Record Reviews

PASCAL VON WROBLEWSKY ~ SEVENTIES SONGBOOK DUNEFISH 693723125121 (Barcode: 693723125121) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Soul Fusion Recorded: 2009 - 2011 Released: 2012 This is an album by German vocalist Pascal von WroblewskyFind albums by this artist, which finds her revisiting the music of her youth and singing ten new arrangements of classic 1970s Pop / Rock / Blues material. The album was recorded in an intimate setting with guitarist / keyboardist Jurgen HeckelFind albums by this artist, who was also in charge of all the arrangements, bassist Pepe BernsFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter MichailowFind albums by this artist. I first heard von Wroblewsky when she recorded her debut album "Swinging PoolFind albums with this title" released on the East German AmigaFind albums on this label label thirty years ago, when Europe was still divided by the Iron Curtain. Her warm, soulful voice and wonderful sense of melody were already present on that album and they stayed intact over the years, as this album duly proves. Although von Wroblewsky is not a native English speaker, her pronunciation and accent are almost perfect and the ever so slight "foreign" feel is simply charming rather that disturbing. The choice of the material is perfect and suits perfectly the vocalist´s range and sensibilities, moving easily between Blues, Soul and Rhythm And Blues, always elegant, highly expressive and beautifully aesthetic. The instrumental arrangements are exquisite, delicate and display nothing but good taste. They are soaked in Blues and Jazz feel and suit the vocalist´s performances ideally. Heckel plays stunning guitar parts, well audible and yet not overshadowing the vocals. The acoustic bass adds a lot to the intimacy and Jazzy feel of the album and the delicate and elegant drum parts are also right on the money. Overall this is heartwarming to see that von Wroblewsky manages to stay relevant in a reality where quality music is no longer the name of the game. Although full of nostalgic feeling for better times, this album is by no way dated, as classic tunes obviously live forever and when treated as gracefully and stylishly like here, absolutely nothing can go wrong. For people my age this album is a wonderful trip down the memory lane, but for younger listeners this is a lesson on how to treat songs respectfully and carry them into future without annihilating them on the way. Very well done Milady!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 16/07/2016

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