Record Reviews

LIGHT COORPORATION ~ ABOUT RER LC03 ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the third (in three years) album by Polish Progressive Rock / Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble Light CoorporationFind albums by this artist, founded and led by guitarist / composer Mariusz SobanskiFind albums by this artist. The ensemble is expanded to include twelve musicians, which more then doubles its size on their two earlier albums, and includes members from the earlier versions of the ensemble, like saxophonists Pawel RogozaFind albums by this artist, Michal PijewskiFind albums by this artist and Michal FetlerFind albums by this artist, violinist Robert BielakFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Marcin SzczesnyFind albums by this artist, bassist Tom StrukFind albums by this artist and drummer Milosz KrauzFind albums by this artist, as well as others who play here for the first time. They perform ten original compositions, all by Sobanski, who also arranged it. The album was again released on the prestigious British ReRFind albums on this label label, which stays faithful to its Artists. Musically this album shows yet another step forward for the group, which keeps changing like a chameleon, and yet retains a specific sound and feel, which by now are certainly their own. There is a shift from the earlier Prog and Ambient tendencies towards more Jazzy influences, which of course are emphasized by the expanded brass section and the appropriate arrangements. There is more of typical Jazz improvisation here, although rhythmically the music is still very much Rock based. The music is dark and moody as on the earlier albums, but also Funky and swinging at the same time. It appears that the ensemble is able to re-invent itself anew on every album, which is truly impressive. One can only hope that this can be repeated in the future. By now it is pretty obvious that Sobanski is a major force on the Polish music scene, which should not be ignored or dismissed haphazardly. He has proved not only his talents as player / composer / arranger but also as innovator and visionary, with a burning desire to create and develop further. His restlessness is a blessing and hopefully the harsh reality will not be able to block his creative powers. Having done a remarkable job third time in a row he truly deserves both recognition and support. This is the kind of music, which keeps my faith in aesthetics, intelligence and creativity in a world full of superficiality, banality and zero values. As already stated in my reviews of the two earlier albums, the music of Light Coorporation fails every attempt of categorization, since it is so original and unconventional on one hand and so encompassing on the other. As a result there should be something for everybody herein, regardless if the listener comes from Prog, Jazz or even contemporary Classical fields. This is simply great music, and as such needs no particular encouragement to be listened to. Just grab a copy of the album and listen – satisfaction guaranteed!

Updated: 31/03/2018Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

LIGHT COORPORATION ~ RARE DIALECT RER LC01 ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 This debut album by Polish ensemble Light CoorporationFind albums by this artist is a stunning revelation of musical genius present among the new generation of European musicians. Led by guitarist / composer Mariusz SobanskiFind albums by this artist, who composed all the music, the ensemble also includes saxophonists Michal FetlerFind albums by this artist (baritone and alto) and Michal PijewskiFind albums by this artist (tenor), violinist Robert BielakFind albums by this artist, bassist Tom StrukFind albums by this artist (fretless bass) and drummer Milosz KrauzFind albums by this artist. Keyboardist Marcin SzczesnyFind albums by this artist sits in as a guest musician. The music is a completely unique brand of RIO / Avant-Garde Prog, which is deeply rooted in the beginning of the movement (Henry CowFind albums by this artist) but successfully updated to contemporary standards, both sonically and conceptually. Superbly matched and combined acoustic sounds of the reeds and electronic distortion from the guitar and keyboards, hypnotic rhythmic patters (similar to the Zeuhl movement) and dark melodic vistas create an overwhelming effect, which is completely fresh and unparalleled. Considering the fact that these are very young individuals and this is their debut recording one must wander about the possibilities of these gifted musicians in the future. No wander the prestigious ReRFind albums on this label label released this album worldwide, especially since this kind of material suits their catalogue as a glove. On the band´s site we can learn that their performances are usually accompanied by screening of video material, which seems highly appropriate, as this music has a very strong atmospheric / ambient content as well, which is usually ideal to be combined with visual material. But listening "only" to the music is also an immensely powerful and invigorating experience of rare magnificence and depth. I listened to the album for three consecutive times, being completely enchanted by it. I´m pretty sure the same will happen to most of the listeners. Of course such music requires repeated listening sessions to be discovered and uncovered in depth – as all great music does. It is rather obvious that this music is well beyond being recommended – it would (literally) be a crime if any serious music lover, regardless is he´s a Prog or Jazz or RIO or Zeuhl fan if he was to miss this album! Such gems are so rare, that we must make everything in our power to make the world listen, especially since I can´t recall hearing such great music in a very long time! This is a brilliant piece of intelligent music - chapeau Mariusz & co.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Gold Recommend To A Friend