Record Reviews

JAZZBLASTER ~ NIGHT OUT V 017 (Barcode: 5903111377168) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019 This is the second album by Polish ensemble JazzBlasterFind albums by this artist, which comprises of trumpeter / vocalist Tadeusz KulasFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Piotr RachonFind albums by this artist, violinist Dominik BienczyckiFind albums by this artist, bassist Roland AbreuFind albums by this artist and drummer Marcin RakFind albums by this artist. Bassist Wojciech BerganderFind albums by this artist plays on one track and additional synthesizers are played by Pawel KonikiewiczFind albums by this artist, who was also involved in the recording process. The album presents eight original tracks all composed by Rachon (except one co-composed with Kulas) and all texts (in English) are by Kulas. The music moves away from Jazz even more significantly than on the debut album and the overall sound and musical direction of the ensemble are entirely Pop / Rock oriented with the Jazz accents present only within the instrumental passages, which are sadly less prominent on this album. Kulas almost completely resigned from his role as a trumpeter and is manly featured as vocalist. As it usually happens with Polish vocalists singing in English, his accent and pronunciation are really unacceptable, but perhaps on the local Polish scene this is less noticeable. I wander if JazzBlaster and EABSFind albums by this artist are about to create the Wroclaw sound, as there are strong similarities between these two young bands´ sound? Having said all that, the album does have its moments and the overall Punkish attitude probably does it for the younger generation of the Polish listeners. The heavy bass sound and presence of the bass up front in the mix creates a trance like somewhat Funky mood, which is quite effective. The piano parts are all very well played and the addition of the violin also enriches the sonic ambience. The trumpet, when finally played, is also pretty helpful. To sum it up, take away the vocals (or perhaps make them wordless vocalese) and what is left becomes quite a tasty piece of youthful Funky / Punk Jazz, which is danceable and overall quite entertaining. Sorry guys that I can´t be more enthusiastic, but as usual to each his own. The music shows tons of potential for sure, and just a little push in the right direction and everything will click!

Updated: 17/03/2020Posted: 22/09/2019

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KRZYSZTOF ZESLAWSKI / NATALIA LUBRANO ~ OSIECKA JAZZOWO MTJ 11735 (Barcode: 5906409117354) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is a Jazzy tribute to the iconic Polish poetess / lyricist Agnieszka OsieckaFind albums by this artist, who authored texts to countless Polish songs over many years, many of them ageless evergreens. A collection of thirteen songs which feature Osiecka´s lyrics is performed here by a quartet led by guitarist Krzysztof ZeslawskiFind albums by this artist which also includes keyboardist Lukasz PerekFind albums by this artist, bassist Wojciech BerganderFind albums by this artist and drummers Michal LasotaFind albums by this artist or Jaroslaw KorzonekFind albums by this artist. The vocals are performed by Natalia Lubrano. The songs were composed by some of the top Polish songwriters. The arrangements are all within very narrow swinging mainstream, only marginally Jazz related. The instrumental work is very solid, but not extraordinary, which is understandable in these limiting circumstances. There are a few guitar and keyboards solo spots, but nothing extraordinary. The vocal performances, which are supposed to be the focus of this album, are adequate, but not really exciting, which is a great pity. These are all brilliant songs and on this album they lose most of their luster and elegance, becoming sort of trivial. Overall this is a missed opportunity with good intentions but not so great end result. Of course this music can be enjoyed by many Polish fans of popular music, but Jazz fans will find this album lacking spark and purpose.

Updated: 06/02/2017Posted: 06/02/2017

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