Record Reviews

ALEKSI HEINOLA ~ ALEKSI HEINOLA QUARTET JAZZAGGRESSION 734 ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2023 This is the second album by young Finnish drummer / composer Aleksi HeinolaFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quartet setting with veteran pianist (and drummer) Jukkis UotilaFind albums by this artist, Hungarian saxophonist Gabor BollaFind albums by this artist and Swedish bassist Daniel FranckFind albums by this artist. The album presets no less than thirteen tracks, four of which are original compositions by Heinola, one is by Uotila and the rest are standards. The music is all straightforward mainstream Jazz, Bebop and Hard Bop oriented. The five original compositions blend well with the rest of the material, so stylistically the album is coherent and for mainstream Jazz lovers, this is a great opportunity to hear some contemporary approach to the American tradition, somewhat Europeanized by the performances, but not changing the spirit of the original concept of American Jazz from the 1950 / 1960. Why would European musicians play that kind of music is another matter entirely, but whatever they do here is every bit as good as everything played across the pond at the time and often also today. Overall, for mainstream Jazz lovers, this is an excellent listening experience, as both the music and the performances are nothing short of first class. The quartet members are all pros and the music flows smoothly and effortlessly, which is what mainstream Jazz is all about.

Updated: 28/03/2023Posted: 28/03/2023

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ROXA ~ ALEJA MARZEN GAD 076 (Barcode: 5903068120015) ~ POLAND ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1984 - 1986 Released: 2018 This is a reissue of the only album recorded by the Polish Pop group RoxaFind albums by this artist, originally released only on cassette. This remastered and expanded edition adds six bonus tracks, three previously unreleased. Although the music is in many respects quite typical 1980s Pop, soaked in synthesizer sounds, the level of songwriting and playing of Roxa was much better that other groups of the period. Obviously influenced by PoliceFind albums by this artist, the group sadly functioned for a relatively short period of time and is primarily remembered for their one hit song "A Ona Tanczy", but their one-hit wonder status doesn´t do them justice, as many of their other songs were equally good. Since many of the people who listened to this music as teenagers are Grandparents by now, this is a great trip down the memory lane. Nostalgia heaven ;)

Updated: 23/01/2022Posted: 09/08/2018

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DOMINIK STRYCHARSKI CORE ~ ALERT AUDIO CAVE 2025/002 (Barcode: 5908298549940) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2025 This is an album by Polish Jazz flautist / composer / bandleader Dominik StrycharskiFind albums by this artist and his CoreFind albums by this artist quintet, which also includes pianist Barbara DrazkovFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Barbara DrazkowskaFind albums by this artist), trumpeter Wojciech JachnaFind albums by this artist, bassist Zbigniew KozeraFind albums by this artist and drummer Pawel SzpuraFind albums by this artist. Strycharski and Jachna employ electronics and Drazkowska plays a prepared piano. The album presents five tracks, all original compositions by the leader. The music is a brilliant amalgam of composed, but highly unusual, modernist music and controlled Improvised interludes, which combine acoustic and electronic sounds, odd pulsations, Avant-Garde contemporary approach and a plethora of other wonderful weirdness, which immediately bring fond memories of Zappaesque complete disregard of conventions, in short everything one might desire in order to hear some exciting, unusual, challenging music, brilliantly performed by these highly talented musicians. As expected, Jachna is the direct link to Jazz within this marvelous madness, and his trumpet soli are like bright stars on a night sky, showing the way to lost mariners. The rhythm section plays some inhumanly difficult rhythmic patterns, the piano is in charge of the almost melodic layers and Strycharski uses his flute / recorder skills sparingly, concentrating on electronic effects, but the little bits here and there are like cherries on top of the cake. The music as a whole completely eschews categorization, and as a result a proper description, so it should be of course heard and not read about, so my humble efforts are a mere attempt to encourage as many people as possible not to miss this album. Mind you, it might take some patience, open-mindedness and a true love of unconventional music to enjoy it in full, but I have faith in my readers to possess these qualities, ergo fully equipped for the voyage. I admit of being sometimes quite critical about Strycharski’s recordings, which simply means I don’t judge the books by their covers but listen carefully. This time I can’t utter anything but deep appreciation and admiration for his efforts as composer and leader, which are amicably and splendidly supported by his cohorts, producing a true work of musical Art. Overall, this is a brilliant piece of modern music, completely cross-genre in nature and masterly designed and executed by the entire quintet. This is Avant-Garde, which breaks barriers and rules, without being rude and careless, which is demanding, but pleasing, and which expands our musical horizons! My deepest thanks to all of you!

Updated: 14/03/2025Posted: 11/03/2025

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