Record Reviews

KROKE ~ FEELHARMONY EMI 5099901770827 (Barcode: 5099901770827) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012 In autumn of 2011 I had the pleasure of being present at the opening concert of the Singer´s Warsaw Festival, which featured Poland´s most prominent World Music ensemble KrokeFind albums by this artist and their guest, superstar vocalist Anna Maria JopekFind albums by this artist. Jopek, who in recent years discovered World Music herself, as evident on her latest recordings, was nevertheless quite a surprising partner for Kroke, and considering she only landed in Warsaw a few hours before the concert and managed only a brief rehearsal with them, things were quite tense. But when the lights went out and the music started, it was obvious that magic was in the air that night and for the next two hours the audience was completely mesmerized. Obviously the very same magic prompted Kroke to include Jopek on this, their next studio album. Kroke, which consists of viola player Tomasz KukurbaFind albums by this artist, accordionist Jerzy BawolFind albums by this artist and bassist Tomasz LatoFind albums by this artist, started in the early 1990s as a Klezmer band, one of numerous such bands established in Poland as a result of the Renaissance of the Jewish Culture in the country. They started to perform at Krakow´s old Jewish district Kazimierz, which became a fashionable tourist attraction, and in time their reputation grew. They were lucky to gain international attention and soon became the resident ethnic stars. In time they left Klezmer music almost entirely and embraced World Music originating in many different cultural spheres and added noticeable Jazz influence to their music. For this album Kroke joined forces with, in addition to the a.m. Anna Maria Jopek, also the excellent drummer Slawomir BernyFind albums by this artist and pianist / composer / arranger Krzysztof HerdzinFind albums by this artist, who co-produced the album, composed and arranged some orchestral intros to the band´s music and conducted the Sinfonietta CracoviaFind albums by this artist, which performed the orchestral parts. The album presents twelve pieces, eleven of which are original compositions by the band´s members and one is by the pioneer of modern Klezmer music Harry KandelFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, the band intended to "take a step" into a more "symphonic" sound for their music, utilizing the orchestra. Unfortunately, intentions aside, the album fails to achieve the same level of excitement and spontaneous inspiration, which characterized the live concert I witnessed. Although Jopek delivers some superb vocal parts, they constitute only a small contribution to the entire project. The orchestral arrangements sound quite out of place in this case, turning the free spirit of World Music into a housebroken animal, which is a pity. Some things simply don´t go well together. Overall there is plenty of great music here and even if the album sounds very commercial at times, it was created by excellent musicians, who meant well.

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KROKE ~ LOUD SILENCE ORIENTE 95 (Barcode: 4025781109526) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2020 - 2021 Released: 2022 Thirty years ago, at the early days of the post Holocaust Renaissance of Jewish Culture in Poland, three musicians from Krakow decided to form the Kroke (Yiddish pronunciation of Krakow) Trio, releasing their debut cassette album. Violist / multi-instrumentalist Tomasz KukurbaFind albums by this artist, accordionist Jerzy BawolFind albums by this artist and bassist Tomasz LatoFind albums by this artist ignited a career, which took them around the world and enabled cooperation with many prominent musicians, releasing over twenty albums in the process. The initial interest in traditional Jewish music was extended to incorporate numerous World Music influences and Jazz oriented improvisations, slowly and consistently developing a unique Artistic and aesthetic style, which is instantly recognizable. This album, which celebrates the trio’s 30th Anniversary, is another showcase of their ingenuity, both as composers and performers. It presents eight original compositions, co-credited to the trio members and their long-time producer / arranger / recording engineer Dariusz GrelaFind albums by this artist. The music takes the listener on a wonderful (I’d say flying carpet, but today more appropriate would be) drone ride, covering everything between Far East, Middle East, the Balkans and even South America. Somehow Kroke are able to keep this Cultural mishmash together in a most coherent and delightful way, as true Masters of their trade. Over the years I’ve had plenty of opportunity to hear Kroke live and they never fail to deliver a highly emotional stream of exciting music, which takes no compromises and strives for originality and immediacy, without any creative shortcuts. And yes, they are also excellent partners in a conversation. Overall, this is another great addition to Kroke’s splendid recorded legacy, which offers a highly-engaging listening experience full of delicate beauty and wild excitement, all perfectly balanced like a dish prepared by a true Master Chef. I am still somewhat shocked that this album failed to find a Polish record company, which would release it locally – o tempora, o mores!

Updated: 03/12/2022Posted: 03/12/2022

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KROKE ~ REJWACH UNIVERSAL MUSIC POLSKA 602508282867 (Barcode: 602508282867) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is an album by veteran Polish Jazz-World ensemble KrokeFind albums by this artist, which consists of violist / multi-instrumentalist Tomasz KukurbaFind albums by this artist, accordionist Jerzy BawolFind albums by this artist and bassist Tomasz LatoFind albums by this artist. Percussionist Slawomir BernyFind albums by this artist guest on some of the tracks. The album presents ten original compositions three of which appear as reoccurring themes, together fourteen tracks, which were created as the soundtrack for the Warsaw´s Jewish Theatre performance of the spectacle "Rejwach", based on the book of the same title, directed by my Friend, Polish / American director Andrzej KrakowskiFind albums by this artist. All the music was co-composed by the Kroke members and their producer / sound engineer Dariusz GrelaFind albums by this artist. The music is everything one can expect from Kroke, which in time reached the status of one of the leading ensembles active on the Polish scene, and which always emphasizes its empathy / connection with Jewish / Klezmer music in a most authentic, albeit at the same time completely original fashion. This music is completely up to date both in musical terms and its production approach, blending acoustic instruments with contemporary electronic sounds, as always with elegance and grace. Although the music has a distinct Jewish feel to it, it is also a rich amalgam of other influences, like Balkan and even Middle Easter tinges. The themes are richly melodic, somewhat sentimental and lyrical, but never trivial or simplistic, which proves the true Artistry of its creators. "Rejwach" is a deeply charged spectacle and the music is in many aspects an antidote for the spectators, serving as a balancing factor between the often tragic subject matter and the world existing beyond the scene. It is undoubtedly one of the most successful and fitting original soundtracks created in Poland in the last few years. But listeners, who had not been able to attend the theatre performance of "Rejwach" will be perfectly satisfied with listening to this album, which stands on its own ground perfectly securely as a separate piece of Art. Brilliantly performed by Kroke, superbly recorded and wonderfully put together, this is beautiful piece of music which is a true pleasure to listen to and surely deserves repeated periodic re-visits, as it is absolutely timeless and universal. Hats off, my Friends!

Updated: 09/01/2025Posted: 07/11/2019

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KROKE ~ THE WORLD OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 5902659802668) ~ POLAND ~ Xmas Jazz Recorded: 2020 - 2021 Released: 2021 This is an album by veteran Polish trio KrokeFind albums by this artist, which comprises of violist Tomasz KukurbaFind albums by this artist, accordionist Jerzy BawolFind albums by this artist and bassist Tomasz LatoFind albums by this artist. They are joined by percussionist Slawomir BernyFind albums by this artist on four tracks and the album is, as usual, co-produced by arranger / sound engineer Dariusz GrelaFind albums by this artist. The album presents the trio’s arrangements of eleven traditional Christmas Carols, which originate from nine European countries as well as from some Classical sources. Although Xmas Jazz albums are almost always a nauseating schmaltz, Kroke are not that kind of musicians to stoop so low and record some music just to make a buck, although making music and recording albums is not an easy path to earn money anyway these days. This means that this is by far not your usual Xmas Jazz album by any means; the choice of material, which eschews trivial and boring pieces, and the arrangements as well as the passionate execution are up to par with their reputation earned honestly by years of hard work. Kroke have a rare ability to transform any kind of music they play into their own musical universe, which is well documented by their recorded legacy. Regardless if this is Jewish music, which was their initial passion, or World Music or various cross-genre excursions, they always manage to color the music with their individual voicing, often transposing the original music into quite different musical environment, as often happens also on this album. If heard without looking at the album’s artwork, Xmas music would probably hardly even cross the listener’s mind, as a result of this music offering such universal point of reference and combining so many traditions. They even manage to turn “Silent Night” into something that might come from Mongolia. Personally I find this to be one of the best Kroke albums, despite the fact that I enjoy all of their recorded legacy. It offers a melancholic, moody, somewhat restrained atmosphere, which for me is more penetrating than complex and heavily orchestrated arrangements. The enchanting sound of the viola, which is rarely put up front, is completely mesmerizing, and the precise bass pulsations are the life rhythm of this music, with the accordion parts being like honey on a piece of cake, keeping it all together. Sounds corny? Well I am that kind of person, who lets the music get to me ;) Overall, Xmas or no Xmas, this is a splendid piece of music, excellently performed and beautifully recorded, which is a pleasure to listen to regardless if it snows outside or hot winds are blowing (down under). A very Merry Xmas to you, my Friends!

Updated: 22/12/2021Posted: 22/12/2021

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KROKE ~ TRAVELLER (DELUXE EDITION) UNIVERSAL MUSIC POLSKA 602557487787 (Barcode: 602557487787) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 In 2017 the Polish Jazz-World Fusion trio KrokeFind albums by this artist celebrates its 25th Anniversary and this album is a part of these celebrations. Violinist / multi-instrumentalist Tomasz KukurbaFind albums by this artist, accordionist Jerzy BawolFind albums by this artist and bassist Tomasz LatoFind albums by this artist founded the band in 1992 in Krakow, initially as a Klezmer oriented band, but over the years expanded their horizons to encompass a wide kaleidoscope of ethnic inspirations, which embrace the entire world. The Mediterranean musical spices are at the heart of their music, which amalgamates Jewish, Greek, Turkish, Balkan, Arabic and many other influences, creating a rich tapestry of sounds and rhythms, rarely accomplished by other ensembles of this kind. Kroke invited an old friend and wonderful drummer / percussionist Slawomir BernyFind albums by this artist to take part in the recording of this album, which presents ten (or eleven on this Deluxe Edition) original pieces of music, mostly composed by the members of Kroke, some with the participation of Dariusz GrelaFind albums by this artist, who also helped to arrange and was in charge of the recording of this album, which offers a spectacular sonic result. The music of Kroke is a soundtrack, which takes the listener from one place on the surface of our small planet, to another, doing so with grace and elegance. The transition feels completely natural and the music more hints than actually points to a specific location, leaving a lot to the listener´s imagination. The album´s title, which symbolizes Kroke´s experiences gained during their extensive voyages and their encounters with People and their diverse Cultures, also describes no less accurately the experience that the listener is going through while listening to the music, as if travelling on a magic carpet with new vistas appearing before his eyes and ears while the journey continues. Of course the level of performances by the musicians involved in no less than spectacular all the way through, but in the overall picture the instrumental intricacies are less important than the total effect this music creates. Only repeated listening can be dedicated to the discovery of the infinite riches this music offers, the elaborate arrangements and the virtuosic solo parts. Overall this album is a beautiful piece of World Music, which emphasizes the beauty of Cultures all over our planet and demonstrates what happens when openness and acceptance overcomes barriers of fear and estrangement. The secret of cooking tells us to use as many seemingly incompatible spices in one dish, as long se we keep the proportions right. Kroke cooked a wonderful musical meal for us, which leaves us simply to feast on it. Like good wine, Kroke still gets better with the passing of time, which is a true celebration and a blessing!

Updated: 16/09/2017Posted: 16/09/2017

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