Record Reviews

NIKOLA BANKOV ~ BRIGHT FUTURE AMP 051 (Barcode: 662578831310) ~ SLOVAKIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019 This is the debut album by young Slovak Jazz saxophonist / composer Nikola BankovFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with young Danish musicians: guitarist Jonas GravlundFind albums by this artist, keyboardist August KorsgaardFind albums by this artist, bassist Jens Mikkel MadsenFind albums by this artist and drummer John RiddellFind albums by this artist. NY based saxophonist Seamus BlakeFind albums by this artist guests on five of the seven tracks of the album, all of which were composed by Bankov. The music offers a fresh, up to date sound with synthesized layers of electronics, atmospheric sheets of guitar reverberations and highly energetic rhythm section, with the saxophone (or saxophones) riding on top of the dense background. But there are also contemplative, relaxed moments, still crusted with electronics, but much less intensive. Beautiful melodic themes are carefully weaved along the way. Bankov managed to create a unique ensemble sound, which becomes an integral part of the music itself, which is very rare these days. The individual performances by all the musicians are nothing short of stunning and awe inspiring, especially considering the age factor. In view of the fact that Bankov is only twenty years old, God only knows what he will come up with next. The ensemble communication is remarkable and the resulting music is extremely effective, almost "physically" overwhelming, which might need getting into by less experienced listeners, but is definitely striking from the first exposure. Although European Jazz is incredibly creative at all times, it is relatively rare that somebody comes up with a new formula, which combines Jazz, Rock, Electronics and Ambient so effectively as what can be experienced on this album. As usual in such cases it completely shuns any attempt of genre definition and simply defines itself. Is this the future of Jazz? Well, since it is already here, it is certainly one of the possible directions. Overall this is certainly a stunning debut effort, which hits the listener right between the ears. It is very rare that music of such immediate impact lands on my desk, but when it does it is instantly recognizable. There is something for everybody here, providing one wishes to be open minded and let the music sink right into one´s soul. A revelation! Godspeed to all young Lions, bright future indeed!

Updated: 15/09/2019Posted: 15/09/2019

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BRIDGES ~ BRIDGES WITH SEAMUS BLAKE AMP 008 (Barcode: 662578831013) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is the debut album by Norwegian Jazz quartet BridgesFind albums by this artist, led by drummer Anders ThorenFind albums by this artist and also including trumpeter Hayden PowellFind albums by this artist, pianist Espen BergFind albums by this artist and bassist Ole Morten VaganFind albums by this artist. The quartet is joined by NY based (born in London, raised in Vancouver) saxophonist Seamus BlakeFind albums by this artist and together as a classic quintet they perform ten pieces, nine of which were individually or collectively composed by the quintet members. The album was recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo and engineered by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist, with the usual spectacular sonic quality. The music is a superb example of modern European Jazz, with a tinge of Nordic melancholy, but nor really a typical Scandinavian outing, probably due to Blake´s presence. Based on firm melodic basis, the music allows enough space and freedom to appear airy and enables the individual players to express their statements. Three of the pieces are collective improvisations, with emphasizes the diversity and openness of the music. The individual performances are all first rate, which is hardly surprising from musicians of this statue. Blake delivers his velvety phrases, which are always right on the money, but he is not taking the centre of the stage on this album, which is by all means a collective effort. Powell plays some great trumpet lines, which are a delight and Berg masterly creates the harmonic layer upon the music smoothly flows on, throwing in a few breathtaking solos. The rhythm section is inventively supportive and deeply involved within the music, as usual with European Jazz, which sees the rhythm section as an integral part of the music making process. Overall this is a superb album from start to finish, which offers excellent music and superb execution, topped with fabulous sound quality. Jazz connoisseurs can hardly expect a better "deal" and therefore are wholeheartedly invited to check this album out at the first opportunity; satisfaction guaranteed! The album was released on a young Norwegian record label, called AMPFind albums on this label Music & Records, which is consistently releasing excellent productions since day one and is also wholeheartedly recommended to be followed.

Updated: 24/07/2017Posted: 24/07/2017

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PIOTR LEMANCZYK ~ AMHRAN SOLITON 267 (Barcode: 5901571092676) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 Polish Jazz bassist / composer Piotr LemanczykFind albums by this artist is a household name on the local scene and over the years he gained a considerable reputation as one of the most talented, versatile, dependable and imaginative bass players around. His numerous recordings in the last decade present a musician of many faces, who feels completely comfortable playing Free Jazz, melodic lyrical mainstream Jazz and anything in between. This album finds Lemanczyk in a trio setting, with US (British born) saxophonist Seamus BlakeFind albums by this artist and Polish drummer Jacek KochanFind albums by this artist, playing mostly music he composed. Of the eight compositions present on the album seven are by Lemanczyk and the remaining one is by Kochan. The music is free-spirited and open, not Free Jazz per se, as it is based on pre-composed themes, but it emphasizes the improvisations, focusing on them rather than on the melodic or even harmonic backbone. Naturally the saxophone stands in the centre of attention, but a careful listener will notice immediately that this is first and foremost a collective performance, which never falls back into a soloist / rhythm section situation, like most other saxophone trio recordings. Although Lemanczyk solos as well, his most significant contribution is simply playing along with his cohorts, demonstrating ears wide open and undivided attention and respect towards his partners. The drums often take a step back on this album, which leaves the dialog between the saxophone and bass as the centerpiece of this beautiful music. I wonder if other listeners will share my view that this album is largely atypical as far as Polish Jazz is concerned. That omnipresent lyricism / intrinsic melancholy, that is the trademark of Polish Jazz, is almost completely gone herein. If I listened to this music blindfolded, I´d most probably deduce that this is an American album. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly why, but the way the saxophonist improvises and Lemanczyk / Kochan respond is a classic example of contemporary American Jazz characteristics. Any way one looks at (or rather listens to) this music, one thing is apparent: this is masterly conceived and superbly executed stuff, which has so much to offer that even an experienced Jazz connoisseur will need to contemplate and absorb this music for a while in order to fully comprehend it. There is simply to much aesthetic beauty here to be taken in at one go. One can only hope this music will reach as many appreciative listeners as it truly deserves. This album is an absolute must for all Polish Jazz fans and any serious Jazz buff anywhere on this planet should be able to enjoy this music to the fullest, even if it will take more than one listening session to get there. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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