Record Reviews

KRZYSZTOF SADOWSKI ~ THREE THOUSANDS POINTS (POLISH JAZZ VOL.47) GAD 031 (Barcode: 5901549197396) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1974 - 1997 Released: 2015 This is a reissue (first time on CD) of the third album by Polish Jazz keyboardist / composer Krzysztof SadowskiFind albums by this artist recorded with an ensemble called Organ GroupFind albums by this artist, which also included flautist / vocalist Liliana UrbanskaFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Vesselin NikolovFind albums by this artist and Tomasz SzukalskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Winicjusz ChrostFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Wojciech BruslikFind albums by this artist, drummers Zbigniew KitlinskiFind albums by this artist and Wojciech MorawskiFind albums by this artist and finally percussionists Andrzej ZielinskiFind albums by this artist and Bozena BruszewskaFind albums by this artist. The reason for the long lineup is the fact that the album was recorded during two separate sessions with two different lineups. This album was released at the time as part of the legendary "Polish Jazz" series (as Vol.47) and included originally only four tracks, the first of which gave the album its title and was a twenty one minutes long suite originally found on side A of the LP. The three tracks on side B were shorter and spanned between three to nine minutes in duration. Two of the compositions were originals, both composed by Sadowski; one was a Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist tune and one was a Classical piece. This remastered reissue adds three bonus tracks recorded at the Polish Radio. The music on this album shows Sadowski at full swing as a Jazz-Rock Fusion musician, firmly based in the Fusion idiom, which was pretty well established by then both on the Polish scene and abroad. He expands his arsenal and uses electric piano and early synthesizer (ring modulator) gadgets. The flute parts are more daring and the vocalese more developed, clearly following the work of Urszula DudziakFind albums by this artist. Nikolov adds a tinge of Balkan spice and Szukalski blows away like only he could, touching upon Free at times. The rhythmic support is very Rock oriented and the overall sound and feel of the music resembles to some extent the best Fusion ensembles active in the West but maintains an East European identity both harmonically and melodically. In retrospect the album is a great document of the time at which it was recorded, proving that in spite of the relative separation from what was happing beyond the Iron Curtain, Polish Jazz was responding rapidly to the changes in the Jazz idiom, often with ferocity and ingenuity, which were impossible to hold back by the political regime. The grammar mistake in the English version of the title (preserved for historic consistency) is a nice reminder of Socialist bureaucracy (an insider´s joke). As usual it is my duty to thank GADFind albums on this label Records for taking care of the Polish Jazz heritage, who is sadly a lonely rider on that trail. This superb music definitely needs to be fondly remembered and discovered by new generations!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SWIADECTWO DOJRZALOSCI ~ HULAJ DUSZA GAD 043 (Barcode: 5901549197563) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1977 Released: 2016 This is an archival album presenting material recorded by an excellent but sadly short-lived Polish Jazz-Rock Fusion band Swiadectwo DojrzalosciFind albums by this artist, which consisted of saxophonist Szczepan DudekFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Krzysztof OrlowskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Dariusz KozakiewiczFind albums by this artist (BreakoutFind albums by this artist, TestFind albums by this artist), bassist Wojciech BruslikFind albums by this artist and drummer Wojciech MorawskiFind albums by this artist. The material originates from a radio session which produced five tracks and a live performance at the Jazz Nad Odra Festival which produced four tracks, both from 1977. Overall the album presents six original compositions (since three are repeated twice in studio and live versions), five by Bruslik and one by Kozakiewicz. Both the music and the execution are truly excellent from start to finish and the album is a hidden gem of Polish Fusion, which finally is able to reach a wider audience. Although the live tracks were released on vinyl at the time, they are long lost and with the addition of the radio recordings this album finally pays proper homage to this splendid group. The music is very melodic and presents well written themes, which are ideal vehicles for the improvisations by the group members. The funky rhythm section supports the saxophone, guitar and keyboards solos amicably and the music moves forward elegantly and intelligently, which is typical of European Fusion bands, which put sophistication and harmonic complexity ahead of flashy instrumental show-off. Kozakiewicz is the most surprising soloist on this album since his guitar work is as brilliant as ever, sadly being rather a rarity in the Polish Jazz, Rock and Blues recorded legacies, although he definitely is the best Polish guitar player of all times. This is another blessing bestowed upon the Polish music lovers by the splendid GADFind albums on this label Records label, which manages time after time to uncover hidden treasures, which are all more than worthy to be available to the wide public. Considering the superb quality of the music and the great sound quality, this album is an absolute gem!

Updated: 08/03/2020Posted: 17/03/2017

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend