Record Reviews

GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH ~ HORIZONS REPERTOIRE 5059 (Barcode: 4009910505922) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1969 Released: 2006 This is the 1st album by the obscure British Prog / Jazz-Rock outfit called The Greatest Show On EarthFind albums by this artist, an octet with a three-piece horn section formed and led by brothers Garth Watt-RoyFind albums by this artist (guitars) and Norman Watt-RoyFind albums by this artist (bass), who also wrote most of the all-original material, which is surprisingly excellent. This album enables us to discover a hidden gem of early Jazz-Rock Fusion, which was swept away by the tides of time, fortunately now available again. A must for early Jazz-Rock and Brass-Rock lovers!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

STALOWY BAGAZ ~ CIEZKI ROK GAD 056 (Barcode: 5901549197747) ~ POLAND ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1981 Released: 2017 This is an archival release presenting the debut album by Polish Rock group Stalowy BagazFind albums by this artist, which eventually never got to be released at the time it was recorded. The group comprised of experienced Polish rockers: vocalist Leslaw KotFind albums by this artist, guitarists Jacek KrzaklewskiFind albums by this artist and Aleksander MrozekFind albums by this artist, bassist Kazimierz CwynarFind albums by this artist and drummer Boleslaw PatrynFind albums by this artist, which were earlier on members of such legendary Polish Rock groups like NurtFind albums by this artist, TestFind albums by this artist and others. The original album included ten original songs, mostly composed by Mrozek, Krzaklewski and Cwynar. This remastered edition is expanded by the addition of four more songs from a radio session, not included on the debut album. The music is pretty straightforward Hard Rock, typical of the era, with nice instrumental work by the guitarists. Some traces of Punk and New Wave are also present, more in the group´s "attitude" than in the actual music. In retrospect this material still sounds fine, but lost most of its impact over time and has more historical / nostalgic than musical value. The album is definitely an important document of the Polish Rock history. As usual great digging and research by the GADFind albums on this label Records label, which restlessly brings back pieces of history back to life. Fans of Eastern European Hard Rock should find this release very interesting.

Updated: 19/07/2017Posted: 19/07/2017

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SWIADECTWO DOJRZALOSCI ~ HULAJ DUSZA GAD 043 (Barcode: 5901549197563) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1977 Released: 2016 This is an archival album presenting material recorded by an excellent but sadly short-lived Polish Jazz-Rock Fusion band Swiadectwo DojrzalosciFind albums by this artist, which consisted of saxophonist Szczepan DudekFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Krzysztof OrlowskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Dariusz KozakiewiczFind albums by this artist (BreakoutFind albums by this artist, TestFind albums by this artist), bassist Wojciech BruslikFind albums by this artist and drummer Wojciech MorawskiFind albums by this artist. The material originates from a radio session which produced five tracks and a live performance at the Jazz Nad Odra Festival which produced four tracks, both from 1977. Overall the album presents six original compositions (since three are repeated twice in studio and live versions), five by Bruslik and one by Kozakiewicz. Both the music and the execution are truly excellent from start to finish and the album is a hidden gem of Polish Fusion, which finally is able to reach a wider audience. Although the live tracks were released on vinyl at the time, they are long lost and with the addition of the radio recordings this album finally pays proper homage to this splendid group. The music is very melodic and presents well written themes, which are ideal vehicles for the improvisations by the group members. The funky rhythm section supports the saxophone, guitar and keyboards solos amicably and the music moves forward elegantly and intelligently, which is typical of European Fusion bands, which put sophistication and harmonic complexity ahead of flashy instrumental show-off. Kozakiewicz is the most surprising soloist on this album since his guitar work is as brilliant as ever, sadly being rather a rarity in the Polish Jazz, Rock and Blues recorded legacies, although he definitely is the best Polish guitar player of all times. This is another blessing bestowed upon the Polish music lovers by the splendid GADFind albums on this label Records label, which manages time after time to uncover hidden treasures, which are all more than worthy to be available to the wide public. Considering the superb quality of the music and the great sound quality, this album is an absolute gem!

Updated: 08/03/2020Posted: 17/03/2017

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TEST ~ TEST MUZA 0184 ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 - 1974 Released: 1992 This is the only album by Polish group TestFind albums by this artist, founded and led by vocalist Wojciech GassowskiFind albums by this artist (previously with ABCFind albums by this artist), one of the greatest representatives of Polish Rock scene in the early 1970 and the first Hard Rock group in the country. The group included the talents of the great lead guitarist Dariusz KozakiewiczFind albums by this artist (immortalized by his extraordinary performance on the "BluesFind albums with this title" album with BreakoutFind albums by this artist). Test´s instrumental sound was based on organ and brass instruments in addition to the usual lead guitar / bass / drums present in all groups at the time. In retrospect this music represents some of the best sounds of the incredible Polish music scene at the time. This expanded edition includes also the group´s early radio material. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

TEST ~ Z ARCHIWUM POLSKIEGO RADIA, VOL.09 POLSKIE RADIO 1060 (Barcode: 5907812240608) ~ POLAND ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1971 - 1975 Released: 2008 TestFind albums by this artist was a great Polish Blues-Rock / Jazz-Rock group, which recorded only one studio album. This album collects their radio recordings and is a perfect companion to that studio album. The group was formed by three ex-ABCFind albums by this artist members, including the charismatic leader / vocalist Wojciech GassowskiFind albums by this artist. Later on the group was joined by the superb guitarist Dariusz KozakiewiczFind albums by this artist (ex-BreakoutFind albums by this artist) and the group´s sound achieved its full glory. In retrospect this is magnificent music, some of the best recorded in Poland during the 1970s, which is of course a great distinction. The sound quality of these recordings is excellent and even better than the studio album. This is a wonderful reminder of some unforgettable moments in the history of Polish Rock. Warmly recommended!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend