Record Reviews

VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ TRIBUTE TO ZBIGNIEW JAKUBEK AFRO VIBE 006 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2013 - 2023 Released: 2023 This is a 2CD album paying tribute to Polish Jazz keyboardist / composer / arranger Zbigniew JakubekFind albums by this artist, a prominent figure on the Polish Jazz scene for many decades and member of such ensembles like Walk AwayFind albums by this artist, Young PowerFind albums by this artist and others. Jakubek recorded many albums with the groups he was a member of, as well as a sideman in numerous projects with other top Polish Jazz musicians, but sadly never managed to record a solo album as a leader. Following his death in May 2023, guitarist / composer Marek RaduliFind albums by this artist, who was a close friend of Jakubek, undertook this splendid project to record an album with original music by Jakubek, with the help of many of the musicians Jakubek played with, such as bassists Michal GrottFind albums by this artist, Tomasz GrabowyFind albums by this artist, Robert KubiszynFind albums by this artist and Krzysztof ScieranskiFind albums by this artist, drummers Michal DabrowkaFind albums by this artist, Wojciech FedkowiczFind albums by this artist and Cezary KonradFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Bernard MaseliFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Adam WendtFind albums by this artist, guitarist Damian KuraszFind albums by this artist and others. The album presents ten tracks (five on each CD), nine of which are original compositions of Jakubek and one is composed by Raduli, with lyrics by Bartlomiej SkubiszFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. EskaubeiFind albums by this artist). Seven of the tracks are based on tracks left by Jakubek, recorded as sketches / preparations for his solo album and other sources, two are taken from Walk Away albums and the last one, was written (see above) especially for this album. The music is all brilliantly melodic, with typical Polish melancholy and lyricism, excellently performed by all the participants and offers an excellent sound quality. Raduli’s guitar playing is absolutely sensational and his emotional involvement with this project is evident and his dedication to carry it out is exceptional. Overall, this is a brilliant tribute album to a great musician / composer, warmly remembered by his peers and friends, and the music offers some of the finest guitar oriented Jazz / Fusion music recorded in Poland. For the lovers of the genre, this album is an absolute must, but all Jazz lovers around the world should be able to appreciate the superb compositions by Jakubek and enjoy the music wholeheartedly. Hats off to those who contributed to make this project a reality!

Updated: 09/04/2024Posted: 09/04/2024

CD 2 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

WALK AWAY ~ FLOWER POWER SOLITON 1186 (Barcode: 5903684231867) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This is an album by veteran Polish Jazz ensemble Walk AwayFind albums by this artist, formed in the mid-1980s by drummer / composer / bandleader Krzysztof ZawadzkiFind albums by this artist. The lineup of the ensemble was remarkably stable over the years and still includes vibraphonist Bernard MaseliFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Adam WendtFind albums by this artist and bassist Tomasz GrabowyFind albums by this artist. Master percussionist Slawomir BernyFind albums by this artist joins the quartet, expanding the lineup to a quintet and guitarist Grzegorz SkawinskiFind albums by this artist guests on couple of tracks. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which are originals (three by Maseli and two each by Wendt and Grabowy) and one is by Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist. The music is a continuation of the musical path the ensemble preferred over the years, which is an easy going mainstream Jazz, with some touches of Fusion and Smooth Jazz, all excellently put together, arranged and performed. Although definitely on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, this music is honest, direct and highly professional, and for listeners who love this shade of Jazz, it is simply perfect. All these musicians are so experienced and professional that they simply cannot play anything below standard. Sometimes one wonders if Jazz musicians completely forgot the concept of having a good time and all try to be over complicated to prove their worth. Well, this album is certainly all about good time, without giving away the seal of quality. Overall, this is a pleasant, highly melodic and entertaining Jazz album, which proves that the less complex Jazz explorations can be Artistically satisfying and highly pleasurable. Great to see all these guys in such a great form!

Updated: 04/11/2021Posted: 04/11/2021

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend