Record Reviews

KAZIMIERZ JONKISZ QUARTET ~ MONTY & SOUL SJ 078 (Barcode: 5905489720676) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Blues Fusion Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is an album by veteran Polish Jazz drummer / bandleader Kazimierz JonkiszFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with saxophonist Borys JanczarskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Mark WaggonerFind albums by this artist and bassist Michal JarosFind albums by this artist. The album is dedicated to the memory of American saxophonist / vocalist / bandleader Monty WatersFind albums by this artist, who died in 2008, with whom Jonkisz often performed. The album presents ten tracks, all composed by Waters. Some archival spoken word and vocal fragments are included on the album as well. The music is all Blues soaked mainstream Jazz, excellently performed by the quartet members, all of which are experienced and talented musicians. As expected, Jonkisz gets to play several drum solos, as appropriate for the occasion. Overall, this is a nice tribute album, well played and highly entertaining to mainstream Jazz fans, who should appreciate the performances by these talented musicians. The pianoless lineup makes the music a tad less expected and guitar fans can enjoy the guitar parts as well.

Updated: 12/08/2024Posted: 12/08/2024

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PIOTR RODOWICZ ~ RAZEM NA TEJ ZIEMI SOLITON 1008 (Barcode: 5903684230082) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is an album by veteran Polish Jazz bassist / composer Piotr RodowiczFind albums by this artist recorded with a bunch of "friends" like pianist Bogdan HolowniaFind albums by this artist, flautist Ryszard BorowskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Jaroslaw BothurFind albums by this artist, guitarist Mark WaggonerFind albums by this artist and drummer Kazimierz JonkiszFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original pieces (one in two versions), seven composed by Rodowicz and three by Holownia. The music is all strictly melodic mainstream Jazz, on the lighter side of the idiom, but the compositions are solid and well crafted, and in the hands of these veteran performers they are all also splendidly executed. Although this is not the kind of Jazz I tend to listen to on an everyday basis, I firmly believe that it is a legitimate part of the genre, especially since it is accessible to a much wider audience than just the hardcore Jazz buffs. As long as the music has an intrinsic artistic value, is honest and professionally executed, it is fine with me, regardless of what the Jazz snobs my say. Overall this is a lightweight, pleasant listening experience, with Jazzy flavor and a solid entertainment value. Recommended for listeners with such inclinations!

Updated: 10/09/2020Posted: 10/09/2020

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PIOTR RODOWICZ ~ ZAPOMNIENI KOMPOZYTORZY POLSCY SOLITON 1325 (Barcode: 5903684233250) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2023 This is an album by Polish Jazz bassist / composer Piotr RodowiczFind albums by this artist, recorded with pianist Bogdan HolowniaFind albums by this artist, flutist Ryszard BorowskiFind albums by this artist and guitarist Mark WaggonerFind albums by this artist. It is the 2nd release in a series, which commemorates the legacy of Polish / Jewish composers, who perished during the Holocaust and their work is sadly mostly forgotten. The album presents eight tracks, composed four each by Artur GoldFind albums by this artist and Leon BorunskiFind albums by this artist, both of which were highly active in the early Polish Jazz scene. During the period between the two World Wars, Polish Jews contributed a vast share of the Polish Culture, in Poetry, Literature, Theatre, Cinema and of course Music. Tragically, all those who did not manage to escape the Holocaust, perished with the rest of Polish Jewry, with most of their legacy lost forever. The music presents Jazzy interpretations of the original music, elegantly recorded in an intimate acoustic quartet by experienced musicians, and the result is a highly melodic, pleasant listening experience on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, but full of respect to the original compositions. Overall, this is a wonderful tribute to forgotten heroes of the Polish / Jewish composers / musicians, who are truly worthy of being remembered. The life story and musical legacy of both these composers, whose music is included here, is a fascinating part of Polish Cultural legacy, and I am thankful to Piotr Rodowicz for keeping the flame alight.

Updated: 04/01/2024Posted: 04/01/2024

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