Record Reviews

TERCET KAMILI DRABEK ~ TAK BYM CHCIALA KOCHAC JUZ AUDIO CAVE 2024/003 (Barcode: 5908298549834) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is the 2nd album by the Polish Jazz bassist / composer Kamila DrabekFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with saxophonist Marcin KonieczkowiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Kacper KazmierskiFind albums by this artist, same lineup that recorded the debut album “Muzyka NaiwnaFind albums with this title”, released almost five years earlier. The album presents nine tracks, six composed by Drabek, two by Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer Jerzy MatuszkiewiczFind albums by this artist and one is a standard by Sonny RollinsFind albums by this artist. The music, except for the two Matuszkiewicz pieces, which are kept close to their origin, i.e. mainstream Jazz, and which are a loving tribute to his music, is wonderful modern Jazz, elegantly minimalist, often romantic and lyrical, and at all times fascinating. The entire album is a great example of the “less is more” idiom, where every note counts and every little nuance is meaningful. The arrangement of the Rollins’ tune is delightful, and I am tempted to send it over to him, to hear what he thinks of it. Although the alto saxophone is naturally at the helm, playing fluently and affluently, this is very much a trio effort, with Drabek vividly present at all times and Kazmierski at her side, with a confident and intelligent rhythmic support. The entire ambience of the trio is very unique and the excellent sound quality of the album adds significantly to its imminent success. The album is a very delicate statement, completely non-aggressive and subdued, and yet striking by its obviously carefully preconceived modesty and aesthetic determination. Everything heard here makes perfect sense musically, and at the same time keeps surprising the listener time after time. Overall, this is an excellent sophomore effort, which was definitely worth the long wait, and establishes Drabek as a musician and composer worth pursuing in the future and a proud representative of the female Polish Jazz scene, which is constantly gaining its repute in the last decade. It is certainly an album many Jazz listeners the world over should enjoy immensely!

Updated: 13/05/2024Posted: 13/05/2024

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

THELONIOUS MONK ~ THE COMPLETE BLUE NOTE RECORDINGS BLUE NOTE 724383036325 (Barcode: 724383036325) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1947 - 1958 Released: 1994 This superb Box Set contains all the music recorded by the legendary American pianist / composer Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist for the no less legendary Blue NoteFind albums on this label label. It includes his first sessions as a leader, recorded between 1947 and 1952, a later guest appearance with Sonny RollinsFind albums by this artist (1957) and a live recording with John ColtraneFind albums by this artist (1958). This music was released originally on 78 rpm records, 10-inch LPs, 12-inch (normal) LPs and finally on CDs. This box includes the complete remastered material presented in chronological order and adds many previously unreleased bonuses and an excellent booklet with background information. This music, although recorded at the formative years of Bebop, is distinctly "different" from the Bebop "mainline" and often quite "out there", as Monk´s idiosyncratic compositions and unique playing technique made him stand out already at the very early stages of his career. Fellow musicians would often put Monk and his music in a separate niche, most of them admiring his mind-boggling and often outlandish ideas. Monk´s complete disregard of conventions and visionary approach to music is one of Jazz greatest mysteries. Today, over six decades after this music was recorded, no other musician was able to come even close to Monk´s weird note sequences and harmonies, pauses and rhythmic hiccups, long arpeggios and single notes, in short complete individuality, as rare as bird´s milk. Some even speculate as to his alien origin in lack of a better explanation of his unparalleled genius. The music comprises mostly of Monk´s original compositions, many of which were destined to become Jazz standards and some standards, which often sound quite unusual after receiving the famous Monk treatment. Monk is accompanied by some of the most iconic Jazz figures, like drummer Art BlakeyFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Milt JacksonFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Kenny DorhamFind albums by this artist bassist Paul ChambersFind albums by this artist and many others. This box is not only full of great music but also an excellent document of Jazz history. Piano Jazz connoisseurs should definitely include this in their "must have" list, but most avid Jazz lovers will find it fascinating and even essential. Although Monk´s later output is better known, this period is by no means less significant and in many respects, especially as far as revolutionizing Jazz composition, is perhaps even more momentous. Buy or die!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 4 Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

THELONIOUS MONK ~ THE COMPLETE RIVERSIDE RECORDINGS RIVERSIDE 888072360020 (Barcode: 888072360020) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1955 - 1961 Released: 2014 This magnificent Box Set compiles all the recordings by American Jazz pianist / composer / Prophet Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist made between 1955 and 1961 for the independent American RiversideFind albums on this label Records label, co-owned and led by the legendary record producer Orrin KeepnewsFind albums by this artist, who sadly died in March 2015. The fifteen CDs included in this Box Set contain some of the most important Jazz music ever recorded, by one of the greatest and most idiosyncratic figures on the American music scene. The music is arranged chronologically and includes thirty recording sessions with music ranging from solo piano performances to ensemble pieces, starring the crème de la crème of American Jazz musicians of the 1950s, including John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, Coleman HawkinsFind albums by this artist, Sonny RollinsFind albums by this artist and many others. Although usually associated with Bebop as one of its founding figures, Monk never really played Bebop as such and the association is mostly coincidental, since he started his career when Bebop erupted. In fact Monk always played only Monk, and that was it. His absolutely unique sense of rhythm (or rather the lack of it as we know it) and his weirdly twisted melody lines were his trademark and usually just a few notes are enough to identify him as a player. Riverside was Monk´s second label after his stint with Blue Note and before moving to Columbia, and it proved to be the most creative as far as his composing career is concerned. Except for a few standards played on the early Riverside sessions, most of the music in this Box Set comprises of Monk´s originals, which are all absolutely marvelous. The importance of Monk´s contribution to Jazz is of course his complete disregard of the "norm" and the consistent approach of following his own path. His music always sounded like nothing else around him and the musicians playing with him had to forget almost everything they knew about melody, harmony and rhythm and simply follow his lead. It´s hardly surprising that he was considered "difficult" and "noncooperative" by many people around him, which was intensified by his erratic personal behavior, but of course this is a problem with many extraordinary people. Sadly in Monk´s case his mental state deteriorated relatively early and he disappeared from the active musical life by early 1970s (he died in 1982), following his last appearances during the worldwide tour with the Giants Of Jazz, which I was lucky to hear live at the time. Therefore these sessions are even more invaluable, as they represent a large portion of his relatively short overall recording career. Every note played on these CDs is absolutely priceless and I can´t imagine any serious Jazz record collection not including this music in one form or another. This Box Set is the most comprehensive and the cheapest option to have it in your possession.

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 29/12/2015

CD 15 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

SLAWOMIR PEZDA ~ TRIBUTE TO TENOR LEGENDS NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 5903819630053) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is an album by Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Slawomir PezdaFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Mateusz GawedaFind albums by this artist, bassist Alan WykpiszFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz PalkaFind albums by this artist – a formidable team indeed. As the album’s title suggests, it is a tribute to leading tenor saxophone Jazz players, seven Americans and one Pole: Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist, Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist, Sonny RollinsFind albums by this artist, Pharoah SandersFind albums by this artist, John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, Albert AylerFind albums by this artist, David S. WareFind albums by this artist and Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, presenting one track each of their compositions. This highly ambitious undertaking of interpreting the entire modern American Jazz, from Bebop to Free / Avant-Garde, focusing on one instrument, might have proved to be a perilous task, a chutzpah of an unprecedented scale. I must confess that I placed the CD into the player with slightly trembling hands and heart, as I deeply respect the four musicians involved and would have hated to hear them ridiculing themselves. To my sheer amazement, this bold attempt not only works splendidly, but offers some of the best Jazz music I have come across in a long time. Obviously, the compositions by the eight Jazz Giants are a good starting point, but trying to impersonate the highly idiosyncratic expressionism of all eight performers, which in all cases continuously changed over time, is a momentous task. I must say that Pezda and his cohorts managed to capture the spirit not only of the compositions, but also of the eight Saxophone Colossi. The more experienced the listeners to this album are, the more they will be able to appreciate the depth of the perception Pezda and the quartet managed to achieve. But most importantly, this album manages to exemplify the process of Europeanization of this music, which is truly astounding. Whereas the American, original form of this music is full of fire and natural, raw, wild power of expression, the music on this album is transformed into elegant, precise, coherent and harmonic beauty, losing absolutely nothing of its strength of expression, depth or penetration. Of course this is not the first time such transformation of American music in the hands of European musicians happens, but this album is a perfect school example of the process, which should be taught in every Jazz institution. Of course it goes without saying that all these musicians are absolute wizards and already in this relatively early stage of their careers, offer a magnificent control of their relative instruments and superb level of knowledge and creativity. Overall, this is absolutely brilliant album from start to finish, a wonderful lesson in Jazz history and the fundamental differences between American and European Jazz idioms. Of course, as already stated above, the level of understanding of this music might relate to the level of knowledge of Jazz history and the musical worlds of the eight heroes, who are being paid a tribute herein. In any case, this extraordinary piece of music deserved an honorable place on the pedestal of the best Polish Jazz albums ever recorded. Respect!

Updated: 05/03/2023Posted: 05/03/2023

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

SONNY ROLLINS ~ FREEDOM WEAVER: THE 1959 EUROPEAN TOUR RECORDINGS RESONANCE 2065 (Barcode: 617270122860) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1959 Released: 2024 This is an archival live album by the American Saxophone Colossus - Sonny RollinsFind albums by this artist, recorded on a trio setting during his 1959 European Tour, with bassist Henry GrimesFind albums by this artist and drummers Pete La RocaFind albums by this artist, Joe HarrisFind albums by this artist or Kenny ClarkeFind albums by this artist (all four are sadly not with us anymore). The tour spanned Sweden, Switzerland, Holland, Germany and France and the 3CD album presents twenty-six tracks, recorded at radio, concert halls and a club and the sound quality of these recordings is absolutely stunning. As usual with the ResonanceFind albums on this label label releases, the album is accompanied by extensive booklet with in-depth interviews and articles by musicians and critics and brilliant photographs. It was 1959 and Bebop was still the King of jazz, but Rollins was never playing exactly by the “rules”, so these tracks beautifully depict how cleverly and ingeniously he bends the established trends tradition and does his own thing. Especially interesting are the three tracks on CD3, which are all between fifteen and almost twenty minutes long and offer Rollins playing super-long solos of the finest possible quality. The fact that all the music was recorded in Europe, where the response to Jazz in general, and advanced forms of it in particular, were warmly embraced and appreciated, in contrast to what happened in the US at the time, is probably why the atmosphere is obviously warm and receptive. I talked to Rollins about this during my telephone conversation with him a while ago, about his recordings in Finland, and he also expressed his appreciation of the European audiences. In a short interview included on CD1 Rollins explains why he decided to play in a saxophone trio format, which was highly unusual at the time. Some of these tracks have been available in bootleg form, but this is the first time the entire 1959 European Tour is available together in exquisite sound quality and with proper care and respect. It is also remarkable that there is very little repetition as far as the compositions are concerned, although all the music was recorded within the span of nine days between March 2 and March 11, 1959. What an incredible level of creativity. Overall, this is an incredible piece of Jazz history and a sublime collection of music by one of the finest and greatest Godfathers of the genre. Regardless of how many albums by Rollins one already owns in one’s collection, this album is an absolute and essential must have!

