Record Reviews

WOJCIECH KONIKIEWICZ / TRANSTECHNOLOGICAL ORCHESTRA ~ FUTURE JAZZ GAD 355 (Barcode: 5903068127953) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2003 Released: 2025 This is an archival 2CD live album by Polish Jazz keyboardist / composer / bandleader Wojciech KonikiewiczFind albums by this artist and his TransTechnoLogical OrchestraFind albums by this artist, an octet, which also included the legendary trumpeter Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Mariusz MielczarekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Dariusz SliwaFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Marcin LamchFind albums by this artist, drummer Marek SurzynFind albums by this artist, percussionist Piotr WolskiFind albums by this artist and turntablist DJ Pedro GonzalesFind albums by this artist. The album presents three tracks, all composed by Konikiewicz, the first two around half an hour each (on CD1) and the third almost an hour in duration (on CD2). There is also a half minute intro featuring Przybielski vocalizing a short improv, which brings tears in the eyes of everybody who knew this Genius in person. Konikiewicz is one of the most unique personas on the Polish Jazz scene, operating always outside of the recognized mainstream, full of wild ideas, fearless, unconventional and a natural avant-gardist. His entire career, which spans decades, is characterized by projects, like the TransTechnoLogical Orchestra, Tribute To Miles OrchestraFind albums by this artist, Green RevolutionFind albums by this artist, the iconic Free CooperationFind albums by this artist and many others, which introduced cross-genre music, always ahead of its time and always completely unconventional, which sadly always remained unrecognized and often even opposed by the Jazz establishment, but which often created some of true Polish Jazz gems. Deeply influenced by the revolutionary music of Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, which was completely unconventional in the late 1960s, when Davis recorded “Bitches BrewFind albums with this title” and a long series of albums which followed, and which shaped the nature of Jazz for decades to come, Konikiewicz was also always driven by the urge to think “out of the box”, ignoring the usual motivation to achieve popularity and commercial success. He obviously paid a price for following his aesthetic convictions, but earned respect and recognition by a minority of open-minded music lovers. Personally, I’ve always loved the music he was involved in and I am proud to call him a friend. The music on this album follows the patterns of several Miles Davis live recordings, which present a steady hypnotic groove and basic melody, which serve as a basis for the extended improvisations by the participating musicians. The stable pulsating layer created by the rhythm section is padded by ambient background created by the keyboards and turntablism, and the trumpet / saxophone / guitar soloing, both individually and collectively, create the icing on top. The music develops slowly, layer after layer, trancelike, and keeps the listener mesmerized for the entire duration. The trumpet parts by Przybielski (who sadly died in 2011) are some of the most astounding sounds he ever recorded, and they alone are a good enough reason to get the album. Overall, this is an astounding document of the Polish Jazz history, which luckily was recorded at the time and now brought back to life by GADFind albums on this label Records, who do a great job of documenting Polish Culture. Jazz fans around the globe, especially those who love the electric Jazz period of Miles Davis, should find this music absolutely fascinating. This is truly beyond recommendation, simply a must!

Updated: 15/12/2025Posted: 15/12/2025

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TOMASZ STANKO ~ BALLADYNA – THEATER PLAY COMPOSITIONS GOWI 16 (Barcode: 786497093526) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1994 Released: 1994 This little-known album by Polish trumpeter / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist contains the music he wrote for the theatre performance of the tragedy "Balladyna" written by Polish playwright Juliusz SlowackiFind albums by this artist. Not to be confused with Stanko´s pivotal album also entitled "BalladynaFind albums with this title", recorded almost two decades earlier and released on ECMFind albums on this label. The album presents the complete theatre soundtrack for the play, consisting of 23 tracks ranging in length between half a minute to over five minutes. The central theme is repeated many times in different renditions, arrangements, tempi and instrumentations, creating a beautiful and often chilling atmosphere. The music stands on it´s own as a completely valid piece of music, which can be enjoyed separately from the theatre performance it was intended for. The performers include Stanko´s quartet members: pianist Marcin WasilewskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Slawomir KurkiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist, as well as saxophonist Tomasz SzukalskiFind albums by this artist, vocalist Ewa WanatFind albums by this artist and percussionists Piotr WolskiFind albums by this artist and Zbigniew BrysiakFind albums by this artist. In retrospect this is an important piece of Stanko´s recorded legacy, similarly to his other soundtrack compositions, which show his rare ability to write wonderful atmospheric music. This is a must to all Stanko connoisseurs, although deleted since many years with (so far) no prospects for a reissue.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend