Record Reviews
14 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | ED CHERRY / AREK SKOLIK PROJECT+ ~ LIVE AT METRUM JAZZ CLUB BLUES&JAZZ 004 (Barcode: 5902205589197) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024
This is a live album by a Jazz quartet co-led by American guitarist Ed CherryFind albums by this artist and Polish drummer Arek SkolikFind albums by this artist, with Polish trumpeter Pawel PalcowskiFind albums by this artist and bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks, all standards.
One of the oldest tricks in the Jazz book is for veteran Jazz players to play with young and gifted upcoming players, which is exactly what happens with Skolik, who has a gift to surround himself by some of the best young Polish Jazz players, which is the case here.
Palcowski appears on a dozen or so albums recorded in the last decade, including a couple of ones as a leader. I have been following his career starting with his school days in the Katowice Music Academy, and he certainly is one of the top Polish mainstream / Bebop Jazz trumpeters today.
Kitajewski, who is even more in demand, since there are never enough great bassists around, also took part in more than a dozen album recordings, including one as a leader. He is a versatile player stylistically, and his projects go often beyond mainstream Jazz, and he is certainly one of the young Polish Jazz musicians worth following.
Cherry (born 1954) and Skolik (born 1970) are both veterans with an impressive record behind them, and they always deliver what their followers want to hear – a swinging mainstream Jazz, which never loses its charm to those who love it.
Overall, this is a nice, well played and well behaved mainstream Jazz album, which delivers to Bebop fans all over the world their portion of exactly what the doctor prescribed. And yes, this is every bit as good as anything played beyond the pond!
| Updated: 12/04/2024Posted: 12/04/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | RAFAL JACKIEWICZ ~ SOMETIMES NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021
This is the debut album by young Polish (born in Lithuania) Jazz saxophonist / composer Rafal JackiewiczFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quartet setting with pianist Piotr DziadkowiczFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal DziewinskiFind albums by this artist. Trombonist Robert KosinskiFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The album presents seven original compositions, all by the leader.
The music is strictly within the mainstream Jazz idiom, based on well-structured melodic themes, mostly ballads with typical Polish melancholy prevailing. The album flows gently from track to track, presenting a pleasant listening experience, without leaving a resounding or lasting statement.
Jackiewicz has a beautiful clear sound but his improvisations are still rather limited. Dziadkowicz supports the leader amicably and plays a few coherent and delicate soli. I could not find any evidence of them both recording previously, so if this is their debut appearance on record they certainly show a lot of potential. The members of the rhythm section are much more experienced, with well documented recording legacy, which is not surprisingly reflected in their performances here.
Overall, this is a very nice debut effort, which although hardly innovative, shows solid knowledge of the Jazz tradition and potential, which is surely to be reflected in the future explorations by the leader and other musicians appearing here. Well done and Good luck!
| Updated: 31/12/2021Posted: 29/12/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ADAM JARZMIK ~ EUPHORIA AUDIO CAVE 2017/004 (Barcode: 5905669566254) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017
This is the debut album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Adam JarzmikFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quintet setting with trumpeter Pawel PalcowskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Jakub LepaFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Piotr BudniakFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions by Jarzmik and one arrangement of a standard.
The music is all within the mainstream Jazz idiom, with solid compositions and sleek execution, not very innovative but definitely worth hearing, especially in view of the age of the musicians involved. It is amazing how young Polish Jazz musicians are able to achieve a level of professionalism at an amazingly young age, which often takes musicians elsewhere twice the time.
Jarzmik´s compositions are his true forte and their quality and imaginative themes are the focus of this album. Although they are mostly rather atypical as far as the Polish Jazz scene is concerned, being more inclined towards the American Jazz tradition with the post Bebop dominance, they are still interesting enough to save the day. The lyrical ballads, like the title track, are more characteristic of Polish Jazz, and are the best pieces on the album by far.
Overall this is a very presentable debut album, which shows a lot of potential both as far as the leader / composer is concerned and as far as the musicians in the quintet, some of which already have a recording history, especially the drummer, are concerned. For many musicians some decades ago, albums like this one were the pinnacle of their career, and since this is after all a debut, it definitely shows the level of extraordinary musicianship these young people already posses at their early age. These musicians are definitely worth listening to and watching for their future achievements, which are sure to be even more accomplished.
| Updated: 25/05/2017Posted: 25/05/2017 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ADAM JARZMIK ~ LIVE AT RADIO KATOWICE PRK 0135 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017
This is the second album by young Polish Jazz pianist / composer Adam JarzmikFind albums by this artist, recorded with the same quintet as his debut album released just a few months earlier, this time recorded "live in the studio". The quintet includes trumpeter Pawel PalcowskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Jakub LepaFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Piotr BudniakFind albums by this artist. Guitarist Jakub MizerackiFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album presents five original compositions, all by Jarzmik, all different from the compositions featured on the debut album, which proves that Jarzmik is a very prolific composer. Considering the rather short playing time of the album (about thirty five minutes) this is rather an EP than a full album.
The music is kept within the contemporary mainstream Jazz, but the compositions on this album are more ambitious and focused than those on the debut, which means that the music flows flawlessly from one track to another, serving as a vehicle for the individual improvised parts. The ensemble sound is very well defined and kept in check, with the saxophone and trumpet stating the melodic themes unisono, before the music is "released" to the soloists to state their parts.
The individual performances are all perfectly executed, considering the fact that this is a live recording and the young age of the musicians involved, and are a faithful testimony of the overall high level of the young Polish Jazz musicians. The track which features the guitar takes off in a slightly different direction, emphasizing the Fusion approach, which might be interesting for future ventures by Jarzmik.
Overall a solid effort, with great music and excellent playing, which should keep most mainstream Jazz fans happy. The album offers nothing groundbreaking or extraordinary, but is definitely worth checking out.
| Updated: 19/09/2017Posted: 19/09/2017 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | ADAM JARZMIK ~ ON THE WAY HOME AUDIO CAVE 2019/005 (Barcode: 5905669566742) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019
This is the third album by young Polish Jazz pianist / composer Adam JarzmikFind albums by this artist recorded with the same quintet that accompanied him on the two previous albums: saxophonist Jakub LepaFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Pawel PalcowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Piotr BudniakFind albums by this artist, but expanded to a sextet by the presence of the American guitarist Mike MorenoFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, all by Jarzmik. The music was recorded at the Monochrome Studio by Ignacy GruszeckiFind albums by this artist, and offers the expected excellent sound quality.
The music is again kept strictly within the mainstream Jazz idiom and although the compositions are solid and well developed, they seem to be stuck in the same mold that created the two earlier recordings. Usually by the third album young Polish Jazz composers come up with a more open formula, which allows them to spread their wings and move into new territory, but this does not happen on this album. This does not mean that the music is not valuable, but it does not fulfill the high hopes that were expected.
Of course the musicians involved are all highly professional players, with slick licks and polished technique, and the music is definitely very well performed, but remains somewhat mechanical and lackluster. Moreno, albeit his experience and reputation adds very little, if anything at all to the album´s contents, and the music would have sounded about the same without him.
Overall this is a relatively less successful effort by Jarzmik and his excellent team, definitely not up to par with his earlier work, but still offering highly professional original mainstream Jazz. Better luck next time I hope ;)
| Updated: 14/04/2019Posted: 14/04/2019 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MACIEJ KITAJEWSKI TRIO ~ LONGING MINIATURES NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 5907745979330) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021
This is the debut album as a leader by young Polish Jazz bassist / composer Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic Jazz piano trio setting with pianist Franciszek RaczkowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Szymon MadejFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by the leader, one is a standard and one an adaptation of a Pop song.
The music is all strictly within the Jazz mainstream idiom and the Jazz piano trio format, except for the emphasis on extended bass soloing, which would not usually appear on a piano trio album, but which is acceptable considering the fact that the leader is a bassist.
The original compositions, although rather straightforward, are all very coherent and have a nice melodic tinge with a dash of melancholy, which perhaps is the result of the pandemic depression, which affected us all. The music flows gently and creates a very pleasant listening experience.
The two other members of the trio are somewhat more experienced than the leader and turn out to be perfect choice for the album, playing fluently and supportively, like old pros. The recording’s sound quality is excellent as well, which turns this album into a perfect experience for Jazz piano trio buffs.
Overall, the album offers excellent mainstream Jazz, beautifully played and solidly put together, which stands easily shoulder to shoulder with other similar albums recorded anywhere on earth. As usual, it portrays the fabulous level of the young Polish Jazz scene, which overflows with talent and passion for music. Very well done indeed!
| Updated: 11/09/2021Posted: 11/09/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | LUKASZ KOKOSZKO ~ NEW CHALLENGE SJ 030 (Barcode: 5912596066337) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018
This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz guitarist / composer Lukasz KokoszkoFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Grzegorz ZiolekFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz PalkaFind albums by this artist, all representatives of the youngest wave of Polish Jazz musicians at present (2018). The album presents nine original compositions, all by Kokoszko.
