Record Reviews

OLES BROTHERS / MIKOLAJ TRZASKA / JEAN-LUC CAPPOZZO ~ SUITE FOR TRIO + FENOMMEDIA 001 (Barcode: 5907604327012) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2003 Released: 2005 This is the first album released on the FenommediaFind albums on this label label, owned by Polish Jazz musicians: bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist, collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist. It also features the iconic Polish Jazz saxophonist / clarinetist Mikolaj TrzaskaFind albums by this artist, who was a member of a trio with the Oles Brothers at the time and the excellent French trumpeter Jean-Luc CappozzoFind albums by this artist. Together, as a quartet, they perform eight original compositions, five of which were composed by Bartlomiej Oles, one by Trzaska, another one by Marcin Oles and Trzaska and the remaining one is credited to all four musicians. The music is a wonderful strain of modern Polish Jazz, which flourished again since the beginning of the 21st Century, revitalized by a new generation of excellent and gifted young players, who were not only well schooled but also shared a passion for the music and were completely original and unstoppable. The three Polish Jazz representatives on this album are just a tip of the proverbial iceberg. Although structured and pre-composed, this music displays a tremendous amount of freedom, both in form and content. Trzaska, one of the founders of the Polish Yass a decade earlier, is a born rebel and shuns conventions of any sort. This album presents a rare opportunity to actually hear him play somewhat restrained and well tempered, but always beautifully expressive and emotional. Cappozzo also contributes some wonderful freely improvised passages, always just right for the occasion. It is for the rhythm section to play the role of the musical compass and lead the music to safe shores. Together the quartet performs simply magnificently, in a spirited and intelligent way, which balances perfectly between the written notes and the freedom of expression. These are four excellent musicians, a fact which is apparent immediately, and as an ensemble they function as a cohesive unit, which delivers unusual and interesting music, keeping the listener on his toes from the first note to the last. This music maintains its charm and remains untouched by time, always worth being revisited.

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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OLES BROTHERS / THEO JORGENSMANN ~ DIRECTIONS FENOMMEDIA 002 (Barcode: 5907604327029) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005 This is the second album by Polish Jazz musicians / composers, brothers Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist (bass) and Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist (drums) collectively know as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist, with the German clarinetist / composer Theo JorgensmannFind albums by this artist. Recorded just one year after their debut recording "MiniaturesFind albums with this title", it signifies the incredible rapport these musicians are able to create together. The album presents nine original pieces, six of which were composed by Bartlomiej Oles, one by Marcin Oles and two by Theo Jorgensmann. The music is a logical and linear continuation of the ideas that were first developed on the preceding album, deepening the trio´s coherence and spiritual unity. There is no doubt that this music is significantly more "unchained", with a lot of breathing space and bolder experimentation, expanding the boundaries of the trio´s telepathic creative process. But miraculously the new degree of freedom does not impair the warmth, intimacy and melodic contents this music so wonderfully amalgamates. It is a superb example of the "less is more" approach, where each single note counts and subdued energies penetrate deeper than volume. Of course there are plenty of energetic and spirited moments, when the music reaches ecstatic levels, but even then everything happens in perfect harmony and intrinsic tidiness, which often is completely lost in the heat of Improvised Music created by others. The idea to play relatively short pieces with changing motifs, as opposed to expanded improvised passages lasting for long periods of time, works excellently herein. These great musicians do not need to prove anything and obviously play the music enjoying the aesthetics of creation a new expression of their inner selves, rather than showing off their talents. This is definitely one of my favorite Polish Jazz albums, which is after all hardly surprising, as my work as a producer with the Israeli clarinetist Harold Rubin is in many respects quite similar. The clarinet produces a heartwarming sound, which is simply irresistible and in the hands of a Master becomes an extension of the human voice. Combined with an intelligent and extremely musical rhythm section, like in this case, the result turns into some of the most moving and poignant music one can experience. This is a classic album in every respect, which should be included on the short "must hear" list anywhere on this planet where people still listen to meaningful music. The depth of the experience this music generates is of course very personal, but I can hardly imagine a music connoisseur left untouched by it. Respect!

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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OLES BROTHERS ~ CHAMBER QUINTET FENOMMEDIA 003 (Barcode: 5907604327036) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005 This is an interesting recording, initiated by Polish Improvised Music heroes, brothers Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist (bass) and Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist (drums) collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist, which involves also three additional musicians: American cellist Erik FriedlanderFind albums by this artist, American bassoon player Michael RabinowitzFind albums by this artist and Belgian oboe player Emmanuelle SomerFind albums by this artist. They perform together as a quintet eleven pieces, nine of which were composed by Bartlomiej Oles and two by Marcin Oles. The music presents an innovative idea to create Improvised Music, using Classical chamber instrumentation, ambience and to a certain extent also methodology. As farfetched and bizarre as the idea might appear at first, this album proves that is can be done and the result can genuinely offer some perfectly valid and beautiful music. The pieces present a wide range of musical ideas, some quite melodic, others more atmospheric, but always interesting and even fascinating. The level of musicianship on this album is truly outstanding. All the participants possess virtuosic abilities and utilize them with astounding effectiveness. The same applies to their cooperation and the overall ensemble functionality. It is very difficult to believe that this is indeed Improvised Music, as it sounds completely coherent and synchronized at all times. To an innocent listener unaware of what is being played, this music might sound similar to contemporary Classical Music, with a twist, and after all it might be considered as such. The album is a great example of the unlimited possibilities that music offers to the listeners, when created by daring and ground-breaking Artists. Assimilating many different elements, not only from Jazz and Classical Music, but also World Music, especially Jewish and Middle Eastern themes that are very clear to a trained ear, this is a true cross-genre excursion definitely worth experiencing. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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OLES BROTHERS / CHRIS SPEED / SIMON NABATOV ~ WALK SONGS FENOMMEDIA 004 (Barcode: 5907604327043) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006 This is a great album recorded by Polish Jazz musicians: bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist, collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist, with the American saxophonist Chris SpeedFind albums by this artist and Russian (living in Germany) pianist Simon NabatovFind albums by this artist. Together, as a quartet, they perform nine original compositions, seven of which were composed by Marcin Oles (who is the formal leader of this session) and two by Bartlomiej Oles. The music is firmly based in the Jazz tradition, seemingly quite "conventional" melody based modern Jazz, but upon careful listening the complexity and intrinsic Freedom become more and more apparent as the album progresses from one tune into another. Both Speed and Nabatov play some excellent solos and contribute to the general quartet sound, which is glued together by the rhythm section. The overall atmosphere is reminiscent of the work by mid-period John ColtraneFind albums by this artist quartet, which of course is the best model any Jazz musician could strive to achieve. The tunes use often the specific "walking" bass outline, which is perhaps what Marcin Oles had in mind when he devised this project. But regardless of any intensions, the resulting music is simply some of the finest European Jazz created since the turn of the 21st Century. All four of the quartet members combine their individual power of musical expressions to create a result that is greater than the sum of its ingredients, which is always a wonderful experience. This kind of music shows clearly that music can be sophisticated and complex and be accessible to a diverse group of Jazz connoisseurs. Like all the other albums by the Oles Brothers, this album emphasizes their talents as composers, in addition to their abilities as players. The ambitious decision to play and record their original music almost exclusively is one of their trademarks and as a result we can all enjoy the wonderful music they are able to weave in their minds. All we can do is raise our hats in a "thank you" gesture.

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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OLES BROTHERS / KENNY WERNER ~ SHADOWS FENOMMEDIA 005 (Barcode: 5907604327050) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006 This is a superb album recorded by Polish Jazz musicians: bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist, collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist, with the great American pianist Kenny WernerFind albums by this artist. Together, as a classic piano trio, they perform eight original compositions, seven of which were composed by Bartlomiej Oles and one by Marcin Oles. Werner is an ideal partner for the Oles Brothers, as he one is of very few American pianists, who combine the Jazz tradition with modernism and are ready to step outside of the stuffy norms which keep most of American Jazz within the conceptual prison of mainstream. The Oles Brothers also combine the very same qualities; on one hand the respect and love towards the Jazz tradition and canon but at the same time a continuous drive to discover new forms and ways of expression, which will expand the genre´s horizons. The full compatibility is immediately apparent and the resulting music is amongst the best of the Oles Brothers achievements. The music is based on solid melodies and typical piano trio approach to improvisation, which features extensive piano solos and intense accompaniment with occasional bass / drums solos. Werner is wonderfully lyrical, even when the notes he produces are distant from the melodic themes and enter the Free realm. The rhythm section is with him at all times, warmly supportive and intelligently sympathetic. Overall the album is a delight to all piano trio connoisseurs, and ranks among the true minor classics of that Jazz category. Considering how well this trio sounds it is a pity that the Oles Brothers did not record with Werner again – perhaps this can be remedied, hopefully soon. Of course it would be most interesting to hear them with other pianist of similar status as well. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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OLES BROTHERS / THEO JORGENSMANN ~ LIVE IN POZNAN 2006 FENOMMEDIA 006 (Barcode: 5907604327067) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 This is the third album by Polish Improvised Music heroes, brothers Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist (bass) and Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist (drums) collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist, with the German clarinetist / composer Theo JorgensmannFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live and includes eight original compositions: four composed by Bartlomiej Oles and two each by Marcin Oles and Jorgensmann. The music presents a wonderful Free Jazz / Improvised Music setting, full of great melody lines, exciting improvisations, fiery displays of virtuosic abilities and telepathic conversation between the musicians involved. Jorgensmann is a very dynamic, but non-aggressive player, who sounds wonderfully melodic even if he improvises freely, which creates an exceptionally easy-going atmosphere, rarely present on Free Jazz albums. The Oles Brothers are famous for being the best Polish rhythm section in Free Jazz / Improvised Music environment and this album clearly shows why. They are not only technically perfect but more importantly superbly musical, and as a result the music doest not offer a soloist supported by a rhythm section setup but rather a trio of equally important parts playing together as one. Large part of the material included here is a live version of the same material recorded by this trio on their previous album "DirectionsFind albums with this title", which was recorded in a studio. Those two albums are a splendid manifestation of how music is influenced by circumstances, the presence of an audience and so on. Basically these two albums should be combined into a double CD release – perhaps when reissued at some later date. Overall this is one of those instant "classics" which simply leave nothing out and are pieces of Culture captured for posterity. Wonderful listening experience from start to finish!

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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OLES BROTHERS ~ DUO FENOMMEDIA 007 (Barcode: 5907604327074) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2008 This is a bold and unusual album by Polish Jazz heroes, brothers Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist (bass) and Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist (drums) collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist, which presents them as a duo without a participation of any additional musicians. The music consists of ten original compositions: six composed by Marcin Oles, three by Bartlomiej Oles and one being co-composed by them both. The bass and drums, universally accepted as the rhythm section which stands behind the vast majority of all Jazz activities, is almost never considered being able to produce music on its own, which is evident by almost complete lack of recordings featuring bass / drums duets. In fact there are quite a few solo bass or solo drums albums; some of them even seminal recordings, but in contrast almost no bass / drums outings. The fact that Oles Brothers decided to record such dramatically unusual album is another evidence of the fact that they are definitely much more than just a brotherly rhythm section, but also talented composers, virtuosic performers and Jazz innovators. Contrary to the expectations which a bass / drums album might suggest, the music is actually deeply melodic. Marcin states the melody line switching between arco and pizzicato and then the duo expands it by improvising and adding a rhythmic line, which often not only supports the melody by also introduces a secondary melodic theme. Both players remain attentive at all time to each other and the rhythmic patterns change often during one piece. The music is delicate, but distinctive, making a statement at all times; there are no fillers or redundant idle moments, its pure music from start to finish, intense, fascinating and deeply moving. Of course the individual contributions are hardly surprising to anyone familiar with the Oles Brothers output so far; their reputation as Poland´s most formidable rhythm section is once more attested herein. It´s much more than just superb technique, but more importantly their mutual respect, intelligence and sensitivity, which makes them a marvelous team. Music connoisseurs should really try out this album, as it is definitely a masterpiece of minimalism, which has very few equals, not only on the Polish Jazz scene, but worldwide. This is a rare gem indeed!

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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OLES BROTHERS / ROB BROWN ~ LIVE AT SJC FENOMMEDIA 008 (Barcode: 5907604327081) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009 This is a trio album by Polish Jazz heroes, brothers Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist (bass) and Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist (drums) collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist, joined by American saxophonist Rob BrownFind albums by this artist, one of the most prolific and active NY scene Free Jazz players. The album comprises of seven original compositions, the opening three being parts of a three-part suite. All the music was composed by Bartlomiej Oles except for one tune composed by Marcin Oles. The album was recorded live and is a part of the "Live Series" of releases on the Oles Brothers owned FenommediaFind albums on this label Records. The music is typical contemporary Jazz, which allows for a large degree of freedom and extended improvisation but stays within the pre-composed melodic framework. Brown dominates the album with his very busy way of playing, and the rhythm section supports him marvelously, easy changing tempi back and forth between medium to fast, like true professionals. Although the cooperation between the musicians and the individual statements are without doubt all excellent, personally I enjoy more the moments when the rhythm section plays alone rather than when the saxophone is up front. That laborious wall of sound effect, which is typical of most American Free Jazz players and which unfortunately did not evolve an inch in the last few decades, is already exhausted as far as I am concerned. I mean is anybody able to express more emotion in their music by imitating the prophets like John ColtraneFind albums by this artist or Albert AylerFind albums by this artist or Eric DolphyFind albums by this artist? Brown belongs to a large group of American improvisers, which simply is unable to rejuvenate the idea and move forward. Therefore during the moments when Brown plays sparingly and melodically, as he does on the one before last track, he is truly excellent but when he erupts into the extended, aggressive improvisations, my defense mechanism is fully deployed. All things considered this is a fine modern Jazz album, mostly due to the excellent work done by the rhythm section, which emphasizes the fact that the language of Jazz knows no geographic or political boundaries and it´s all up to people to make music together regardless of their origins. Not very innovative and sometimes a bit unnerving, but something Free Jazz fans should definitely enjoy immensely.

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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MATEUSZ KOLAKOWSKI / DAVE LIEBMAN ~ LIVE AT JAZZ STANDARD, NEW YORK FENOMMEDIA 009 (Barcode: 5907604327098) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009 This is a live recording captured at the NY Jazz Standard club by a duo comprising of young Polish Jazz pianist Mateusz KolakowskiFind albums by this artist and legendary American saxophonist Dave LiebmanFind albums by this artist. Although Kolakowski and Liebman were email buddies for quite a while, they actually met in person just a few moments before this music was recorded, which explains why the majority of the material is based on Jazz standards. Of the six pieces on this album, five are standards (one is even repeated twice, taken from two different sets) and the remaining one is a free on the spot improvisation. Kolakowski was at the time a Classical Music student and his Jazz tendencies were all self cultivated, which is quite apparent when listening to the music. He not only quotes Classical music themes but his entire approach to harmony and rhythm is strongly based in Classical music. This dichotomy between Classical music and Improvised music has certain charm, but is also a hindrance, which is hard to ignore. Liebman, on the other hand, is Godly, as always, with every note just in the right place and his virtuosity, taste and spirit of cooperation being impeccable. Since this is a duo album, the decisive factor is the way the two musicians perform together, rather than their individual statements. It seems that the fact this music works out one way or another is due only to the enormous experience and musicality of Liebman, who is able to cope with Kolakowski´s limitations, rather than the duo´s spiritual unity. Nevertheless the overall result is certainly entertaining and worth being listened two, especially in view of its "one of its kind" setting, which can also be educational. The fact that Liebman is always open to work with young and less experienced musicians is truly commendable.

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OLES BROTHERS ~ OTHER VOICES OTHER SCENES FENOMMEDIA 010 (Barcode: 5907604327104) ~ POLAND ~ Soundtracks Recorded: 2004 - 2009 Released: 2010 This is a double CD compilation of works by Polish Jazz musicians: bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist, collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist. It includes thirty six short pieces of music, which are parts of eight separate soundtracks created to serve as music for theater, film and animation, which were premiered between 2004 and 2009. The entire music was composed and performed by the duo, with four guest musicians participating on some of the tracks. They both play several other instruments apart from the obvious bass / drums, including keyboards, guitar, marimba and others. Polish Jazz connoisseurs are of course well aware of the Oles Brothers achievements, especially in view of their status as the most formidable Polish Jazz rhythm section, which played over time with a plethora of local and international musicians. However this album focuses more on the music composed by them rather than on its execution. Of course Oles Brothers were also the composers of part of the music played on their earlier albums, but this album really puts their excellent compositional skills right in the focus of the listener´s attention. Stylistically the album covers a very wide range of different genres / influences / atmospheres, which encompass contemporary Classical, World Music, Jazz of course, Ambient and minimalistic / incidental music. It is often very melodic and even when there are no clear melody lines present the overall atmosphere is serene and inviting. Music, which is meant to serve as a soundtrack is not really required to stand alone, when separated from its visual / theatrical component. But in rare occasions it does possess an intrinsic value, which allows it to be fully meaningful and complete on its own. The music included on this album belongs to that category, which of course is quite remarkable. But on the other hand it is definitely not for a casual listener, and as such has a limited accessibility. With this album Oles Brothers firmly establish their position on the contemporary Polish music scene, beyond their initial Jazz association. They are definitely a musical force to be reckoned with and one can only hope that their future project will be every bit as ambitious and meaningful as those presented on this album.

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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ANDRZEJ PRZYBIELSKI ~ DE PROFUNDIS FENOMMEDIA 011 (Barcode: 5907604327111) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 Recently deceased Polish trumpeter / composer Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist was without a doubt one of the greatest Polish Jazz musicians of all times. This fact is known only to a very small group of "insiders", familiar with his playing and his role in history of Polish Jazz, mostly on the Avant-Garde scene, but nevertheless is an undeniable fact. Przybielski was a genius in every respect. His eccentric personality, erratic behavior, alcohol and drug abuse, lack of basic life and organizational skills have placed him on the outskirts of society and only when on stage or in a recording studio his figure would be surrounded by a divine aura and his trumpet would utter some of the most profound sounds ever produced by a human. It´s hardly surprising that his recorded legacy is truly pitiful and a "career" spanning over 50 years did not produce even one proper recording as a leader. I feel especially lucky in this case, as Przybielski did play on my "The Book Of JobFind albums with this title" production, contributing another small document of his amazing talents. In the last decade of his life Przybielski was associated with the Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist: bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Barlomiej Brat OlesFind albums by this artist, Poland´s most formidable Free Jazz rhythm section. This album features a live trio performance by Przybielski with the Oles Brothers, recorded in April 2010 (10 months before his death). They perform five pieces, three of which are credited to Przybielski and the other two to the trio. The music is perfectly suited for the extended improvisations by all the participants, which are the basis of this music. The recording and sound qualities are very good, which adds greatly to the overall effect. The level of musicianship is of course phenomenal and this album ranks among the best Free Jazz albums recently recorded that I happened to listen to. Every moment is simply breathtaking, every sound just right, every note magnificent. Having said that, the fact that Przybielski is no longer with us makes me franticly regret the fact that more such music was not recorded. This is an absolute must and all those Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist fans out there, please listen to this music and discover his unknown soul brother. Brilliant!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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BARTLOMIEJ OLES / TOMASZ DABROWSKI ~ CHAPTERS FENOMMEDIA 012 (Barcode: 5907604327128) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 Trumpet / drums duo recordings are a very special chapter in Jazz history and they include some fascinating interplays recorded over time by American Jazz musicians, such as the legendary Don CherryFind albums by this artist / Ed BlackwellFind albums by this artist or Max RoachFind albums by this artist / Dizzy GillespieFind albums by this artist recordings. Some American / European trumpet / drums duos are also worth mentioning, such as the Leo SmithFind albums by this artist / Gunter SommerFind albums by this artist, Dave DouglasFind albums by this artist / Han BenninkFind albums by this artist or Bill DixonFind albums by this artist / Tony OxleyFind albums by this artist, documented on their respective recordings. On the contemporary Polish Jazz scene this relatively rare pairing of instruments seems to be quite favorable, with such excellent examples like Wojciech JachnaFind albums by this artist / Jacek BuhlFind albums by this artist, Artur MajewskiFind albums by this artist / Kuba SucharFind albums by this artist and others. Trumpeter / composer Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist already has one trumpet / drums album under his arm, recorded with the American drummer Tyshawn SoreyFind albums by this artist and now he joins the brilliant drummer / composer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist in a new trumpet / drums duo, captured on this album. Bartlomiej Oles is of course known to all Polish Jazz connoisseurs as half of the Oles Brothers rhythm section, which in time achieved a legendary status as one of the best modern Jazz rhythm sections around, but this album focuses on his work as composer. Of the ten pieces presented on this album, Oles composed eight, and co-composed one with Dabrowski, with the remaining piece, which closes the set, being a Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist composition. In comparison to the trumpet / drums albums listed in the opening paragraph, this recording is definitely the most lyrical and deeply melodic of them all. Oles demonstrated his lyricism and love of melody over the years in the numerous compositions he contributed to the vast Oles Brothers recorded legacy. Additionally, his treatment of the drums as a melodic instrument has always been his particular trademark, as he almost never simply sets a rhythm but rather plays the drums in par with his musical partners in various ensembles. The intimacy of just two instruments is an ideal opportunity to place these compositional and performance qualities at the center of the listener´s attention. Dabrowski, whose meteoric rise to fame is fully justified, seems to be an ideal partner aiding Oles to achieve his goals. His virtuosic attack, combined with the intrinsic lyricism, turn his trumpet into a seemingly unlimited tool able to express an enormously diverse set of emotions, from whisper to shout, anger to joy, despair to mellow melancholy. Playing side by side with Oles, who is of course more experienced and mature, pushed Dabrowski really hard to reach and than cross his limits, which resulted in the best performance of his life so far. Oles managed to catalyze and crystallize Dabrowski´s unique style and mannerism, molding them into a perfect musical entity. There is so much music on this album that a true comprehension and appreciation of it requires several listening sessions even for the most experienced music lovers. Peeling off the layers of aesthetic and emotional essence captured herein by these two Masters is a delightful and rewarding experience. There is no doubt that this is a monumental achievement in every sense and a model of lofty, almost spiritual communication between an Artist and his audience. Personally I have a deep satisfaction from the fact that I have always considered these two musicians as representatives of what is best about Polish Culture in general and Polish Jazz in particular: honesty, consistency and a proper usage of a God given talent. Thank you both for such a wonderful gift!

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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OLES BROTHERS & JORGOS SKOLIAS ~ MAGGID FENOMMEDIA 013 (Barcode: 5907604327135) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the second album by the Polish trio comprising of brothers Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist, who plays bass and Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist, who plays drums, collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist, and vocalist Jorgos SkoliasFind albums by this artist. The trio is also referred to as SefardixFind albums by this artist, a name they adopted from the title of their debut album together, recorded four years earlier. The album continues to pay tribute to the Sephardic Jewish culture, by using several Ladino songs originating in the Judeo-Spanish tradition, but also using Greek, Balkan and other Mediterranean sources. All the songs were selected, arranged and transcribed for double bass by Marcin Oles, except for one song which was composed by him. All of the lyrics are traditional except for three cases where Skolias wrote Greek lyrics. Although the trio is seemingly limited to use just the rhythm section to accompany the vocals, in fact Marcin´s bass and Bartlomiej´s drums and percussion instruments create a full orchestral accompaniment, with both the bass and the drums also playing the melodic parts. Together with the vocals the full sound of the trio is incredibly expressive and lacks absolutely nothing. The virtuosic instrumental parts and the extraordinary vocals are completely unique and breathtaking. The music offers not only a respectful treatment of the tradition but also a very up to date arrangement and execution, creating a masterpiece of Jazz-World Fusion, with has very little competition. It is the instrumental minimalism and the vocal mannerism and theatrics which work together so well, creating this powerful result. Skolias is a completely one of its kind vocal artist, who feels perfectly at ease singing vocals or improvising vocalese, with his deep hoarse baritone, which is simply charming. There is nobody else on the Polish scene remotely close to Skolias and his great talent gets here a full exposure, like almost never before. The Oles Brothers refuse to stick to the role of Poland´s most formidable Jazz rhythm section and keep producing incredibly diverse music both individually and as a team. Sefardix, which is just one of their multifaceted activities, is certainly one of the most impressive. The long wait for this album certainly paid off in full. This is one of the most impressive Jazz-World Fusion albums ever recorded in Poland, which is known for the incredibly high level of musical output. This is a kind of album which should sell millions of copies all around the world, in an ideal world; alas we don´t live in an ideal world… An absolute must, don´t even dare to think twice!

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted: 10/03/2016

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OLES BROTHERS ~ ONE STEP FROM THE PAST FENOMMEDIA 014 (Barcode: 5907604327142) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2016 This is a beautiful album by the Polish Jazz duo comprising of two brothers: bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist, collectively known as the Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist. Although they are, what in the Jazz world is known as a "rhythm section", and not just any rhythm section but by far one of the top European rhythm sections at that, but in fact they are much more than just a rhythm section, often creating the notion that they are a two man orchestra. Of course they also write music, very exquisite music, they run their own record label and if all that does not suffice, they are a couple of wonderful human beings, which I am proud to call my friends. The music presented on this album was recorded at the invitation of the BBC and intended for the prestigious "Jazz on 3" program. It was recorded at Studio S4 of Polish Radio in Warsaw and presents eight pieces, three of which were composed by Marcin, two by Bartlomiej, another two co-composed by both brothers and one is a standard. For people unfamiliar with the Oles Brothers phenomenon it is quite impossible to imagine the depth and richness of the music this duo is capable of creating just by playing with each other. Although it might seem logical that the bass would play the melody and the drums the rhythm, nothing can be taken for granted with these guys and role reversal is perfectly normal for them. Of course there are many virtuosic bassist and drummers around, but there is hardly any bass / drums duo which comes even near to the level of inventiveness, imagination, creativity and elegance of this particular duo. In many respects this music belongs to the moment it was created. Improvised music is often very impressive when performed live, but loses almost all of its value and meaning when it is recorded and made into an album in order to be reproduced repeatedly. Sometimes it is painful to listen to such music when it completely fails to reproduce the magic moment of its creation. The Oles Brothers have a great gift, which enables them to create music which sounds breathtakingly beautiful when played live, but also transforms perfectly into the recorded medium, as exemplified here. They are quite a singularity in that respect. Many Polish Jazz musicians managed to create wonderful albums over the years, but only very few ones manage to maintain the same level of achievements and such consistency like the Oles Brothers, both as a duo and individually. Therefore each and every one of their albums is simply a must to every serious Jazz / Improvised Music connoisseur, this one included of course. Although this music is half a decade old at the time of its release, it is a perfect example of timelessness and intrinsic aesthetic values that exist outside of the fourth dimension´s scale. All I have to say is a humble thank you!

Updated: 27/04/2016Posted: 27/04/2016

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend