presents nine original instrumental compositions co-credited to both duo members. The music combines Groove, Funk, Ambient, Electronic and Ethno elements with improvisation, sounding like an up to date version of Weather ReportFind albums by this artist meets Tangerine DreamFind albums by this artist. The consecutive tracks create a trance like meditative state, which completely absorbs the listener, flowing naturally one into the next. The entire flow of sounds is more about atmosphere and sub-consciousness than about melody or harmony. As such, the music simply avoids clear genre classification and its abstract nature fits to the mood and orientation of the listener more than sets it. Music fans, who are used to absorb clearly defined messages, might find this music difficult to enjoy, but free spirited listeners who are ready to let go of their preconceptions should find this music wonderfully fulfilling and spiritual. This is perhaps not for everybody, but it is highly interesting for the adventurous explorers. Personally I had a great fun listening to this eclectic and unconventional music.

Updated: 24/02/2019Posted: 18/02/2019

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SUDNIK / MAJCHRZAK / CZAJKOWSKA ~ TRIANGLE AUDIO CAVE 2022/007 (Barcode: 5908298549513) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz Recorded: 2021 - 2022 Released: 2022 This is the debut album by Polish Avant-Garde trio, which comprises of electronics performer / composer Tadeusz SudnikFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Krzysztof MajchrzakFind albums by this artist and vocalist / pianist / flautist India CzajkowskaFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven original compositions / performances co-credited to all three members of the trio. The music, or rather improvised soundscapes, were created live during several recording sessions and finally edited into this album. It combines several quite distinct idioms, such as Electronic / Ambient Music, improvised vocalese, almost Funky bass pulsations, and others, which somehow work together splendidly, creating a magical journey in space / time continuum, which inspires the listener to connect the dots rather than suggests specific directions. All three participants, each in his / her specific field, are consistent innovators and pioneers, with impressive achievements under their respective belts. Sudnik (born 1955) created a plethora of brilliant electronic works in his “Studio of Impossible Sounds” and is well remembered for his work with Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, during Stanko’s most experimental period. Majchrzak (born 1954), who lives in Paris, is one of the Godfathers of Polish / European Jazz-Rock Fusion and one of the best electric bassist on the Polish scene. Czajkowska (we don’t disclose Ladies’ age) has been a pioneer of the Polish Avant-Garde Music scene since the break of the new Millennium (and even slightly earlier), with some truly impressive works to her credit. In short this trio is an immense conglomerate of creative powers. Together, they manage to create a tapestry of sounds, which has a coherent flow and effect, even if it eschews conventional perceptions of melody, harmony and rhythm. Although innovative and pioneering, the sound weaving delivers a clear message, which is not abrasive, cacophonic or alienating, which happens with Avant-Garde music way too often. It is a sort of sonic Zen meditation, atmospheric vibration and intellectual love-making, all in one. Overall, this is obviously not for everybody, or even only for very selected audiences, who will find the patience and openness to submit to this music, but at the same time it certainly is one of the most daring, unique and challenging pieces of music the Polish scene produced this year (2022). Kudo to Audio CaveFind albums on this label Records for releasing this obviously non-commercial piece of musical Art, which is highly appreciated. The brave-hearted listeners are in for a real rewarding treat. Thank you for the music, my Friends!

Updated: 05/11/2022Posted: 05/11/2022

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TIE BREAK ~ THE END AGORA 5903111494148 (Barcode: 5903111494148) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2014 - 2018 Released: 2019 This is an album by the legendary Polish ensemble Tie BreakFind albums by this artist, which features four founding members of the ensemble: trumpeter Antoni GralakFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Mateusz PospieszalskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Janusz Yanina IwanskiFind albums by this artist and bassist Marcin PospieszalskiFind albums by this artist and also American (resident in Poland) drummer Frank ParkerFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all co-composed by the ensemble members, five of which also include lyrics which are chanted (rather than sung) by the ensemble in a Greek chorus manner. The music was recorded during three separate sessions between 2014 and 2018. Following the release of the marvelous "Tie Break (Box Set)Find albums with this title" in 2014, which summed up the ensemble´s output recorded between 1984 and 1995, it seemed that the fate of Tie Break was sealed, but apparently the protagonists thought otherwise and continued to make music together, which is collected here. Following this pattern, one might hope that the ominous title of this album is also only temporary, as Tie Break definitely has still more energy and creativity than most young contemporary ensembles. The music is, not surprisingly, completely unique; a zany mixture of Rock, Funk, Punk, World Music and Jazz worthy of epic Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist and his Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist proportions. This music is bolder than most contemporary Rock, Funkier that today´s Funk, way Punkish than anything in Punk history and still Free Jazzier than most. The overall sound of the ensemble manages to create a wall of sound effect, which allows every tiny detail of the multi-layered complexity to be heard clearly and distinctly. The music has elements of marching funeral bands, Balkan wedding music, Polish Folklore and countless other relations, which can only be discovered as a result of repeated listening sessions. In short there never was anything in the Polish music history close to Tie Break, and following this album, the gap becomes even deeper. Although the ingredients of which the music of Tie Break is made of is not Avant-Garde as such, the unique combination and the obvious "oppositional" attitude to everything mainstream is still deeply implanted in this music and it is obviously refusing to be tamed. The album pays tribute to all the numerous members of the ensemble over the years and other outside of the mainstream great Polish musicians like the lamented Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist, including the founding member Krzysztof MajchrzakFind albums by this artist, whom I had the pleasure to meet a few weeks ago and reminiscence early days of the ensemble and many other things with. In short this is a brilliant piece of music, full of creativity, ingeniousness and pure joy, completely unique and striking, unconventional and as musically anti-establishment as music can be. I refuse to interpret the album´s title literally and already long for the next chapter in Tie Break´s journey! The End of boredom is definitely here!

Updated: 21/12/2019Posted: 20/12/2019

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WESTON / MAJCHRZAK / GEMBALSKI ~ MAGIC HANDS NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is a live recording by a trio comprising of American drummer / multi-instrumentalist Calvin WestonFind albums by this artist and two Polish musicians: bassist / guitarist Krzysztof MajchrzakFind albums by this artist and violinist Henryk GembalskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original pieces, all spontaneously improvised by the trio and co-credited to them. The music is an amalgam of influences but basically comes down to Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion, which although improvised has a clear melodic backbone, which serves as the underlying element for the extended improvisations. The unusual instrumental lineup creates a very effective ambience and the use of violin brings fond memories of early Fusion ensembles that featured the violin, like Flock, Hands and others. Gembalski, one of the most underappreciated Polish Jazz figures, clearly proves that he is as good as any of his contemporaries, but his association with the Polish Avant-Garde prevented his recognition in the mainstream Jazz circles, which is a great pity. Majchrzak drives the trio with his full bodied bass lines, which provide the continuity needed to avoid total mayhem. He is a perfect link between the stratospheric violin parts and the down to earth rhythmic layer provided by the drums. Weston, a veteran improviser who played with some of the most important American Jazz innovators, turns out to be a gifted trumpeter as well, and his tribal drumming is exactly what this music needs. Overall this is a very interesting musical adventure, different stylistically and aesthetically from the usual Fusion outings, full of excellent solo parts and superb cooperation between the participating musicians, especially in view of the fact that the music was improvised live. For connoisseurs of the violin in Jazz / Fusion, this is a revelation.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 25/09/2018

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