Record Reviews

BIG BAND MALOPOLSKI ~ LIVE AT MLYN JAZZ FESTIVAL II HEVHETIA 0176 (Barcode: 8588005258210) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2018 During the recent HevhetiaFind albums on this label Showcase in Kosice I had the opportunity to talk at length to Ryszard KrawczukFind albums by this artist, the leader / conductor of the Big Band MalopolskiFind albums by this artist, one of the very few active Polish Jazz Big Bands. As usual the conversation revolved around the logistic / financial aspects of keeping a Big Band together these days – a complicated and frustrating task by any standard, and more often than not completely underappreciated. But with all hardships set aside, the Big Band Malopolski is a smooth and mean, well oiled music machine, which can easily look straight in the eye of any other European Jazz Big Band. The lineup of the Big Band, based partly on the students of the Academy of Music in Krakow, includes some of the best young and upcoming Polish Jazz players, like saxophonists Wojciech LichtanskiFind albums by this artist and Slawomir PezdaFind albums by this artist, trombonist Bartosz PernalFind albums by this artist and many others, who play along older and seasoned musicians. Guest artists are often invited to play and record with the Big Band. The current lineup includes also the vocalist / rapper / beat box performer Andy NinvalleFind albums by this artist, who spices up the Big Band´s performances with incredibly energetic and up to date glimmer. This, the Band´s second album, presents the current repertoire, which is a mixture of compositions by Polish Jazz veterans, like Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist, Jan Ptaszyn WroblewskiFind albums by this artist and Marek BalataFind albums by this artist, American Jazz standard and a composition by the Italian saxophonist / composer Rosario GuilianiFind albums by this artist, all together six wonderful pieces of mainstream Jazz, superbly arranged and ideally suited to the Big Band environment. Polish Jazz vocalist Lora SzafranFind albums by this artist guests on one of the tracks. The performances are perfectly executed, with plenty of space for some excellent soloing and the above mentioned tasty beat box ornamentations, which were enthusiastically received by the audience during the concert I was happy to attend. Overall this is an excellent Jazz Big Band album, which should satisfy connoisseurs all over the world, especially in view of the fact that Big Band albums are a rarity these days, especially those that are able to keep this Art Form up to date. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 14/09/2019Posted: 14/09/2019

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PIOTR BUDNIAK ESSENTIAL GROUP ~ INTO THE LIFE SJ 022 (Barcode: 5912596066238) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is the second album by young Polish Jazz drummer / composer Piotr BudniakFind albums by this artist with his Essential GroupFind albums by this artist sextet, which also includes saxophonists Wojciech LichtanskiFind albums by this artist and Jakub SkowronskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Szymon MikaFind albums by this artist, pianist Kajetan BorowskiFind albums by this artist and bassist Alan WykpiszFind albums by this artist; definitely some of the best young Polish Jazz lions. The album presents six original compositions (one repeated twice), all by Budniak. Perfectly executed and presenting superb compositions this album is an example of what modern young European Jazz is all about and it is a momentous step forward for Budniak as a composer and bandleader. The music is diverse, interesting, often unexpected and developing constantly. Although based on clearly defined melodic themes, it keeps evolving within each tune, changing moods and tempi, all to the delight of the listener. Although perhaps not intended as such, the albums sound like a continuous suite-like piece of music, which is perfectly coherent and feels like a complete statement. The sextet plays like a dream, at times sounding like a small Big Band, at other times like a Jazz-Rock ensemble, always perfectly in sync, balanced and cooperating towards a common goal. The individual statements are all perfect with the wonderfully structured solos chasing one another. The bass clarinet parts by Skowronski and the guitar parts by Mika are the "secret ingredients" which create the overall wonderful sonic aura, but everybody plays simply superbly. The rhythm section drives the ensemble like a Porsche engine, with sublime sensitivity, with the Big Bear Wykpisz being the maestro of melodic structures at the low end of the sonic spectrum. Budniak himself is a very delicate and considerate drummer, who keeps his rhythmic pulsation at a proper ensemble level not trying to be bossy. Of course Budniak deserves praise for his extraordinary compositions, which are the essence of this music. I must say that it has been quite a while since I heard an album´s length piece of music, which has absolutely no weak parts and keeps the listener at his toes for the entire duration. Absolutely brilliant stuff! Congratulations are in order to everybody involved and I highly recommend this album to all Jazz connoisseurs around the world as an example of what great music means these days. Life is too short for anything less than this!

Updated: 16/09/2017Posted: 16/09/2017

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PIOTR BUDNIAK ESSENTIAL GROUP ~ SIMPLE STORIES ABOUT HOPE AND WORRIES SOLITON 429 (Barcode: 5901571094298) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz drummer / composer Piotr BudniakFind albums by this artist and his sextet called Essential GroupFind albums by this artist, which also includes trumpeter Pawel PoludniakFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Wojciech LichtanskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Szymon MikaFind albums by this artist, pianist Kajetan BorowskiFind albums by this artist and bassist Alan WykpiszFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Michal SobierajskiFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album presents seven original compositions, all by the leader, who also wrote the lyrics to the vocal piece. Budniak, who returned to playing Jazz after a brief encounter with Rock-Folk as member of the ensemble LemONFind albums by this artist, which stirred quite a sensation on the local music scene, explores the Jazz tradition but maintains a fresh perspective, especially as a composer. The resulting music is a mixture of contemporary Jazz and Jazz-Rock Fusion, with a dash of Pop & Rock, performed efficiently and elegantly by the sextet. The emphasis on melody and lyricism creates an overall atmosphere of relaxation and lack of tension, which can be a two edged sword. The young players, who are members of the sextet, are all upcoming heroes of the next generation of Polish Jazz, many of which have already shown their chops on other recording released in recent years. Mika is the most noticeable soloist by far and Wykpisz slowly emerges as a very promising bass player, who can literally hold a tune like an old pro. These two are definitely worth following with special attention. But all the other players, including the leader, are fine young talents, who will be heard and noticed in the future. The focus of this album is obviously on the compositions, and rightly so, as Budniak has definitely a lot to say in that department. All of his compositions here are nicely crafted and a pleasure to listen to. The only drawback of this music is that it lacks originality and passion to explore uncharted territory, but perhaps it´s unfair to ask for boldness at this stage. This is definitely an impressive debut effort, which should make all the participants proud of their achievements. I am looking forward to their sophomore album in order to follow their progress.

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PIOTR BUDNIAK ESSENTIAL GROUP ~ THE DAYS OF WINE AND NOISES NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is the third album by Polish Jazz drummer / composer Piotr BudniakFind albums by this artist and his ensemble called Essential GroupFind albums by this artist, which on this album is a quintet and includes also saxophonist Wojciech LichtanskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Kajetan BorowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Piotr NarajowskiFind albums by this artist and as guest Czech guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded live and presents five original compositions, all by the leader. Musically the album continues the path set by the earlier recordings by Budniak, presenting excellent compositions well within modern melodic mainstream, performed with vigor and technical proficiency. Lichtanski and Borowski have been with the ensemble since its inception and together with Budniak constitute the core of the group, which is obviously well solidified. The new young bassist has a very though pair of shoes to fit, filling in for the original member of the ensemble, the excellent Alan WykpiszFind albums by this artist, but manages to catch up nicely. Doruzka is a very accomplished player and his role on this album proves his versatility and skill, again filling in for the original member of the ensemble Szymon MikaFind albums by this artist. Once again the focus of the album is on the excellent compositions by the leader, which present a diverse palette and a wonderful sense of melody and harmony. The quintet performs the music with grace and elegance, but without any extravagant solo excursions, which is all for the best. On the down side the sound quality of the live recording is rather problematic, which limits the pleasure of listening to the music. It is not entirely sure if this album is a formal release or just a promo release added to the Polish Jazz Forum magazine, but in any case sound quality is a crucial part of any recording and in this case it is simply not up to par with the quality of the music. Overall this is another injection of good Jazz compositions by Budniak and excellent playing by his ensemble, less formally packaged and recorded, but nevertheless very enjoyable.

Updated: 04/05/2018Posted: 04/05/2018

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CEZIK ~ AMBIWALNIETY SJ 035 (Barcode: 5903111492809) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is the debut album by Polish singer / songwriter CeZikFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Cezary Zenon NowakFind albums by this artist), active on the local scene since the mid 2000s. A decision to record a full album of his songs led to the meeting between CeZik and Polish Jazz pianist / composer Michal CiesielskiFind albums by this artist, who agreed to write the Jazzy arrangements to CeZik´s songs, which are executed by some of the best young Polish Jazz players: Ciesielski on piano, bassist Pawel UrowskiFind albums by this artist, drummer Adam GolickiFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Pawel PalcowskiFind albums by this artist, trombonist Szymon KlekowickiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Wojciech LichtanskiFind albums by this artist and percussionist Sylwester MalinowskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven original songs written by CeZik (lyrics and music), one co-composed with Ciesielski, all arranged by CeZik and Ciesielski. Despite the Jazzy arrangements, the songs are basically Pop oriented, somewhat of cabaret / vaudeville character, especially due to the satiric lyrics, which are full of bitter humor and sarcasm (naturally being in Polish they are sadly only perceivable to the Polish speaking audience). CeZik´s vocal delivery is frivolous and theatrical rather than strictly musical, but it suits the overall character of the project ideally and works out perfectly. Some of the melodies are beautifully lyrical, sometimes delivered with exaggerated pathos, bringing recollections of the Polish popular songs created in the 1920s and 1930s. The album flows beautifully and delivers the intended atmosphere of a cabaret show. The musicians are all highly professional and play with gusto and elegance, emphasizing the Jazzy atmosphere without being overtly assertive, staying respectfully in the background. The arrangements are perfectly suited to the music and create a coherent and highly graceful flow and continuity. Overall this is a brilliant album from start to finish, entertaining, but educational, splendidly performed and masterfully sung, dripping with painfully sardonic messages, wrapped in sweet and soothing melody lines and superb vocal delivery by CeZik. This is definitely a highly unusual and unique project, which deserves praise and admiration, and one can only hope that it will be cherished by the listeners, who are able to appreciate its many values. Bravo!

Updated: 13/04/2019Posted: 11/01/2019

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AGA DERLAK ~ PARALLEL NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2023 This is the third album as a leader by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Aga DerlakFind albums by this artist, recorded in a septet setting with trumpeter Jerzy MalekFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Wojciech LichtanskiFind albums by this artist and Marcin KaletkaFind albums by this artist, bassist Michal KapczukFind albums by this artist, drummer Szymon MadejFind albums by this artist and vocalist Basia DerlakFind albums by this artist. The septet is further expanded by the Atom String QuartetFind albums by this artist (violinists Dawid LubowiczFind albums by this artist and Mateusz SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, violist Michal ZaborskiFind albums by this artist and cellist Krzysztof LenczowskiFind albums by this artist). The album presents nine tracks, all original compositions by Aga Derlak. Following two albums recorded in a classic Jazz piano trio setting, this album is a giant step forward (pun intended) in Derlak’s career, which takes her right into the “serious” league, with complex compositions and elaborate arrangements for an ensemble of eleven musicians, all of which requires not only a lot of work and talent, but also courage to undertake such an adventurous and risky enterprise. I am happy to say that despite my initial concern, she manages to pull it off without a hitch. The music is quite diverse and moves between song oriented parts with the vocals up front, extended instrumental passages spiced with soloing, orchestral movements with the strings parts dominating the proceedings, in short an ever changing stream of aural explorations, which keeps the listener on edge. Aga’s piano is omnipresent, supplying the harmonic and melodic compass to the entire enterprise and she solos sparingly, which is not surprising, considering how much is happening on this album almost at any moment. She weaves beautiful, romantic melodies, which are ideal for the songs (the lyrics of which remain uncredited), which are beautifully performed by Basia, who also offers some lovely vocalese parts, which are used somewhat in the background in instrumental capacity. The brass players offer some excellent soli, with Malek being as always the romantic heartbreaking champion, and the saxophonists moving more into somewhat more advanced Jazz areas. The rhythm section is as perfect as can be, despite the fact that I personally have a problem with the dry and muffled sound of the drums (not the playing, just the sound), which unfortunately seems to be the latest fashion, but of course this is a minor issue and a matter of taste. Overall, this is a wonderful Jazz album, which offers a capsule of contemporary European Jazz aesthetics, with great instrumental work, vocals and string arrangements, all coherently combined and balanced, and of course a set of great compositions. Hats off Aga for your vision and the stamina to make it happen. You have earned my respect and the well-deserved position on the Polish Jazz scene, which nobody can deny.

Updated: 19/08/2023Posted: 19/08/2023

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LICHTANSKI SOUND LAB ~ LIVE PRK 0127 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the debut album by a Polish Jazz quartet led by saxophonist Wojciech LichtanskiFind albums by this artist with pianist Michal SzkilFind albums by this artist, bassist Michal KapczukFind albums by this artist and drummer Szymon MadejFind albums by this artist. The quartet, recorded live in the Katowice studio of the Polish Radio, performs six original compositions, all by Lichtanski. All the musicians are students of the Jazz Institute at the Katowice Academy of Music with ages ranging between 21 and 28 at the time of the recording. As usual is such cases, it is very hard to believe that this music was created by such young musicians. The level of confidence, skill and most importantly composition present herein is simply outstanding and usually associated with established artists rather than novices. Perhaps this is one of the secret ingredients, which make the contemporary Polish Jazz scene to be one of the best and most exciting in the world. Of course one has to be careful not to boost the egos of these young musicians beyond proportions, but honestly this music is simply too good to be parsimonious with compliments. It is scary to think what these young cats will come up with when they grow up? Lichtanski´s compositions are quite diverse both stylistically and dynamically, ranging from lyrical ballads characterized by that typical Polish lyricism and sweetly melancholic melody lines, to up-tempo numbers full of vigor and swinging magnificently. Yes, it is mainstream Jazz, but as such it represents the best side of mainstream, far away from the worn-out boring doodling, which is often associated with mainstream Jazz, giving it its bad name. As performer, Lichtanski has a beautiful tone, which normally takes years to acquire, which is as effective on the listener as a snake charmer. His technique is also quite remarkable. Hs companions are all first-rate players, giving him excellent support throughout. The quartet functions very well as a group, with the musicians listening to each other carefully and respecting their individual space. I´d love to hear more solos by the other quartet members, but I´m sure there will be plenty of opportunity for this in the future, as these musicians are here to stay. The pianist is the most intriguing contributor, with some blood-hurdling effectiveness during his solos, but the rhythm section is also exactly right were it´s needed, strong, precise and imaginative. In short this is one stunning debut album, which simply lifts up the spirit and leaves the listener longing for the next chapter, full of expectations. Well done indeed lion cubs!

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WOJCIECH LICHTANSKI ~ IGA AUDIO CAVE 2019/002 (Barcode: 5905669566681) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is the second album by the young and upcoming Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer Wojciech LichtanskiFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quartet setting with players of his generation: pianist Mateusz PalkaFind albums by this artist, bassist Jakub DworakFind albums by this artist and drummer Patryk DoboszFind albums by this artist, collectively called the QuestionsFind albums by this artist quartet. The album presents nine compositions, eight of which are originals by Lichtanski and one is a standard. The music was recorded at the excellent Monochrom Studio and offers a remarkable sound quality, as expected. During the five years that separate this album from the debut Lichtanski recorded rather sparingly and as a result this album was highly anticipated. Happily he is able to fulfill the expectations, coming up a long way both as a saxophonist and more importantly as a composer. The music on this album offers a solid and coherent selection of excellent compositions, which are all within the modern mainstream idiom, but offer diversity and sophistication, and most importantly wonderful melodic themes. The treatment of the standard, which usually is a kind of filler on most albums, is absolutely sublime and constitutes one of the strongest statements on the album. From the early days of his career it was obvious that Lichtanski is an exceptional instrumentalist. Having matured and polished his chops, his saxophone playing a true delight, both technically and emotionally. But his most important forte is the wonderful tone he manages to produce both on the alto and soprano saxophones. It is sweat and mellow, but steady and firm at all times and makes him one of the most distinct voices on the young Polish Jazz saxophone scene, amazingly effective both as a romantic "crooner" and a scorching improviser. All three players accompanying Lichtanski are already established talents with respected recording legacy, so their superb performances are hardly surprising. Palka is a great pianist and his unexpected accordion contributions on this album are a nice touch. Dworak is a very supportive and creative bassist and does a superb job here. Dobosz, who also has an impressive record behind him, is a tad too busy on this album (my very personal feeling) and too high in the mix, but obviously a first class player. Overall this is a beautiful album, in many respects the true debut as far as Lichtanski´s career is concerned, which offers excellent modern Jazz of the highest standard, which should satisfy any true Jazz connoisseur on this planet. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 13/04/2019Posted: 13/04/2019

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BARTOSZ PERNAL SEXTET ~ INTO THE WILD BCD 47 (Barcode: 5906881885475) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2020 This is the debut album as a leader (as far as I know) by Polish Jazz trombonist / composer Bartosz PernalFind albums by this artist recorded in a pianoless sextet setting with trumpeter Dominik GawronskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Wojciech LichtanskiFind albums by this artist and Marek KonarskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Jakub OlejnikFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz PalkaFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, including the title track three part suite, all by Pernal. The album was recorded at the excellent Monochrom Studio and was engineered by Ignacy GruszeckiFind albums by this artist, offering a wonderful sound quality, as expected. The music is typical modern Jazz, based on melodic compositions and skillfully arranged for the Brass dominated sextet, which has a very unique sound due to lack of harmonic support. The extended pieces offer plenty of opportunity for all the participants to solo at length and the first-rate rhythm section keeps the music moving forward on secure ground. Despite their relative young age all the members of the band are seasoned and experienced instrumentalists, as evident by their performances herein. The outstanding drumming by Palka is an absolute highlight and definitely worthy of special attention. The album is not trying to be flashy or dazzling, but it offers solid, well developed musical ideas, superbly performed and coherently put together, which turns it into a most enjoyable and rewarding listening experience, worth returning to, especially for enthusiasts of Brass sections and multi-part expanded Jazz compositions. Overall this is a great piece of music, perhaps more in the "musician´s musician" mold, as it offers many tricks of the Jazz trade on different levels, starting with the compositions and then almost orchestral arrangements, the delicate balance between the instruments and crowned by the wonderful execution. Definitely well done!

Updated: 25/12/2020Posted: 25/12/2020

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VEHEMENCE QUARTET ~ ANOMALIA FOR TUNE 0078 (Barcode: 5902768701791) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is the debut album by a Polish Jazz ensemble called Vehemence QuartetFind albums by this artist, which recently managed to draw a lot of attention on the local scene by winning a couple of prestigious competitions. The ensemble comprises of young and highly talented musicians, who have been active in the last few years and recorded assorted albums over time: saxophonists Wojciech LichtanskiFind albums by this artist and Mateusz SliwaFind albums by this artist, bassist Alan WykpiszFind albums by this artist and drummer Szymon MadejFind albums by this artist. I had the privilege of hearing the group live just a few weeks ago. The album presents six compositions, five of which are originals (three by Lichtanski and two by Sliwa) and the remaining one is a Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist standard. The unusual double-saxophone front line of the quartet creates immediately an unusual sound effect, which turns out to be working in their favor. The wonderful harmonies achieved by the alto and tenor saxophones are a true revelation. In reality the quartet works shifting between a double saxophone trio and a quartet, which offers a much wider range of possibilities. Both the individual performances and the collective interplays work like a dream, being evidently highly professional and inspired. The original compositions are all first-rate modern Jazz pieces, which combine the Polish Jazz "streak" of melancholy and lyricism with well developed rhythmic layers, resulting in a most enjoyable and at the same intellectually challenging feast for the ears. Even the interpretation of the standard is original and innovative, which happens rather rarely these days. Vehemence Quartet is a "classic" example of the young Polish Jazz scene, which boasts with talent and creativity, combining the modern Jazz tradition with contemporary developments, freedom of expression and the drive to push the music forward into terra incognita, a drive that is rarely present these days anywhere else beyond the borders of Poland. Overall this is a very strong debut effort, worth of respect and admiration, and heartwarming considering the future possibilities it holds. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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MAREK WALAROWSKI TRIO / WOJCIECH LICHTANSKI ~ COLORS OF THE NIGHT SURFACE TENSION ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is an album by Polish pianist / composer Marek WalarowskiFind albums by this artist with his trio which includes Czech electric bassist Lukas MuzikFind albums by this artist and drummer Miroslaw SitkowskiFind albums by this artist and features also saxophonist Wojciech LichtanskiFind albums by this artist, who completes a quartet setting. The quartet performs seven original compositions, all by Walarowski. The music is kept within melodic mainstream, and is therefore pretty predictable, but the excellent compositions by Walarowski and beautiful playing by Lichtanski, who is one of the upcoming Polish Jazz young lions, turn this music into a nice listening experience. His alto saxophone has a great tone and he sounds like a true pro when playing some expanded and sophisticated solos through out this album. The rhythm section is also doing a fine job, and although I prefer acoustic bass in a strict Jazz setting, Muzik manages to do his part solidly while Sitkowski keeps the time without a hitch. Walarowski´s compositions are all little gems with superb melody lines and nice chord structures, which are not inferior to any of the Jazz standards we are used to hear all the time. His performances are also spotless, although have a specific Classical influence, which can be heard by a trained ear. Nevertheless his playing is always a true pleasure to listen to. Overall the album offers some very nice music, which was very well recorded and mixed and all mainstream Jazz lovers should find it most appropriate as part of their music collections. Definitely worth investigating!

Updated: 26/06/2016Posted: 26/06/2016

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