Record Reviews

DRUM FREAKS ~ SMYRNA MILO 106 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003 This is the second album by Polish ensemble Drum FreaksFind albums by this artist founded and led by Milo KurtisFind albums by this artist, a multi-instrumentalist / composer of Greek origin living in Poland. Kurtis is a prominent figure on the local scene, having been involved with many legendary local groups, like OssianFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. OsjanFind albums by this artist), MaanamFind albums by this artist and others. A versatile musician and a charismatic personality, Kurtis performed in such diverse musical fields as Folklore, World Music, Reggae and Free Jazz. On this album the lineup includes, apart from the leader, guitarist Janusz Yanina IwanskiFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Piotr IwickiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist Mateusz PospieszalskiFind albums by this artist and percussionist Joannis KurtisFind albums by this artist. Ex-JamiroquaiFind albums by this artist player Wallis BuchananFind albums by this artist appears as a guest playing didgeridoo. The album includes eight original compositions by the leader and other members of the band, including Buchanan, all of which were recorded live at the St. John´s Church in the Northern port city of Gdansk. The music is an amalgam of melodic World Music from many different sources, but most significantly from the Mediterranean, ornamented by improvised Jazz oriented solos. As far as the Polish scene is concerned, this is definitely an unusual phenomenon, although Kurtis was involved in somewhat similar projects earlier, albeit in more meditative and experimental form. The overall atmosphere is serene and even lyrical at times, but successfully maintains an element of development and interest, unlike many similar projects, which quickly cross over into mediocre Muzak. Kurtis, who is a deeply spiritual person (I had the pleasure to meet him during my production of "The Book Of JobFind albums with this title" album in which he took part), manages skillfully to avoid the populism often involved with Western musicians performing World Music originating from non-Western sources. The music herein offers an opportunity to the musician to cooperate rather than compete, with little show-off and modern-times rush into the unknown. As Kurtis himself describes it, this is "early morning" music, which sounds best before out minds get clotted by the infernal noise that surrounds us all in today´s world. For me it also sounds great late at night, when I try to wash out (mentally at least) the day´s pressures. But I suppose that every listener will be able to find a proper moment for this music, as suitable to their souls. Listeners, who like Jazz-World Fusion excursions, should definitely try this album out as soon as possible, as it is one of the nicest pieces of that type that I happened to stumble upon. Considering that many Jazz-World Fusion albums are quite kitschy, this one is a gem!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

CEZARIUSZ GADZINA ~ MOSTY UNIVERSAL MUSIC POLSKA 602557812039 (Barcode: 602557812039) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2017 This is an album by Polish (resident in Belgium) saxophonist / composer Cezariusz GadzinaFind albums by this artist, recorded with a host of top Polish Jazz musicians, which includes trumpeter Robert MajewskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Maciej SikalaFind albums by this artist, trombonist Grzegorz NagorskiFind albums by this artist, accordionist Cezary PaciorekFind albums by this artist, bassist Pawel PantaFind albums by this artist, percussionist Piotr IwickiFind albums by this artist and drummer Cezary KonradFind albums by this artist – a dream team by all respects. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Gadzina, all entitled "Bridge" in eight different languages ("Mosty" means bridges in Polish), symbolizing the connections between a plethora of genres and sub-genres present within the contemporary Jazz idiom. Gadzina is primarily familiar for his work in the Jazz-Classical Fusion field and his previous recordings, including the excellent "The Fifth ElementFind albums with this title", testify to his affinity to this particular field. However, this recording seems to leave Classical Music out of the formula, concentrating on the Jazz side of Gadzina´s personality. Stylistically the music sits well within the boundaries of modern mainstream Jazz language, offering excellent compositions and interesting arrangements, none of which are trivial or banal. The music is full of unexpected twists and turns, tempo changes and multiple themes, all within one composition, which of course makes listening to this music a real fun for true Jazz fans. The compositions are diverse enough to keep the listener interested and balance well between the beautifully melodic ballads and the up-tempo numbers. The individual performances are all top notch, as expected from these highly experienced musicians. Personally I love the prominent presence of the accordion, a much neglected instrument in Jazz, and the percussion ornamentations, which add another layer of rhythmic contents. But of course the trumpet solo parts, excellent saxophone work, pulsating bass lines and everything else are just right. The overall octet sound is not to busy and allows all instruments to be perfectly audible. Overall this is a great mainstream album, much more ambitious and advanced musically than the standard albums recorded in this genre. It is not about discovering any new territory, but offers novel approach to arrangement and very solid composition and performance standards. As such it deserves to be listened to and surely enjoyed as well.

Updated: 15/12/2017Posted: 15/12/2017

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

LOUD JAZZ BAND ~ 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT LJB 009 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 As the title suggests, this is a live recording celebrating the 25th anniversary of the multi-national Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble called Loud Jazz BandFind albums by this artist, founded and led by guitarist / composer Miroslaw KaczmarczykFind albums by this artist. The octet lineup, which is captured on this video, includes also trombonist Erik JohannessenFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Wojciech StaroniewiczFind albums by this artist, pianist Pawel KaczmarczykFind albums by this artist, bassist Sebastian HaugenFind albums by this artist, drummer Ivan MakedonovFind albums by this artist, percussionist Maciej OstromeckiFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Piotr IwickiFind albums by this artist. The concert was filmed at the Polish Radio studios in Warsaw and captures the ensemble performing nine original compositions, all by the leader. The music of the Loud Jazz Band is a highly polished, melodic and mostly lyrical Jazz-Rock Fusion, with a well balanced ratio between the more Jazz oriented brass solos and more Rock oriented guitar and keyboard solos, supported by a superbly slick and well oiled rhythm section. The compositions get expanded treatments, which allow for all the ensemble members to show off their chops. The band is obviously one of the best of its kind in Europe, definitely more ambitious and sophisticated than most. It is a real pleasure to watch and hear this band in action, especially in view of the superb solos performed in the duration, which spice the proceedings enormously. On this particular recording the internal balance of the band is somewhat shifted towards Jazz with the addition of the Polish piano superstar Pawel Kaczmarczyk, who proverbially "steals the show" with his extraordinary performances. Of course his presence adds a new level to the entire sound and well being of the ensemble, but his star quality is a magnet of attention. It is quite surprising to hear Kaczmarczyk to handle Jazz-Rock Fusion so well, albeit the fact that this is not his typical milieu. As good as the music of Loud Jazz Band is the actual video is truly disappointing, almost amateurish with a inadequate camera work, which is limited to an open shot view of the band and some primitive close-ups. The sound quality is, however excellent, clear and well balanced. As a result the visual part of the DVD is in fact redundant (as happens in most music DVDs) and this material holds water based on its audible ingredient alone. For Jazz-Rock Fusion fans this is a highly recommended piece of excellent music, which yields nothing but pure delight!

DVD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

LOUD JAZZ BAND ~ FROM THE DISTANCE - LIVE IN OSLO LJB 006 (Barcode: 7090025839429) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This is the eighth album by the multi-national Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble called Loud Jazz BandFind albums by this artist, which was founded in 1989 in Poland by guitarist / composer Miroslaw KaczmarczykFind albums by this artist and a decade later moved to Norway. The current edition of the band includes musicians from Poland, Norway and Bulgaria and the octet lineup which recorded this album includes, in addition to Kaczmarczyk the following players: trombonist Erik JohannessenFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Wojciech StaroniewiczFind albums by this artist, pianist Oystein SkarFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Piotr IwickiFind albums by this artist, bassist Kristian EdvardsenFind albums by this artist, drummer Ivan MakedonovFind albums by this artist and percussionist Maciej OstromeckiFind albums by this artist. The album, which was recorded live, includes seven original compositions by Kaczmarczyk. After listening to just a few moments of this music, it becomes immediately apparent that this is a highly professional ensemble of skilled and experienced musicians, playing polished arrangements of very melodic music spiced with very impressive solo spots. The music, perhaps not very challenging or adventurous, is nevertheless skillfully put together and "easy on the ear", sounding simply beautiful and pleasant. And yet this is far from being elevator music or God forbid muzak, even if it sounds "nice"; on the contrary, it is simply perfectly designed to fit a precise niche of what is usually referred to as the "easier side of Jazz". If Pat MethenyFind albums by this artist can play this kind of music, and be universally praised for it, why not the Loud Jazz Band, especially if they are at least as good? The sound quality of this album, especially in view of the fact that it was recorded live, is simply stunning and the balance and separation between the instruments and overall ambience are truly magnificent. This album should be used in all the Hi-Fi stores to test the audio equipment. The album is also beautifully and tastefully designed and packaged, suiting well the music it contains. For people listening to more melodic Jazz / Fusion this is a true gem!

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Audiophile Recommend To A Friend

TRIBUTE TO MILES ORCHESTRA ~ LIVE WARNER MUSIC POLAND 039842388922 (Barcode: 039842388922) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1998 Released: 1998 This is the only album by Polish Jazz ensemble Tribute To Miles OrchestraFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. TTMOFind albums by this artist), led by keyboardist / composer Wojciech KonikiewiczFind albums by this artist, which also featured trumpeter Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Mariusz MielczarekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Janusz Yanina IwanskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Marcin PospieszalskiFind albums by this artist, drummer Radek MacinskiFind albums by this artist and percussionist (usually keyboardists) Piotr IwickiFind albums by this artist. The album, which was recorded live at the legendary Akwarium club in Warsaw, presents six compositions, five of which are by Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and one is by Konikiewicz (dedicated to Davis). Musically the album presents the style Miles Davis utilized during the last period of his career, when he switched to Warner Bros. and released the world shattering "TutuFind albums with this title", presenting a combination of Funk and electronic music, which at the time was as innovative as every other giant step Davis took during his career. The Polish Jazz musicians handle the Funk rhythmic challenge formidably and paraphrasing on the "white man can´t jump" - white man definitely can Funk! There are plenty of superb solos and passionate moments, as well as interesting arrangements of earlier Davis compositions transcribed into the Funky style. The remarkable bass playing, which is the basis upon which this music is built, is the core element of its success. But all the participants are contributing extraordinarily and the overall result is way beyond what one might expect. The most thrilling and astonishing facet of this album is the presence of trumpeter Andrzej Przybielski, who is ordinarily associated with the Free / Avant-Garde Polish scene. This is surely the most "conventional" recording that Przybielski ever took part in and his sound and imitation of the Miles Davis phrasing are simply marvelous. The invitation of Przybielski to participate on this album was a prophetic and bold move by Konikiewicz, who is therefore credited for showing us a face of the legendary trumpeter that we never knew about and is preserved here for posterity. There is no doubt that the idea behind this album was influenced by the two Miles Davis visits in Poland, in 1983 and in 1988 (I attended that concert), which are generally accepted as life changing experience for the Polish Jazz scene, both collectively as a community and individually as directly influencing the local musicians. The second visit, which happened shortly before Poland was finally released from the grip of the Socialist regime, was a symbol of a changing reality, which at the time was just around the corner (pun intended). The album suffers from some minor sound quality problems due to the recording conditions, but those are completely negligible in view of the musical contents and the historic significance of this album. The fact that this album disappeared from the shelves almost immediately after it was released and was never reissued is a crying shame.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend