Record Reviews

ADAM BALDYCH / BALTIC GANG ~ IMAGINARY ROOM ACT 9532 (Barcode: 614427953223) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012 This is the first international release by Polish Jazz violinist / composer Adam BaldychFind albums by this artist. Recorded in Berlin, it features Baldych in a sextet / septet setting with some of the best Scandinavian musicians (hence the Baltic GangFind albums by this artist): trumpeter Verneri PohjolaFind albums by this artist (Finland), saxophonist Marius NesetFind albums by this artist (Norway), trombonist Nils LandgrenFind albums by this artist (Sweden) who plays on two tracks and co-produced the album, pianist Jacob KarlzonFind albums by this artist (Sweden), bassist Lars DanielssonFind albums by this artist (Sweden), and drummer Morten LundFind albums by this artist (Denmark). Baldych composed ten of the album´s twelve tunes and co-composed the remaining two (one with Karlzon and the other with Danielsson). The album was released on the German ACTFind albums on this label label, which already features several Polish Jazz artists on its recording artist roster. Baldych, just 26 years old at the time this music was recorded, has already a most impressive list of achievements behind him and is often referred to as the new hope of Polish Jazz violin, which has a remarkable tradition indeed, with such outstanding masters as Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist, Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist and Krzesimir DebskiFind albums by this artist. With this album Baldych certainly earned his final seal of approval, joining the distinguished club of his predecessors. The music included on this album is a major step in the development of Baldych as a composer. There is a definite style and a personal signature on all the tunes, which share a remarkable tendency towards melancholy, romanticism and deep lyricism. Most of the music is delicate, low key and slow tempo, with long and winding melody lines, a manner quite typical to the great Polish composers, both Classical and Jazz. The presence of the Scandinavian musicians, who are also known for their specific tone, might have influenced the overall sound and atmosphere of the album, but that would be only marginal. Considering also the fact that the tracks are relatively short and the arrangements do not allow expanded improvisations, it is obvious that the focus of this album is the music (compositions) rather that the performances. The performances are, of course, stellar, which is not surprising considering the level of the musicians involved. Baldych plays superbly, as expected, but much less flashy and extrovert than on his earlier recordings. It is obvious that he reached a mental maturity, which turns him into a total musician, who does not need to prove his ability to the world, but to present a complete musical work of art, which includes composition, arrangement, performance and ambience as a whole. There are plenty of superb musical moments on this album, which of course will be revealed and discovered with repeated listening sessions. The album is definitely one of the finest recent Polish Jazz recordings and will become part of the Polish Jazz canon for years to come. Baldych, who is just making his first international steps, is destined for glory, which hopefully will be achieved gradually. In the meantime this music is his gift to us, to be enjoyed to the fullest. Chapeau!

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STEFANO BOLLANI ~ STONE IN THE WATER ECM 2080 (Barcode: 602517941618) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009 This is an album by Italian Jazz pianist / composer Stefano BollaniFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with Danish rhythm section comprising of bassist Jesper BodilsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Morten LundFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, four of which are original compositions by Bollani and two by Bodilsen, two are Brazilian standards and one is an arrangement of a Classical piece. Bollani is a superb pianist and a great Romantic, and his approach to improvisation combines ideally the American tradition of Bill Evans and modern European Jazz, with some Classical Music influences. Combined with the excellent rhythm section, the music is an instant classic of Jazz piano trio music. Both the original compositions and the standards are perfect vehicles for the trio to showcase their perfect symbiotic collaboration, which focuses on Bollani’s virtuosity but emphasizes the importance of the trio format at the same time. The deeply melodic side of Bollani is omnipresent and his gentle touches on the keyboard are simply irresistible. Overall, this is a remarkable Jazz piano trio album, an instant classic, which can be enjoyed by all Jazz lovers, regardless of their stylistic preferences, as this is truly the Jazz essence at its best. Although Bollani’s discography is pretty extensive, this is one of my personal favorites of his recordings. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 28/05/2023Posted: 28/05/2023

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CLAUS WAIDTLOW ~ NEW BEGINNING GATEWAY 5707471056806 (Barcode: 5707471056806) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is an album by Danish saxophonist / composer Claus WaidtlowFind albums by this artist recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Jacob ChristoffersenFind albums by this artist, bassist Jesper BodilsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Morten LundFind albums by this artist. On three tracks the quartet is expanded to a septet with additional horns. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Waidtlow. The music is kept well within melodic mainstream Jazz, but the compositions are fresh and coherent, typical of contemporary European Jazz, based on nontrivial harmonic approach and delicate refined aesthetics. The three septet tracks are superbly arranged for the larger ensemble, retaining the subtlety and delicacy of the quartet. Waidtlow plays with fluency and confidence, but always with elegance and restrain, with a wonderful tone blissfully reminiscent of Stan GetzFind albums by this artist. The rhythm section is simply perfect in every way, always closely supportive behind the leader, with superb harmonic accompaniment by the piano and fluent precise rhythmic drive by the bass and drums, who are always present but remain unobtrusive. Overall this is a classic example of contemporary mainstream European Jazz, which is simply perfect from start to finish and a great fun to listen to proving that mainstream melody based jazz can be creative, sophisticated and delightful at the same time. As a matter of fact this is one of the best albums in that specific idiom that have come across my desk lately. Hats off! Although mainstream oriented, this album should be of interest to all Jazz connoisseurs the world over. The special European flavor, elegance and grace simple place it ahead of most other mainstream recordings originating from across the pond. A delightful gem!

Updated: 10/10/2018Posted: 10/10/2018

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SEBASTIAN ZAWADZKI TRIO & STRINGS ~ EUPHONY FOR TUNE 0077 (Barcode: 5902768701814) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 This is the second album released on For TuneFind albums on this label Records by the Polish Jazz pianist / composer Sebastian ZawadzkiFind albums by this artist, who in spite of his young age has already quite an impressive portfolio of achievements to his credit, which includes several albums and notable soundtracks of Polish movies. Zawadzki, who currently resides in Copenhagen, like numerous other young Polish Jazz musicians, who studied there and decided to settle in Denmark, recorded this album at the Danish Royal Academy of Music with an international team of musicians. It features his piano trio with Swedish bassist Johannes VahtFind albums by this artist and Danish drummer Morten LundFind albums by this artist and a string quartet comprising of musicians from different countries. The album presents twelve original compositions, all by Zawadzki, which encompass solo piano, trio, string quartet and septet (trio & strings) lineups. The music is beautifully melodic, romantic and lyrical, smoothly amalgamating Jazz and Classical elements with taste and elegance. Although this kind of music often borders on muzak or schmaltz, Zawadzki manages to avoid crossing the line and keeps the music ambitious and accessible at the same time. The idea of using different instrumental lineups saves this album from sounding somewhat monotonous, which is always a danger. Of course some listeners might find it too "pretty", but honestly serene, harmonious, well composed and beautifully played music is always a blissful aesthetic experience. It is interesting to compare this album with his previous For Tune release ("LuminescenceFind albums with this title"), which was a solo piano outing recorded over two years earlier. Zawadzki made quite a leap forward with his music, as evident on this new album, and learned to avoid many of the tribulations present on the earlier recording, which is commendable. This album is of course a complete anomaly in the For Tune catalog, a proof of the label´s continuous search for new areas where good music thrives, which is greatly appreciated.

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