Record Reviews

JOACHIM KUHN / MATEUSZ SMOCZYNSKI ~ SPEAKING SOUND ACT 9630 (Barcode: 614427963024) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is another wonderful duo album by German pianist / composer Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist this time which brilliant young Polish violinist Mateusz SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist. The album was released as part of the "Duo Art" series by the German ACTFind albums on this label label, which cultivates the "Art of the Duo" Jazz tradition. The album presents nine pieces, five of which were composed by Kuhn, one co-composed by him and Smoczynski, one is an adaptation of Classical composition by George GurdjieffFind albums by this artist, one by French accordionist / composer Vincent PeiraniFind albums by this artist and finally one by Rabih Abou-KhalilFind albums by this artist. The music makes it immediately apparent that although obviously improvised, it is first and foremost chamber in character and heavily laden with Classical Music influences. The emerging Jazz-Classical Fusion is one of the finest examples of the idiom, completely unique and aesthetically innovative. Although followers of Smoczynski´s career will not be surprised by this deep relationship with Classical Music, for Kuhn´s followers this is indeed a great surprise, as his ties with Avant-Garde / Improvised Music are way more "natural" that those with Classical Music exposed on this album. Surprisingly Kuhn´s chameleonic ability to fit in every situation works here as well and one might be easily fooled into thinking that he is a veteran Classical pianist, which by the way is exactly what his career was supposed to be in his early days before he discovered Jazz. The age difference between Kuhn (born 1944) and Smoczynski (born 1984) is similarly completely insignificant as well, and both players perform in perfect musical and spiritual unity, as expected from such distinguished Artists. They both toy lovingly with the compositions, taking them often quite far-off from their origins at times and staying close to the notes on other occasions. Kuhn sprinkles the proceedings with brilliant but brief Free Jazz arpeggios, and Smoczynski inserts some Polish Folklore fragments, which makes the music a great fun to listen to. But as usual in the intimate duo setting, the music is first and foremost about the dialogue these two Artists are able to create while performing. As someone who happens to know them both in person, the magic that does take place here is completely natural, as they are both as sweet and loving as they sound. The wonderful photograph included on the album´s artwork says it all – Mateusz is looking with obvious respect and admiration at the Master and Joachim smiles kindly in return, like a grandfather proud of his grandchild. As I have stated so many times, the duo is the ideal musical unit; it is the minimal environment which produces interplay and telepathic communication between the musicians, which is the essence of collective performance. On the other hands it is free of the limitations imposed by performing in a larger environment, which a priori limit the level of the intimacy. This album is such a beautiful expression of the power of a duo that I can hardly think of a better one. I have been lucky to follow closely the career of Mateusz Smoczynski since his early steps on the musical scene and feel a great pride in his success. Obviously seeing Joachim Kuhn, who has been a part of the Soundtrack Of My Life since forever, being active and productive today is a no lesser joy. Bless you both for this sublime music!

Updated: 25/09/2020Posted: 25/09/2020

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EMILE PARISIEN QUINTET ~ SFUMATO ACT 9837 (Barcode: 614427983725) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is an album by French Jazz saxophonist / composer Emile ParisienFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with legendary German pianist / composer Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist and French guitarist Manu CodjiaFind albums by this artist and bassist Simon TailleuFind albums by this artist and Portuguese drummer Mario CostaFind albums by this artist. On four tracks the quintet is expanded to a septet with the addition of French veteran bass clarinetist Michel PortalFind albums by this artist and accordionist Vincent PeiraniFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, mostly composed by Parisien, one co-composed with Kuhn and two composed by Kuhn. The music is brilliant modern European Jazz, strongly based on typical French balladry and chanson traditions, but incorporating Free (well almost) elements, extensive improvisations and is full of superb soloing, which is often breathtaking. Kuhn finds himself in a most suitable environment and his piano work is alone worth listening to the album, but the general level of musicianship is truly astounding. This album is a well-deserved indicator of the incredibly high level of contemporary French Jazz, which sadly is often quite overlooked on the thriving European scene, which is a pity. Overall, this is a beautiful album, full of great music and sublime musicianship, and Kuhn’s participation is a true cherry on top. Although often quite complex, the music is still accessible to a wide audience due to its melodic elements, and is obviously wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 29/01/2026Posted: 29/01/2026

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