Record Reviews
11 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | AGA DERLAK ~ PARALLEL NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2023
This is the third album as a leader by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Aga DerlakFind albums by this artist, recorded in a septet setting with trumpeter Jerzy MalekFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Wojciech LichtanskiFind albums by this artist and Marcin KaletkaFind albums by this artist, bassist Michal KapczukFind albums by this artist, drummer Szymon MadejFind albums by this artist and vocalist Basia DerlakFind albums by this artist. The septet is further expanded by the Atom String QuartetFind albums by this artist (violinists Dawid LubowiczFind albums by this artist and Mateusz SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, violist Michal ZaborskiFind albums by this artist and cellist Krzysztof LenczowskiFind albums by this artist). The album presents nine tracks, all original compositions by Aga Derlak.
Following two albums recorded in a classic Jazz piano trio setting, this album is a giant step forward (pun intended) in Derlak’s career, which takes her right into the “serious” league, with complex compositions and elaborate arrangements for an ensemble of eleven musicians, all of which requires not only a lot of work and talent, but also courage to undertake such an adventurous and risky enterprise. I am happy to say that despite my initial concern, she manages to pull it off without a hitch.
The music is quite diverse and moves between song oriented parts with the vocals up front, extended instrumental passages spiced with soloing, orchestral movements with the strings parts dominating the proceedings, in short an ever changing stream of aural explorations, which keeps the listener on edge. Aga’s piano is omnipresent, supplying the harmonic and melodic compass to the entire enterprise and she solos sparingly, which is not surprising, considering how much is happening on this album almost at any moment. She weaves beautiful, romantic melodies, which are ideal for the songs (the lyrics of which remain uncredited), which are beautifully performed by Basia, who also offers some lovely vocalese parts, which are used somewhat in the background in instrumental capacity.
The brass players offer some excellent soli, with Malek being as always the romantic heartbreaking champion, and the saxophonists moving more into somewhat more advanced Jazz areas. The rhythm section is as perfect as can be, despite the fact that I personally have a problem with the dry and muffled sound of the drums (not the playing, just the sound), which unfortunately seems to be the latest fashion, but of course this is a minor issue and a matter of taste.
Overall, this is a wonderful Jazz album, which offers a capsule of contemporary European Jazz aesthetics, with great instrumental work, vocals and string arrangements, all coherently combined and balanced, and of course a set of great compositions. Hats off Aga for your vision and the stamina to make it happen. You have earned my respect and the well-deserved position on the Polish Jazz scene, which nobody can deny.
| Updated: 19/08/2023Posted: 19/08/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ERYK KULM ~ PRIVATE THINGS POLSKIE RADIO 2232 (Barcode: 5907812247096) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2019
This is an album by veteran Polish Jazz drummer / composer Eryk KulmFind albums by this artist recorded with his QuintessenceFind albums by this artist quintet, which includes American trumpeter Rasul SiddikFind albums by this artist and young Polish Jazz saxophonist Marcin KaletkaFind albums by this artist, pianist Michal SzkilFind albums by this artist and bassist Michal JarosFind albums by this artist. The album presents six pieces, four (one repeated twice with an alternate take) of which are original compositions by Kulm and one is by American pianist / composer Dolph CastellanoFind albums by this artist.
The music is surprisingly different from most of the output created on the Polish Jazz scene, completely dominated by American Jazz influences, not only due to the presence of Siddik, a relatively well known AACM member now resident in Europe, who displays his emblematic Post-bop / Avant-Garde mixture which he has been playing for the last fifty years, but also due to Kulm´s rough compositions, which are basically just a base for the improvisations by the quintet members. The music is open enough to allow the musicians to contribute individually significantly more so than in a more structured environment.
The true surprise of the album are the three young Polish Jazz musicians, who not only are able to fit into the environment set by the two veterans, but actually to make the most effective contributions musically. Kaletka, Szkil and Jaros sound like true pros and in comparison to their other recorded projects (all three took part in several recordings already), they are able to open up and move into the specific "Chicago school" with ease, elegance and considerable vigor.
Of course it is great to see Kulm return to recording after several years of absence and see him in his full creative power. Hopefully this album will be followed shortly by more new projects.
For lovers of the more ambitious American Jazz variety this album should be quite interesting, not only because it offers some excellent performances, but mainly because it is composed and performed mostly by Polish Jazz musicians, who once again prove that they can match if not beat their colleagues from across the pond.
| Updated: 15/11/2019Posted: 30/04/2019 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOJCIECH MYRCZEK ~ WE`LL BE TOGETHER AGAIN SST 002 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010
This is the debut album by Polish Jazz vocalist Wojciech MyrczekFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quintet which also includes saxophonist Marcin KaletkaFind albums by this artist, pianist Michal WierbaFind albums by this artist, bassist Michal KapczukFind albums by this artist and drummer Sebastian KuchczynskiFind albums by this artist. The album, recorded at Polish Radio Katowice, presents seven vocal Jazz standards.
Myrczek has a beautiful classic Jazz voice and his talent is immediately apparent even on this early recording, which obviously does not display his full palette, which he learned over time, as evident on his duo album with pianist with Pawel TomaszewskiFind albums by this artist, recorded four years later ("Love RevisitedFind albums with this title"). He does show his ability to learn the tricks of the trade, moving freely between singing lyrics (in English, problematic but tolerable), scat or vocally imitating bass lines.
On this album Myrczek still lacks his own personal style and expression, obviously imitating a plethora of influences and searching for the most appropriate path to find his own way. Nevertheless it still is a solid debut album, especially in view of the fact that male vocalists are a rare commodity on the Polish Jazz scene.
The instrumental support Myrczek receives from his cohorts is also very solid, nothing sensational but well played and supportive of him as a soloist. Wierba is the most gifted player and the players are all used to play together as members of the Wierba / Schmidt QuintetFind albums by this artist, therefore their performance as a unit is quite predictable.
Overall this album is a nice effort, capturing a young vocalist at the early stage of his career, which remains as a nice document of his musical biography.
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  | ORGAN SPOT ~ OITAGO SJ 083 (Barcode: 5905489721086) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2024 Released: 2025
This is the 2nd album by Polish Jazz trio Organ SpotFind albums by this artist, released following a twelve years’ gap, led by organist / composer Kajetan GalasFind albums by this artist with guitarist Szymon MikaFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz MaslowskiFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Marcin KaletkaFind albums by this artist guests on several tracks. The album presents eight tracks, three composed by Mika, two by Galas, one co-composed by them both and two are standards.
The music is all within the mainstream Jazz idiom, with strong Blues influence, but since the Hammond organ is my all-time favorite instrument, and Galas is a true Master of the Hammond organ, nothing could keep me happier than another album by this splendid trio. Mika is a fabulous guitarist and Maslowski keeps time splendidly and creatively, so these three musicians don’t need any help to create a full-sounding band. Kaletka is a welcome, but not essential companion.
The original compositions are all splendid, as is the sound and recording, which basically means that for me this is an instant balm on my old bones, which keeps me perfectly happy, without expecting anything more that the soothing sound of the organ and the great music. I admire Galas for sticking with the Hammond tradition, not trying to re-invent the instrument, or make it anything that it is not. Respecting the tradition and keeping it alive is everything one can ask for in this case.