Updated: 03/01/2025Posted: 03/01/2025

CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

SONNY ROLLINS / HEIKKI SARMANTO ~ LIVE AT FINLANDIA HALL, HELSINKI 1972 SVART 609 (Barcode: 6430080233304) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1972 Released: 2023 By mid-1971 the great American saxophonist / composer Sonny RollinsFind albums by this artist returned to public performances following his “second sabbatical”, and in the summer of 1972 he recorded his first new studio album in six years, starting the thirty years long stint with the legendary MilestoneFind albums on this label Records label, which resulted in twenty-two albums, and which earned him the title of “Saxophone Colossus”. Finnish pianist / composer Heikki SarmantoFind albums by this artist was the first Finn to be awarded a scholarship at the Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1968. His arrival in America was soon after followed by a hyperactive activity of performing on the local Boston scene, to be extended afterward also to the NY scene, where Sarmanto met, among many other American Jazz musicians, also with Sonny Rollins. When Rollins was invited to perform at the Finland Festival in the summer of 1972, he opted to play a concert with the Heikki Sarmanto trio, with Sarmanto on the Fender Rhodes electric piano, his brother Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist on bass and Esko RosnellFind albums by this artist on drums. The historic concert took place at the magnificent Finlandia Hall, an architectural marvel, which was completed only a few months earlier. The concert was recorded by the YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Company), and is presented herein for the first time fifty years after it was recorded. Sarmanto remembers: “When we talked about the concert at The Finlandia Hall, we both remembered that we had a full house with an enthusiastic audience. We also remembered that Sonny stayed at the classic Hotel Vaakuna and that he bought some 10 pairs of nice bell-bottoms from the Seppälä clothing store in Helsinki.” The music is everything one might have hoped for, with extensive improvisations and incredible soloing by the musicians. Two standards and one original by Rollins, which last between sixteen and twenty-four minutes, offer ample opportunity to illustrate both the quartet vibe and individual virtuosity. Rollins seems to be especially in high spirits and his powerful and expressive playing, full of sense of humor, is simply marvelous. He even manages to quote some hints of Jean SibeliusFind albums by this artist’ “Finlandia” tone poem as a tribute to the venue. Sarmanto’s electric piano offers a fresh aura and delicate melodious sensitivity, his brother’s bass playing swings and pulsates superbly and Rosnell’s drumming drives the music like a ship with sails full of wind and his solo, which ends the concert, leaves the audience ready for a standing ovation. American Jazz musicians often performed in Europe and some even relocated to Europe (including Finland) in view of the racist politics and lack of Artistic recognition they were exposed to back home at the time. In most cases American Jazz musicians would come over to Europe with their combos, and the fact that Rollins decided to play with the Finns speaks volumes about his respect for Sarmanto’s talent and personality, that continued for years to come. Sarmanto mentions that: “Later on, in the early 80s, Sonny´s and Heikki´s collaboration resulted in a major project. Sonny hired Heikki to arrange, orchestrate and conduct Sonny´s “Concerto For Tenor Saxophone and Orchestra”. This massive two-hour work was premiered in Tokyo in 1986 with Yomiuri Nippon Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist, conducted by Heikki, Sonny as soloist. The premier was a success, and after Tokyo, Sonny and Heikki took the concerto to Italy, where it was performed at Ravenna and Parma Festivals with Arturo Toscanini OrchestraFind albums by this artist, again with great success!” The fact that Finnish Jazz fans are able to hear this music now, so many years after it was recorded, is a true marvel and blessing. Thanks to the tireless effort by the SvartFind albums on this label Records label, we are constantly re-introduced to important pieces of Finnish Jazz legacy, which should not be forgotten. Side Note The above are my liner notes included on this album's artwork. I am honored when asked by the Artists to write liner notes for their albums, always hoping that my words reflect the true spirit of the music. This is also a symbol of our mutual respect and friendship developed over the years. The same is also true when Record Labels ask me to write liner notes for their releases, mostly in the case of reissues of archival albums, which is a symbol of their appreciation of my knowledge and historical perspective and my recognition of their dedication to the preservation of the history of recorded music and the effort to keep human Culture and Aesthetics alive.

Updated: 13/09/2023Posted: 13/09/2023

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JOHN SURMAN ~ JOHN SURMAN VOCALION 8402 (Barcode: 765387840228) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2005 Saxophonist / composer John SurmanFind albums by this artist is a true icon of the British / European Jazz scene for over four decades. The immense body of work Surman produced over the years, starting with his numerous UK recordings in the late 1960s and 1970s and then through his association with the German ECMFind albums on this label label, reflect the absolute pinnacle of European Jazz. John’s incredible improvisational ability and masterly technique on several reed instruments made him a most welcome contributor to scores of pivotal albums recorded in the formative years of British modern Jazz, with such illustrious names as Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Graham CollierFind albums by this artist, John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist (ExtrapolationFind albums with this title) and many others. His work is always characterized by pioneering achievements, embracing new technology and new musical forms and constantly changing, like a true musical chameleon. This album is his debut as a leader and might come as quite a surprise to listeners, who are familiar with his more contemporary works. The album presents two quite distinctive sides of his musical personality at the time, appropriately divided between what used to be Side A and Side B of the original LP. Surman plays the baritone saxophone exclusively on this album, demonstrating his command of the instrument. On Side A he leads a sextet with Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist (his close associate at the time) – alto sax and Harry MillerFind albums by this artist – bass, exploring some Caribbean / calypso rhythms and playing music not composed by himself (Sonny RollinsFind albums by this artist is the composer of one of the four tracks). On Side B the ensemble is expanded to an eleven-piece band, including Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist – trumpets, Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist and Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist – trombones, Dave HollandFind albums by this artist – bass, Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist – drums and others. The music is a wonderful three-piece suite composed by Surman, a prime example of the British modern Jazz, with superb solos and free-form passages, culminating in a powerful big band orgy of sound. Definitely something any Surman fan will be happy to add to his collection and a beautiful piece of the puzzle representing Surman’s musical legacy.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

STAN TRACEY ~ LAUGHIN` AND SCRATCHIN` JAZZ HOUSE 608 (Barcode: 751848670824) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 Released: 1997 This is an album which presents archival / informal recordings by the Godfather of modern British Jazz, pianist / composer Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist, recorded live in a trio format at the famous Ronnie Scott´s Club in London, featuring bassist Rick LairdFind albums by this artist (later of Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist fame) and drummers Ronnie StephensonFind albums by this artist or Bill EydenFind albums by this artist. The trio performs seven pieces, two of which are originals by Tracey and five are standards. Between 1959 and 1965 Tracey and his trio served as the house band at the Ronnie Scott´s Club (the original one at Gerrard Street) and accompanied scores of visiting musicians, mostly from the US, such as Johnny GriffinFind albums by this artist, Sonny RollinsFind albums by this artist, Ben WebsterFind albums by this artist, Stan GetzFind albums by this artist, Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist, Roland KirkFind albums by this artist and many, many more. Playing with these Giants obviously served as a wonderful opportunity for Tracey to polish his chops, but more importantly to develop his own style as a player and composer, which differed from the standard American Bebop approach. The selections included on this album are all pretty long in duration and as such are wonderful documents of Tracey´s idiosyncrasies as a piano player, with his quite unique approach to the instrument, similar in some ways to what Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist was doing. Tracey plays mostly chords, vamping and boogieing all over the keyboard, only occasionally playing out the melody notes. His interpretation of the Monk tune present here is simply amazing. The rhythm section bravely keeps up with the governor, standing with him shoulder to shoulder even during the unexpected twists and turns he takes along the way. Although the sound quality of this album is far from ideal, the music is absolutely stunning and more than compensates for the technical limitations. Albums like this are precious pieces of Jazz history captured for eternity, which are still valid today and are definitely worth listening to, especially by the young generation, which missed it in real time. Great stuff!

Updated: 24/03/2016Posted: 24/03/2016

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend