Record Reviews

MAGDALENA ~ MAGDALENA MUSEA 4128 (Barcode: 3426300041821) ~ JAPAN ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1987 Released: 1997 Only album by the superb Japanese Prog band MagdalenaFind albums by this artist, which although short-lived is considered to this day as one of the best bands that ever emerged in the country. Fronted by an incredible female vocalist Meguni TokuhisaFind albums by this artist, who has truly operatic abilities, the band is often compared to early RenaissanceFind albums by this artist. The music is richly melodic and based on Classical music motifs. With the vocalist hitting incredible high notes, some of the passages sound like arias. The instrumental parts, especially the guitar played by Taku FujiiFind albums by this artist, are excellent. The band is supported by several guest musicians from other top Japanese Prog bands, like PageantFind albums by this artist, Terra RosaFind albums by this artist and MiyatakeFind albums by this artist, active at the time. This is classic Symphonic Prog at its best and fans of the genre will have a field day with this.

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MAGDALENA ZAWARTKO ~ SATYAGRAHA REQUIEM / LYDIAN 2023/33 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 Magdalena ZawartkoFind albums by this artist is certainly not a newcomer on the Polish Jazz scene, but she kept us all in suspense before releasing her debut album as a leader. So here it is, finally, and I am sure we should all agree that it was definitely worth the wait. Surrounded by a team of experienced and highly talented musicians, led by pianist / composer / arranger Michał TokajFind albums by this artist, who is probably the best choice of an accompanist when recording a vocal album with Polish Jazz musicians, Zawartko delivers a highly unique and atypical piece of music, as far as vocal Jazz is concerned, which is almost entirely based on her singing vocalese, rather than lyrics, and when she chooses (in one case) to sing lyrics, those are in Hebrew. The fact that the album was recorded at what I consider to be the best recording studio in Poland, and engineered by the best sound engineer in these parts, is also an asset that can’t be ignored, and the results speaks plainly for itself. The material, both the original compositions and those composed by others, that Zawartko selected to be included on this album, are all unified by a distinct spirituality, which is omnipresent throughout. Spirituality in the most universal sense, not akin to any specific religion or philosophy, although some of the inspirations are religion related. The improvised Jazz language and its rhythmic potency bring all these influences to a common ground, which offers elegant aesthetics and blissful, almost meditative peace of mind. Zawartko’s angelic voice, which moves between operatic and gospel nuances, combined with the instrumental abilities of her colleagues, create a magic aura, which engulfs the listener, asking only for a moment of undivided attention, and rewarding plentifully in return. Simply give in… Side Note The above are my liner notes included on this album's artwork. I am honored when asked by the Artists to write liner notes for their albums, always hoping that my words reflect the true spirit of the music. This is also a symbol of our mutual respect and friendship developed over the years. The same is also true when Record Labels ask me to write liner notes for their releases, mostly in the case of reissues of archival albums, which is a symbol of their appreciation of my knowledge and historical perspective and my recognition of their dedication to the preservation of the history of recorded music and the effort to keep human Culture and Aesthetics alive.

Updated: 02/12/2023Posted: 02/12/2023

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