Record Reviews

ATOM STRING QUARTET ~ SEIFERT ZBIGNIEW SEIFERT FOUNDATION 1 (Barcode: 5907222048009) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is the 4th album by the prominent Polish string quartet called Atom String QuartetFind albums by this artist, which comprises of 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. As the title suggests, this is a tribute to the iconic Polish Jazz violinist / composer Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, presenting ten of Seifert´s original compositions and one composition by Lubowicz, inspired by a Seifert composition. Of the eleven pieces on the album, eight are performed by the entire string quartet, one is a duo performance by Zaborski and Lenczowski and two are solo violin performances, one each by Smoczynski and Lubowicz. The Polish Jazz violin school is experiencing a tremendous renaissance in the last decade or so, with renewed interest in the violin as a Jazz instrument and numerous young players popping out like mushrooms after the rain, all in a frenzy of recording and concert activity. The biennial International Zbigniew Seifert Jazz Violin Competition also adds to the overall effect. The life and career of Seifert, tragically cut short by illness, is an important founding stone of modern Polish / European Jazz, and the admiration of his music is fully justified not only by its legendary status, but most importantly by its superb musical depth. For someone familiar with Seifert´s music, like me, the string quartet arrangements of his music sound somewhat eccentric, at least at the first encounter. Hearing this music without its rhythmic layer, which was always very important in Seifert´s case, takes time to get used to and requires patience and open mindedness. The intricate aspects of the music and its aesthetic idiosyncrasies are far from being trivial and in their transformed appearance are even more elusive and multifaceted. In short the quartet´s interpretation of Seifert´s music is definitely challenging and less immediately striking than the original, which obviously enhances the entire experience of listening to this album. As expected, the music is executed with the outmost care and sheer virtuosity, which easily explains the revered status of the quartet. Both individually and as an ensemble, Atom String Quartet are simply magnificent from start to finish. This album, in view of its challenges and rigorous outline, proves to be the quartet´s best recording to date as far as I am concerned. The limitations created by the repertoire turned out to be an asset and the quartet emerges victorious from the obvious challenge. Overall this is a magnificent album, which deserves repeated listening and can definitely be considered as a commendable tribute to Seifert´s music and his legendary legacy, full of love and respect beautifully combined. Hats off gentlemen!

Updated: 27/06/2024Posted: 06/07/2017

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VARIOSPHERES ~ LIVE IN SOLOTHURN ZBIGNIEW SEIFERT FOUNDATION 2 (Barcode: 5907222048016) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 Released: 2017 This is an archival release of a live recording by the European quartet VariospheresFind albums by this artist, led by the legendary late Polish Jazz violinist Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, which also included Belgian pianist Michel HerrFind albums by this artist, Swiss bassist Hans HartmannFind albums by this artist and Polish drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist. They perform six compositions, four of which were composed by Seifert, one by Herr and the remaining one is unidentified. Variospheres, which existed actually in two different lineups, was Seifert vehicle for European touring and of course part of his personal development as a composer and a player. Recorded in January of 1976 this live performance was a beginning of a hyperactive period in Seifert´s life. In that year alone he recorded albums with Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist ("SpringfeverFind albums with this title" for AtlanticFind albums on this label) and Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist ("Helen 12 TreesFind albums with this title" for MPSFind albums on this label) and his first album as a leader ("Man Of The LightFind albums with this title" for MPS) as well as his solo violin album ("Solo ViolinFind albums with this title" for EMIFind albums on this label which was released only a couple of years later). Sadly that year also brought the discovery of his illness, which took his life just three years later. The music is typical of the modern European Jazz of that period, which was heavily involved in post-Coltrane Free improvisation and constant search of new forms of expression. The European scene, on both sides of the Iron Curtain, was buzzing with incredible productivity and discovery, and Seifert and his quartet represent the atmosphere of the period perfectly. Although the sound quality of this recording is far from perfect, it manages to bring forward the incredible intensity of the music and the total involvement from the musicians. Seifert and Herr deliver lengthy fiery solos and the rhythm section supports the music and drives it ahead, both during the more swinging parts as well as during the freely improvised parts. Seifert´s incredible compositions are always a delight. The importance of the fact that this music is finally seeing a release, over forty years after it was recorded, is enormous. It adds to Seifert´s relatively limited recorded legacy and sheds light on a very interesting period in European Jazz, which is always more than welcome. For the numerous Polish Jazz and Seifert´s music connoisseurs this is an obvious must, and we should all be grateful to the Zbigniew Seifert FoundationFind albums on this label, run by the incredible Aneta NorekFind albums by this artist, who is also the author of the excellent Seifert´s biography, for faithfully bringing Seifert´s legacy into the limelight!

Updated: 22/06/2018Posted: 03/01/2018

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ZBIGNIEW SEIFERT ~ SOLO VIOLIN ZBIGNIEW SEIFERT FOUNDATION 3 (Barcode: 5907222048023) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 Released: 2017 This is the first legitimate reissue on CD of the solo violin album by the legendary late Polish Jazz violinist Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist. Recorded during a concert at Radio Bremen in 1976, the album was released only a couple of years later in Germany, and has been an extremely rare collector´s item in its original vinyl form for decades. The album presents just four original compositions, all by Seifert. Shortly before this music was recorded Seifert was diagnosed with cancer, which tragically killed him just three years later, and the album was supposed to pay for his medical bills. Solo violin Jazz albums are extremely rare, and as such this album has been a beacon and a point of reference since its release as far as violin in Jazz is concerned. Seifert´s virtuosity and uniqueness are immediately apparent from the very first tones, and he does not cease to amaze for the entire forty seven minutes the music lasts. Well trained listeners will obviously recognize the immense influence of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist´s music on Seifert´s playing, and Seifert has been many times referred to as the Coltrane of the violin. But beneath the Coltrane influence on the way Seifert improvises, one can also hear his deep European and Polish roots, not only in his compositions, but also in his tonality and expression, which are always deeply lyrical and melancholic, even at the height of the climatic eruptions. In many respects this album tells more about Seifert than most of his other recordings, where he plays with other musicians and his playing is just a part of a bigger picture. The "nakedness" of this music in also 100% proof Seifert, at his absolute best. Therefore this album is so unique not only due to its unusual setting, but also due to the fact that it is presents Seifert isolated from all external influences and disturbances, in his most direct and straightforward self. The superb sound quality of this album enhances the experience of listening to the music enormously. Of course this album is also exquisitely beautiful and powerful, and should leave absolutely no listener untouched. For Polish Jazz fans and Seifert´s numerous followers this album is obviously the Holy Grail of Polish Jazz recordings. Big thanks to the Zbigniew Seifert FoundationFind albums on this label, spearheaded by Aneta NorekFind albums by this artist, for bringing this National treasure back to life, for old admirers to enjoy again and new ones to discover.

Updated: 22/06/2018Posted: 05/01/2018

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MATEUSZ SMOCZYNSKI ~ METAMORPHOSES ZBIGNIEW SEIFERT FOUNDATION 4 (Barcode: 5907222048030) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is the fourth album by Polish violinist / composer Mateusz SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist and his debut solo violin recording. The album, recorded at the Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music, presents thirteen compositions, four of which are parts of a violin sonata No.1, which gave the album its title. Smoczynski is the composer of eleven of these compositions, one composition is by his older brother Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist and one is by Mark SummerFind albums by this artist, the cellist and co-founder of the legendary Turtle Island QuartetFind albums by this artist. The closing piece of the album, called "Midnight Psalm", was inspired by the Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist composition "Evening Psalm". During the last decade Mateusz Smoczynski consistently paved his way to the top of the Polish violin scene, creating a remarkable collection of recordings as a leader, as a sideman and as member of the revered Atom String QuartetFind albums by this artist and winning the second edition of the Zbigniew Seifert International Jazz Violin Competition in 2016, an incredible achievement for a musician in his early thirties; all this on a scene which is bursting with talent and fierce competition. This album is undoubtedly Smoczynski´s most ambitious undertaking to date, both as a player and a composer. Moving away from the home base of the Jazz idiom, the music on this album is obviously much more related to the contemporary Classical idiom, although the improvisation is still an integral and important ingredient. The compositions also bear close relation to Polish Folklore and Classical Music, soaked in typical melancholy and lyricism, which characterizes most of Polish music. From the very onset of the music Smoczynski´s virtuosity becomes immediately apparent and the entire duration of the album is an ecstatic journey on the cascade of violin magic, which he manages to keep flowing relentlessly. Unrelated to the actual tempo of the compositions, the flow and energy is always there and the pure tones and clarity of every note are remarkable. Although not a Jazz album per-se, this music should be of interest to a wide range of music lovers, obviously those who also love the violin. This music is demanding and requires attention and patience, but all great music puts forward similar challenges, and this one is no different. It will probably take several listening sessions to wholly comprehend the depth of this music, but the effort is definitely worth it! Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 12/01/2018Posted: 12/01/2018

