Record Reviews

MOTION TRIO ~ POLONIUM ACORDEONUS 009 (Barcode: 5907437034361) ~ POLAND ~ Classical Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 The Polish accordion trio, called Motion TrioFind albums by this artist, is one of the most intriguing musical ensembles active today, mostly acknowledged in the contemporary Classical sphere, but known also to cross over to other music areas, including Jazz. Founded in 1996 by Janusz WojtarowiczFind albums by this artist, who is the trio´s leader and primary composer of the original music they perform, the trio also includes Pawel BaranekFind albums by this artist and Marcin GalazynFind albums by this artist. Over time the Motion Trio turned out to be a most prolific recording act and this is their eleventh album since 2002. This album plays tribute to the four great Polish contemporary Classical composers, who achieved international fame and recognition, often more so abroad than at home: Witold LutoslawskiFind albums by this artist, Krzysztof PendereckiFind albums by this artist, Henryk GoreckiFind albums by this artist and Wojciech KilarFind albums by this artist. In addition they also play one composition by Wojtarowicz co-composed with accordionist Jacek HolubowskiFind albums by this artist, a member and primary composer of Acoustic AcrobatsFind albums by this artist, another excellent Polish ensemble. Also included, as a special track, is a composition by Marta PlaszynskaFind albums by this artist, a famous Polish composer living in the USA, dedicated to the trio. Polish Jazz pianist Leszek MozdzerFind albums by this artist guests on the Gorecki piece. The accordion is sadly a most mistreated and misunderstood instrument in contemporary music, usually associated with folklore, street music and other "low culture" phenomena by Classical music snobs. Very few music lovers understand the incredible wealth of the instrument, its limitless possibilities and the beauty of its profound sound. Therefore the fantastic exposure that the accordion is given by the Motion Trio is a most welcome occurrence of great musical importance. This, in addition to the sheer virtuosity and inventiveness of the trio members, is a guarantee of first-class musical experience, which this album offers. Although the unusual instrumentation may seem a bit strange in relation to the four compositions by the four Master composers, open-minded listeners will be very quickly completely absorbed in the new sonorities and re-discover these pieces in a new light, with undeniable delight. Of course playing such ambitious music speaks highly of the trio´s cerebral approach on one hand and emotional abilities on the other as far as keeping their minds open to a wide scope of music rather than thread on the easy path to success. During my recent meeting with Maestro Penderecki we discussed this album briefly and he wholeheartedly approved this specific interpretation of his composition, certifying his opinion in writing by autographing my copy of the album ;) As long as works of Art like this album are being produced, our Culture is still alive and kicking, but for how long, unfortunately no one can predict.

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UDA ~ LOWY KRABY NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This is the third album by young Polish Fusion trio UdaFind albums by this artist, which comprises of guitarist Lukasz KrzywickiFind albums by this artist, bassist Kuba SienczykFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal ZawadzkiFind albums by this artist. This album features guest appearances by guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist, bassist Krzysztof ScieranskiFind albums by this artist and accordionist Marcin GalazynFind albums by this artist. There are thirteen original compositions, which are supposedly co-created by the group members, since no composing credits are specified. The main point about this music seems to be to offer something quite "different", and different it is. Mixing virtually every style and genre known to man and shunning from nothing, including ridiculous Rap moments, this music is a hodgepodge quite difficult to swallow sometimes. Heavy Metal riffs seem to be the preferred weapon of choice, but there are also quiet passages, which sound quite interesting. Although this music has a strong improvisational element it is much closer to Avant-Garde Rock than to Fusion. Of course the whole point is to make this music impossible to categorize. The first association is the early music of Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, not that Uda are remotely close to his musical genius (nobody is), but the total disregard of form and established rules are also there. Of course these youngsters can play, and they play well, even exceptionally well, when they do. Many of their devices seem to be borrowed or perhaps purposely used in a form of mockery or ridicule, which works also pretty well. Overall, in spite of the apparent chaos and mayhem, there seems to be a hidden sense behind all this façade of "we don´t give a damn". If only they concentrated on what they play rather than on how they play it, things would be much more interesting. Obviously this music is not very inviting, but for listeners willing to suffer a little, there are definitely many hidden treasures in there. Just keep an open mind and protect your ears! I must say I prefer young musicians experimenting and breaking the rules the way Uda do, rather than join the wave of conformity and produce the usual garbage, which makes you puke instantly. So respect for the courage to be different, and please just a little more focus next time around.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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