The music is a melodic variety of Fusion, with stronger Jazz ties than usual Fusion material, especially in view of the fact that except for the electric guitar the rest of the instruments play acoustically. The compositions are also more complex than the usual Fusion stuff, so the overall stylistic environment is somewhere between melodic modern Jazz and Fusion. The music is mostly very calm and melancholic, and perhaps more up tempo numbers would have served the album well to add more variety.
All four musicians perform very well, with the obvious emphasis on the leader, who sets the tone, playing the themes and long improvisations. Ziolek also adds several wonderful piano solos and the rhythm section splendidly supports them along the way. Kokoszko is a splendid guitar player, strongly based in the Blues tradition, which is relatively uncommon among contemporary guitar players. His personal style is very unique, which is a great virtue these days, with most guitar players imitating other guitar players.
Overall this is a first class debut album, which shows a lot of potential by the leader and his splendid team. Solid compositions and excellent performances add together to create a very pleasant listening experience and the unusual guitar sound and drive are certainly worth being discovered. Well done indeed!
| Updated: 05/08/2018Posted: 05/08/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | NEW BRAND QUINTET ~ NEW BRAND QUINTET BLUES&JAZZ 003 (Barcode: 5908254159886) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021
This is the debut album by Polish Jazz quintet called New Brand QuintetFind albums by this artist, led by veteran drummer Arek SkolikFind albums by this artist and four younger musicians: saxophonist Jaroslaw BothurFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Pawel PalcowskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Tomasz BialowolskiFind albums by this artist and bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents six classic American Jazz standards.
The choice of the participants and the choice of the material are well suited together, as these musicians have all been linked to the Polish Jazz mainstream, which cultivates the Bebop and Hard Bop tradition on the local scene. The musicians are all well-schooled and experienced, which results in a faithful reproduction of the traditional sound and feel of the music, which changed very little in the last seven decades.
There is of course nothing innovative in this music, but it is well played and of course mainstream Jazz is still a legitimate Artform, which many, mostly American Jazz musicians dedicate their lives to. It has become less popular on the European scene in time, but that does not mean that it disappeared from the surface. Bebop and Hard Bop are still the heart of the Jazz tradition and learning that tradition is part of the basic education each Jazz musician should go through during his musical path.
If this album proves anything, it is first and foremost the fact that the Polish Jazz scene, including the new generation, should not feel any inferiority complexes in comparison to their contemporaries across the pond. These young players know the tricks of the trade and can play shoulder to shoulder with anybody on this planet.
Overall, this album should keep mainstream Jazz fans happy, regardless of their age or origin!
| Updated: 12/04/2024Posted: 28/08/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | PAWEL PALCOWSKI ~ INFLUENCES SJ 060 (Barcode: 5902596066765) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022
This is the second album by Polish Jazz trumpeter Pawel PalcowskiFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with saxophonist Jaroslaw BothurFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Kajetan BorowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Arek SkolikFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, all by the leader.
Palcowski faithfully continues the direction set by the debut, playing wonderful mainstream Jazz, which originates in the Bebop tradition perfected in America in the 1950s and 1960s. His trumpet playing is getting better all the time and his performances here bring fond memories of such greats as Lee MorganFind albums by this artist or Kenny DorhamFind albums by this artist.
Except for the use of electric bass and piano, which perhaps is a mistake if authenticity was the aim, the music sounds like something recorded sixty or more years ago, which in this case is not a criticism, but rather a compliment. It is important to preserve the tradition and when that is done as tastefully and elegantly like on this album, it is truly commendable.
All the musicians involved are obviously highly talented and well-schooled, which is plainly evident from their performances herein. The presence of the veteran drummer Arek Skolik also adds to the general feel of a Bebop party.
Overall, this is a great album of traditional mainstream Jazz, updated by the excellent new compositions, which all sound like taken from a “Real Book”, which is a great compliment to the composing talents of Palcowski. I doubt if there are many albums of such quality recorded these days across the pond, which of course means that the young Polish Jazz musicians really can compete with anybody – “Polak Potrafi” ;)
| Updated: 11/02/2022Posted: 11/02/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | PAWEL PALCOWSKI ~ OLD FASHIONED MOOD SJ 042 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019
This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz trumpeter Pawel PalcowskiFind albums by this artist recorded in a quintet setting with saxophonist Jakub LepaFind albums by this artist, pianist Boguslaw KaczmarFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist and veteran drummer Arek SkolikFind albums by this artist. Trombonist Szymon KlekowickiFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album presents seven original compositions, all by Palcowski.
As the album´s title suggests, it pays tribute to the classic mainstream Jazz period of the 1950s and 1960s, when Bebop, Hard Bop and Cool Jazz ruled and the foundations and most mannerisms of modern Jazz were "carved in stone". Palcowski deliberately tries to reconstruct not only the typical compositions of the era but also the sound and feel of the period, utilizing the most popular setting of the time – the classic Jazz quintet.
Although re-visiting that period, especially among the young generation of European Jazz musicians, is definitely less popular these days, and often even considered less ambitious, Palcowski manages to create a wonderful piece of music, which offers not only a nostalgic trip down the memory line but a bona fide mainstream Jazz album, which sounds as if it was a "lost" Blue NoteFind albums on this label treasure, found in the vaults.
All the compositions on this album as every bit as solid, coherent and spirited as anything that can be heard on the albums recorded at the time, which is truly remarkable. A young musician, decades later and thousands of kilometers away is able to crack the genetic code of this music perfectly and make it his own, not copying but creating new tunes which have the same magic feeling.
The performances are also perfect and ideally suiting this particular music. There is no spectacular soloing but a series of well structured solo performances by the trumpet, saxophone and piano, supported by the entire quintet and the steady rhythm section which does a perfect job.
Overall this is a splendid debut album, which proves that the young generation of European Jazz musicians is not only aware of the tradition and the history, but is also able to embrace it lovingly. I had the pleasure to hear Palcowski many times live during his student years at the Katowice Music Academy and it was obvious that he is going places. Well done Sir!
| Updated: 01/07/2019Posted: 01/07/2019 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | AREK SKOLIK QUARTET ~ JAZZ NIGHT VOL. 1 BLUES&JAZZ 005 (Barcode: 5900786704213) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2024
This is a live album by a Polish Jazz quartet led by drummer Arek SkolikFind albums by this artist with three representatives of the young Polish Jazz generation: trumpeter Pawel PalcowskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Tomasz BialowolskiFind albums by this artist and bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, all of which are standards.
The relaxed atmosphere of the concert and the splendid sound quality produce a wonderful mainstream Jazz album, which many Jazz enthusiasts should enjoy. All four musicians perform splendidly, and Palcowski, who is the main soloist, deserves a special mention, as his beautiful tome brings a wide smile. I have followed his career since his student days and his recordings as a leader and sideman are all worth listening to. But Kitajewski and Bialowolski also perform formidably.
Overall, this is a splendid straightforward mainstream Jazz album, exactly what the doctor prescribed for those Jazz lovers, who delight in the traditional approach, swinging and pleasing as well as one might expect even from the best, which Polish Jazz was always able to offer.
| Updated: 24/06/2024Posted: 24/06/2024 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | PRZEMYSLAW STRACZEK ~ CULTURAL CONCEPT VOICE MUSIC 1004 (Barcode: 5906489287220) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022
This is an album by Polish Jazz guitarist / composer Przemyslaw StraczekFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with Taiwanese erhuist / vocalist Chiao-Hua ChangFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist, Columbian (resident in Poland) percussionist Edilson Sanchez-MoyanoFind albums by this artist and drummer Patryk DoboszFind albums by this artist. Kora player / vocalist Kandara DiebateFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Marcin KaletkaFind albums by this artist guest on selected tracks. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which are original compositions by the leader and one is by Diebate.
Straczek has been quite prolific over the years and recorded several albums over time, and I am only familiar with some of them. Those that I know are all Fusion oriented and lately they also involve strong ethnic influences, which is also the main theme of this album, which firmly belongs to the Jazz-World Fusion idiom.
Although the music is well played, it lacks focus, constantly moving between African, Chinese and other ethnic influences and straightforward Fusion, which is good for diversity but makes it difficult for the listener to find a clear thread to identify with the music. The Polish rhythm section is providing an excellent backbone, but Straczek continues to explore the Pat MethenyFind albums by this artist influenced Fusion and the other musicians follow their ethnic roots, which somehow does not work together all that well.
Overall, although created by very able musicians, the album lacks clear aesthetic center and sounds like a random collection of tracks put together. There are some very nice moments here and there, but as a whole I’d rather pass. Of course this is only my personal view and what do I know…?
| Updated: 21/01/2023Posted: 21/01/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ROBERT SWISTELNICKI ~ PIOSENKI MULTIKULTI MPO 005 (Barcode: 5903068680137) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2020 Released: 2022
This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz guitarist / composer / lyricist Robert SwistelnickiFind albums by this artist, recorded with his sextet, which also includes trumpeter Pawel PalcowskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Adam BlawickiFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Kajetan BorowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Piotr BudniakFind albums by this artist. Vocalists Klara CloudFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Sylwia Klara ZasempaFind albums by this artist) and Lukasz LipskiFind albums by this artist guest on one track. The album presents nine original compositions and texts, all by Swistelnicki, recorded at the legendary Monochrom Studio and engineered by Ignacy GruszeckiFind albums by this artist, with the usual splendid sound quality.
