Record Reviews

NAXOS ~ THE TRIP AROUND THE BRAIN WARNER MUSIC POLAND 0825646292103 (Barcode: 0825646292103) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the debut album by the Polish ensemble NaxosFind albums by this artist, led by the celebrated musician / personality Milo KurtisFind albums by this artist, one of the pioneers of World Music and World-Jazz Fusion in Poland, who was a member of the legendary ensemble OssianFind albums by this artist in the 1970s and many other groups over the years. It was delightful to meet Milo in person just a few weeks ago in Warsaw and talk about the old times and the future, which for him is always full of bright things. I remember him taking part in my production of "The Book Of JobFind albums with this title" in 1985, under insane circumstances, and his worm personality didn´t change one iota over the years, which is truly remarkable Kurtis is one of several Polish musicians of Greek origin, same as guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist of SBBFind albums by this artist fame, who also participates in this recording. Other members of the ensemble include keyboardist Konstanty JoriadisFind albums by this artist (also of Greek origin), female vocalist Rasm Al-MashanFind albums by this artist (of Yemenite origin), percussionist Adeb ChamounFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Marcin KajperFind albums by this artist and bassist Marcin PendowskiFind albums by this artist. Several guest musicians participate on selected tracks. The album presents thirteen tracks, most of which are credited to Kurtis and Joriadis, either separately or as co-composers. The music has a distinctive Mediterranean flavor, mixing Greek and Middle Eastern influences, rhythms and melodies into a lively and fascinating amalgam of cultures. On the Polish scene that kind of music is definitely quite unusual and exotic, but where I live this is basically a part of our everyday milieu and this kind of music can be heard all day long on the radio or on stage in music venues, big and small. This kind of synthesis has been the most distinctive characteristic of Israeli music over the last few decades, and it´s really heartwarming to hear it happening in Poland as well. Kurtis is doing his pioneering work again, and deserves to be encouraged and praised for it, especially in view of the impressive outcome, not to mention the popularization the idea that diverse cultures can work together for a common goal, as much aesthetic as practical. This music has no boundaries and should appeal to every open-minded fun loving person on this globe. The streets of Athens, or Beirut or Tel-Aviv swarm with fun loving people and their music reflects their love of life and the ability to live life in full, if only allowed to do so. This album could be a perfect soundtrack of that desire to simply enjoy life. Of course a glass of ouzo, arak or raki (preferably all three) definitely makes listening to this music even more enjoyable. So ευχαριστώ πολύ, my dear friend, I am looking forward to many more such great musical gifts in the future.

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MARCIN PENDOWSKI ~ GUMOLIT JUDASZ 2020/01 ~ POLAND ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 2017 - 2020 Released: 2020 This is the second album by Polish Jazz bassist / composer Marcin PendowskiFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. PendofskyFind albums by this artist), one of Poland’s best kept secrets. Recorded over four years with no less than twenty musicians / friends / guests, the album presents eleven tracks, all original compositions, two of which are bonus tracks. Pendowski is a sensational bass player, who is mostly known for his session work and jamming in Warsaw Jazz clubs. His debut album “PendofskyFind albums with this title” from 2014 arrived and disappeared from the scene almost completely unnoticed, despite the fact that it remains a Funk / Groove classic to this very day. If Pendowski would have appeared on the NYC scene, he could probably reach fame and glory (See Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist), as his technically brilliant and imaginative bass playing and Big Balls feeling for Fusion / Groove / Soul / Funk is simply unparalleled and absolutely world class. This album offers a somewhat different approach, as Pendowski added the Brass Rock magic to his instrumentation, expanding the sound beyond imagination. Sounding like the best days of Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, ChicagoFind albums by this artist and Tower Of PowerFind albums by this artist combined, but based all around the virtuosic bass parts, this music is absolutely irresistible. Pendowski also has a great talent to write incredibly catchy riffs, like only very few other can, and if one is able to listen to this album and remain sitting, one is probably deaf or brain-dead. This music Rocks, from the first note to the last! Hopefully this album will be finally discovered, although it might again prove to be simply too good for its own good and remain undiscovered again, which would be a crying shame. Thank you Marcin for this music, you are a genius and I hope we won’t have to wait for another six years for the next album. Next time I am in Warsaw; the drinks are on me of course. Warsaw / Poland / the World / wake up, Pendofsky is in town!

Updated: 21/05/2021Posted: 21/05/2021

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MARCIN PENDOWSKI ~ PENDOFSKY NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2012 - 2013 Released: 2014 This is the debut album as a leader by the Polish bassist / composer Marcin PendowskiFind albums by this artist, who started his career as a Rock musician (as a member of the band ArtrosisFind albums by this artist) but later on cooperated with many Polish Jazz musicians as well. On this album he presents ten original compositions recorded with a core group of musicians, which includes guitarist Krzysztof KawalkoFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Marcin KajperFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Przemyslaw KostrzewaFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Marcin CichockiFind albums by this artist, drummer Tomasz WaldowskiFind albums by this artist and several guest artists. On the album Pendowski plays on two old electric basses manufactured in Czechoslovakia (Jolana Diamant) and Poland (Defil Mamba) during the Socialist regime, which have a very specific ambience. The music is a great mixture of Jazz-Rock Fusion, Funk, Soul, Grove and superb retro / vintage sounding pieces, which are almost never played these days by anybody. The arrangements and instrumentation, including the Hammond organ and the in-sync unisono brass section, the airy guitars and the fantastic bass sound are simply irresistible. Of course the best part is the fact that although this is truly enjoyable music, it is also of the highest quality, with great melodies, riffs and interesting arrangements, supported by virtuosic instrumental work. This music could be an ideal partner for a long car drive, a club setting or a groovy party with your friends, and it would fit all these diverse surroundings perfectly. I must admit that it was quite a while since I enjoyed myself that much listening to an album. Hopefully this won´t be a one off, as that would be a true shame. We need more honest and fun music like this in this world full of phony pretentious garbage. I wholeheartedly recommend this album to people who really love music and are able to enjoy it in full, without inhibitions. For bass aficionados this is a must of course. Very well done Sir, chapeau!

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