Record Reviews

MICHAL KULENTY ~ DUSZA W USZACH POLSKIE RADIO 1835 (Barcode: 5907812248352) ~ POLAND ~ Smooth Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2016 This is an album by veteran Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer Michal KulentyFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quartet setting with pianist Krzysztof HerdzinFind albums by this artist, bassist Robert KubiszynFind albums by this artist and drummer Cezary KonradFind albums by this artist and accompanied by the Polish Radio OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Herdzin. The album presents twelve original compositions, all by Kulenty and all arranged by Herdzin. The album was recorded four years prior to its release. The music is all very melodic and well structured, only marginally belonging to the Jazz idiom, being much closer to Popular and light Classical music, especially in view of Herdzin´s elaborate, but sugary arrangements. Although Kulenty improvisations are at the centre of the listeners attention, they are somewhat watered down by the orchestral accompaniment with an overall Smooth Jazz ambience. Kulenty´s wonderful tone and phrasing, which awarded him the nickname of "saxophone poet" due to his superb feeling and lyricism, are indeed pure delight. The album offers many wonderfully lyrical moments, appropriate especially for the less strictly Jazz oriented audiences, and is highly professionally executed and recorded, which overall produces a very pleasant listening experience. Tragically the release of this album almost coincided with Kulenty´s premature death in January 2017, which was a great loss to the local Jazz scene.

Updated: 31/03/2017Posted: 31/03/2017

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

WLODZIMIERZ NAHORNY ~ ZAPACH PSIEJ SIERSCI GAD 019 (Barcode: 5901549197242) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1980 Released: 2014 This album presents the music by Polish Jazz saxophonist / pianist / composer / arranger Wlodzimierz NahornyFind albums by this artist, one of the Godfathers of modern Polish Jazz, which served as the soundtrack of the movie "Zapach Psiej Siersci" ("The Smell Of Dog´s Fur"), which was based on a novel by Polish writer Wojciech ZukrowskiFind albums by this artist. The movie was directed by Jan BatoryFind albums by this artist, who died in August 1981 shortly after the film was completed and before it was belatedly released for screening in 1982, due to the Martial Law imposed in Poland in December 1981. The original soundtrack includes thirteen, mostly short pieces of music, except for two longer and extended themes. Additionally there are two source music pieces and seven bonus tracks, previously unheard. All the music was composed, arranged and orchestrated by Nahorny and was performed by the Polish Radio OrchestraFind albums by this artist, conducted by the composer, which included some of the best Polish Jazz players, but who remain unnamed. Nahorny most probably plays the keyboards, although that is again not specifically mentioned in the liner notes. The music is all masterly composed and arranged, showing Nahorny´s versatility and sensitivity, which was always his trademark. On one hand Nahorny is able to write romantic and beautifully lyrical melodies and on the other his swinging pieces are always full of finesse and sparkling with incredible feel for the Jazz idiom. As a result the soundtrack fits ideally to the movie´s plot, which combines romance and thriller characteristics. In contrast to most soundtrack albums, which usually have little to offer as a standalone products, this music holds its ground superbly as an interesting collection of excellently performed musical themes, even when separated from the movie. Additionally it also withstands the tides of time without loosing any of its validity, similarly to the best soundtracks of similar category, like the archetypal "Last Tango In ParisFind albums with this title" by Gato BarbieriFind albums by this artist. Remastered from the original master tapes the album sounds spectacularly and is another great tribute to the legacy of Wlodzimierz Nahorny brought to us by GADFind albums on this label Records, for which we are, as usual, grateful.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ANDRZEJ OLEJNICZAK ~ NEW SAX CONCERTOS POLSKIE RADIO 1855-1856 (Barcode: 5907812248550) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is a wonderful album by Polish (living in Spain) Jazz saxophonist Andrzej OlejniczakFind albums by this artist, who performs three "borderline" pieces bridging Jazz and Classical music, which feature the saxophone as the leading instrument. The album was recorded live with Olejniczak performing the music with the Polish Radio OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Krzesimir DebskiFind albums by this artist. Drummer Lukasz ZytaFind albums by this artist is featured as co-soloist on one track. The first piece, entitled "Focus Suite", was written by American composer Eddie SauterFind albums by this artist specifically for saxophonist Stan GetzFind albums by this artist, who recorded the suite in 1961 on the album entitled "FocusFind albums with this title", which to this day remains as one of the most revered Jazz recordings of all times. The original recording features Getz supported by a Jazz piano trio (pianist Steve KuhnFind albums by this artist, bassist John NevesFind albums by this artist and drummer Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist) and a small string ensemble, with the music beautifully arranged by Sauter. The second piece, entitled "Sax Concerto For Soprano Saxophone And Symphony Orchestra, was written by American composer Mark KussFind albums by this artist in 2006. The third piece, entitled "Jazz Concerto For Saxophone And Orchestra", was written by Polish violinist / composer / conductor Krzesimir Debski in 2008. Debski and Olejniczak were both members of the legendary Polish Jazz ensemble String ConnectionFind albums by this artist, which was active in the 1980s. The concerto was written for Olejniczak and incorporates many of the themes that appeared on the albums String Connection recorded at the time and the solo saxophone parts are based on transcriptions of the violin solos played by Debski at the time. In many respects this concerto symbolizes the closing of a time loop bringing the two great musicians together again. The music is excellently performed by Olejniczak, who has a beautiful tone and superb technique. Although most of the music here is composed, there are plenty of opportunities for Olejniczak to express his own improvised passages, making this entire performance a once in a lifetime event. The orchestra is also top notch, supporting the soloist with elegance and obvious sympathy. Fans of Jazz-Classical fusion will find this music right up their alley, but listeners of both Classical Music and Jazz should find this music worth their attention, especially in view of its aesthetic merits. Warmly recommended!

CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend