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  | IN-FORMATION ~ IN-FORMATION TRIO
POLSKIE RADIO 1248 (Barcode: 5907812242480) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1981 Released: 2013
This is the second installment in a series of releases documenting the recorded legacy of the great Polish Jazz pianist / composer Slawomir KulpowiczFind albums by this artist, most of which is released for the first time. Kulpowicz, who died prematurely in 2008 at the age of 56, was a victim of cancer. He was a member of groups led by the top Polish Jazz players like Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist and Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist and led / co-led his own ensembles like The QuartetFind albums by this artist, In-FormationFind albums by this artist and also cooperated with many other musicians over the years. He was an avid follower of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist´s music and kept in touch with Coltrane´s wife Alice ColtraneFind albums by this artist. Following his visit to India, Kulpowicz discovered Indian music and the spiritual aura of India, which became his own.
Following the demise of The Quartet, Kulpowicz founded a new ensemble, which he called In-Formation. Over time several different versions of In-Formation existed, including a duo, the basic piano trio, presented here, quartet and even sextet. In retrospect the trio proved to be the most successful incarnation of the group. It included bassist Witold SzczurekFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Vitold RekFind albums by this artist) and legendary drummer Czeslaw BartkowskiFind albums by this artist. The same trio also served as the rhythm section of the Tomasz Stanko quartet in the early 1980s, recording with him two most impressive albums: "Music 81Find albums with this title" and "A I JFind albums with this title" (both recorded at the same session).
In-Formation recorded two albums for the PoljazzFind albums on this label label, the second of which is partly (three tracks) also included here. The rest of the album (five more tracks) originates in two radio sessions recorded earlier in the same year. All the music was composed by Kulpowicz and is a direct continuation of his John Coltrane / McCoy TynerFind albums by this artist influenced style presented earlier by The Quartet. Of course the trio´s music is much less intense sonically than the quartet´s massive sound, but not less complex or spiritually evolved. Kulpowicz carries, as expected, most of the load, producing his usual vamped chords and dense cadenzas of amazing fluency and virtuosity. The rhythm section supports him splendidly, with Rek emphasizing the melody riffs and Bartkowski providing the swinging drive carrying the music in fast forward most of the album´s duration.
The piano trio, which is the ultimate Jazz showcase, was quite a neglected Art form at the time this music was recorded. Therefore these recordings are even more special, as there was no other parallel outfit on the Polish Jazz scene at the time. Of course the piano trio would triumphantly return and re-appear on the Jazz scene later on, including of course the local Polish scene, but at that particular time In-Formation trio was completely unique.
This album is not only a great example of the Jazz piano trio Art, but also a very important document of the development of the Polish Jazz scene. Of course it´s an absolute must have for all Polish Jazz connoisseurs and collectors, but every piano trio buff around the globe should find this quite a treat. Great stuff!
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  | SLAWOMIR KULPOWICZ ~ THREE ETUDES / PRASAD IN MANGALORE
POLJAZZ / ANEX 319 (Barcode: 5907513047742) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1982 Released: 2009
Following the demise of The QuartetFind albums by this artist, Polish Jazz pianist / composer Slawomir KulpowiczFind albums by this artist founded a new ensemble, which he called In-FormationFind albums by this artist. Over time several different versions of In-Formation existed, including a duo, a piano trio, quartet and even sextet. In-Formation recorded two albums and later took part in the recording of this album, which was eventually released as a Kulpowicz solo album. The album consists of three solo piano pieces recorded for the Polish Radio and three pieces recorded live by In-Formation during the Jazz Jamboree Festival with guitarist Jaroslaw SmietanaFind albums by this artist, bassist Witold SzczurekFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Vitold RekFind albums by this artist) and percussionists Krzysztof PrzybylowiczFind albums by this artist, Jerzy BartzFind albums by this artist and Jose TorresFind albums by this artist.
All the music was composed by Kulpowicz and is a direct continuation of his John ColtraneFind albums by this artist / McCoy TynerFind albums by this artist influenced style presented earlier by The Quartet. But in time the music becomes more contemplative and also more personal, as evident mostly on the solo piano pieces. In parallel the Indian and other World Music influences are trickling in steadily and can be already clearly heard herein. The In-Formation pieces are truly superb and present the group as a great vehicle for the Kulpowicz compositions. They also expose Smietana as the first rate player he always was, regardless of the setting.
In retrospect this is a great document of the Polish Jazz scene in the early 1980s and an important part of the legacy Kulpowicz left behind him, which should serve as an endless source of inspiration to new generations of Polish Jazz players. Definitely worth investigating!
Side Note: The PoljazzFind albums by this artist label, which originally released this album, was active for 20 years (between 1972 and 1991) and was owned by the Polish Jazz Society. Considering the fact that the music industry in the Socialist State was centralized and totally controlled, with just one State owned music company producing all the albums, the possibilities to record and release Jazz albums were extremely limited. Poljazz was conceived and founded in order to allow for many more Jazz (and other) albums to be released independently from the State owned Polskie NagraniaFind albums by this artist / MuzaFind albums by this artist and as such revolutionized the music industry at the time, being the only such enterprise in Eastern Europe. The Polish label AnexFind albums by this artist reissued many of the original Poljazz albums on CD, bringing this fabulous music back to life.
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  | TOMASZ STANKO ~ C.O.C.X.
POLONIA 088 (Barcode: 5904542687888) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1983 Released: 2008
This great album by Polish trumpeter / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist marks his entry into the second period of his career, which is an almost complete about face in comparison to his earlier work, which was mostly associated with Free Jazz. During the next decade (1980s) Stanko will record primarily with young musicians, often associated with Rock rather than with Jazz, creating a unique (as always) brand of Jazz-Rock Fusion. This album, recorded in a quartet setting with guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist (of SBBFind albums by this artist fame), bassist Witold SzczurekFind albums by this artist and percussionist Jose TorresFind albums by this artist, presents a series of beautiful melodies, which are performed in a pretty straight-forward manner, with Stanko and Anthimos exchanging licks and improvising on top of a steady rhythm section work. Hardcore Free Jazz / Avant-Garde enthusiasts might find this music "strange" and simplistic, but honestly it is far from being trivial at any point. It is simply different, and Stanko, as an artist, should be without doubt allowed some slack to move forward and change direction, same as Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and others did. His trumpet playing is a s virtuosic as always, and nothing beats Stanko playing a ballad – absolutely nothing! At the time of its release the album was received coldly and reluctantly by most of the local critics, who used the weathered "going commercial" arguments, without truly understanding the nature of the change. In retrospect this album is a valuable addition to Stanko´s musical heritage, which has very few competitors. Brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | TOMASZ STANKO ~ LIVE AT THE MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL 1987
POLONIA 254 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1987 Released: 2000
This live recording at the Montreux Jazz Festival is the last of the glorious 1980s albums by the polish trumpet virtuoso / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist and his FreelectronicFind albums by this artist ensemble, here consisting of keyboardists Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist and Tadeusz SudnikFind albums by this artist and bassist Witold SzczurekFind albums by this artist. Stanko is in top form and in a great mood, which is evident by the happy atmosphere captured herein. His trumpet soars to incredible heights and the brilliant improvisations chase one another. In retrospect this is a perfect moment captured for posterity, just before the ever-changing Stanko would embark on yet another musical journey with the onset of the 1990s. The 1980s Stanko´s Jazz-Rock period was about to be abandoned and replaced by a return to the Jazz tradition and the new (again) Stanko, which would capture worldwide audiences with his ECMFind albums on this label recordings. But the 1980s period firmly remains as one of Stanko´s most productive and expressive periods and this album is an integral part of that legacy. A must to every Stanko fan!
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  | TOMASZ STANKO ~ PEYOTL - WITKACY
POLONIA 037/038 (Barcode: 5904542687307) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1984 - 1986 Released: 2004
This is probably the most significant recording by Polish trumpeter virtuoso / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, surely at least among his Polish recordings before his later ECMFind albums on this label period. Following Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, Stanko switched to Jazz-Rock Fusion (albeit a decade later) and his 1980s output with his FreelectronicFind albums by this artist ensemble is radically different from the Free Jazz he played in the 1970s. This double album consists of one studio recording and one live recording, both expressing Stanko´s power as a performer and a composer to the max. The studio album, which was compiled over a period of two years, presents music composed by Stanko at the period when he was experimenting with hallucinogens and was deeply influenced by the writings of the Polish mystic / philosopher / Avant-Garde artist WitkacyFind albums by this artist (Stanislaw Ignacy Witkiewicz), who was also an early experimenter with drugs. Text excerpts from Witkacy´s book about drugs are recited and closely incorporated into the fascinating music, which floats over a repetitious hypnotic vamp and layers of electronic keyboard sounds. The highlight of this album is undoubtedly the inclusion of a second genius trumpet player, Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist, who exchanges licks with Stanko in a brilliant manner. The fact that Stanko invited Przybielski to participate in this recording is a testimony of how highly he regarded his unbelievable talent. Other musicians participating in these recordings are: keyboardists Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist and Tadeusz SudnikFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist, bassist Witold SzczurekFind albums by this artist, and drummer Zbigniew BarysiakFind albums by this artist. The recitation is by the great actor Marek WalczewskiFind albums by this artist. In retrospect the fact that this music was recorded almost 30 years ago seem incomprehensible, as it so much more advanced that almost any music done these days. Stanko´s genius definitely reaches here one of its great peaks, which luckily for us was captured for posterity. Sadly this album is probably little known by his worldwide fan base, as it is very difficult to find, which of course is a shame. If one must own just one Stanko album, this is it, at least as far as I´m concerned. Absolute unadulterated genius!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 2 Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | TOMASZ STANKO ~ POLISH RADIO SESSIONS 1970-1991
POLSKIE RADIO 2504-2509 (Barcode: 5905610875251) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1970 - 1991 Released: 2025
This is an archival 6CD Box Set, which collects recordings made by the iconic Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist. These recordings, found in the Polish Radio archives and edited by Adam DomagalaFind albums by this artist, span a period of over two decades and reflect Stanko’s development as a musician and leading figure of the Polish Jazz scene, during the first period of his activity as a leader, after leaving the ensembles led by the Godfather of Polish Jazz, Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist. This period was characterized by dramatic changes and experimental explorations. Stanko was accompanied by the crème de la crème of the Polish Jazz and Jazz-Rock musicians active at the time, including drummers Czeslaw BartkowskiFind albums by this artist, Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist and Andrzej RyszkaFind albums by this artist, pianist Adam MakowiczFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist and Tomasz SzukalskiFind albums by this artist, violinist Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist, bassists Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist, Witold SzczurekFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Vitold RekFind albums by this artist) and Jerzy KawalecFind albums by this artist, keyboardist / electronics Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist and Tadeusz SudnikFind albums by this artist and percussionist Jose TorresFind albums by this artist. The Box Set includes an informative bilingual booklet, which describes the relevant discographic details, as well as personal notes by several of the musicians and quotes from Stanko’s autobiography “Desperado”. All the music included in this Box Set is previously unreleased.
CD1 (eight tracks TT 33:47 recorded 1970 / 1971) presents the Stanko quintet with Muniak, Seifert, Stefanski and Suchanek. Two tracks are compositions by Komeda, three by Stanko and the remaining three are credited to all the quintet members. Stylistically these recordings mark the transition between modern European Jazz and Free Jazz / Improvised Music. Further and more extensive recordings of this quintet’s music is available on the two live albums recorded in 1972: “Wooden Music IFind albums with this title” and “Wooden Music IIFind albums with this title”.
CD2 (five tracks TT 37:04 recorded 1974 / 1975) presents the trio called “Unit” with Stanko, Bartkowski and Makowicz. Two tracks are compositions by Stanko, one is a standard and two are by John Coltrane. It is a beautifully intimate session, which defines Stanko’s aesthetics and trumpet sound, which will eventually lead to is international career. The trio recorded a studio album in Germany, entitled “Stanko - Makowicz Unit Featuring Czeslaw BartkowskiFind albums with this title” and another album in Poland for the PoljazzFind albums on this label label (still waiting for a reissue).
CD3 (six tracks TT 38:02 recorded 1975) presents another trio with Stanko, Bartkowski and Szukalski. Two tracks are compositions by Stanko and the remaining four are credited to all the trio members. This recording follows shortly the recording of Stanko’s debut album for ECMFind albums on this label, entitled “BalladynaFind albums with this title”, recorded with Szukalski, British bassist Dave HollandFind albums by this artist and Finnish drummer Edward VesalaFind albums by this artist, but precedes its release. The music is characteristic to Stanko’s distinctive style, which combines Polish lyricism with Free Jazz.
CD4 (nine tracks TT 38:04 recorded 1985 / 1986) presents a revolutionary quartet called “Freelectronic” with Stanko, Skowron, Sudnik and Szczurek. Six tracks are compositions by Stanko and the remaining three are credited to all the quartet members. The music presents a relatively short period of Stanko’s flirt with electronic music and Avant-Garde Rock, which was way ahead of its time and brilliantly innovative. The quartet released a live album recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1987, called “SwitzerlandFind albums with this title” (but also released under several different titles by different labels).
CD5 (six tracks TT 30:59 recorded in 1991) presents an intimate duo recording of Stanko and Szczurek. Five tracks are compositions by Stanko and one is by Szczurek. The impromptu “live in the studio” recording presents the close affinity between the two musicians and the result is a great example of the “Art of the Duo”, which is always fascinating and highly rewarding.
CD6 (five tracks TT 1:04:51 recorded in 1983) presents a live recording by a sextet led by Stanko with Anthimos, Kawalec, Szczurek, Ryszka and Torres at the legendary Warsaw Jazz club Akwarium. All the music is composed by Stanko. This music shows Stanko playing advanced Jazz-Rock Fusion with young musicians, highly inspired by the electric period of Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, from a decade earlier. Most of the material captured here was released later on the “C.O.C.XFind albums with this title” studio album.
It is almost beyond self-evident that this Box Set is one of the most important, or perhaps even the most important archival / retrospective / historic Polish Jazz album ever compiled. Thanks to the patience and determination of the editor Adam Domagala, the Polish Jazz fans the world over are able to discover and enjoy this epic music, which might have been otherwise lost forever. I am pretty confident that there are still hours of music by Stanko, where these recordings came from, so a second volume of this wonderful Box Set is perhaps a possibility?
Overall, this is certainly one of the most fabulous collections of music a Jazz connoisseur can put his hand on, so don’t even think twice, as these editions have a tendency to get sold out notoriously. This music is universal, so if your Stanko’s record collection is relatively small, this is a great opportunity to enlarge it, and if you already have everything Stanko ever recorded, it is even more essential to get it ASAP.
| | Updated: 10/12/2025Posted: 10/12/2025 | CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | SUN SHIP ~ AQUARIUM LIVE NO.5
POLJAZZ / ANEX 303 (Barcode: 5907513047582) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2009
Excellent live recording in the legendary Warsaw Jazz club "Aquarium" by the Polish Jazz quartet Sun ShipFind albums by this artist, formed by keyboardist Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist following his departure from the great Fusion band Extra BallFind albums by this artist, which he also co-founded some years earlier. Sendecki, as well as his three companions: saxophonist Zbigniew JaremkoFind albums by this artist, bassist Witold SzczurekFind albums by this artist and drummer Marek StachFind albums by this artist are all representatives of the second generation of the Polish Jazz scene, well educated and experienced musicians, who grew up in the shadow of their mentors like Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist and others, carrying the great tradition of Polish Jazz further into the future. Somewhat tired of playing Fusion, which was the predominant style of the early 1970s, Sun Ship returns to modern Jazz based on solid melodic compositions and improvisational skill of the band members. The use of synthesizers in addition to the acoustic piano is the only "leftover" from the Fusion days, and most of the music is acoustic. Sendecki´s keyboard wizardry is plainly obvious and his fluid technique and great sense of melody are truly exquisite. Brilliant stuff!
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  | 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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