Record Reviews

BESTER QUARTET ~ THE GOLDEN LAND TZADIK 8178 (Barcode: 702397817826) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 The Polish / Jewish poet / songwriter Mordechai GebirtigFind albums by this artist was born, raised and lived in Krakow, where he also found his tragic death from a Nazi bullet in the Krakow Ghetto in 1942. His vast legacy proves he was the preeminent Yiddish songwriter of his time, but more importantly his prophetic vision of the Jewish fate in Europe is truly astounding in retrospect. This album presents a collection of ten songs written by Gebirtig and performed by the Bester QuartetFind albums by this artist, a Polish ensemble, which also comes from Krakow. The ensemble was originally formed as the Cracow Klezmer BandFind albums by this artist in 1997 and later on changed its name to Bester Quartet. The songs were arranged by the leader of the Bester Quartet, accordionist / composer Jaroslaw BesterFind albums by this artist. The remaining members of the quartet are violinist Jaroslaw TyralaFind albums by this artist, multi-instrumentalist Oleg DyyakFind albums by this artist and bassist Mikolaj PospieszalskiFind albums by this artist. On this album the lineup also features three guest musicians: trumpeter Tomasz ZietekFind albums by this artist, cellist Magdalena PlutaFind albums by this artist (from SamechFind albums by this artist) and bass clarinetist Marcin MalinowskiFind albums by this artist. The Cracow Klezmer Band / Bester Quartet released eight (including this one) albums on the prestigious TzadikFind albums on this label label, as part of the "Radical Jewish Culture" series, which marks them as the heroes of the Jewish Cultural Renaissance in Poland, which is now in its second decade. Some people, me included, find this "Renaissance" somewhat perplexing, intriguing and even a bit ridiculous, especially in view of the fact that there are practically no Jews left in Poland and the infamous Polish anti-Semitism is still looming in the background. But a thousand years of Jewish presence in Poland can be still traced and the fact that some artists are interested in preservation of this lost Culture is wonderful regardless of the circumstances. Bester and his companions are all truly wonderful musicians and his skillful arrangements are delightful and quite sophisticated. I would have enjoyed this music much more if it wasn´t pre-sold under the Jewish tag, as honestly there is very little left of the original Eastern-European Jewish feel herein. Yes there are some sentimental violin or clarinet parts, and other typical shticks but overall this is simply some great Jazz-World Fusion, which sounds Argentinean, Parisian, Balkan or whatever, and honestly since I know these songs in their original versions since my early childhood, I´m not sure Gebirtig himself would have recognized them as his own. Nevertheless this music deserves to be heard and can be enjoyed by music connoisseurs anywhere in the world. The level of performances and execution is definitely first-class and there is so much beauty and deep melancholy in this music that nobody should be left cold. Personally some other releases in the Radical Jewish Culture series on Tzadik made a much stronger impact on me than this release, but I can still appreciate the dedication and talent that went into making this recording. A bi gezunt!

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WOJTEK MAZOLEWSKI ~ GRZYBOBRANIE UNIVERSAL 602517939738 (Barcode: 602517939738) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008 This is the debut solo album by Polish bassist / composer Wojtek MazolewskiFind albums by this artist, well-known as the founder / leader of the legendary Polish Jazz ensemble Pink FreudFind albums by this artist, which managed to achieve considerable success on the local and international scene. He is supported on this album by a group of musicians, who were at the time members of Pink Freud or were associated with the group in one way or another. They are: trumpeters Kamil SzuszkiewiczFind albums by this artist and Tomasz ZietekFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Irek WojtczakFind albums by this artist and Tomasz DudaFind albums by this artist, pianist Marcin MaseckiFind albums by this artist and his wife Candelaria Saenz ValienteFind albums by this artist, who provided the vocal parts, drummer Kuba StaruszkiewiczFind albums by this artist and percussionist Lukasz MoskalFind albums by this artist. The album includes nine tracks, which although not specifically accredited to Mazolewski on the album´s cover, are his compositions. Recorded shortly after the excellent "AlchemiaFind albums with this title" album, which Mazolewski recorded with Pink Freud, this solo album is in many respects a continuation of the musical direction initiated there, i.e. a return to highly improvised Jazz. The music is not completely free and is based on pre-composed motifs, but with a lot of freedom awarded to the individual musicians, leading to lengthy expanded improvisations. Being very atmospheric, it develops slowly from delicate hints and low volume statements, gradually arriving at magnificent crescendos, with all the musicians playing together. There are many World-Music influences, some more obvious than others, like the distinctive Flamenco feel on the pieces featuring the Spanish vocals, which Candelaria delivers with a chilling sensitivity. Although all the performances on this album are truly outstanding, I personally think that the work done by Masecki is the dominant factor, which turns this music from excellent to absolutely brilliant. The piano parts just keep everything together, filling the blanks and hinting towards the possible directions to be taken by the entire ensemble. Although not really up-front most of the time, his contribution is simply invaluable. This is a complex album, which requires several (if not many) listening session in order to truly digest it and to appropriately comprehend its depth as well as appreciate its beauty. Regardless of one´s favorite Jazz sub-genre, there is definitely something for everybody here, without compromising the quality or musical truthfulness herein. This is something no serious Polish Jazz lover should ignore, so if you don´t have it yet, get it as soon as possible. This stuff is timeless and although only a few years old, already feels like a classic.

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PINK FREUD ~ ALCHEMIA UNIVERSAL 602517578845 (Barcode: 602517578845) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 This is the 6th album by Polish ensemble Pink FreudFind albums by this artist, which managed to gain considerable popularity on the local scene, both with Jazz and non-Jazz listeners and critics alike. Formed in 1998 by bassist / composer Wojtek MazolewskiFind albums by this artist, the group changed its lineup several times over the years but succeeded to maintain its popularity and gradually achieved a cult following and a large fan base. Musically the group offers a unique amalgam of genres and musical directions, originating with Jazz and improvisation, but also encompassing elements of Punk Rock, dub, jungle, drum and bass and electronic music. In many respects it is a direct continuation of the Yass movement, which flourished in Poland in the 1990s, and could be referred to as post-Yass. Since Yass was initially intended as an expression of rebellion against the established Jazz canons, which many young musicians felt to be stagnant, post-Yass took the rebellion a bit further out, emphasizing the cross-genre trend, groove and even dance elements, which resulted in the music being much more widely accessible. As opposed to the intellectual image that Jazz is usually associated with, this music is intelligent fun music, with some Jazz associations, and should be treated as such, no more and no less. This album, which was recorded live at the legendary Jazz club "Alchemia" in Krakow, finds Pink Freud in an expanded quintet lineup, with trumpeter Tomasz ZietekFind albums by this artist and drummer Kuba StaruszkiewiczFind albums by this artist supported by saxophonist Tomasz DudaFind albums by this artist (who recorded with the group earlier) and brilliant young keyboardist Marcin MaseckiFind albums by this artist. Five of the six expanded tracks (all over 10 minutes long) on this album are originals by the band members and the remaining one is their interpretation of a Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist tune. In many respects this album is a "back to the roots" experience for the band, which returns to extensive Jazz improvisation, which although always present at the root of their music, was often subdued on their previous albums. The special atmosphere and ambience of the club and above all the presence of Masecki transform the band into a full-fledged Jazz combo and a great one at that. The trumpet / saxophone front line enables the players to stretch out, supported comfortably by a full rhythm section, with Masecki supplying some breathtaking solo spots as well. The emotional and more importantly musical level of the band heard here surpasses everything they managed to achieve earlier, and is truly exquisite. True to their basic approach, the band emphasizes personal expression and spontaneity rather that elaborate skills or scholarly musical background. For listeners, who can appreciate such approach to music, this is quite an experience. But this music is important enough to be heard by any music connoisseur and definitely should be re-visited for in-depth listening experience. Great stuff!

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PINK FREUD ~ MONSTER OF JAZZ UNIVERSAL 602527377025 (Barcode: 602527377025) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010 This is the 7th album by Polish ensemble Pink FreudFind albums by this artist, which managed to gain considerable popularity on the local scene, both with Jazz and non-Jazz listeners and critics alike. Formed in 1998 by bassist / composer Wojtek MazolewskiFind albums by this artist, the group changed its lineup several times over the years but succeeded to maintain its popularity and gradually achieved a cult following and a large fan base. Musically the group offers a unique amalgam of genres and musical directions, originating with Jazz and improvisation, but also encompassing elements of Punk Rock, dub, jungle, drum and bass and electronic music. In many respects it is a direct continuation of the Yass movement, which flourished in Poland in the 1990s, and could be referred to as post-Yass. Since Yass was initially intended as an expression of rebellion against the established Jazz canons, which many young musicians felt to be stagnant, post-Yass took the rebellion a bit further out, emphasizing the cross-genre trend, groove and even dance elements, which resulted in the music being much more widely accessible. As opposed to the intellectual image that Jazz is usually associated with, this music is intelligent fun music, with some Jazz associations, and should be treated as such, no more and no less. This album was recorded by an expanded sextet version of the group, which includes, apart from the leader, trumpeters Adam Milwiw-BaronFind albums by this artist (son of the great Polish saxophonist Piotr BaronFind albums by this artist) and Tomasz ZietekFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Tomasz DudaFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Jerzy RogiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Kuba StaruszkiewiczFind albums by this artist. Of all the Pink Freud albums, this is the most "radical" one, with the electronics, dub and jungle elements taking the lead, pushing the Jazz improvisations aside considerably. As a result this album will be probably the least "appealing" to listeners with a strong Jazz background. Of the twelve tracks present on the album, eleven are original compositions by the group members and the remaining one was adopted from a composition by the British electronic duo AutechreFind albums by this artist, a choice which hints as to the general direction of this album. Although there is plenty of inspired blowing by the horns, the overall mood is somewhat hectic and lacks a clear musical direction. There is an apparent absence of well formed melody lines, which characterized the groups´ earlier outings. As much as the group´s intention to continue their restless journey in search of new expressions is commendable and admirable, it often is a treacherous path which could lead to disaster if moderation is not applied. One must hope that they will re-invent themselves anew with their future efforts, leaving this one behind as a document of their quest. Of course there is plenty of music here to be enjoyed and the album is worth listening to, even if one somehow expects something more from such a great group.

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PINK FREUD ~ PUNK FREUD UNIVERSAL 602517235328 (Barcode: 602517235328) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2008 This is the 5th album (and the first on UniversalFind albums on this label) by Polish ensemble Pink FreudFind albums by this artist, which managed to gain considerable popularity on the local scene, both with Jazz and non-Jazz listeners and critics alike. Formed in 1998 by bassist / composer Wojtek MazolewskiFind albums by this artist, the group changed its lineup several times over the years but succeeded to maintain its popularity and gradually achieved a cult following and a large fan base. Musically the group offers a unique amalgam of genres and musical directions, originating with Jazz and improvisation, but also encompassing elements of Punk Rock, dub, jungle, drum and bass and electronic music. In many respects it is a direct continuation of the Yass movement, which flourished in Poland in the 1990s, and could be referred to as post-Yass. Since Yass was initially intended as an expression of rebellion against the established Jazz canons, which many young musicians felt to be stagnant, post-Yass took the rebellion a bit further out, emphasizing the cross-genre trend, groove and even dance elements, which resulted in the music being much more widely accessible. As opposed to the intellectual image that Jazz is usually associated with, this music is intelligent fun music, with some Jazz associations, and should be treated as such, no more and no less. On this album Pink Freud appear as trio with the leader and two other founding members: trumpeter Tomasz ZietekFind albums by this artist and drummer Kuba StaruszkiewiczFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Tomasz DudaFind albums by this artist appears on five of the ten tracks and two female strings players guest on two of the tracks. Nine of the ten tracks on this album are original compositions by the participants and the last track is their interpretation of a Charles MingusFind albums by this artist tune. The music is a typical Pink Freud mix of musical ideas, stylistically all over the place, but unified by the highly energetic and expressive delivery. The music definitely retains the rebellious spirit and often lacks the precision and flawlessness a Jazz fan might expect, but one must not forget this music is not about these qualities at all and therefore should not be judged by them. The ultimate question is the overall impression and effect this music has on a listener and if it is successful to make the listener spend an hour having fun while listening, it achieved its goal. Let´s make no mistakes here; parts of this music are quite complex and advanced, requiring attentive listening and seriously challenging the listener´s ear. Some listeners will mentally "skip" these parts at first, but might (hopefully) discover them later. Regardless of what one might think about Pink Freud and their music, one thing is sure: they can not be ignored. Definitely worth investigating!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend