Record Reviews

KRZYSZTOF KOMEDA ~ KRZYSZTOF KOMEDA W POLSKIM RADIU VOL.08 - SUPLEMENT POLSKIE RADIO 2256 (Barcode: 5907812240387) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1957 - 1989 Released: 2019 This is the eighth and final installment in a new series of albums launched by the Polish Radio, which presents radio recordings by the Godfather of Polish Jazz, pianist / composer / bandleader Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist. Komeda is of course the most familiar name associated with Polish Jazz and his legacy is of crucial importance to Polish and European Jazz. Considering the fact that Komeda´s studio recordings are relatively scarce, the radio recordings are in fact the main source of his recorded legacy, as they include among others the Jazz Jamboree festival appearances by Komeda and his various ensembles over the years. The music presented here portrays the early recordings made by Komeda and some bonus material. It includes six tracks recorded by the Komeda sextet at the Polish Radio in Poznan (probably in 1957); similarly to some of the tracks present on the first volume of this series, and feature saxophonists Stanislaw PludraFind albums by this artist and Jan Ptaszyn WroblewskiFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Jerzy MilianFind albums by this artist, bassist Jozef StolarzFind albums by this artist and drummer Jan ZylberFind albums by this artist. Four of these tracks are standards, one is by Milian and one by Komeda. One track recorded by the USSR Radio in Moscow in 1957 features also his sextet (exact lineup unknown). Another track was recorded by his trio (exact lineup unknown) in Warsaw in 1963. The last track is a song written by Komeda and sung by Kalina JedrusikFind albums by this artist accompanied by a group led by him, recorded in Warsaw in 1967. There are also three bonus tracks: a recording of a film theme by Komeda by the orchestra of Polish Radio in Lodz from 1989, a recording of a song from the soundtrack of "Rosemary´s Baby" by pianist Mieczyslaw KoszFind albums by this artist during the Jazz Jamboree Festival in Warsaw in 1971 and finally a fascinating interview with Komeda (twenty-six minutes long) from 1967 (about a year before his tragic death), in which he talks about his development as a musician and the unique character of Polish and European Jazz. Of course the interview is in Polish, which sadly makes it impossible for non-Polish speakers to enjoy it. Although somewhat uneven and historically hectic, this album offers previously unavailable material and is a must have for all Komeda completists.

Updated: 20/06/2020Posted: 17/06/2020

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MIECZYSLAW KOSZ ~ DEBUT – JAZZ JAMBOREE `67/`68 POLSKIE RADIO 2464 (Barcode: 5905610874117) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2024 This is an archival live album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Mieczyslaw KoszFind albums by this artist, recorded a year apart during his appearances at Poland’s most prestigious Jazz event at the time, the annual Jazz Jamboree Festival. The album presents eight tracks, four each from the 1967 and 1968 concerts, both recorded in a classic piano trio format with bassist Janusz KozlowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Sergiusz PerkowskiFind albums by this artist. In the first set only one of the tracks is an original composition by Kosz, but in the second set three of the tracks are his compositions. The rest are Jazz standards or an interpretation of a Classical piece by Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist. The carefully restored sound quality is pristine and considering the fact that these recordings were done almost sixty years ago, behind the Iron Curtain, the sound is absolutely astounding. The life story of Kosz, a blind Genius, who died tragically at the age of twenty-nine, less than six years after the first set on this album was recorded, is probably one of the most fascinating Polish Jazz tales, but the saddest fact is that his recorded legacy to this day is truly miniscule. Therefore, the importance of this album goes far beyond the fact that the music is not surprisingly brilliant, but because it opens a window into the hidden treasures of the Polish Radio vaults, sadly badly neglected for decades, which now opens an opportunity to uncover and release a vast amount of previously unheard music, all thanks to the diligence of the editor Adam DomagalaFind albums by this artist, who promises more music by Kosz and other Polish Jazz treasures to be revealed in the future. The album is accompanied by a modest, but interesting booklet, which sadly is entirely in Polish, leaving the many Polish Jazz enthusiasts abroad in the dark. Hopefully this can be rectified on the future releases with Polish Jazz music, which has a substantial following outside of the country’s borders. Overall, this is a beautiful piece of Polish Jazz history, miraculously saved from oblivion and neglect, for all to enjoy. It fills a gap in the story of one of the most fascinating figures of Polish Jazz and a world-class Artists, which deserves to be told in full, and nothing tells the story better than the music itself. But of course lovers of classic piano trio Jazz anywhere on this planet should find this album delightful. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 21/12/2024Posted: 21/12/2024

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MIECZYSLAW KOSZ ~ MIECZYSLAW KOSZ POLJAZZ / ANEX 311 (Barcode: 5907513047667) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2009 This incredible album presents a series of recordings by the virtuoso Polish Jazz pianist / composer Mieczyslaw KoszFind albums by this artist, one of the greatest hopes of the country´s scene, tragically cut short by his unexpected death at the age of 29. Often compared to Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, Kosz played with wonderful warmth and incredible musicality, combining the best of Jazz with his Classical education, which enabled him fluidity and superb use of harmony. These trio and solo recordings, released posthumously, are the only additional document of his incredible talent, besides the sole album he recorded during his lifetime called "ReminiscenceFind albums with this title", released as part of the Polish Jazz series. He was also a gifted composer, as evident from several of his compositions included on this album, and a great interpreter of Jazz standards, also featured here extensively. The recordings constitute mainly of radio sessions, luckily captured on tape and preserved for eternity, and were originally released as a double LP. This is some of the most exquisite piano trio and solo ever recorded, so don´t hesitate even for a second before grabbing it !

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MIECZYSLAW KOSZ ~ POLISH RADIO JAZZ ARCHIVES VOL.10 POLSKIE RADIO 1629 (Barcode: 5907812246297) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1967 - 1971 Released: 2013 This is the tenth installment in the new series of releases initiated by the Polish Radio, which presents archive Jazz recordings. Radio recordings are always a fabulous source of remarkable material, and as far as Polish Jazz history is concerned, the Polish Radio, which was a state monopoly for 45 years, recorded over time a plethora of invaluable material, which apart from the albums released by the Polskie Nagrania record company (also a state monopoly), is the only available additional source of Polish Jazz recordings. For many years Polish Radio recorded concerts presented during Poland´s most important Jazz venues, including the annual Jazz Jamboree Festival and many other festivals as well. The material collected here presents recordings made between 1967 and 1971 by the legendary Polish Jazz pianist / composer Mieczyslaw KoszFind albums by this artist, all of which ale solo piano pieces. The material covers a mixture of Jazz standards, Jazz arrangements of Classical pieces and original compositions by Kosz (six of the sixteen tracks of the album). Kosz, who was blind since the age of 12, died tragically in 1973, at a ridiculous young age of 29. During the short period he was active on the Polish Jazz scene (1967-1973) he managed to record just one single studio album released as part of the "Polish Jazz" series ("ReminiscenceFind albums with this title" Vol.25) and some radio and concert recordings were released posthumously, but of course his overall legacy is criminally limited. Therefore every bit of music he managed to record is absolutely priceless. Although often compared to Bill EvansFind albums by this artist due the obvious lyrical similarities, Kosz was infinitely more than a Bill Evans impersonator. He had a unique style, which was a mixture of Classical and Polish Folklore roots and Jazz, which was completely distinctive. He also had a very personal sound and technique, which created the impression that he barely touched the keys even during the most powerful passages. And of course he was also a superb composer, spinning superb melody lines, which often included sophisticated hooks and twists. His expression "only sadness is beautiful" reflects perfectly his tormented personality and private life, as well as most of his compositions. Some of his later compositions encompassed strong Free Jazz elements, which would have probably played a more central role in his music, which sadly remains a speculation. But above all Kosz was a virtuosic pianist, which is immediately apparent to anybody listening to any of his recording. His technique and even more importantly his wonderful feel for Jazz was simply phenomenal. His playing is captivating and mercilessly overwhelming, and in retrospect emphasizes the scale of the loss Polish and European Jazz suffered as a result of his death. The beautifully restored sound quality is excellent and the warm ambience of the analog recording is a true joy. As usual with this series, which is very reasonably priced, I miss the presence of "in depth" liner notes / booklet, which should convey the circumstances at which this music was recorded and its importance to the development of Polish Jazz. Nevertheless this is an absolutely essential piece of Jazz history which every European Jazz fan will surely consider an absolute must.

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MIECZYSLAW KOSZ ~ POLISH RADIO JAZZ ARCHIVES VOL.37 POLSKIE RADIO 2429 (Barcode: 5905610870249) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1967 Released: 1971 This is the thirty-seventh installment in the series of releases initiated by the Polish Radio, which presents archive Jazz recordings from the radio vaults. Radio recordings are always a fabulous source of remarkable material, and as far as Polish Jazz history is concerned, the Polish Radio, which was a state monopoly for 45 years, recorded over time a plethora of invaluable material, which apart from the albums released by the Polskie Nagrania record company (also a state monopoly), is the only available additional source of Polish Jazz recordings of that period. For many years Polish Radio recorded concerts presented during Poland´s most important Jazz venues, including the annual Jazz Jamboree Festival and many other festivals as well. The material collected here presents recordings made between 1967 and 1971 by the legendary Polish Jazz pianist / composer Mieczyslaw KoszFind albums by this artist, which are previously unreleased solo, duo and trio piano pieces. It is the second collection of recordings by Kosz in this series. The material covers a mixture of Jazz standards, Jazz arrangements of Classical pieces and original compositions by Kosz (six of the eighteen tracks of the album) and two excerpts from radio interviews. Kosz, who was blind since the age of 12, died tragically in 1973, at a ridiculous young age of 29. During the short period he was active on the Polish Jazz scene (1967-1973) he managed to record just one single studio album released as part of the "Polish Jazz" series ("ReminiscenceFind albums with this title" Vol.25) and some radio and concert recordings were released posthumously, but of course his overall legacy is criminally limited. Therefore, every bit of music he managed to record is absolutely priceless. Although often compared to Bill EvansFind albums by this artist due the obvious lyrical similarities, Kosz was infinitely more than a Bill Evans impersonator. He had a unique style, which was a mixture of Classical and Polish Folklore roots and Jazz, which was completely distinctive. He also had a very personal sound and technique, which created the impression that he barely touched the keys even during the most powerful passages. And of course he was also a superb composer, spinning superb melody lines, which often included sophisticated hooks and twists. His expression "only sadness is beautiful" reflects perfectly his tormented personality and private life, as well as most of his compositions. Some of his later compositions encompassed strong Free Jazz elements, which would have probably played a more central role in his music, which sadly remains a speculation. But above all Kosz was a virtuosic pianist, which is immediately apparent to anybody listening to any of his recording. His technique and even more importantly his wonderful feel for Jazz was simply phenomenal. His playing is captivating and mercilessly overwhelming, and in retrospect emphasizes the scale of the loss Polish and European Jazz suffered as a result of his death. The first track, recorded in 1967, is a solo piano piece The next three tracks, recorded in 1968, feature a trio with bassist Janusz KozlowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Sergiusz PerkowskiFind albums by this artist. The next six tracks, recorded in 1969 and 1970 (three each year), are piano solo pieces The next track, recorded in 1970, is a duo with bassist Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist. The next five tracks, recorded in 1971, are solo piano pieces. The last two tracks, recorded in 1971, are excerpts from radio interviews. The series, which was brought back to life after three years of absence, offers an upgraded packaging, which finally offers bi-lingual liner notes, fitting the importance of this music. The beautifully restored sound quality is excellent and the warm ambience of the analog recording is a true joy. Overall this is an absolutely essential piece of Jazz history which every Jazz fan should consider as a must.

Updated: 05/07/2023Posted: 05/07/2023

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MIECZYSLAW KOSZ ~ REMINISCENCE (POLISH JAZZ VOL.25) MUZA 925 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1971 Released: 2004 Mieczyslaw KoszFind albums by this artist was one of the greatest hopes of Polish Jazz and his untimely death at a ridiculously young age (29) was a true tragedy. He was a most lyrical and technically perfect pianist ever on the Polish scene and everybody compared his work with that of Bill EvansFind albums by this artist. Unfortunately this album is the only proper recording of his superb playing (some more material does exists but the recording quality is not that great). On this album Kosz plays some of his interesting interpretations of classical music and some of his elegant compositions. For lovers of piano trios this is a true diamond!

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LESZEK MOZDZER ~ IKAR: LEGENDA MIETKA KOSZA (SOUNDTRACK) OUTSIDE MUSIC 010 (Barcode: 5903111494216) ~ POLAND ~ Soundtracks Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is the soundtrack of the Polish movie "Ikar: Legenda Mietka Kosza" created by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Leszek MozdzerFind albums by this artist. It is constructed of twenty eight short excerpts, most of which were composed by Mozdzer, but also including some Classical Music pieces, a theme by Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, couple of compositions by Mieczyslaw KoszFind albums by this artist, the protagonist of the movie and a couple of popular Polish Pop songs. The music is performed by Mozdzer and a few additional players as well as the Orkiestra Sinfonia VarsoviaFind albums by this artist. There are also several dialogue excerpts performed by the actors taking part in the movie. The movie tells the life story of Mieczyslaw Kosz, Polish Jazz pianist / composer who was perhaps the most enigmatic figure ever on the local scene. Blind at twelve and dead at twenty nine Kosz left a brilliant but extremely limited recorded legacy and his tragic death has been a source of speculation, with suspected suicide. I have not seen the movie yet, and therefore can´t say anything about the soundtrack´s compatibility with the actual visual contents, but being familiar with the story line and the book on which the movie is based, the music seems to belong to another universe entirely. Whereas tragedy, depression and deep sadness were the prime characteristics of life that Kosz experienced, the music sounds like a soundtrack to a romantic movie, with green pastures and herds of white sheep in the background. The most astounding aspect of this music is that is has absolutely nothing to do with Jazz (with just a few debatable exceptions), which was after all the center of the artistic achievement Kosz managed to accomplish and the musical environment he strived to develop. Why on earth a soundtrack of a movie about Kosz is not primarily based on his compositions and played by a Jazz combo featuring a pianist who plays Jazz? For those in the dark I can only recommend to listen to the RGGFind albums by this artist album "Unfinished Story – Remembering KoszFind albums with this title", which is an example of what could have happened. The sugary string arrangements, the endless piano arpeggios and the schmaltzy melodies are in my opinion hardly compatible with the memory of Kosz, who should be better remembered for what he really was – a bright comet on the Polish Jazz firmament, a man with a magic touch and a tormented spirit, a brief visitor who left us a part of his soul before he moved on. Blessed be his memory.

Updated: 22/12/2019Posted: 22/12/2019

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RGG ~ UNFINISHED STORY – REMEMBERING KOSZ ECNALUMBA ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007 This is the 3rd album by the Polish Jazz ensemble RGGFind albums by this artist, which consists of pianist Przemyslaw RaminiakFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej GarbowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Krzysztof GradziukFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, it is dedicated to the memory of the great Polish Jazz pianist / composer Mieczyslaw KoszFind albums by this artist, who died tragically at the ridiculous age of 29, leaving behind him just a handful of recordings and a memory of a brilliant musician, who was destined for greatness, but missed the opportunity; an unfinished story indeed. The Polish Jazz scene produced a multitude of tribute albums over the years, most of which commemorate the Godfather of Polish Jazz, pianist / composer Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist. Many of these albums are excellent and worth listening to, but the decision made by RGG to follow a less obvious path (which seems to me their favorite modus operandi) and create a tribute to a much lesser known figure is truly courageous and admirable, especially in view of the fact that rather than present their interpretation of the music composed by Kosz, they created an "in spiritu" homage. Of the twelve tracks on the album only two are compositions by Kosz and one is a classical piece, which he used as a basis for improvisation (see "ReminiscenceFind albums with this title", his only album released during his lifetime). The rest of the album is all original and was mostly composed by Raminiak, Garbowski or co-composed by these two. Two tracks are group improvisations and are credited to the trio. The members of RGG concentrate on the less obvious side of the Kosz musical heritage. Although mostly portrayed as a romantic and lyrical player in the Bill EvansFind albums by this artist vein, he also displayed an enormous longing for the free form improvisation, keeping the melodic fluidity intact, an element RGG members explore to the max. Therefore, although the album is seemingly almost romantically melodic, this is just a clever illusion masterfully created by the RGG musicians. In fact an attentive listening will reveal that most of the music is full of free elements, amalgamated in a way that emphasizes an "organized and orderly freedom". As usual, RGG members display a phenomenal interplay, switching the spotlight from one instrument to another, changing tempi and melodic hints, all of that with elegance and flair, which keep them apart from most other piano trios in Jazz today. Although not explicitly specified on the album´s cover, it was recorded in the legendary Studio Tokarnia and engineered by Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, the studio owner, a guarantee of superb sonic quality. The musical quality is of course beyond reproach, and this album joins the other albums by RGG as some of the most important Polish Jazz recordings and superb gems of piano trio Jazz.

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