Record Reviews

WOJTEK MAZOLEWSKI QUINTET ~ POLKA AGORA 9788326813801 (Barcode: 9788326813801) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 - 2014 Released: 2014 This is the third album by Polish Jazz bassists / composer Wojtek MazolewskiFind albums by this artist and his quintet, which also includes Slovak trumpeter Oskar TorokFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Marek PospieszalskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Joanna DudaFind albums by this artist and drummers Qba JanickiFind albums by this artist and Michal BryndalFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve compositions (one repeated twice), six of which are originals by Mazolewski, two are originals by Duda, one is credited to the entire quintet and three are covers. The music on this album was written over a long period of time and reflects the personal life of the leader and the touring experiences by his quintet, as well as their musical preferences. It is a mixed bag of various influences, including Jazz but not necessarily strictly connected with Jazz, as usual with Mazolewski´s albums. His tap-dance between Jazz and more popular Pop & Rock idioms seem to work miracles during the quintet´s live shows, which are extremely well attended by enthusiastic audiences, but it does not translate that well into albums, like this one, which are a mixed, unfocused bag. Of course these are top-notch players, especially Duda, who displays a remarkable ability to adopt her playing to the various musical environments present herein and sets her own voice in her compositions. The sound is smooth and likeable as is the music and overall this album is a lot of fun to listen to, but leaves very little of an afterthought. The album is beautifully packaged in a fancy digibook format, with great photos and Mazolewski´s reflections about the music. BTW the work "Polka" has a double meaning: a Folk dance (of Czech origin) and a Polish female person; a dichotomy Mazolewski explores in detail. I had a lot fun listening to this album but at the same time, as with all albums by Mazolewski, I feel a bit cheated, always getting a bit less than I hoped for. Some music simply does sound better live…

Updated: 05/01/2025Posted:

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

MAZZOLL / JANICKI / JANICKI ~ MINIMALOVER NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011 This is the debut album by the Polish Avant-Garde trio, which consists of clarinetist Jerzy MazzollFind albums by this artist, bassist Slawek JanickiFind albums by this artist and drummer Qba JanickiFind albums by this artist. The album consists of a CD, which includes six improvised pieces recorded in a studio, based on Mazzoll´s ideas, and a DVD which documents a live concert filmed immediately following the studio recording. The music and video was recorded at the legendary "Mozg" center in Bydgoszcz, which includes a recording studio and a club, one of Poland´s most interesting musical epicenters. Mazzoll, one of the pioneers of Polish contemporary Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene and one of the Godfathers of the Yass movement, remains to be a central figure of that scene and his prolific activity is well documented. Slawek Janicki was a member of Mazzoll´s Arhythmic PerfectionFind albums by this artist for many years and they are now joined by Slawek´s son Qba. Mazzoll was also an early member of the legendary ensemble MiloscFind albums by this artist. Although obviously highly spirited and full of great musicianship, the music presented on this album failed to engage me, which is a prerequisite to be able to truly enjoy it. To make sure this is not just a whim of the moment I listened to the music on different occasions and still was left cold. Even the additional visual layer present on the DVD failed to change the situation. Perhaps this music was an ideal vehicle as a means of communication between the players, but it failed to break the intimate inner circle. I admit a personal failure here, not blaming the musicians. The album itself is a beautiful document of the Mozg center and the activities that are carried out there. Considering the fact that this kind of underground culture, which is supported by local Government and carries on a tradition for several decades, this is a wondrous and highly unusual phenomenon.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD+DVD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend