Record Reviews

NIKOL BOKOVA ~ FEATHERS SOLEIL ET PLUIE 1007 (Barcode: 721688578284) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024 This is the 8th album by Czech pianist / composer Nikol BokovaFind albums by this artist, which returns to the classic piano trio format with bassist Martin KocianFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal WierzgonFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all original compositions by Bokova. It is great to hear Bokova again in a trio setting, which was her “entry point” to the Jazz recording milieu five years ago. Eight albums in five years is an incredible accomplishment, especially in view of the tremendous journey these albums represent, moving between piano solo, trio, small ensembles and orchestral recordings, always elegant, beautifully melodic, heartfelt and graceful. I truly enjoyed this voyage, and although I criticized, what I saw as her Classical mannerisms, at the early stages, I learned to love and embrace her music in time. This is probably the most “romantic” of her albums so far, full of Eastern European lyricism and melancholy, which we share in our genes. The album is short, just slightly above half an hour in duration, but perhaps exactly enough before the listener’s heart is shattered. The short pieces create a fluid continuity, and as their titles suggest, are a continuous tone cycle, rather than a collection of separate pieces. The rhythm section, which accompanies her on most of her recordings, is as usual doing a perfect job, reliable like a Swiss watch and at the same time inventive and virtuosic. The sound quality is also perfect, as usual, so what else can one ask for in order to enjoy a heavenly, intimate tete-a-tete with a musical friend. Overall, this is another splendid album by Bokova, who with her chameleonic ability to switch between Jazz sub-genres as elegantly as a model changing dresses during a fashion show, is charming as usual. Now with her own record label, she can do really whatever she pleases, and as long as she does it as gratifyingly as of now, she has me on her side unquestionably.

Updated: 26/01/2025Posted: 26/01/2025

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SIMONA DE ROSA / CONFUSION PROJECT ~ FEATHERS NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024 This is the 5th album by Polish Jazz Trio Confusion ProjectFind albums by this artist, which comprises of pianist Michal CiesielskiFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Piotr GierszewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Adam GolickiFind albums by this artist, and their first recording as an accompanying ensemble of Italian vocalist Simona De RosaFind albums by this artist. Several artists guest on selected tracks. The album presents eight tracks, five of which are composed by Ciesielski or co-composed by him and De Rosa, and the other three are traditional World Music melodies. The album was recorded at the excellent Monochrom Studio and engineered by Ignacy GruszeckiFind albums by this artist, with the usual superb results. The music incorporates a wide range of World Music influences, including Latin, Mediterranean and Asian motives, which turns the album into a vibrant listening experience, full of lively rhythms and touching melodies, constantly changing moods and colors. The level of the instrumental performances and the vocals is impeccable, which is hardly surprising. De Rosa has an impressive vocal range and skillfully uses vocalese in addition to her vocal parts. The piano trio takes a certain step back, which does not mean that their playing is less impressive. Ciesielski is a remarkable pianist, capable of adapting his style to all the various styles, Gierszewski’s bass pulsations are the anchor of the music and Golicki keeps everything swinging with taste and elegance. Overall, this is a pleasant, vibrant and interesting Jazz-World Fusion album, which is accessible to a wide audience, without compromising the aesthetic and Artistic level of the music. Both the original compositions and the arrangements of the folkloristic themes are exciting and entertaining, making the album a truly enjoyable listening experience.

Updated: 20/04/2025Posted: 20/04/2025

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