Record Reviews

AWATAIR ~ PLAYS COLTRANE FSR 2019/16 (Barcode: 5905279364547) ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019 This is a debut album by the AwatairFind albums by this artist Jazz trio consisting of Polish saxophonist Tomasz GadeckiFind albums by this artist, Ukrainian bassist Mark TokarFind albums by this artist and Polish drummer Michal GosFind albums by this artist. The album, recorded live, presents four tracks, three of which are compositions by John ColtraneFind albums by this artist and one is an original improvisation credited to the trio members. For most Jazz listeners the late John Coltrane period, when his music moved into "interstellar space", remains well beyond their grasp to this very day, over half a century later. Coltrane´s visionary approach to music in general, and his output closely preceding his untimely death is even more unapproachable to musicians, trying to produce anything similar to his unearthly accomplishments. In view of the above this album is threading a thin line between homage and a self parody, which characterizes most similar projects. Gadecki, who undoubtedly is one of the most interesting Jazz personalities on the Polish Jazz scene, has a fabulous record of creating some of the most ambitious and consistently excellent Polish Free Jazz projects, takes a great risk here, and I am relieved to say that he and his colleagues manage to produce a homage rather than a pastiche. Gadecki´s playing on this album is nothing short of phenomenal. He is able to produce a range of sounds from his instruments, which can be surprising even to veterans of the genre. His explorations are diverse, original and heartfelt all the way and his technique and stamina are extraordinary. He is amicably supported by the rhythm section, which is supportive and sensitive, but less impressive. Overall this is a fascinating listening experience, which manages to keep the listener on his toes for the entire duration. Having said all that I still think Coltrane and his late period music is a holy grail that should rather be left alone as a symbol of human Genius.

Updated: 11/01/2020Posted: 11/01/2020

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LONKER SEE ~ HAMZA ANTENA KRZYKU 1 ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is the fourth album by Polish quartet Lonker SeeFind albums by this artist, which comprises of vocalist / bassist Joanna KucharskaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Bartosz BorowskiFind albums by this artist, drummer Michal GosFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Tomasz GadeckiFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, not credited on the album´s artwork and assumed to be co-composed by the quartet members, with all lyrics by Kucharska. The music is a mixture of Psychedelic Rock. Progressive Rock, Trance and Free Jazz, which although hardly innovative (I mean five decades ago this was a highly fashionable music), has a unique character. The meeting between Rock musicians and the Avant-Garde saxophonist works very well and the fact that they are able to find a common language is of course commendable. However, music that is based on drone-like, repetitive simplistic melody lines, even when spiced by fiery improvisations, eventually becomes somewhat boring. It may be hype for the young listeners, who are exposed to it for the first time and ignorant of musical legacy, but for listeners familiar with this formula since decades it might be less enthusiastic. In spite of the obvious superb playing by Gadecki, the overall result leaves me cold. It also appears that in the last couple of years or so more and more European ensembles are drown into this specific creative formula, which personally quite puzzles me, especially in view of the limitations this specific approach presents. There is only place in such narrow idiom for the absolutely best. In short this album has a very specific character, but fails to evoke neither emotional nor intellectual excitement as far as I am concerned. But this is only me of course.

Updated: 24/08/2020Posted: 24/08/2020

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