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DAWID LUBOWICZ ~ INSIDE ZBIGNIEW SEIFERT FOUNDATION 5 (Barcode: 5907222048054) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 This is the eagerly awaited and highly anticipated debut album as a leader by Polish Jazz violinist Dawid LubowiczFind albums by this artist, primarily known as a member of the Atom String QuartetFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Krzysztof HerdzinFind albums by this artist (who also plays flute and accordion), bassist Robert KubiszynFind albums by this artist and drummer Lukasz ZytaFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Jacek KotlarskiFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Tomasz KalwakFind albums by this artist guest each on one tune. The album presents nine compositions, eight of which are originals by Lubowicz and one is by Polish Classical composer Karol SzymanowskiFind albums by this artist. Musically the album is quite surprising, especially in view of extensive recorded legacy Lubowicz created with Atom String Quartet and other projects. The compositions are all exquisitely melodic, melancholic and delicate, seemingly "simple" in their scope, leaving the complexity to be expressed via the performance layer rather than making the music less communicative. Such honesty and straightforwardness is an extremely rare quality among Jazz composers these days, which mostly adhere to the notion that music has to impress by its "cleverness" and "intricacy", neglecting the "simple is beautiful" ideal, which Lubowicz is able to bring to perfection herein. Another significant aspect of this music is its strong connection, almost umbilical, to Polish Folklore, and especially to the music of the Polish Highlanders, which is of course native land of Lubowicz. The ties to folkloristic themes are quite subtle at times and need a trained ear to be recognized, but they are preset almost continually as part of the aesthetic climate this album offers. The inclusion of the Szymanowski composition also refers to the composer´s fascination with the music of the Highlanders. The decision to use Herdzin as part of the team might seem surprising at first, as Herdzin is rarely used as a sideman these days and his role is usually much more dominant. But in retrospect Lubowicz made the ideal decision, as Herdzin has very few equals when playing "pretty" is in order. He is a master of sweetness and romanticism and his work on this album is simply perfect in every respect. Kubiszyn is a Master and every album he is on is blessed by his presence. His acoustic bass pulsations and fretless solos are all breathtaking. Zyta is the metronome man, always ideally on time and with the right intensity, even if he is playing just in a duet setting with Lubowicz. Kalwak transforms the single tune he is on into a gleaming magic pearl, full of sensitivity and intrinsic beauty, using his unique "touch". And Lubowicz? Oh well Lubowicz is a Monster, a quiet, gentle Monster, mind you, but a true virtuoso, who plays music rather than showing his chops, always elegant, stylish and graceful, creating an irresistible urge to embrace everything that his vibrating strings are able to create. Overall this is a most impressive debut album and the only regret about it is that we had to wait for it for so long. But now, that it is finally out there, don´t hesitate and grab it ASAP and I guarantee you won´t regret it. The album is exquisitely packaged and offers a superb sonic quality, which should make the decision to get a copy even easier. The album was released by the Zbigniew Seifert FoundationFind albums on this label, run by the unwearied Aneta NorekFind albums by this artist, who deserves our gratitude for keeping the Polish Jazz violin tradition flourishing.

Updated: 22/06/2018Posted: 22/06/2018

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STEPHAN BRAUN / MATEUSZ SMOCZYNSKI ~ KEEP ON TURNIN` ZBIGNIEW SEIFERT FOUNDATION 6 (Barcode: 5907222048061) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is the debut album by the Jazz duo comprising of German cellist Stephan BraunFind albums by this artist and Polish violinist Mateusz SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven pieces, two of which are original compositions (one each), one is a standard and the rest are arrangements of Funk / Fusion compositions, arranged by Braun (except for two arranged by Smoczynski). The limited instrumentation does not seem to have any meaning as far as the duo is concerned, and with the help of some percussive trinkets and little electronics the duo sounds like a full orchestra, very far from the timid image of the string instruments. The idea to concentrate on the well known Funk / Fusion pieces, originally performed by such masters of genre like Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist, Brecker BrothersFind albums by this artist, Steps AheadFind albums by this artist, John ScofieldFind albums by this artist and others, is especially surprising and creates a delightful and completely different treatment of the familiar music presented in a new environment. The newly arranged music does not miss an iota of the original Funkiness and feel and still sounds like it could move mountains. Smoczynski, not surprisingly, pays tribute to his idol, the Polish violin virtuoso Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, by including one tune from Seifert´s iconic album "Man Of The LightFind albums with this title". Obviously these radical new arrangements and instrumentation disclose new aspects of the music, which might have been previously hidden from the ear, as well as showcase the incredible virtuosity of the two participants, which is unparalleled. The album proudly joins the highly respected idiom of "Art of the Duo", which often produces more enthralling music than much larger ensembles. Overall this is a brilliant piece of highly unusual music, superbly executed and intelligently put together, which emphasizes the sophistication of European Jazz at its best. Hopefully this recording will not be the only record of this duo´s abilities and talents. Hats off Gentlemen!

Updated: 08/01/2021Posted: 08/01/2021

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