Record Reviews

MILOSZ BAZARNIK ~ NEW MARKET KLAMKA MUSIC ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is the second album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Milosz BazarnikFind albums by this artist, this time recorded in a quintet setting with saxophonist Krzysztof MatejskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Szymon KozikowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Marek DufekFind albums by this artist and drummer Lukasz GiergielFind albums by this artist. Violinist Stanislaw SlowinskiFind albums by this artist guests on three tracks. The album presents eleven tracks, ten of which are original compositions by the leader and one is an arrangement of a BeatlesFind albums by this artist song. The music was recorded at the excellent Monochrom Studio and engineered by Ignacy GruszeckiFind albums by this artist, with the usual excellent sound quality and clarity. The music is all based on beautiful melodic themes, full of lyricism and melancholy, as appropriate for classic Polish Jazz approach, but perhaps just a tad too “sweat” at times. Nevertheless, it offers a peaceful, relaxed listening experience, which a dreamy atmosphere, which is very enjoyable. The young musicians, who are (to me at least) anonymous so far, show great skills and vigor, as expected on the local scene, and nothing but praise can be said about their performances. The presence of the electric guitar has the usual Fusiony effect, but to be fair it is almost marginal, and the music is not trying to copy the 1970s Fusion tendencies, except for the aural similarity, and therefore manages to avoid that trap. Personally the melodic content of this album is its major forte, as there is not even one weak melody on the entire album (well except for the cover perhaps – just kidding), so it is a composing portfolio first and foremost, which Bazarnik can be proud of. Overall, this is a very pleasant, beautifully put together melodic Jazz album, which should keep many listeners perfectly happy. There is nothing groundbreaking or especially challenging herein, but the remarkable “simplicity” and straightforwardness turn out to be its strong suit. Time for some great heartfelt melodies in the midst of the mayhem that surrounds us all. Well done indeed!

Updated: 13/01/2023Posted: 13/01/2023

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QUINDEPENDENCE ~ CIRCUMSTANCES NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 5908254159688) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz ensemble QuindependenceFind albums by this artist which comprises of saxophonist / flautist Krzysztof MatejskiFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Dominik BorekFind albums by this artist, pianist Michal SalamonFind albums by this artist, bassist Milosz SkwirutFind albums by this artist and drummer Pawel NowakFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, four of which are original compositions (two each by Skwirut and Salamon), another two are arrangements of the first two of the fascinating seven piano pieces by Erik SatieFind albums by this artist called Gnossiennes and the last is a Polish Jazz standard by Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist. The music is modern melodic mainstream Jazz, with excellent original compositions and quite unusual complexity, which offers an excellent listening adventure. Although still full of the typical Polish lyricism and melancholy, the music goes beyond the typical conventions and boldly steps into new territory, which even much more established ensembles of this king rarely visit. The instrumental proficiency of these young players is also quite astounding, both on the individual level and as an ensemble. The complex music flows naturally and coherently, allowing for plenty of soloing opportunities and even some free form ensemble improvisation. Salamon, who is both a gifted composer and beautifully lyrical pianist (well remembered from the albums by F.O.U.R.S. CollectiveFind albums by this artist or MonosiesFind albums by this artist ensemble), sets the harmonic anchor for the proceedings and the horns deliver plenty of fiery moments. Skwirut not only keeps the music on track by his bass pulsations but also offers his two superb compositions, which are the most challenging pieces herein. Overall this is a wonderful debut album, which was sadly lost somewhere amongst the multitude of the excellent Polish Jazz releases at the time. Since the album was not followed by other releases, I assume it is not active any more, which is a pity. I have no idea how it arrived on my desk four years after it was released, but better late than never is absolutely true in this case as well.

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

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