Record Reviews
12 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | ED CHERRY SPECIAL TRIO ~ SZOSTA PO POLUDNIU
FOR TUNE 0064 (Barcode: 5902768701661) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015
This is a live recording at Warsaw´s club Szosta Po Poludniu (hence the album´s title) of a trio led by veteran American guitarist Ed CherryFind albums by this artist with a Polish rhythm section: bassist Adam KowalewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Arek SkolikFind albums by this artist. The trio performs six tunes, five of which are standards and one is a Pop song.
The music is a standard mainstream, completely unimaginative, uninspiring and honestly boring to tears. Although Cherry has an impressive musical history, his contributions in the last decades are not very impressive or noteworthy and his playing here unfortunately sounds like a third rate imitation of Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist and is sadly embarrassing. The rhythm section, although quite professional, is not able to save this gig from disaster.
This kind of music is still played in clubs all over the US, but on the European scene it is utterly out of place in view of the creativity and excellence displayed by musicians in any European country today. One can only wonder why this gig was recorded and released in the first place and speculate about the inferiority complex some Europeans still suffer from, based on the assumption that anything in Jazz done by Afro-Americans is superior to European Jazz, which is simply not true for at least half a Century.
The usually excellent Polish For TuneFind albums on this label label, which released dozens of superb albums in the last few years, made a real blunder with this album. Hopefully this is not a sign of things to come.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MACIEJ GRZYWACZ ~ MOVIN` ALONG
BLACK WINE 2021/001 (Barcode: 5902020424048) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021
This is a delightful album by Polish Jazz guitarist / composer / educator Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with seasoned Polish Jazz musicians: saxophonist / flautist Tomasz GrzegorskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Kuba StankiewiczFind albums by this artist, bassist Piotr KulakowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Kuba GrzywaczFind albums by this artist (Maciej’s son). The album presents ten compositions by the iconic American guitarist / composer Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist, one of the Godfathers of guitar Jazz, and is an obvious tribute to his music. The music offers audiophile sound quality, which delivers everything it promises to do.
The album manages to avid the obvious trap of trying to mimic / sound like Wes Montgomery, which of course is absolutely unique and inimitable, and offers what it is set to do, creating a loving tribute to the great musician, with a fresh perspective, which preserves the tradition respectfully and knowledgably.
Grzywacz, who is among the very few true Jazz guitar players in Poland / Europe, stays with the basics, playing notes and chords, but manages to stay himself, rather than a second rate imitator. The guitar sound is Montgomerian more in spirit than in “body”, which works very well altogether.
The rest of the musicians play along wonderfully, with Stankiewicz adding some of his lovely lyricism while soloing, Grzegorski carries the tunes strictly to the note and the rhythm section keeps a tight ship, navigating the music with precision, while obviously having great fun at it.
Overall this is an admirable effort of preserving some of the great Jazz tradition, bringing it up to date but respecting its sources, executed with vigor and precision on top of obvious talent. This album should sit well with every Jazz lover anywhere on this planet, and obviously especially so with Montgomery / Jazz guitar lovers the world over.
| | Updated: 07/12/2021Posted: 02/12/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | BILLY HART ~ ALL OUR REASONS
ECM 2248 (Barcode: 602527866314) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012
This is the debut album on the legendary ECMFind albums on this label label by veteran American drummer / composer Billy HartFind albums by this artist, who is one of the greatest drummers in Jazz history, although he is rarely mentioned by critics. He was a part of many pivotal Jazz recordings over the years with such great musicians as Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist, Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, Stan GetzFind albums by this artist and of course Miles DavisFind albums by this artist. Unfortunately his recordings as a leader are relatively rare. This is the second album by his recent quartet, which includes saxophonist Mark TurnerFind albums by this artist, pianist Ethan IversonFind albums by this artist and bassist Ben StreetFind albums by this artist. Hart, Iverson and Turner all contribute compositions on this album and the quartet performs them with elegance and flair, which is usually identified with European Jazz, which is probably the reason behind ECM´s decision to include this music in their catalogue. This is modern Jazz at its best, firmly based in the tradition and expanding it towards new territory. Beautiful stuff!
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  | MAREK KADZIELA ~ JAZZ ENSEMBLE
AUDIO CAVE 2021/004 (Barcode: 5908298549254) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2019 Released: 2021
As hard as it is to believe, this is only the second album as a leader by Polish Jazz guitarist / composer Marek KadzielaFind albums by this artist, this time recorded in a quintet setting with his brother saxophonist Maciej KadzielaFind albums by this artist, trombonist Jacek NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Pawel PuszczaloFind albums by this artist and drummer Radoslaw BolewskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Marek Kadziela.
During the second decade of the 2000s Kadziela participated in numerous recordings and co-led several Polish and international ensembles, as diverse as Hunger PangsFind albums by this artist, JazabuFind albums by this artist, K.R.A.N.Find albums by this artist and KaMaSzFind albums by this artist as well as his own ADHDFind albums by this artist. These recordings present a restless, searching spirit, who is constantly trying to re-invent himself and drive towards uncharted territory, crossing genres with ease and competence. Over the years I have had the pleasure to listen to him live as well, which often exposed other aspects of his wide-ranging musical personality. There is no doubt that during that time he established himself not only as one of the leading Polish guitarists, but also as an important leader and trendsetter.
In many respects this album (as Kadziela himself states on the album’s liner notes) is an amalgamation of his experiences up to now, with an emphasis on composition, as much as on his guitar playing skills. The rather unusual sounding ensemble highlights his originality as a sound creator, which enhances the acoustic quintet with skillful use of electronics, creating a modern, somewhat rough and toothed exterior, which hides the melodic contents, without damaging it.
The individual performances are all absolutely stunning, with the leader moving between Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist and Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist and back in an instant, always being himself. Namyslowski is a surprise as his playing is more open and daring than usual and the rhythm section does a wonderful job driving the music forward and filling the blanks.
Overall this is a wonderful modern Jazz album, full of great music and intricate individual performances, not easy on the ear and demanding attentive listening, but highly rewarding. Although Kadziela made a giant step forward in his career, deep down he is still a Blues / Rock kid who loves to show his guitar licks, which I personally love as much as all the serious stuff he is playing. Having said that, this album is almost completely free of any Fusion accents, announcing the leader’s full commitment to the Jazz idiom. Hats off!
| | Updated: 10/04/2021Posted: 10/04/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | VOLKER KRIEGEL ~ MAINZ 1963-1969
SWR JAZZHAUS 101726 (Barcode: 807280172690) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1963 - 1969 Released: 2013
This album presents a delightful collection of early archival recordings by German guitarists / composer / bandleader Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, one of the most important pioneering European Jazz musicians, who is also often considered as one of the Godfathers of European Jazz-Rock Fusion. The music was recorded by the German Radio during four separate recording sessions that took place in 1963, 1967, 1968 and 1968. The first of these sessions is in a trio format and the rest are quartet recordings featuring vibraphone as the fourth instrument, which was Kriegel´s preferred format. A couple of guest musicians: flautist Emil MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Gustl MayerFind albums by this artist are featured on the third and fourth sessions respectively.
By the time the last session on this album was recorded, Kriegel was already a member of the Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, an ensemble led by the American (resident in Germany) vibraphonist Dave PikeFind albums by this artist which led to his exposure. This was followed by Kriegel leading several ensembles and recording as a solo artist and also the creation of the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist by the late 1970 with other European Fusion musicians. Kriegel sadly died in 2003, aged only 60 at the time, an immense loss to the European Jazz scene.
The material presented on this album gives a fascinating glimpse at the development Kriegel moved through in his early days, from playing quite traditionally on the first session, sounding like many American guitarist at the time (Joe PassFind albums by this artist, Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist) and playing standards, gradually changing his approach and reaching his personal style and phrasing and playing original compositions. From the very first moments it is quite obvious that Kriegel has something in him, which makes his playing unique. He is first and foremost a European Artist and even in the first sessions there are definite echoes of Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist in parallel to the American influences.
Similarly to the BBC in Britain, the German broadcasting bodies (radio and TV) in the various regions (Federal States) are an endless source of recordings of local and international artists in all genres. Hopefully more projects like this one will see the light of day soon, as these treasures are definitely too important to lay forgotten.
Overall this is an excellent album of great historic importance, especially for European Jazz fans, with great sound quality and superb material, which definitely deserves to be listened to. Well done!
| | Updated: 31/03/2021Posted: 30/01/2016 | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DOM MINASI ~ QUICK RESPONSE
CDM 1005 (Barcode: 616892598527) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004
This quartet date by US guitarist / composer Dom MinasiFind albums by this artist is quite different from his two trio recordings, which brought him back from a quarter of a century long self-imposed exile from recording and stormed the Jazz world with his amazing performances. Together with Mark WhitecageFind albums by this artist on tenor saxophone, Kyle KoehlerFind albums by this artist on organ and John BollingerFind albums by this artist on drums, Minasi presents a laid-back session, which re-examines the Jazz heritage in a contemporary setting. Of the nine compositions included on here, three are re-workings of standards and the other six are Minasi’s compositions, all kept in the “spirit” of Jazz tradition. Minasi’s followers might find this approach surprising, but it is really quite natural for him to play more or less “straight ahead” Jazz, as long as he retains his unique guitar voicing, which of course he does with flying colors here. His delicate and ever so sophisticated solos are truly delightful, time after time, with traces of Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist chords hidden under the surface. The other quartet members play along splendidly, with Whitecage and Koehler adding their tasteful solos, Koehler (when not soloing) supporting the perfect background layers and the basses (with his pedals) gluing the music together and Bollinger driving them all rhythmically. The retro sound of the organ is really delightful, at times somewhat resembling what Larry Young was doing in Tony Williams LifetimeFind albums by this artist. Playing “straight ahead” is a real challenge when the musicians want to retain the element of originality and creativity, which is exactly what happens on this album. For the less experienced Jazz lovers, who might find Minasi’s Avant-Garde work difficult to swallow at first, this is a great introduction to the magical word of his music. Grab it!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | DOM MINASI ~ TAKIN` THE DUKE OUT
CDM 1001 (Barcode: 765432100123) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001
US guitarist / composer Dom MinasiFind albums by this artist is surely one of the most original and innovative Jazz artists active today and hearing his music is a true revelation. A veteran of the NY Jazz scene, Minasi was influenced by the Jazz Giants like John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and Eric DolphyFind albums by this artist, all of which he heard performing live at NY clubs during his adolescence. Very early on Minasi realized that Free Jazz and Improvised Music were something he wanted to do and he’d stay faithful to that decision throughout his entire career. That does not mean he didn’t study the entire tradition of the Jazz genre (with an emphasis on guitarists of course) and even played “straight ahead” Jazz, which he still enjoys to do from time to time, but his true passion is the more challenging highly improvised and boundless facet of Jazz making. Minasi debut recordings as a leader were released in the mid-1970s by the legendary Blue NoteFind albums on this label label, which unfortunately by that time was already taken over by the Majors and attempted to produce mass-market music. Completely disappointed and frustrated by the treatment received from the Music Industry, Minasi decided to abstain completely from recording music, dedicating his time to live performances, teaching, writing and educating. Almost a quarter of a century later he finally made his return as a recording artists and soon after established his own recording label – CDMFind albums on this label Records – which is now his base of operations. This album is the first release on that label and a triumphant return of Minasi to public exposure, spotlighting his amazing talent as a player and improviser. Recorded live at the legendary NY Knitting Factory it features Minasi and his regular trio with the extraordinary bassist Ken FilianoFind albums by this artist and drummer Jackson KrallFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, the material consists entirely of Minasi’s far-reaching interpretations of classic Jazz standards written by Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist and Billy StrayhornFind albums by this artist. Hearing this music is a true revelation. Minasi does things with his guitar, which are simply unimaginable, displaying a technique and virtuosity of staggering proportions, as well as amazing improvisational ability. He can be gentle and lyrical one moment and ferocious the next, all in perfect sense and impeccable taste. Guitar lovers can hear the entire history of Jazz guitar playing in his lines, from Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist, Barney KesselFind albums by this artist, Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist and up to Derek BaileyFind albums by this artist. His supersonic speed is breathtaking and overwhelming, but never flashy and always in total control. Filiano is also amazing, both plucking and bowing his heart away, and Krall displays a rare sensitivity and attention, all of which turns them both into ideal partners for the ride. This is an amazing album, which ought to be heard not only by every guitar player on this planet, but also by every true Jazz lover. Considering the fact the American Jazz is now mostly a vast wasteland of meaningless mainstream doodling, a rare oasis like Minasi is especially refreshing. A gem!
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  | WES MONTGOMERY ~ THE NDR HAMBURG STUDIO RECORDINGS
JAZZLINE 77078 (Barcode: 4049774770784) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1965 Released: 2021
This is an archival album by the seminal American guitarist / composer Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist, recorded live on April 30, 1965, during his European tour, which also included an appearance at the Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist’s club in London just prior to this recording. Montgomery is supported by a dreamy octet, which includes British saxophonists Scott and Ronnie RossFind albums by this artist, and drummer Ronnie StephensonFind albums by this artist (the 3 Ronnies), Austrian saxophonist Hans KollerFind albums by this artist, American (resident in Europe from 1963) saxophonist Johnny GriffinFind albums by this artist, French pianist Martial SolalFind albums by this artist and bassist Michel GaudryFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, four of which are Montgomery’s originals, two are by Ross, one each by Solal and Griffin, one is by Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist and one is a standard. The recording offers a brilliant sound quality. The bonus BD offers a half an hour glimpse at the octet’s rehearsal a couple of days before the concert.
Montgomery was at the top of his career at the time and his death, which came just three years after this recording was made, was a complete shock and a tragic premature end of his life and career.
The guitarist feels absolutely delighted supported by these European musicians, who offered already at that time a much more refined, delicate and ambitious approach to the Bebop atmosphere, and presented a highly sophisticated individual abilities as soloists.
The music is performed at a relaxed atmosphere, which emphasizes the obvious camaraderie between the musicians, and is in interesting document of the European scene at the time, as well as a tribute to Montgomery’s brilliant and innovative approach to the guitar.
Overall, for the many fans of Montgomery, this is an absolute must, not only as a document of his performances, but especially due to the unusual setting in which these recordings were made. One has to be grateful to those Germans, who keep all that historical material in perfect form, as usual.
| | Updated: 09/02/2024Posted: 09/02/2024 | CD+BD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | TERRY SMITH ~ FALL OUT
SUNBEAM 5008 (Barcode: 5051125500819) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2006
Guitarist / composer Terry SmithFind albums by this artist was one of the busiest musicians on the British Jazz scene in the late 1960s. Voted the best Jazz guitarist in the 1968 polls, when this album was recorded, Smith was not only playing at the regular Jazz venues around London, but was also a member of the backup group of singer Scott WalkerFind albums by this artist, who was at the peak of his popularity at the time. Walker, although extremely successful as a Pop artists, had a keen musical ear and was trying to get away from the sugary Pop image by employing some of the best Jazz musicians at the time In his band, which was led by no other than the legendary Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist. Walker used his influence with his label (PhilipsFind albums on this label) to offer a recording opportunity to some of the young and extremely talented musicians in the band, which led to the recording of this debut album by Terry Smith. As this album shows, Smith already had an extraordinary technique and feel for Jazz. Based on the tradition created by players like Kenny BurrellFind albums by this artist and Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist, Smith took his guitar work a few steps further adding his personal touch. Of course just a few months later Smith would become one of the founding members of the British Jazz-Rock ensemble IfFind albums by this artist, which successfully competed with their American counterparts like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist and ChicagoFind albums by this artist. On this album Smith is accompanied by some of the best British Jazz musicians at the time, including Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist on sax and flute, Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist on piano and Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist on bass. Of the eight tracks on this album, three are his originals and the rest standards, beautifully arranged for a big Jazz ensemble. Two of the tracks are performed by Smith’s trio with Bob StuckleyFind albums by this artist on organ and Chris KarenFind albums by this artist on drums. This is an excellent album by all means and it’s great to have it back from oblivion after all these years. Recommended!
