Record Reviews

KRZYSZTOF POPEK ~ FRESH AIR PROJECT POWER BROS 00197 (Barcode: 5906295856610) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 - 2016 Released: 2016 This is an album by veteran Polish Jazz flautist / composer Krzysztof PopekFind albums by this artist, which breaks his seven years long period of silence. It was recorded in a sextet setting with Polish trumpeter Piotr WojtasikFind albums by this artist, Romanian saxophonist Nicolas SimionFind albums by this artist and an American rhythm section: pianist George CablesFind albums by this artist, bassist Cameron BrownFind albums by this artist and drummer Victor LewisFind albums by this artist. Together they perform seven pieces, of which just one is an original by Popek and another is a short outro by Cables and the remaining five are standards. As the lineup suggests, the music is typical mainstream Jazz, which has almost nothing to do with Polish or European Jazz, and is soaked in American tradition with a very predictable results. Although these are excellent musicians, the music they perform offers no intellectual challenge whatsoever to the listener. There are plenty of great instrumental passages, especially Simion´s bass clarinet parts, but again nothing outstanding, which does not appear on almost every CD recorded in the US. Popek´s flute still sounds beautifully romantic, but the instrumental performances alone are simply not enough to make this album exceptional. I still hold fond memories of Popek´s work as the leader of the legendary Young PowerFind albums by this artist, which I´d rather listen to than to this album. Overall this is a highly professional post Bebop mainstream album, well recorded and pleasurable, but not different from thousands of other similar albums of this type.

Updated: 28/02/2017Posted: 28/02/2017

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

NICOLAS SIMION ~ CLASSIC MEETS JAZZ 7DREAMS ~ ROMANIA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 This double CD album is a document of an ambitious, large scale musical project, which presents seven instrumental pieces for String Orchestra and Jazz ensemble, composed by seven contemporary European composers. The music, recorded live in the Romanian city of Brasov (Transylvania), is performed by the Chamber Strings Orchestra BrasovFind albums by this artist, conducted by Sabin PautzaFind albums by this artist, who also contributed one of the compositions, and a Jazz sextet led by saxophonist / composer Nicolas SimionFind albums by this artist, who contributed another composition. Three of the sextet´s members; pianist Antonis AnissegosFind albums by this artist, guitarist Norbert SchollyFind albums by this artist and bassist Chris DahlgrenFind albums by this artist also contributed one composition each. The remaining two sextet members are accordionist Fausto BeccalossiFind albums by this artist and drummer Alan JonesFind albums by this artist. This entire project was a brain-child of Simion and is just one of many different projects combining Jazz and Classical music he was involved with previously. The seven pieces range in length from just over ten minutes to twenty one minutes and are quite different from each other stylistically and tonally. They range from relatively melodic and conventional to quite complex and even Avant-Garde. However, they all have one thing in common, which is the attempt to expand the boundaries of both Classical music and Jazz by incorporating the legacies of both these genres into coherent and innovative forms of expression. Naturally some of these attempts work better than others, but overall the level of the musical substance is truly excellent and this music should be able to capture many followers, provided it can reach wider audiences. Although the Jazz ensemble is an integral part of the music presented here, the overall effect is more closely related to contemporary Classical music than Jazz and therefore will probably be more appealing to listeners who are familiar with Classical music lexis and environment. Of course open-minded Jazz connoisseurs will also be able to discover the gems and delights of this outstanding music. In this day and age, when Culture is gradually losing the battle against a new wave (and form) of barbarism and anti-culture, projects like this one are beacons of hope penetrating the deep dark slowly engulfing us all and should be treasured ever more. Therefore Simion deserves to be praised for pulling this one through and adding one more gem to our Culture. Definitely worth investigating!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

NICOLAS SIMION ~ JEU DES GARCONS 7DREAMS 107 (Barcode: 6421966000066) ~ ROMANIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1993 Released: 2009 This is a brilliant early album by Romanian saxophonist / composer Nicolas SimionFind albums by this artist, which was recorded during the time he lived in Vienna. As in the case of many other Jazz recordings, it was very much a spur of the moment decision to record this session taking advantage of the fact that the great American musicians taking part in this recording were in town and agreed to do it. As often under such circumstances, there was little, if any, time to rehearse and yet the willpower, talent, professionalism and mutual respect prevailed, resulting in some superb music to be captured for posterity. The album presents eight original compositions by Simion, recorded by a classic quartet, with pianist Michael CainFind albums by this artist, bassist Lonnie PlaxicoFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter PerfidoFind albums by this artist. Cain and Plaxico were at the time of the recording members of Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist´s group Special EditionFind albums by this artist, which played in Vienna the night before the recording. Perfido, an American resident in Europe, played over the years with all the great European Jazz musicians and was one of Simion´s "regulars" on later dates. Not surprisingly, the performances are simply brilliant from start to finish. Simion displays a great technique and deep melodic lyricism, Cain is, as usual, flying all over the keys with his elegant touch and superb harmonic structures, Plaxico is a towed of strengths and incredible virtuoso and Perfido drives the quartet forward on the up-tempo numbers and gently keeps perfect time on the ballads. Even the sound quality is great, adding to the overall sublime listening experience. The music is predominantly relaxed and beautifully melodic, not losing its lyrical qualities even in the heat of improvisation. The ballads are romantic and deeply moving, with slight touches of folkloristic undertones, so typical of East European composers. Although modern, the music displays a lot of respect towards the Jazz tradition, using it as a basis for further explorations. In many respects it combines the best of the two worlds; European Jazz composition with American performance. Considering the fact that this is another recording from the 1990s, which is being released only now, so many years later, one must wonder how many such treasures Simion still hides in his Transylvanian castle? This music is too good to be hidden, so thanks Nicolas for enabling us to enjoy it and keep up the good work. Delightful stuff!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

NICOLAS SIMION ~ TRANSYLVANIAN DANCE TUTU 888 164 (Barcode: 4015728881646) ~ ROMANIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1994 Released: 1995 This is an album by Romanian (resident in Germany) Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Nicolas SimionFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with legendary Polish trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, American bassist Ed SchullerFind albums by this artist and drummer Victor JonesFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all of which are original compositions by Simion, with Jones adding lyrics on one track. This is the second cooperation between Simion and Stanko, which includes also the “Dinner For Don CarlosFind albums with this title”, “Viaggio ImaginarioFind albums with this title” and “Unfinished SquareFind albums with this title” albums. For Polish Jazz fans and collectors these albums are absolutely essential. The music is a brilliant example of modern European Jazz, based on excellent compositions by the leader, with clear hints of Romanian Folklore and Gypsy music. All the instrumentalists have plenty of opportunity to solo and the ensemble work is also first class. For Stanko followers, the album offers some of his best performances from the mid-1990s, same as on the three a.m. albums. Overall, this is a superb piece European Jazz, with strong ties to Jazz-World Fusion and first class instrumental work by all the participants. Sadly, the album is rarely mentioned and is often omitted from discographies, despite its innovative music and excellent sound quality, which makes listening to it a real treat. Grab a copy as long as those are to be found!

Updated: 01/02/2024Posted: 01/02/2024

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

NICOLAS SIMION ~ TRANSYLVANIAN JAZZ 7DREAMS ~ ROMANIA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 As the title suggests, this is a Jazz-World Fusion album by Romanian saxophonist / composer Nicolas SimionFind albums by this artist, who revisits his musical roots combining them with his extensive experience of playing Jazz music. Simion´s discography includes several earlier Jazz-World titles, but this one seems to be the most profound attempt to present the music of the Balkans in a Jazz context, performed by a superb ensemble, which in fact includes more folklore instruments than traditional Jazz instruments. Even Simion himself plays the caval (a typical Balkan / Turkish end-blown flute producing an enchanting sound), in addition to the reeds he uses normally. The album includes twelve compositions, eleven of which were composed by Simion and one is an adaptation of the violin standard "Hora Staccato" by Romanian violin virtuoso / composer Grigoras DinicuFind albums by this artist. The ensemble performing the music is a septet and includes violinist Zoltan LantosFind albums by this artist, accordionist Martin LubenovFind albums by this artist, cymbalon (an East European version of hammer dulcimer) player Giani LincanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Sorin RomanescuFind albums by this artist, bassist Martin GjakonovskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Boris PetrovFind albums by this artist. The music is simply mind-blowing from start to finish. Simion´s captivating melodies are perfect vehicles for the improvised solos, with the Jazz and Folklore elements perfectly balanced, which is usually the biggest problem with other attempts to create such cross-genre music. The music is quite complex and sophisticated at times, but the overall atmosphere of the album manages to overcome all difficulties and makes the music sound groovy and extremely listenable / likeable. The individual performances are simply stellar, and the leader never stops to amaze, switching from one instrument to another with ease and elegance. This is definitely one of the best and most aesthetically pleasing attempts to organically combine Jazz and World Music elements that I have encountered and I wholeheartedly recommend it to every connoisseur of universally good music, regardless of where it comes from. Superb stuff!

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

NICOLAS SIMION ~ UNFINISHED SQUARE 7DREAMS 106 (Barcode: 6421966000080) ~ ROMANIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1996 Released: 2009 Romanian saxophonist / composer Nicolas SimionFind albums by this artist is one of the very few Jazz musicians from his native country to win an international recognition, which is a pity, as the Romanian scene has an interesting history and produced over the years many talented musicians. Due to the fact that Simion left Romania in 1988, living first in Austria and now in Germany, he managed to build an impressive career over the years, producing a substantial and impressive body of music. Upon his arrival in Austria, Simion became a part of the Austrian / German modern Jazz scene, playing and recording with many distinguished Jazz musicians active on that scene at the time. He recorded a series of excellent albums as a leader for the German TutuFind albums on this label label in the 1990s, which featured such distinguished Jazz players like Polish trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, American bassist Ed SchullerFind albums by this artist and many others. In the mid 1990s Simion composed music for a ballet called "Unfinished SquareFind albums with this title", which was to be performed by a Jazz combo and a full orchestra accompanying the dancers. The work was performed just once in August of 1996 and a month later Simion selected fragments of that ballet music and arranged them for a small Jazz ensemble, comprising of the usual cohorts he was playing with at the time, which recorded the music. In addition to Simion, Stanko and Schuller, the ensemble also included German trombonist Nils WogramFind albums by this artist, American drummer / percussionist Jamey HaddadFind albums by this artist and Austrian keyboardist Andreas MayerhoferFind albums by this artist. Another great Polish trumpeter, Piotr WojtasikFind albums by this artist, is featured on the last track only. The album comprises of nine tracks, which can be viewed as parts of a continuous suite. The music, although melody based, is mostly freely expanded by lengthy improvisations, with long and impressive solos by the leader and Stanko and stretches of group improvisations. There is a certain tension and profound spiritual magnetism present throughout the work, which enhances the listener´s overall impression. As usual with such music, it requires attentive listening and open-minded approach, but eventually becomes deeply rewarding. The performances are stellar, with Stanko blowing his magic notes like fakir charming a snake, Simion playing his heart out spreading clusters of convoluted tones and the rest of the team supporting and contributing their own elements, creating a mind-blowing, massive and often overwhelming wall of sound. This album is simply one more piece of the puzzle, which presents the strength and beauty of the European Jazz scene and its ability to produce works of profound artistic impact and aesthetic value. Why this music remained unreleased for thirteen years beats me, but finally available, should be a feast for all connoisseurs of modern Jazz. Brilliant stuff!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

NICOLAS SIMION ~ VIAGGIO IMAGINARIO TUTU 888 192 (Barcode: 4015728881929) ~ ROMANIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1995 Released: 1999 This is an album by Romanian (resident in Germany) Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Nicolas SimionFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with legendary Polish trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, American bassist Ed SchullerFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter PerfidoFind albums by this artist. Austrian trombonist Christian MuthspielFind albums by this artist, American bass guitarist Angus ThomasFind albums by this artist and percussionist Jamey HaddadFind albums by this artist guest on selected tracks. The album presents nine tracks, all of which are original compositions by Simion. This is the third cooperation between Simion and Stanko, which includes also the “Dinner For Don CarlosFind albums with this title”, “Transylvanian DanceFind albums with this title” and “Unfinished SquareFind albums with this title” albums. For Polish Jazz fans and collectors these albums are absolutely essential. The music is a brilliant example of modern European Jazz, based on excellent compositions by the leader, with clear hints of Romanian Folklore and Gypsy music. All the instrumentalists have plenty of opportunity to solo and the ensemble work is also first class. For Stanko followers, the album offers some of his best performances from the mid-1990s, same as on the three a.m. albums. Overall, this is a superb piece European Jazz, with strong ties to Jazz-World Fusion and first class instrumental work by all the participants. Sadly, the album is rarely mentioned and is often omitted from discographies, despite its innovative music and excellent sound quality, which makes listening to it a real treat. Grab a copy as long as those are to be found!

Updated: 01/02/2024Posted: 19/09/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

WDR BIG BAND ~ BALKAN JAZZ BIGBAND 1003 (Barcode: 4250459910030) ~ GERMANY ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2010 This is an album by the German WDR Big BandFind albums by this artist from Cologne, dedicated to Balkan Jazz motifs. The Big Band is conducted by American pianist / conductor / arranger Bill DobbinsFind albums by this artist. The main guest soloist is Romanian (resident in Germany) saxophonist / composer Nicolas SimionFind albums by this artist. Additional guest instrumentalists include Hungarian violinist Zoltan LantosFind albums by this artist, Italian accordionist Fausto BeccalossiFind albums by this artist, French drummer Benjamin HenocqFind albums by this artist and Croatian percussionist Kruno LevacichFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, all original compositions by Simion, arranged by Dobbins. The WDR Big Band is one of several German Big Bands, such as the NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist (from Hamburg) or the HR Big BandFind albums by this artist (from Frankfurt), which function side by side with the regional state broadcasting corporations active in Germany, being decentralized by law and remaining as one of the last bastions of independent publicly sponsored cultural organizations, adding a tremendous input into European Jazz in particular and European Culture in general. The musicians employed by these Big Bands have ideal working conditions and are free from economic struggles, which take a heavy toll on most freelance musicians. Also many projects, like the one documented on this album, would have never happened in a purely unsponsored commercial environment and the existence of these bands is simply a cultural miracle. The music is a brilliant amalgam of the Orchestral / Big Band Jazz and Jazz-World Fusion idioms, which combines the best of the two worlds. Balkan music has been a huge influence on the European Jazz scene over time, and its quirky rhythm patterns and typical melodic melancholy can be found on many on quite a few albums, but a meeting with the Big Band environment is relatively rare, and this is a splendid opportunity to enjoy it to the max. Nicolas Simion is a prolific figure on the European Jazz scene, with an impressive recording legacy to his credit, which covers several sub-genres and offers many international joint projects. His Transylvanian roots are always strongly in his compositions and I am a big fan of his work, as much as his company as a Friend, which go perfectly with my Romanian secret ties ;) Overall, this is a truly delightful piece of music, which can be enjoyed by a wide audience of Jazz listeners. Of course Big Band lovers, especially those of the European Big Band variety, will be completely smitten by the virtuosity of the performances and the depth of the music found on this album.

Updated: 05/10/2024Posted: 05/10/2024

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend