Record Reviews

LUKASZ BOROWICKI ~ MORBIDEZZA OF DECADENCE MULTIKULTI MPJ 021 (Barcode: 5907529223598) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 This is the fourth album by Polish (resident in Denmark) Jazz guitarist / composer Lukasz BorowickiFind albums by this artist recorded this time with a sextet, which also features three Danish musicians: trumpeter Mads la CourFind albums by this artist, pianist Soren GemmerFind albums by this artist and drummer Anders MogensenFind albums by this artist and two Polish musicians: saxophonist Bartlomiej WawryniukFind albums by this artist and bassist Mariusz PrasniewskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Borowicki. The music on this album takes a step back towards more structured / composed modern European Jazz, with emphasis on composition and ensemble effort. In contrast to the typical albums produced by young Polish Jazz musicians these days, this album is much closer in spirit to Scandinavian Jazz, not only due to the fact that half of the sextet´s members are Danish, but mainly due to the character of the compositions, which offer typical Nordic open space and "windy" ambiance. The music is relaxed, and offers a lot of breathing space for all the musicians to solo and interplay extensively, with every single note being perfectly clearly audible. Borowicki plays the guitar with wonderful minimalist, almost completely acoustic touch, shunning flashy displays of egocentric show-off. All the rest of the sextet members follow his lead in this respect, and the album is a wonderful example of mutual respect and understanding between the musicians, as well as a display of the elegance, restraint and artistry that characterizes European Jazz. The sextet members are all superb instrumentalists, and they all contribute equally to this album´s success. Wonderfully "cool" trumpet parts by la Cour, beautifully melodic solos by Gemmer and spirited saxophone parts by Wawryniuk are kept in check by the solid and yet creative work by the rhythm section, which is fully up to par with the front line players. Overall this is an excellent album in every respect, clear evidence that the prolific work of Borowicki is consistently excellent and has a lot to offer in a long term. Full of great compositions and excellent playing, this album is an indicator of how young European Jazz is exploding with talent and extraordinary quality, which never ceases to amaze. Well done Gentlemen!

Updated: 27/10/2018Posted: 27/10/2018

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LUKASZ BOROWICKI ~ PEOPLE, CATS & OBSTACLES FOR TUNE 0037 (Barcode: 5902768701371) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz guitarist / composer Lukasz BorowickiFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with Polish bassist Mariusz PrasniewskiFind albums by this artist and Danish drummer and frequent collaborator with Polish musicians Kasper Tom ChristiansenFind albums by this artist. Both Borowicki and Prasniewski studied at the Academy of Music in Odense (Denmark), as did many of Poland´s young Jazz musicians in recent years. The album presents nine original compositions recorded by the trio and a bonus track which is a solo guitar piece, all composed by Borowicki. The music is a surprising amalgam of many different elements, which create a unique musical perception, fascinating and absorbing right from the onset. Borowicki has a distinctive guitar sound, which is raw and distorted, somewhat similar to early John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist´s efforts. The melodies, or rather melodic fragments, are quirky and unstable, changing rapidly and continuously, and yet producing an overall coherent compositional whole. The same applies to the frequent tempo changes and improvisational approaches, which move within one piece between tightly knit interplay and completely free form, spacey improvisation. The overall effect of this unusual music is definitely fascinating and completely fresh. Considering the fact that guitar is the most popular instrument on this planet, it takes a truly ingenious musician to create something new with it, such as Borowicki manages to do in this case. The leader gets a most sympathetic support from his cohorts; Prasniewski is a wonderfully melodic player, who against all odds manages to keep the surreal paste of change this music demands, supporting the guitar every inch of the way. Christiansen, who is already a well seasoned musician and a superb composer on his own, is an ideal partner completing the trio. He plays sparingly and unobtrusively, but is right where he is needed at all times. In conclusion, this is a first class debut effort, which shows an enormous potential and talent that Borowicki represents which hopefully will mature and develop further in time. As a result of this album, he immediately becomes a worthy candidate to become one of the top Jazz guitar players in his country, a position which at the moment is rather sparingly populated.

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LUKASZ BOROWICKI ~ RITUALS NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Ambient Fusion Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is the 6th album by Polish (resident in Denmark) Jazz guitarist / composer Lukasz BorowickiFind albums by this artist and his second solo effort. He overdubs several guitars, a bass guitar and synthesizers, so this is definitely not strictly a solo guitar album. The album presents eight tracks, all of which are original compositions by Borowicki, with total playing time slightly under half an hour, which makes it rather an EP than a full album. The music is very different from Borowicki’s earlier recordings, quite distant from the usual Jazz material. This time the music is very melodic, even romantic, with carefully composed themes and limited improvisation, sometimes even touching on almost Ambient atmosphere. There are plenty of wonderful guitar performances, which guitar lovers will certainly enjoy, and the arrangements emphasize the relaxed mood. Overall, this is a new facet of Borowicki’s musical personality, full of great melodies and presented in a minimalist setting, with emphasis on melody. There is plenty of interesting guitar playing and relaxed atmosphere, but Jazz purist might find this album outside of their sphere of interest. Personally I enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere, especially in the midst of the mayhem surrounding us at the moment.

Updated: 10/11/2023Posted: 10/11/2023

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LUKASZ BOROWICKI ~ SONGS WITH RHYMES NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is the third album by Polish Jazz guitarists / composer Lukasz BorowickiFind albums by this artist and his second recording with a trio he recorded his debut with, which also includes bassist Mariusz PrasniewskiFind albums by this artist and Danish drummer Kasper Tom ChristiansenFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Borowicki and is beautifully recorded with wonderful aural atmosphere. The music on this album is meant to present the acoustic side of Borowicki´s guitar playing and as a result is indeed very delicate, intimate and low volume. The rhythm section offers a remarkable support to this acoustic effort, playing also very subtly, but clearly in sync with the leader and most inventively. Therefore as a trio effort, this album is absolutely fascinating and one of the best of its kind I have come across lately. However, Borowicki evidently steps here towards much more Free Jazz and Improvised Music than on his earlier recordings. In my review of his debut album I mentioned that his playing reminds me of early John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist recordings; the music here is much closer to what Derek BaileyFind albums by this artist had to offer. Nothing wrong with that of course, except for the fact that Borowicki is stepping away from the majority of Jazz listeners and entering the Avant Garde niche, with everything that such a move implies. As a result there are almost no melodic themes here, at most some melodic fragments, which is a pity considering Borowicki´s fine composing talent, which he displayed on his earlier recordings. Overall this is a bold step for this young and talented musician, which is obviously a part of his search towards his musical self-discovery. People expecting traditional guitar playing will be definitely disappointed, but Improvised Music / Free Jazz lovers should find this album an exquisite example of trio cooperation and elegant European non-aggressive and yet completely individualistic music creation.

Updated: 17/12/2018Posted: 26/05/2017

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LUKASZ BOROWICKI ~ WANDERING FLECKS FOR TUNE 0095 (Barcode: 5902768701937) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the second album by young Polish Jazz guitarist Lukasz BorowickiFind albums by this artist. Following the debut album recorded in a trio format, this album presents a quartet effort, with Danish flugelhornist Mads la CourFind albums by this artist and Polish bassist Mariusz PrasniewskiFind albums by this artist (who also appears on the debut) and drummer Karol DomanskiFind albums by this artist. The album includes ten original compositions, eight of which are by Borowicki and two are improvisations credited to the quartet members. In contrast to the debut, this album is much more relaxed and organized, probably since there is no pressure to prove anything this time. The compositions are lyrical and much closer to the European Jazz idiom, with breathing space and freedom being the most important ingredients in addition of course to the personal abilities of the participants. The addition of the flugelhorn expanded the ensemble´s possibilities considerably and Borowicki could have hardly find a better partner for his musical explorations that the amazing Dane, who has caught my ear already and who is definitely worth following carefully. The quartet is very tight together, which is quite remarkable considering the complex, both harmonically and rhythmically, music they perform. The rhythm section truly supports the soloists as well as builds up the platform on which the entire structure securely advances in time. As the result the instrumental work is nothing short of amazing. It is hard to believe that this album was recorded by such young musicians. Borowicki also presents an impressive compositional palette and the overall level of his tunes is very notable. His compositions serve as ideal vehicles for the musicians to play their best. The interplay between the guitar and the trumpet is especially exciting, as are their respective solo parts. Both Borowicki and la Cour have a distinctive sound and approach and on this album they simply complete each other perfectly. It is a joyful feeling to hear music of such quality, especially when it comes from musicians who are at early stages of their careers. The maturity and talents displayed here are all exemplary. As a result this is another great album released by the For Tune label, and certainly one of the strongest releases this year on the Polish Jazz scene. Congratulations!

Updated: 08/08/2016Posted: 08/08/2016

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RASMUS HENRIKSEN BIG BAND ~ OUT OF THE SHADOWS GATEWAY RHBB 01 (Barcode: 5707471046494) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is the debut album by Danish trombonist / composer / arranger / conductor Rasmus HenriksenFind albums by this artist, recorded with an international Big Band comprising of musicians associated with the Odense Music Academy, which includes twelve musicians, several of which are from Poland, like trumpeters Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist and Wojciech MorelowskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Lukasz BorowickiFind albums by this artist and bassist Mariusz PrasniewskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight pieces, six of which are original compositions by Henriksen and two are standards. Fours of the pieces feature vocals performed by Amanda LagoniFind albums by this artist. The music is well within the mainstream Jazz idiom, with excellent compositions by the leader and of course the wonderful sound of a Big Band that melts my heart every time. The arrangements are very elegant and interesting, typical of European Big Band approach, which treats the Big Band as a complex instrument. In view of the fact that there are so few Big Band albums released each year these days, every one of them is a blessing. The Big Band performs excellently, obviously well rehearsed and including gifted instrumentalists. There are plenty of superb, albeit short, solos by the band members, testifying to the generally high level of the players. The vocal tracks are also first-rate, much to my surprise, as singing with a Bing Band requires a special talent, but Lagoni handles the task splendidly. The overall sound and atmosphere are at times a bit too "retro", mimicking the great Swing orchestras of times long gone, but that does not spoil the great fun one can have with this music. This is pure pleasure from start to finish and mainstream Big Band / Orchestral Jazz should enjoy this effort to the max. Very impressive for a debut album and definitely worth getting!

Updated: 22/02/2019Posted: 09/05/2017

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RASMUS HENRIKSEN OCTET ~ FORTOLKER HERMAN BANG GATEWAY RHBB 02 (Barcode: 5707471055762) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2012 - 2014 Released: 2018 This is the second album by Danish Jazz trombonist / composer / arranger / bandleader Rasmus HenriksenFind albums by this artist, this time recorded in an octet setting with musicians associated with the Odense Music Academy, including two Polish participants: guitarist Lukasz BorowickiFind albums by this artist and bassist Michal NienadowskiFind albums by this artist. The octet also includes vocalist Amanda LagoniFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions by Henriksen, which are based on poems by the Danish poet Herman BangFind albums by this artist, which together construct a suite of two three-part cycles, separated by another three poems serving as prelude, entr´acte and epilogue. As such this is of course a splendid example of the Jazz & Poetry idiom. The music is beautifully lyrical and melancholic, with a strong Nordic tinge, flowing gently from one melody to another, perfectly matched together. The arrangements are classic big ensemble Jazz formats, featuring the vocals in the centre of the attention, but allowing short instrumental soli to appear as well. Sadly the lyrics in Danish are accessible only to listeners who understand the language, but even if one is not a native Danish speaker, the vocal parts are still impressive in their melodic / theatrical delivery. The performances are all perfect and although executed by student, under the watchful supervision of Henriksen they are simply excellent. Overall this is a very delicate and wonderfully put together project that offers the essence of Scandinavian / European Jazz, which is highly aesthetic and intelligent and combines music and poetry in order to enhance the splendor of both these elements of Art. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 22/02/2019Posted: 22/02/2019

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RASMUS HENRIKSEN & POLYMETRUM ENSEMBLE ~ EASTERN INFLUENCE NOT ON LABEL 1 (Barcode: 5707471076774) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This is the third album by Danish Jazz trombonist / composer / arranger / conductor Rasmus HenriksenFind albums by this artist recorded with a Danish / Polish septet called Polymetrum EnsembleFind albums by this artist, which also includes saxophonists Kasper WagnerFind albums by this artist and Andreas BottingerFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Mads la CourFind albums by this artist, Polish guitarist Lukasz BorowickiFind albums by this artist, Polish bassist Mariusz PrasniewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Anders MogensenFind albums by this artist. The album presents a four-part suite (on four tracks) composed by Henriksen, which according to his note on the album’s artwork celebrates the Jazz made behind the Iron Curtain in the 1960s and 1970s, a period marking an incredible development of the Jazz Art Form despite difficult political circumstances of the Socialist Regime. Denmark (but also Sweden and Finland), being geographical Baltic neighbors to Poland, always maintained a close relationship with Polish Jazz, allowing many of them to play and record locally during that period. In the last two decades the artistic proximity repeated itself with many young Polish Jazz musicians either studying or moving to Denmark, mixing with local young scene, often creating some remarkable achievements. As his two earlier recordings clearly show, Henriksen clearly prefers larger ensembles, which allow him to showcase his composing and arranging skills to the max. His music is always melody based, with beautiful lyrical atmosphere, meticulously put together and superbly executed by the excellent ensembles he puts together to record his work, with a relative stable lineup. Despite the fact that the players are all brilliant soloists, the music is more ensemble oriented, following the European Jazz orchestral concept, and features relatively little soloing, which does not mean that the album avoids soloing completely and there are definitely some wonderful examples of solo and ensemble cooperation. The compositions are all superbly crafted and dull of dynamics and versatility, which makes the music flow splendidly, with the listener completely losing the sense of time. Overall, this is a beautiful and deeply moving album, definitely the best work by Henriksen so far, which shows his rapid development as a composer and arranger. The music is brilliant from start to end with never a dull moment in between. Fans of European Orchestral Jazz will be obviously delighted to hear this album, but it should be able to satisfy every Jazz lover on this planet. European Jazz at its best – hats off!

Updated: 05/12/2021Posted: 05/12/2021

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JAZZPOSPOLITA ~ PRZYPLYW AUDIO CAVE 2020/001 (Barcode: 5905669566988) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is the seventh album by Polish ensemble JazzpospolitaFind albums by this artist, led by bassist Stefan NowakowskiFind albums by this artist, which also includes keyboardist Michal ZaleskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Lukasz BorowickiFind albums by this artist and drummer Karol DomanskiFind albums by this artist. The album, recorded following a period of hiatus, personnel changes and inactivity, seems to find the ensemble back in full form. It presents eight original compositions, four composed by Nowakowski, three by Borowicki and one by Zaleski, which is a change as on the earlier albums the music was always co-credited to the entire lineup. The album is dominated by the beautiful sound of Borowicki´s guitar, who recorded four splendid albums as a leader before joining Jazzpospolita. Stylistically the music is somewhat more Jazz oriented than the earlier albums by the ensemble, but preserves both the Rock and Ambient subtext, which dominated the early releases and which brought them the popularity they enjoyed for an entire decade. Zaleski provides a rich harmonic background for the guitar front lines and the rhythm section keeps the music flowing steadily. The music is difficult to classify, as it easily belongs to a wide range of sub-styles of Fusion and even Progressive Rock on one hand and at the same time is pretty unique. Beautiful melodic riffs repeated over energetic rhythmic patterns are hypnotic enough to engulf the listener and keep him enchanted as long as the music is playing and leaves him wishing for more. It is great to see Jazzpospolita back on the scene and I hope to catch them live again soon, as their live shows are always a remarkable experience. For their many fans this album is a solid continuation of their earlier efforts, but it is also a great opportunity for new listeners to get exposed to their music, which never fails to satisfy.

Updated: 20/03/2020Posted: 20/03/2020

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