Overall, this is another excellent album by Galas and the trio, which is an instant gratification for every Hammond lover of the planet. Anybody who loves the Hammond Masters, both Jazz and Jazz-Rock oriented (see Brian AugerFind albums by this artist), will be in seventh heaven.
| Updated: 20/03/2025Posted: 20/03/2025 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MATEUSZ SOBIECHOWSKI ~ VITAL MUSIC CHALLENGE 73461 (Barcode: 608917346121) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2018
This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz quintet led by pianist / composer Mateusz SobiechowskiFind albums by this artist with saxophonist Marcin KaletkaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Szymon MikaFind albums by this artist, bassist Adam TadelFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz PalkaFind albums by this artist, all representatives of the excellent young Polish Jazz generation. The album presents nine pieces, eight of which are original compositions by Sobiechowski and one is a standard. The album was released by the prestigious Dutch label ChallengeFind albums on this label Records, which recently entered the Polish Jazz realm. The recording was engineered my Maciej StachFind albums by this artist and offers a superb sound quality.
The music is typical contemporary Polish / European mainstream Jazz, based on excellent compositions and performed with elegance and passion. Most of the themes are low key, full of characteristic Polish melancholy, which seems to be omnipresent on the majority of Polish Jazz recordings. The compositions are excellently structured, diverse and interesting enough to produce a fascinating continuity which keeps the listener on his toes.
The performances are also top notch, obviously highly professional, but more importantly heartfelt, artistically inclined and highly aesthetic. All three front line players offer excellent soloing and the rhythm section does a perfect job all the way through, being supportive but not obtrusive. Personally I find the contributions by Mika to be slightly more focused and inspired than those of his peers, but that said, and as already stated, everybody plays splendidly. Sobiechowski solos relatively sparingly for a leader, which is much respected, as it contributes to the overall quintet´s team spirit and creates a coherent ensemble statement.
Overall this is a very impressive debut, which offers both superb compositions and elegant execution, which would not shame veteran Jazz musicians anywhere on this planet. It is another manifestation of the strength of the Polish Jazz scene and its continuous development, which is now being recognized beyond the country´s borders. Warmly recommended to Jazz connoisseurs the world over!
| Updated: 17/10/2018Posted: 17/10/2018 | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | SOUND PACK ~ ON AIR SJ 045 (Barcode: 5912596066801) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019
This is the debut album by the Polish Jazz vocal quartet The Sound PackFind albums by this artist, led by Marcin WawrzynowiczFind albums by this artist, which also includes three female singers: Joanna Swiniarska-SzebeszczykFind albums by this artist, Katarzyna MirowskaFind albums by this artist and Malgorzata BiniekFind albums by this artist. They are accompanied by a splendid instrumental septet, which comprises of trumpeter Dominik MietlaFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Marcin KaletkaFind albums by this artist, trombonist Lukasz RakalskiFind albums by this artist (who was in charge of the excellent instrumental arrangements), guitarist Gabriel NiedzielaFind albums by this artist, pianist Boguslaw KaczmarFind albums by this artist, bassist Michal KapczukFind albums by this artist and drummer Przemyslaw JaroszFind albums by this artist (who was also in charge of the album´s mix). The vocal arrangements were supplied by veteran Polish Jazz musician / arranger Aleksander MazurFind albums by this artist (more about him later). The album presents ten Jazz standards, nine of which are evergreens known to every Jazz fan around the world and one originates in Poland. The album was recorded at the excellent Monochrom Studio and engineered by Ignacy GruszeckiFind albums by this artist offering the usual splendid sound quality.
To anybody familiar with Polish Jazz this album immediately brings on the obvious association with the legendary and phenomenal Polish Jazz vocal quartet NOVIFind albums by this artist, which clearly also sets an incredibly tough and perhaps even unfair standard of comparison. After just a few seconds into the music the association becomes a reality, which is not entirely surprising considering the fact that Mazur worked with NOVI on one of their later albums and was involved with arranging for vocal groups for years. Therefore rather than comparing this album with those made by NOVI, I´d like to say that it is good to see (well, hear) finally someone who dares to stand up to the challenges and continue the Polish Jazz vocal quartet legacy.
The album offers excellent vocal arrangements and up to date instrumental approach, which allows for soloing by the individual players. All the performances, vocal and instrumental as one, are first rate and represent the fabulous level of the young Polish Jazz generation. The bluesy guitar parts by Niedziela and lyrical piano parts by Kaczmar are my personal favorites, but again everybody performs splendidly. The vocal parts deliver both lyrics and vocalese with the same level of harmonic perfection.
Some critical notes, however, are also in order: the choice of material is a tad too obvious / trifling, which can be forgiven considering this is a debut outing, and hopefully will be improved on future recordings. Although the singing of lyrics in English is not particularly ostracizing here, the sole song in Polish is an example of how things could be done better?
Overall this is a splendid debut offering, which is a true pleasure to listen to from start to finish and a delightful experience for Jazz vocal group connoisseurs. Looking forward for the next album already, well done Ladies and Gents!
| Updated: 13/02/2023Posted: 26/10/2019 | CD 1 Digipak 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 |
  | WIERBA / SCHMIDT QUINTET ~ BLACK MONOLITH SJ 001 (Barcode: 5902020415008) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011
This is the third album by the Polish Jazz quintet, which was founded by two young players / composers: pianist Michal WierbaFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Piotr SchmidtFind albums by this artist. The quintet also includes saxophonist Marcin KaletkaFind albums by this artist, bassist Michal KapczukFind albums by this artist and drummer Sebastian KuchczynskiFind albums by this artist. On this album the quintet is expanded into a sextet with the addition of American trombonist Dante LucianiFind albums by this artist. The sextet performs six tunes, three of which are original compositions by Wierba, two are standards and the remaining one is a composition by Czech trumpeter / composer Stepanka BalcarovaFind albums by this artist, who studied at the Katowice Music Academy as did all of the quintet members. The album was recorded at the fabulous Studio Tokarnia and was engineered by Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, with excellent, as usual, sonic results.
Although the music is all within boundaries of typical Jazz mainstream, it is superbly arranged and executed. The original compositions are interesting and poise perfectly the melodic themes and the spirited attitude; the piece by Balcarova is the most impressive on the album. Overall this is a very pleasant well rounded Jazz album, which presents the sextet as a small Big Band, balancing between the brass and rhythm sections, features many excellent solo spots and shows that young Europeans can play mainstream as well as anybody else anywhere. The individual skills of the musicians involved are of course spotless.
This album is the first release on the SJFind albums on this label label, owned by Schmidt, which is one of the small independent Polish Jazz labels releasing music by young Polish Jazz musicians, a most welcome phenomenon of course, spreading the local Jazz gospel around the world.
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  | PIOTR WOJTASIK ~ TRIBUTE TO AKWARIUM INDYGO 001 (Barcode: 5907222872000) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017
This is a sensational album by veteran Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer Piotr WojtasikFind albums by this artist recorded with a large ensemble which comprises of some of Poland´s top Jazz musicians and a few guests from outside of Poland. In addition to the leader who plays trumpet and flugelhorn the other musicians are: trumpeter Sebastian SoldrzynskiFind albums by this artist, shakuhachi and other wind instruments player Igor PietraszewskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Viktor TothFind albums by this artist (Hungary) and Marcin KaletkaFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Leszek MozdzerFind albums by this artist and Dominik WaniaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Marek KadzielaFind albums by this artist, bassist Darek OleszkiewiczFind albums by this artist, drummer Eric AllenFind albums by this artist (USA resident in Poland) and percussionist Jakub MiarczynskiFind albums by this artist. Two female vocalists are featured on one of the tunes. The album presents a five part suite composed and arranged by Wojtasik and dedicated to the memory of the legendary Warsaw Jazz club Akwarium (active between 1977 and 2000), which used to be the Mecca of Polish Jazz in the past. A sixth bonus track is also included, which offers an alternate version of one of the suite´s parts. The music was recorded at the RecPublica Studios and engineered by Lukasz OlejarczykFind albums by this artist, who as usual stood up to the challenge.
I recently had the opportunity to hear this music performed live at its premiere concert at the Silesian Jazz Festival in Katowice, with a slightly different lineup, and the impact of the music was truly astounding. This studio version is of course much tamer and orderly, so in some respects it sounds quite differently, but of course it is no less remarkable. Wojtasik managed to combine several sub-genres of the Jazz idiom into one coherent piece of music, which presents a kaleidoscope of modern Jazz, pointing to its many sources from Bebop through Jazz-Rock Fusion to electronics. Based on strong melodic themes but allowing a lot of freedom to the individual musicians to explore and probe, this is a wonderful example of modern Mainstream Jazz, which manages to be fascinating, unexpected and searching.
The individual performances are all great, as expected from this level of musicians. Kadziela´s guitar parts are the nicest surprise as he manages to transform the last part of the suite into a modern day "Bitches BrewFind albums with this title" ambiance, which should make Miles DavisFind albums by this artist happily turn in his grave. Mozdzer´s synthesizer parts are somewhat tedious, especially in comparison to what Pawel TomaszewskiFind albums by this artist managed to come up with during the concert. Of course Dominik Wania plays some stunning piano parts and it is interesting to hear him in a large ensemble setting. But overall everybody plays their heart out and the result is simply superb.
It is great to see (and hear) that Wojtasik is still in great shape as a player / composer / bandleader and as a friend I wish him many years of good health and creativity. He can certainly be proud of his achievement here and I look forward to hear more of his work soon. His blessed work as an educator at the Katowice Music Academy is of course no less important, but seeing him play is a true Jazz experience. Te old lion is still capable of a mighty roar, which the younger lions are happy to return. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| Updated: 30/12/2017Posted: 30/12/2017 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | PIOTR WOJTASIK ~ VOICES INDYGO 003 (Barcode: 5907222872024) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2020 Released: 2022
This is the third album by Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader / educator Piotr WojtasikFind albums by this artist, released on his IndygoFind albums on this label Records label. The album was recorded with the Choir of the White Stork Synagogue in Wroclaw, conducted by Stanislaw RybarczykFind albums by this artist, vocalist Magdalena ZawartkoFind albums by this artist, harpist Julia ZiembinskaFind albums by this artist and the members of Wojtasik’s quintet: saxophonist Marcin KaletkaFind albums by this artist, pianist Michal TokajFind albums by this artist, bassist Michal BaranskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Kazimierz JonkiszFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions by Wojtasik, one co-composed with Sylwester OstrowskiFind albums by this artist. The music was superbly recorded at the RecPublica Studios and offers a sublime quality, balance and clarity of sound.
The music reflects the deep sorrow and personal anguish of Wojtasik, which resulted from the tragic circumstances surrounding his life at the time. As such it is quite different from the “usual” mainstream Jazz, spiced with Gospel, that dominated his earlier recordings, and this time is absolutely drenched in melancholy and painful lyricism, showing a new facet of his musical identity.
The use of the Choir is absolutely perfect for the music and the amalgamation of its sound into the fabric of the compositions is nothing short of perfection. The Jazzy aspects, as reflected by the soloing of the quintet members follow suit smoothly, with sympathetic echoing of the somber atmosphere. Wojtasik, Kaletka and Tokaj are highly experienced players and perform as expected, as is the brilliant rhythm section, which keeps everything in a clear framework.
The biggest surprise of the album are actually the vocal contributions, both those by the Choir but even more so by Zawartko, who is simply sensationally brilliant. Since her arrival on the scene a few years ago, she never stops to amaze and her other recordings are all worth checking out.
Overall, this is a beautiful album, full of melancholy and glumness, but nevertheless offering a moving aesthetic experience, beautiful melodies and heartfelt performances by all the participants. Hopefully making this album was, at least partly, a process of healing and time will do the rest to make things better. Wojtasik has never made a bad album in his life and this is a proof that he does not mean to lower his standards, come what may. My heart is with you my Friend!
| Updated: 04/06/2022Posted: 04/06/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | AGA ZARYAN ~ WHAT XMAS MEANS TO ME WARNER MUSIC POLAND 190295535001 (Barcode: 190295535001) ~ POLAND ~ Xmas Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018
This Xmas Jazz album by Polish Jazz vocalist Diva Aga ZaryanFind albums by this artist was released a year ago (2018), but my personal health havoc at that time prevented me from writing about it then. Luckily Xmas has the habit of revisiting us at regular intervals, so here we are again nearing the White Holidays and I can return to this music and share my reflections about it with my readers, better late than never.
The album was recorded in Warsaw, Prague & New York and features a marvelous ensemble of Polish Jazz veterans, headed by pianist Michal TokajFind albums by this artist, who was also in charge of the fabulous arrangements and co-produced the album with Zaryan: saxophonist Marcin KaletkaFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Robert MajewskiFind albums by this artist, trombonist Grzegorz NagorskiFind albums by this artist and a sublime rhythm section comprising of bassist Michal BaranskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Lukasz ZytaFind albums by this artist. American vocalist Freddy ColeFind albums by this artist shared the vocal duties with Zaryan on selected tracks and the Filharmonic Orchestra PragueFind albums by this artist supplied the orchestral accompaniments. The album presents ten Jazz Xmas standards and one Polish song by the eternal Czeslaw NiemenFind albums by this artist, which is the only track with lyrics in Polish language. The carefully selected songs present a mixture of classic Xmas evergreens and less obvious and often almost forgotten songs, which deserve to be revisited.
As we all know, Xmas Jazz albums are often not more than a mixture of cynical opportunism and sappy sentimentalism, bordering on complete kitsch, if not worse. It makes me very happy to say that Zaryan and Tokaj managed to avoid all the commercial traps and temptations, creating first and foremost a bona fide Jazz album, which also focuses on the Xmas Spirit. The arrangements are sophisticated and unique to give all the songs a fresh perspective and Zaryan´s vocals are as sincere and heartfelt as always, treating each and every song with outmost care and personal interpretation.
The instrumental parts are all, as expected, absolutely perfect. These musicians are all capable of playing anything, and they give their best every time, both on record and live. The ensemble is capable of producing an almost Big Band sound on one hand and delicate low key accompaniment on the other hand. There are of course plenty of superb soli spicing the proceedings. Tokaj´s piano playing is outstanding as always and he proves again to be a true Zaryan´s musical soul-brother all along, exemplified by their piano / vocals duo. Also Baranski performs a beautiful bass / vocals duo with Zaryan which brings on goose bumps.
Zaryan´s vocal performances are brilliant of course, and she carefully avoids unnecessary theatrics and focuses on her expressions, which is a great Art in itself. Her voice is wonderfully steady and focused, and her emotions so genuine, that one can not resist to feel them entering straight into one´s heart. Although dedicated to her two young sons, the album is obviously intended to be shared with everybody who takes time to listen to this wonderful music.
The inclusion of Niemen´s song (with lyrics by the poet Jaroslaw IwaszkiewiczFind albums by this artist) is the proverbial cherry on top (or perhaps the star on top of the Xmas tree); it is a tribute to Niemen´s genius as a songwriter but also a longing for the spring that follows after winter and the Xmas Holidays, with renewed life and hope, as the deeply lyrical text implies. It is also a relatively rare opportunity to hear Zaryan sing in Polish, something I personally always long for.
Overall this is a delightful listening experience, which offers a coherent and wonderfully put together piece of music, which sounds as good in December, as it does in July and which is honestly Spiritual.
A Merry Xmas to you all, even if you personally don´t celebrate it – the Xmas spirit is universal, as is great music!
| Updated: 06/12/2019Posted: 06/12/2019 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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