Record Reviews

KRZYSZTOF KOMEDA ~ BALLET ETUDES BE! JAZZ 6087 (Barcode: 4251160250873) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1963 Released: 2004 This is a reissue of the iconic debut album by the Godfather of Polish Jazz, pianist / composer / bandleader Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist. This was not only Komeda’s full album debut release, but also the first Polish Jazz album released outside of Poland. The album was recorded in a quintet / quartet setting, with Polish saxophonist Jan Ptaszyn WroblewskiFind albums by this artist and bassist Roman DylagFind albums by this artist, Swedish drummer Rune CarlssonFind albums by this artist and Danish trumpeter Allan BotschinskyFind albums by this artist (in quintet only). It was recorded in Copenhagen on May 3rd, 1963 and released on the Danish MetronomeFind albums on this label label. The album presents three tracks, all original compositions by Komeda. The title track, originally composed for the 1962 Jazz Jamboree festival appearance, lasts for almost twenty-two minutes and was of unprecedented length and complex structure for the time. It was recorded in the quintet setting. The remaining two tracks were recorded in the quartet setting. One of them is the legendary “Crazy Girl” from the soundtrack of the “Knife in the Water” 1962 Polish film directed by Roman PolanskiFind albums by this artist. The album’s liner notes were written by Danish poet / film director Jorgen LethFind albums by this artist, who was familiar with the Polish Jazz scene. The music remains as revolutionary and prophetic as it was at the time of its recording, and lost absolutely nothing of its glory over time, which brilliantly exemplifies the fact that Jazz Music did not change radically in these sixty years, nor did it make a significant conceptual movement forward (or in any other direction). Komeda’s genius, although sadly appearing only briefly on the Jazz timeline, created enough impact to influence the shape of thigs on the Polish / European Jazz scene, which firmly lasts to this very day. This album was reissued time and again, reappearing here and there unexpectedly, often completely illegally, with diverse sound quality, questionable graphic design and proper historic background information. This specific German edition offers good sound quality and is available, albeit pricey. Nor sure about the legality… The ultimate reissue edition is still waiting to be made. Overall, this is a monumental historic document about the breakthrough of the Polish / European Jazz, searching for its identity independent from the American Jazz tradition and opening a new chapter in its history. For Polish Jazz fans / enthusiasts / connoisseurs this is a true Holy Grail. Side Note: On a personal side of this album – I was given a copy of this album, autographed by Komeda and Polanski, for my 12th Birthday in December of 1963. I already had a collection of vinyl albums, including Polish and foreign releases, and the collector’s plague was already well planted at that age. When our family was expelled from Poland in 1967, we were allowed to take only US$ 5 per person and a small crate of family possessions, which was strictly controlled by Polish custom officers. I naturally tried to take my vinyl collection with me, taking the most valuable (to me) items, including this album, but to my dismay and despair, the customs people confiscated the album, as well as all my original early Beatles albums, which I received from my aunt in London, claiming that they were illegally imported into Poland and were not allowed to leave the country. I was allowed to take only the albums manufactured in Poland, so obviously I took all the early Polish Jazz Series albums, which I had. That incident did not break my collector’s passion, which only grew with time, but it left a bitter taste on my way to Freedom. It also did not blemish my love of the Polish Culture, which I cultivated even when living abroad. Sometimes I wonder where the autographed copy of this album eventually found its home?

Updated: 05/04/2024Posted: 05/04/2024

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	GROBSCHNITT ~ ROCKPOMMEL`S LAND METRONOME 837985 ~ GERMANY ~ Progressive Rock 5th album from 1977 by this group. Considered their most important studio recording, full of great compositions and brilliant performances. A true classic of the Prog era, although recorded towards the end of the first Prog period.
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