Record Reviews

JERZY MILIAN ~ PENGUIN BIDS GAD 166 (Barcode: 5903068121937) ~ POLAND ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1963 - 1966 Released: 2020 This is the tenth installment of the archival series released by GADFind albums on this label Records, which presents the work of Polish Jazz vibraphonist / composer / bandleader Jerzy MilianFind albums by this artist. This chapter is dedicated to Milian´s recordings from the 1960s, done in Warsaw with the Polish Radio Dance OrchestraFind albums by this artist led and conducted by Edward CzernyFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve original compositions, the last of which is a three-part suite, all composed and arranged by Milian, who plays vibraphone and marimba with the orchestra. The music is a wonderful example of classic Swing, meticulously arranged for the Orchestra / Big Band and featuring Milian’s soli. Milian´s compositions are absolutely brilliant and remain completely valid, often sounding as if composed today. Sophisticated, elegant, clever and beautifully structured, this music is alive and kicking as it was at the time it was created. The Orchestra featured highly skilled and experienced musicians, which enabled Milian to write complex scores, which they were able to perform without a hitch, and the result was certainly as good as any other European Orchestra / Big Band active at the time. Overall, this is an incredible piece of Polish / European Jazz history, which absolutely deserves to be heard and studied. With Milian´s passing it is even more important to document his work and bring it to the public. For orchestral Jazz and East European Jazz enthusiasts this album and all the albums released in this archival series are an absolute must!

Updated: 19/02/2022Posted: 19/02/2022

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