Record Reviews

CONFUSION PROJECT ~ LAST DAYMUSIC 03 (Barcode: 198002160188) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This is the fourth album by Polish Jazz trio called Confusion ProjectFind albums by this artist, led by pianist / composer Michal CiesielskiFind albums by this artist with electric bassist Piotr GierszewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Adam GolickiFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, six by the leader and one co-composed with Golicki. The music, although still deeply melodic, presents a significant stylistic change in comparison to the earlier recordings, moving from Fusion oriented ambience into more Classical oriented one, even if only hinted rather than specifically emphasized. The compositions are longer and more extensively developed and the atmosphere is definitely more reflective, sometimes even somewhat somber, perhaps reflecting the times we live in. The album is a wonderful example of an alternative approach to the classic Jazz piano trio, with the rhythm section radically different, but definitely not less significant, than in the traditional approach. Gierszewski plays some amazing bass lines and solos frequently, which manages to contribute both to the melodic layer and the rhythmic layer of the music and Golicki keeps a tight ship without being intrusive or dominating, displaying a wonderful respect towards the music. Ciesielski has plenty of opportunities to show his piano chops, but stays mostly in a romantic, meditative mood and concentrates on the delivery. Overall, this is an excellent and interesting album and a significant step in the trio’s process of development and maturity, which I had a pleasure to follow over the years. For traditional Jazz piano trio fans this might be quite an eye (ear) opener and for listeners, who like a slight touch of Fusion in their Jazz dish, this is definitely something worth checking out. Of course we all hope this is not the “last” outing together by these talented musicians.

Updated: 19/11/2021Posted: 16/11/2021

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LARRY CORYELL ~ LAST SWING WITH IRELAND ANGEL AIR 641 (Barcode: 5055011700413) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2021 This is the last studio recording by the iconic American guitarist / composer Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, captured just a few months before his untimely passing. The music was recorded in Ireland in an intimate trio setting with local bassist Dave RedmondFind albums by this artist and drummer Kevin BradyFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, four of which are standards and two are originals co-composed by the trio members. Coryell plays with incredible vigor and passion and his virtuosity is unblemished, which means that this album is a delightful farewell with his sublime and unique talent. Coryell did not receive the due respect for his revolutionary role as a Godfather of American Jazz-Rock Fusion, starting with his absolutely amazing work with Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist in the 1960s and later his own groups, like The Eleventh HouseFind albums by this artist and duets / trios with other great guitarists, like Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist, Paco De LuciaFind albums by this artist, John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist and others. His extraordinary recording legacy includes over fifty albums as a leader and close to double that number as a sideman. In retrospect he remains as one of the greatest Guitar heroes of all time. I have been fortunate to meet Larry Coryell many times, as well as his first wife Julie CoryellFind albums by this artist, who wrote one of the first books about Fusion and was a great photographer. Overall, this is a delightful classic Jazz guitar album, which should delight every true guitar lover, even though it is not particularly innovative. It is, however, simply delightful!

Updated: 02/11/2021Posted: 02/11/2021

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

TEMPORARY SANITY ~ LAST SUMMER PHONOKOL 021 (Barcode: 7296134002123) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1991 Released: 1991 1st album by the excellent Israeli Rock group Temporary SanityFind albums by this artist, formed by young musicians barely out of high school at the time, which was active on the local scene in the early 1990s. The group managed to score a major hit with the album´s title song, but unfortunately never achieved the recognition it truly deserved. They disbanded, after recording their second album three years later. Fronted by the superb female vocalist Mirit LibaFind albums by this artist, the group played ambitious self-penned material, which ranks among the best Rock recorded in Israel. In retrospect twenty years later this music still sounds great and lost nothing of its quality. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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