The album falls into the Jazz & Poetry idiom, although Swistelnicki recites his texts / poems / songs (the album’s title) on top of the music, rather than singing them, coming back to the early days of the Jazz & Poetry movement of the Beat Generation in America in the 1950s, when Allen GinsbergFind albums by this artist and others recited their revolutionary poetry accompanied by Jazz bands. A decade later the idiom appeared also in Europe, in London, Paris and other European cities, spilling over the Iron Curtain like molten lava and soon popped up in Poland and Czechoslovakia, despite the political regime’s censorship.
Therefore, this album definitely has its nostalgic / retro aspects, although there are some important stylistic differences, both literary and musical. The texts are highly personal and reflect the alienation of contemporary human condition, as often reflected in contemporary Rap music, rather than social / political / ideological rebellion, which was the essence of the Beatniks. The music is also much more tamed and mainstream oriented, mixing elements of Jazz with Rock and even Pop, rather than Bebop or early Free Jazz.
But notwithstanding nostalgia, etc. this is quite a remarkable album in many respects, with offers some excellent musical ideas and (retro) innovative approach to the Jazz & Poetry idiom, which surely proves open-mindedness and courage. The musicianship is of course beyond reproach, which is hardly surprising, and the listeners are offered a diverse collection of compositions and non-trivial texts, which elegantly kick the butt.
Overall, this is an impressive debut album, which hopefully will be followed by future achievements by Swistelnicki and his colleagues. Kudos to the MultikultiFind albums on this label label, which bravely keeps releasing unusual / pioneering projects against all (mostly economic) odds. Well done everybody!
| Updated: 20/12/2022Posted: 20/12/2022 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | ROBERT SWISTELNICKI ~ PIOSENKI MILOSNE WCZESNEJ POSTKOMUNY I POZNEGO KAPITALIZMU I SJ 075 (Barcode: 5905489720409) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2022 - 2023 Released: 2023
This is an album by Polish multi-instrumentalist / songwriter Robert SwistelnickiFind albums by this artist, featuring five top Polish Jazz vocalists: Grazyna AuguscikFind albums by this artist, Jorgos SkoliasFind albums by this artist, Natalia KordiakFind albums by this artist, Wojciech MyrczekFind albums by this artist and Klara CloudFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Sylwia Klara ZasempaFind albums by this artist) and instrumentalists: Swistelnicki on piano, vibraphonist Marcin PaterFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Pawel PalcowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej KitajewskiFind albums by this artist and guitarist Pawel UrbanskiFind albums by this artist. Several additional musicians participate on selected tracks. The album presents fifteen tracks, with all lyrics and most compositions by Swistelnicki, except three composed by Palcowski and one by Piotr BudniakFind albums by this artist.
The concept is obviously a Jazz & Poetry presentation, although the music floats all over the place, from Blues via mainstream Jazz and a few almost Avant-Garde pieces. The vocal and instrumental performances are all as good as one might expect from these highly experienced singers and talented young musicians, but the scope might have been miscalculated to a degree, especially in comparison to Swistelnicki’s debut album “PiosenkiFind albums with this title”, which is way more coherent. There is simply way too much going on here musically, which combined with the complex and often vague lyrical layer, makes this album difficult to embrace, certainly on the first attempt. Of course one should appreciate the complexity of pulling such a project off. The somewhat murky sound quality does not help as well.
Since the Jazz & Poetry idiom is by far one of my favorites, I pondered at length why this specific album failed to win my immediate approval, listening to it repeatedly several times. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it per se, but the abundance of musical ideas, which don’t have a clear continuity of focus is probably what causes my reservations. Also, it is difficult to hear clearly the lyrics, which in a project like this are an absolutely essential ingredient. A booklet with the lyrics might have saved the day perhaps, but alas it is not included. On the positive side, the trumpet playing by Palcowski is nothing short of sensational and the soul-shaking vocals by Skolias are simply exquisite.
Overall, this is a highly ambitious Jazz & Poetry project, excellently sung and played by talented musicians, which should be very interesting to the Polish aficionados of the idiom. It is probably a matter of personal taste to decide if it fulfills all the potential expected from such a gathering of distinguished Polish Jazz Artists.
| Updated: 30/10/2023Posted: 30/10/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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