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  | STAN TRACEY ~ LAUGHIN` AND SCRATCHIN`
JAZZ HOUSE 608 (Barcode: 751848670824) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1965 Released: 1997
This is an album which presents archival / informal recordings by the Godfather of modern British Jazz, pianist / composer Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist, recorded live in a trio format at the famous Ronnie Scott´s Club in London, featuring bassist Rick LairdFind albums by this artist (later of Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist fame) and drummers Ronnie StephensonFind albums by this artist or Bill EydenFind albums by this artist. The trio performs seven pieces, two of which are originals by Tracey and five are standards.
Between 1959 and 1965 Tracey and his trio served as the house band at the Ronnie Scott´s Club (the original one at Gerrard Street) and accompanied scores of visiting musicians, mostly from the US, such as Johnny GriffinFind albums by this artist, Sonny RollinsFind albums by this artist, Ben WebsterFind albums by this artist, Stan GetzFind albums by this artist, Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist, Roland KirkFind albums by this artist and many, many more. Playing with these Giants obviously served as a wonderful opportunity for Tracey to polish his chops, but more importantly to develop his own style as a player and composer, which differed from the standard American Bebop approach.
The selections included on this album are all pretty long in duration and as such are wonderful documents of Tracey´s idiosyncrasies as a piano player, with his quite unique approach to the instrument, similar in some ways to what Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist was doing. Tracey plays mostly chords, vamping and boogieing all over the keyboard, only occasionally playing out the melody notes. His interpretation of the Monk tune present here is simply amazing.
The rhythm section bravely keeps up with the governor, standing with him shoulder to shoulder even during the unexpected twists and turns he takes along the way. Although the sound quality of this album is far from ideal, the music is absolutely stunning and more than compensates for the technical limitations.
Albums like this are precious pieces of Jazz history captured for eternity, which are still valid today and are definitely worth listening to, especially by the young generation, which missed it in real time. Great stuff!
| | Updated: 24/03/2016Posted: 24/03/2016 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JAN PTASZYN WROBLEWSKI ~ FLYIN` LADY (POLISH JAZZ VOL.55)
POLSKIE RADIO 0534 (Barcode: 5901448115347) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2005
This is an excellent album by Polish veteran Jazz saxophonist / composer / arranger / bandleader Jan Ptaszyn WroblewskiFind albums by this artist. One of the great pioneers of the Polish Jazz movement since the 1950s, Wroblewski remained very active on the local scene in many capacities, which included leading his own ensembles, directing the Polish Radio Jazz Studio OrchestraFind albums by this artist and teaching generations of Polish Jazz musicians. Wroblewski always firmly stood for the Jazz tradition, keeping the mainstream Jazz in Poland on a very high level. He was rarely associated with the Polish Jazz modernists and avoided Free Jazz excursions, even when these were fashionable. Nevertheless his unique and innovative approach to Jazz composition and virtuosic ability as a player make his very extensive legacy an infinite source of superb Jazz moments. This album presents six original compositions by Wroblewski, superbly performed by a quartet, which includes guitarist Marek BlizinskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Witold SzczurekFind albums by this artist and drummer Andrzej DabrowskiFind albums by this artist. Blizinski should be noted as one of the greatest Polish guitarists and perhaps the Jazziest one, who avoided getting into Fusion at all costs, keeping his sound in the Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist / Barney KesselFind albums by this artist tradition. Altogether this is a great example of the versatility of the Polish Jazz scene and its excellence, regardless of the specific sub-genre in question. Highly recommended!
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