Record Reviews

SKALDOWIE ~ NIE DOMYKAJMY DRZWI (EXPANDED EDITION) KAMELEON 12 ~ POLAND ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1988 Released: 2012 This is the twelfth album by the legendary Polish group SkaldowieFind albums by this artist, one of the most influential East European ensembles, founded by brothers: Andrzej ZielinskiFind albums by this artist and Jacek ZielinskiFind albums by this artist (vocalist, multi-instrumentalist). This album is the first recording by the group, which does not feature the group´s leader Andrzej Zielinski, who at the time was resident in the USA. The other group members on this album are: keyboardist Grzegorz GorkiewiczFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jerzy TarsinskiFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Konrad RatynskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Wiktor KierzkowskiFind albums by this artist. This album was recorded in autumn 1988, almost nine years after the group recorded their previous album. Poland went through dramatic political upheavals during the 1980s, including the Martial Law period and strikes led by the Solidarity movement. When the Martial Law was declared the group was touring the USA and they decided to stay there until the situation clears. Gradually they returned to Poland, with Andrzej Zielinski delaying his return for longest. Those members who returned decided to re-activate the group in 1987, which eventually led to the recording of this album. With the absence of Andrzej Zielinski the composing duties fell upon Jacek Zielinski and Konrad Ratynski, and they added a keyboardist to retain the traditional keyboard oriented sound. Musically the album pretty much continues the musical tradition of the original group, with strong melodies and elegant arrangements. Although an attempt was made to use self-penned lyrics, eventually the decision to return to lyrics written by Polish poets was made. Although the album does suffer a bit from the dreaded synthesizer sound of the 1980s, it is overall quite impressive, especially due to the superb songwriting. Re-activating the group after almost a decade long break and without its leader was a very bold step, which in retrospect worked way beyond the initial expectations. This album was the last release by the group on the state owned Polskie Nagrania / MuzaFind albums on this label label and their last recording before the Socialist regime in Poland gave way to the democratic Third Republic. Unfortunately it was also the last album for over a decade and a half before the group started to record again the mid-2000. This edition adds seven bonus tracks, all of which are radio versions of the songs present on the original album. This is an important document of Polish Rock history and a must have for every Polish music fan. Most of the music stands the test of time quite well and is definitely worth revisiting.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SKALDOWIE ~ PIESN NAD PIESNIAMI, CZYLI BALLADA CZLOWIEKA O MILOSCI POLSKIE RADIO 1437 (Barcode: 5907812244378) ~ POLAND ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1980 - 1981 Released: 2011 Although not a "proper" SkaldowieFind albums by this artist album per se, this recording presents the group taking part in a very special artistic project created by the legendary Polish cabaret "Piwnica Pod Baranami" in Krakow. Skaldowie, one of the most influential East European ensembles, were founded by brothers: Andrzej ZielinskiFind albums by this artist (vocalist, keyboardist and composer) and Jacek ZielinskiFind albums by this artist (vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and composer). The other group members at the time were: guitarist Jerzy TarsinskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Konrad RatynskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Wiktor KierzkowskiFind albums by this artist. Jacek Zielinski composed a cycle of songs to the lyrics written by Wieslaw DymnyFind albums by this artist, who himself performed at the cabaret and was famous for his witty lyrics. But the lyrics used here show his lyrical / poetic side as well. The songs were performed by the group and several additional vocalists, who were regular members of the cabaret. The entire project can be seen as a typical Jazz & Poetry project, although in this case the music was performed by a Rock group, with a strong Jazz orientation. The song cycle was also recorded by the Polish Radio in the winter of 1980 / 1981 and celebrating the 30th anniversary of the recording, was released on record for the first time. In retrospect this album is one of the best albums ever that Skaldowie recorded during their long career. It also shows that Jacek Zielinski was also quite an accomplished composer, which was never apparent on the formal recordings of the group, where Andrzej Zielinski was almost exclusively in charge of the composing. The actual performances are brilliant from start to end, in a much more informal atmosphere than the album recorded by the group and of better sound quality. The music is versatile and cross-genre, moving freely between Rock, Jazz, Chanson, Pop and of course Cabaret. Of course the complete experience of this recording is very much language dependent, even more so than on the regular albums by the group. But considering the fact that Skaldowie have a wide following among fans, who do not speak Polish, this one should be no exception, especially in view of its brilliant quality and artistic merit. This is an important document of Polish Rock history and Polish Culture in general and should be a must have for every Polish music fan. It stands the test of time with flying colors and is definitely worth revisiting. Brilliant stuff!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend