Record Reviews
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  | PIOTR DAMASIEWICZ / DOMINIK WANIA ~ THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE
BUEN CAMINO 5905562254319 (Barcode: 5905562254319) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023
This is a 2CD album by the Polish Jazz / Improvised Music duo of trumpeter Piotr DamasiewiczFind albums by this artist and pianist Dominik WaniaFind albums by this artist The album presents sixteen tracks, all of which were composed by singer / songwriter Artur OlenderFind albums by this artist and are all instrumental interpretations.
The intimate and unconventional duo by two of top Polish Jazz players is a priori quite sensational, and the fact that they would dedicate an entire double album to the songs of a rather anonymous author is even more surprising. But considering the love of the duo format by Damasiewicz and the versatility / total musicality of Wania this experiment has all the potential to offer some incredible music, and I am happy to say that it surpasses my wildest expectations.
Despite the fact that both these musicians have an extensive recording legacy under their belt, this album discloses new aspects of their respective Artistry. Damasiewicz clearly shows why he is considered as one of the top Polish Jazz trumpeters, and his approach to playing melody as much as improvising is here the boldest in his entire career. Wania, known for his incredible ability as accompanist, is an ideal partner herein, but definitely steps beyond the “second fiddle” position to become an equal partner, with every touch of the keyboard being as magical, precise, delicate and yet meaningful as humanly possible.
This duo is in many ways the epitome of the “Art of the Duo” idiom, in every possible way; the mutual respect, the delicate balance, the telepathic communication and the brilliant partnership make both musicians an inseparable music creating unit. As such they become a whole way greater than just a sum of the parts.
The music is overtly meditative and spiritual, serving as ideal source of inspiration to these interpretations. It might prompt listeners to search out the solo albums by Olender, but it definitely stands firmly as a wholly independent Artistic statement of outstanding beauty and immaculate creativity.
Overall, this is a sensational album in every respect, showing new facets of the musicians involved, but also confirming their well-earned position on the local scene. The trumpet performances are absolutely unearthly and the expressionism of the duo is irresistible. Definitely one of the top Polish Jazz albums of 2023. Absolutely not to be missed!
| | Updated: 08/12/2023Posted: 08/12/2023 | CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ BAY OF KINGS
CAMINO 08 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Since leaving Genesis, Steve Hackett has been developing an illustrious solo career as writer and performer. A long series of solo albums on his own label (Camino Records) document the many sides of his musical genius. This one from 1983 features mainly his acoustic guitar, of which he has become a world renown master, with some flute work by his brother John and keyboards.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ TILL WE HAVE FACES
CAMINO 09 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1983 features Steve HackettFind albums by this artist in a setting with some great Brasilian musicians and his regular group at that time, playing a fabulous mixture of rock and world music. Some thrilling performances here!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ MOMENTUM
CAMINO 10 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1987 captures Steve absolutely `naked` with his acoustic guitar only (and some flute) proving again what a virtuoso player he really is.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ TIME LAPSE
CAMINO 11 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1990 captures Steve live in a `normal` Prog setting, recorded at two fantastic concerts and playing favorites from his solo albums. Amazing sound and brilliant performance.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ GUITAR NOIR
CAMINO 12 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1993 presents again some outstanding solo guitar work, with a `dark` edge. The atmosphere is sustained from one piece to another with taste and strange somberness.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ BLUES WITH A FEELING
CAMINO 13 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1994 presents Steve`s version of the blues, with a `normal` quartet. There is a lot of blues in there of course, but the originality of the approach give it a great `twist` which creates a fabulous feeling.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ THERE ARE MANY SIDES TO THE NIGHT
CAMINO 14 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1994 presents Steve in concert playing again acoustic guitar and accompanied by keyboards only. A beautifully recorded, gentle and intelligent music.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ THE TOKYO TAPES
CAMINO 15 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This live album from 1996 is considered as one of the best live Prog albums ever recorded. With a stellar group including John Wetton and Ian McDonald, the group performs many favorites from Genesis and King Crimson material as well as Steve`s originals. A true must!
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ THE TOKYO TAPES
CAMINO 15D ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This live concert from 1996 is considered as one of the best Prog performances ever recorded. With a stellar group including John Wetton and Ian McDonald, the group performs many favorites from Genesis and King Crimson material as well as Steve`s originals. Lots of DVD additional material.
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ DARKTOWN
CAMINO 17 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1998 presents a set of new compositions brilliantly played by Steve and several guest musicians. As the title suggests, the atmosphere is `dark` and dense, but the music is crystal clear and very moving.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ FEEDBACK 86
CAMINO 21 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1986, which stayed unreleased untill 2000, presents Steve in a rock setting with such guest musicians as Brian May (Queen) and Chris Thompson on vocals. Similar of course to the early solo albums.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ A MIDSUMMER NIGHT`S DREAM
CAMINO 22 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1997 presents a suite composed by Steve for a production of the famous Shakespeare`s play. Performed on acoustic guitar and accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, this is a magnificent achievement and something to enjoy for years to come.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ LIVE ARCHIVE-NEARFEST
CAMINO 32 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Hackett`s performance at the Nearfest 2002 festival was to many of the festival`s participants the highlight of the entire event. Captured live in its complete form and released on this album, this music becomes a document to be shared my all those, who could not be there, which of course includes thousands of his loyal fans. Great band supporting Hackett and his performances are brilliant as ever.
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ LIVE ARCHIVE-03
CAMINO 33 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded during the 2003 `To Wath The Skies` tour all over Europe, this latest addition to the Hackett`s Live Archive series proves again that he is probably one of the most consistently brilliant figures on the Prog scene. The material includes, as usual, some new tunes from the latests albums, as well as some old favorites, performed flawlessly and with passion by Steve and the latest eddition of his band.
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ LIVE ARCHIVE-04
CAMINO 34 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded in Budapest, where Steve performs often lately, always before an enthusiastic audience, this is another superb document of his skills. The material covers mostly the latest releases, but also as usual some old favorites in a new arrangement. The entire band smokes and soars. You just can`t go wrong with Hackett`s releases, no matter how much you try.
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ METAMORPHEUS
CAMINO 35 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
A natural follow up to Steve`s earlier classical work (A Midsummer Night`s Dream) this classical suite for acoustic guitar and orchestra (recorded 2004) showcases Hackett again as a classical composer and player. Based on the Greek mythical story of Orpheus, the enchanting music follows the steps of his journey in the underworld. This is serious stuff, demanding undivided attention and peace of mind in order to truly appreciate the beauty of the music. A must for the serious listener and all Hackett fans of course!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ LIVE ARCHIVE-05
CAMINO 36 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded in April 2005 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, this album presents the Steve Hackett Acoustic Trio (with brother John on flute and Roger King on keyboards), performing a beautiful `unplugged` show with lots of new music composed by Steve. The album features the acoustic side of Steve`s brilliant playing, introverse and delicate, but deeply rewarding. He just can`t go wrong and his consistency is a major asset.
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ HIGHLY STRUNG (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 384418 (Barcode: 094638441823) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1982 Released: 2007
6th album by Steve HackettFind albums by this artist and the last one released on the CharismaFind albums on this label label (All the rest of Steve’s extensive catalogue is available on his privately owned label CaminoFind albums on this label Records, also available on this site). For this album Hackett expanded the duo format, which recorded Cured, into a trio with the addition of drummer Ian MosleyFind albums by this artist (future MarillionFind albums by this artist member) and a few guest musicians also participated. Together they created what is considered one of the best Steve Hackett albums, full of great melodies and excellent playing. Back to the Prog format and sound and including some of Hackett’s most memorable tunes like Camino Royale, this is a perfect summary of his early period. Future Hackett albums will slowly mark the transition into acoustic music and his dedication to the acoustic guitar, with only occasional ventures into the classic electric Prog. This is a beautiful album in every sense and a pleasure to revisit after all these years. Definitely a classic and highly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
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