Record Reviews

(0-58) ~ DO DZIESIECIU OLO 003 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001 This is the second album by Polish Jazz vocalist Krystyna StankoFind albums by this artist and her debut recording with the group (0-58)Find albums by this artist, which placed her as a co-leader with guitarist / composer Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist and bassist / composer Olgierd WalickiFind albums by this artist. The group also included accordionist Cezary PaciorekFind albums by this artist and alternating drummers Cezary KonradFind albums by this artist and Grzegorz GrzybFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Adam PieronczykFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The album includes nine original compositions, four each by Grzywacz and Walicki and one by Stanko with lyrics all written by Stanko. Musically the album presents a process of searching after a unique identity, which takes the musicians exploring many different avenues, such as Blues, chanson, alternative Pop and of course Jazz. The songs are very diverse in their tempi, moods and melodic ranges and the album keeps changing quite dramatically between one song and another. Listening to the album is like embarking on a journey with destination unknown. On the whole the approach is acoustic and rather intimate. The instrumentalists perform splendidly, improvising extensively between the vocal parts. Grzywacz and Walicki both play some outstanding instrumental parts as do the guest soloists. Stanko is theatrical and somewhat reserved, perhaps still not aware or her formidable vocal ability, which will flower on her later recordings. In retrospect this is a very interesting document of the Polish Jazz scene at the turn of the Millennium. Obviously the young generation of musicians is looking for something different than the mainstream tradition and with Yass paving the way in the previous decade, everything is open and nothing is taboo any more. The album is unfortunately out of print since many years and it took me ages to track a copy down – lucky me!

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(0-58) ~ TRYBY 0-58 001 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003 This is the third album by Polish Jazz vocalist Krystyna StankoFind albums by this artist and her second recording with the group (0-58)Find albums by this artist, which paired her as a co-leader with guitarist / composer Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist. The group also included accordionist Cezary PaciorekFind albums by this artist, bassist Piotr LemanczykFind albums by this artist and drummer Marcin JahrFind albums by this artist. The album includes eight original compositions, seven of which are by Grzywacz with lyrics by Stanko and one is an instrumental by Lemanczyk, where Stanko uses wordless vocalese only. Musically the album is a striking amalgam of cross-genre explorations, which could be labeled as Jazz-Rock Fusion, but in truth comprises of many other musical influences and sources, from French musette via alternative Rock, RIO, Fusion, Prog and probably quite a few others, all resting firmly in the Jazz tradition. The eclecticism is not only part of the composition but is also reflected in the entirely unusual overall sonic atmosphere, which moves between the accordion inspired jubilation to dark, melancholic and deeply lyrical pieces, especially those featuring Stanko with Grzywacz on acoustic guitar and supported by the incredible bass lines by Lemanczyk and percussive ornamentation by Jahr. The album offers so many incredible musical moments that by and large the listener has barely time to enjoy one piece of music and is immediately thrown into completely new surroundings. The level of performances on this album is simply astounding. Stanko, as usual, presents the lyrics with a theatrical sensitivity and the instrumentalists magically perform a set of chameleonic tricks, changing moods and tempi on the fly, often using those strange odd meters, which make music exciting. The decision to use the accordion is a blessing as this fantastic instrument is able to produce a variety of sounds, so sweet and natural, that no synthesizer can ever come close to. Paciorek is obviously a Master and his solos, as well as his accompaniments are a real joy. Grzywacz is a versatile player with great technique and sensitivity, which is quite evident here and his solos are a classic examples of what Jazz / Fusion guitar playing should be all about. Lemanczyk is a true giant, and his strong acoustic bass lines on this album often sound as if produced by a bass guitar, which is quite incredible, Jahr is an excellent drummer and his all-around experience playing in many different musical areas makes him an ideal contributor on this recording. In retrospect it appears that this is definitely one of the best offerings of the Polish Jazz / Fusion scene in the first decade of the 21st Century and it certainly deserves much more attention and praise than it originally gained at the time of its release. Seemingly out of print, perhaps a reissue us in order? Delightful stuff!

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ADAM GOLICKI ~ REFLECTIONS DAYMUSIC 01 (Barcode: 198000473723) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This is the third album as a leader by Polish Jazz drummer / composer Adam GolickiFind albums by this artist, this time recorded in a classic guitar trio setting with two veterans of the local scene: guitarist Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist and bassist Piotr LemanczykFind albums by this artist, who plays both acoustic and electric basses. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Golicki. The album shows a much serious facet of Golicki’s music in comparison to his earlier efforts, which presented an easy-going approach with a Fusion oriented approach. This time we are presented with a collection of carefully crafted tunes, strictly within modern mainstream Jazz, which are treated seriously and respectfully by the trio in a traditional Jazz manner. The music has a certain melancholic tinge, which suits the trio format perfectly. The performances are, as expected, exemplary, with Grzywacz playing the themes and improvisations with technical precision and obvious feel for the music. Lemanczyk is absolutely brilliant, both as an accompanist and soloist, and as usual “steals the show” with his virtuosity, a phenomenon repeating itself on all the recordings he takes part in, which he simple cannot avoid in view of his extraordinary technique and talent. The leader plays very tastefully and with great sensitivity, which is also apparent on the current recording he made with the Confusion ProjectFind albums by this artist, of which he is a founding member, album “LastFind albums with this title”, Overall, this album is an important milestone in Golicki’s recording career, certainly his most impressive achievement so far, which of course is very welcome. For guitar lovers this is a great opportunity to hear some beautiful guitar playing in the true Jazz spirit, avoiding the overbearing Fusion mannerisms, and of course a superb display of bass playing, which every bass player the world over surely can learn something from. This is a typical example of “less is more”, which in this crazy world we live in is a welcome balsam to one’s ears. Well done!

Updated: 21/11/2021Posted: 21/11/2021

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MACIEJ GRZYWACZ ~ CONNECTED BLACK WINE 5902020424024 (Barcode: 5902020424024) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is the sixth album by Polish Jazz guitarist / composer Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist recorded in a quartet setting with three Scandinavian musicians: Danish saxophonist Jakob DinesenFind albums by this artist, Swedish bassist Daniel FranckFind albums by this artist and Norwegian drummer Hakon Mjaset JohansenFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Grzywacz. The music is a melodic contemporary Jazz, which sounds fresh and interesting from the very first notes and manages to keep the listener in suspense till the very last notes. The guitar / saxophone dual front line works very well, as both players move elegantly between the unisono parts to individual solos and back to the melody. Grzywacz does a wonderful job playing soft but complex guitar chords behind the saxophone solos and of course plays many well constructed solos. Dinesen is obviously the most expressive musician in this quartet, playing long stretches of improvisation, without loosing the melody line even for a moment. The rhythm section plays in typical Scandinavian pattern, with the bass driving the music forward with a steady pulse and the drums playing around the beat, rather that keeping time. In spite of the fact that the album features three Scandinavian musicians, it does not suffer from the typical Scandinavian lethargy that puts many music fans to sleep very effectively. Most of the music is lively and up tempo, with virtuosic solos ripping the air. Even the slower numbers have a lot of energy and vigor and keep the listener in check. There is quite a lot of freedom in the way the quartet works together, giving each other space and respect. This album is one of many projects with Polish and Scandinavian musicians collaborating, like they did in the 1960s and 1970s, which is one of the many interesting aspects of the new Polish Jazz scene. Personally I find the work of Dinesen especially rewording on this album, which is hardly surprising considering his huge success he enjoys back hope and internationally. Also this is surely the most complex and ambitious album Grzywacz recorded to date, which of course is commendable. Seeing him developing over time is truly rewarding. This is definitely a piece of music worth checking out as it holds many truly wonderful moments.

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MACIEJ GRZYWACZ ~ MOVIN` ALONG BLACK WINE 2021/001 (Barcode: 5902020424048) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This is a delightful album by Polish Jazz guitarist / composer / educator Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with seasoned Polish Jazz musicians: saxophonist / flautist Tomasz GrzegorskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Kuba StankiewiczFind albums by this artist, bassist Piotr KulakowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Kuba GrzywaczFind albums by this artist (Maciej’s son). The album presents ten compositions by the iconic American guitarist / composer Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist, one of the Godfathers of guitar Jazz, and is an obvious tribute to his music. The music offers audiophile sound quality, which delivers everything it promises to do. The album manages to avid the obvious trap of trying to mimic / sound like Wes Montgomery, which of course is absolutely unique and inimitable, and offers what it is set to do, creating a loving tribute to the great musician, with a fresh perspective, which preserves the tradition respectfully and knowledgably. Grzywacz, who is among the very few true Jazz guitar players in Poland / Europe, stays with the basics, playing notes and chords, but manages to stay himself, rather than a second rate imitator. The guitar sound is Montgomerian more in spirit than in “body”, which works very well altogether. The rest of the musicians play along wonderfully, with Stankiewicz adding some of his lovely lyricism while soloing, Grzegorski carries the tunes strictly to the note and the rhythm section keeps a tight ship, navigating the music with precision, while obviously having great fun at it. Overall this is an admirable effort of preserving some of the great Jazz tradition, bringing it up to date but respecting its sources, executed with vigor and precision on top of obvious talent. This album should sit well with every Jazz lover anywhere on this planet, and obviously especially so with Montgomery / Jazz guitar lovers the world over.

Updated: 07/12/2021Posted: 02/12/2021

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MACIEJ GRZYWACZ ~ SOLO BLACK WINE 001 (Barcode: 5902020424024) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is a solo guitar album by veteran Polish Jazz guitarist / composer Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist, and after many years of playing mostly electric guitar his comeback to the acoustic classical guitar, his first musical love. The album presents nine tracks, two of which are his compositions and the rest are standards. Polish Jazz fans familiar with his recordings with the group (0-58)Find albums by this artist or his earlier solo efforts will find this album quite different in comparison. This is naked acoustic guitar playing completely natural acoustic sounds, usually associated with Classical music. Although the music comes from the Jazz world, the solo guitar arrangements change their overall appearance drastically, especially as far as the rhythmic approach is concerned, which turns the well known Jazz pieces into somewhat somber, melancholic Classical pieces. The melodic themes are still there, but the swing is gone. Therefore Jazz oriented listeners might find this album a bit too much to swallow, especially in the long term. Although the album is only slightly over thirty minutes in duration, this is way beyond the scope of attention of people who need to tap their feet in order to enjoy music. Although Grzywacz is an excellent player with splendid technical proficiency, which is easily recognizable, I´m afraid the public will find this way above their heads and move on to greener pastures. I enjoy this music myself, but I don´t think that this album adds anything significant to the already superb recorded legacy by Grzywacz. But an artist has a right to indulge himself from time to time.

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LESZEK KULAKOWSKI ~ LOVE SONGS NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is a beautiful album by Polish pianist / composer Leszek KulakowskiFind albums by this artist, who shows herein yet another facet of his multitalented persona, this time as a songwriter. The album presents ten songs composed and arranged by Kulakowski to the lyrics by Polish poet Zbigniew KsiazekFind albums by this artist, all of them being love songs in the good old meaning of the idiom. The songs are performed by vocalist Joanna KnitterFind albums by this artist, accompanied by a classic piano trio with Leszek Kulakowski at the piano, his son Piotr KulakowskiFind albums by this artist, who plays bass and drummer Tomasz SowinskiFind albums by this artist, and by the Progress Chamber OrchestraFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Tomasz GrzegorskiFind albums by this artist and guitarist Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist guest on a couple of tracks. The music is everything one might expect from nontrivial love songs: exquisite melodies, sophisticated harmonies, unforeseen twists and highly developed swing, which keeps the songs flowing one after another, arriving at the album´s last song way sooner that one might expect. Combined with the intelligent lyrics and vigorous execution, these songs are a true delight. Of course these songs have very little to do with contemporary popular music, which of course is meant as a compliment. They belong to the era when songs had a melody, a message and some aesthetic values, in short the era when all great Jazz standards were written. In many respects these songs belong to the same "standards" category, and the fact they are new and unknown only make things more interesting, as any new material of such quality is truly scarce these days. As far as Polish Jazz is concerned, these songs continue the tradition of Jazz & Poetry, which flourished in the 1960s, and are a warm reminder of those days as well as a most welcome continuation of that tradition. Kulakowski turns out to be a romantic at heart, which is perhaps one more good reason why I like him so much both as a musician and a human being and honored to be his friend. Overall this is an inspired collection of beautiful love songs, excellently executed by all participants, which creates moments of blessed tranquility and joy, which help the listener to survive the hellish barrage of noise which passes for music in the world we now live in.

Updated: 30/03/2017Posted: 30/03/2017

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PIOTR LEMANCZYK ~ FOLLOW THE SOUL ALLEGRO 006 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2002 Released: 2003 This is the debut album as a leader by Polish Jazz bassist / composer Piotr LemanczykFind albums by this artist. It was recorded by several different lineups, mostly quartets, with the following participants: saxophonists Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, Przemek DyakowskiFind albums by this artist, Wojciech StaroniewiczFind albums by this artist, Maciej SikalaFind albums by this artist and Dariusz HerbaszFind albums by this artist, guitarist Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Tomasz SowinskiFind albums by this artist. Of the seven tracks on the album, six are original compositions by Lemanczyk and one is a standard. The music is kept well within the modern Jazz mainstream, but the excellent compositions and performances create a superb piece of Jazz music, which should satisfy every sensitive listener. The use of the vibraphone instead of the usual piano gives the entire recording a "cool" ambience, which suits the music perfectly. The leader gets several solo spots, which emphasize his beautiful tone and sensitivity, rather than needless pyrotechnics. As usual with Polish Jazz albums, the music is the center of the attention, in spite of the truly excellent playing, which is beyond reproach from start to finish. The melodic content and the rhythmic structures are simply incredible and a source of real joy. Overall this album is a perfect example of what mainstream Jazz is all about and should be greatly enjoyed by any Jazz connoisseur anywhere in the world. Highly recommended!

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WOJCIECH STARONIEWICZ ~ HAND-MADE ALLEGRO 005 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2002 Released: 2002 This is a beautiful album by Polish saxophonist / composer Wojciech StaroniewiczFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quintet, which is somewhat unusual, as it also includes accordionist Cezary PaciorekFind albums by this artist, a rare combination these days. The other musicians are: guitarist Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist, bassist Piotr LemanczykFind albums by this artist and drummer Tomasz SowinskiFind albums by this artist. These are all excellent and experienced players, so the result is spotless on the technical front as well as very interesting from the musical standpoint. Staroniewicz has a wonderfully worm tone on his tenor saxophone and an unusually melodic approach, which does not diminish his improvisational qualities, which are truly impressive. The accordion adds a wonderful fuzzy "old time feel" to the entire session, and the Fusion guitar solos are a nice contrast. The music is mostly original with just two standards included for good measure. Overall this album is a lot of fun to listen to and a great proof that solid, melodic Jazz can be also of high quality and interest. Most warmly recommended to listeners who love their mainstream Jazz with a twist!

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VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ ILLINOIS JACQUET IN MEMORIAM NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2017 As the title suggests, this is a tribute album to the great American saxophonist Illinois JacquetFind albums by this artist, recorded live by top Polish Jazz musicians. The album presents eight tunes recorded over a period of one year at the Gdynia Jazz club UCHO and two bonus tracks recorded earlier at the NOSPR concert hall in Katowice. The album features ten Polish tenor saxophone players, whose ages span four generations: Piotr CheckiFind albums by this artist, Michal Jan CiesielskiFind albums by this artist, Przemek DyakowskiFind albums by this artist, Tomasz GrzegorskiFind albums by this artist, Dariusz HerbaszFind albums by this artist, Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, Maciej SikalaFind albums by this artist, Wojciech StaroniewiczFind albums by this artist, Irek WojtczakFind albums by this artist and Jan Ptaszyn WroblewskiFind albums by this artist. They are accompanied by various rhythm sections comprised of organist Wojciech KarolakFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist, guitarists: Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist, Marcin WadolowskiFind albums by this artist and Michal ZienkowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Janusz MackiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummers: Eric AllenFind albums by this artist (an American in Gdynia who played with Jacquet´s quintet and Big Band) and Tomasz SowinskiFind albums by this artist. Two of the tracks are originals by Jacquet and the rest are standards. Although recorded live, the album offers excellent sound quality. The music is everything one might expect form a tribute album like this one: familiar tunes, superb playing and an obvious joy ride. This is Swing and Bebop at its best and the participants seem to have great fun but the performances are all professional and heartfelt. It is great to see four generation of Polish Jazz musicians cooperating on one stage and playing every inch as good as any American musician might do, again simply wiping out any inferiority complexes still present among Polish Jazz musicians and many Jazz fans in Poland. Mainstream classic Jazz fans all over the world should have a great fun with this music, as it is full of the Jazz spirit and offers a high standard of playing well beyond of what is present on similar album recorded over the pond. The entire project, including this superbly produced album with beautiful artwork and fabulous photography is an obvious labor of love and the people standing behind it deserve all the praise we can offer them, including buying the album. Great stuff!

Updated: 24/11/2019Posted: 31/07/2018

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VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ VICTOR YOUNG JAZZ FESTIVAL - MLAWA `23 NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 This is a commemorative album released during the 5th edition of the Victor Young Jazz Festival in 2023. It presents six tracks recorded during the 4th edition of the festival, all composed by the Polish / Jewish composer Victor YoungFind albums by this artist. The music is performed by three Polish ensembles featuring top Polish Jazz musicians, like saxophonist Jan Ptaszyn WroblewskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist and others, and a trio, led by Portuguese guitarist Ricardo PinheiroFind albums by this artist. It is a little known fact that Victor Young, one of the most esteemed cinematic composers and author of hundreds of songs, which became Jazz standards, has a Polish / Jewish roots, which include several years during his childhood he spent in the small Polish town of Mlawa. Those Polish roots of Young and other Polish / Jewish composers, like Bronislaw KaperFind albums by this artist and Henryk WarsFind albums by this artist, were discovered and meticulously researched by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Kuba StankiewiczFind albums by this artist, which resulted in three epic albums (see “The Music Of Victor YoungFind albums with this title”, for which I wrote the liner notes) and many concerts, as well as the establishment of the Mlawa Jazz Festival, which Stankiewicz initiated and keeps alive since 2019. I am happy to say that I had modest contribution to all this memorable activity, the result of which is my friendship with Kuba, a wonderful human being and a superb musician. Overall, although the album was not meant as a formal release, but rather a kind of memorabilia for the people involved with the festival, it still offers some great Jazz music performed by excellent musicians. Hopefully this tradition will be upheld in the future, creating a lasting document of the festival.

Updated: 06/01/2024Posted: 06/01/2024

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