Record Reviews

GORDON BECK ~ REFLECTIONS ART OF LIFE 1005 (Barcode: 804640100522) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1997 Released: 2003 Pianist / composer Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist is a living legend. Considered as one of the true forefathers of modern British and European Jazz, has been a source of inspiration and musical joy to Jazz connoisseurs since the 1960s. Fortunately for us, Jazz lovers, Beck continues his remarkable career, producing exquisite musical marvels, now in his 7th decade. He seems to be untouchable by time and his playing is as vigorous and energetic, as it was 40 years ago. This marvelous solo piano concert brilliantly recorded by the BBC, portraits Beck, as he truly is – a romantic, gentle and highly intelligent musician with thousands of volts running through his magic fingers. The album is a tribute to the genius of Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, including one of his compositions and standards Evans often played. But it is way beyond just a tribute; it is a re-examination of the entire Jazz piano tradition, and even a reflection on Beck’s entire lifetime as a pianist. Although very much an innovator and ceaseless explorer, Beck never ignored the 100 years of piano playing by other Jazz piano giants. Therefore in addition to traces of Evans, there are subtle hints of such divers musicians as Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist, Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist and countless other piano players creating an amalgam, which in Beck’s hands become a unique new creation. Listening to the uplifting music could be one of the most enjoyable hours ever spent while listening to music and I wish every Jazz enthusiast would come across it. The album also includes a bonus track, which has Beck performing a composition by his life-long musical partner, guitarist Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, who collaborated with Beck on many recordings. This album is an absolute must have for Jazz piano lovers of all ages, a work of rare sensibility and artistic perfection. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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	DJAM KARET ~ REFLECTIONS FROM THE FIREPOOL CUNEIFORM 139 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock 10th album from 2000, which actually is a reissue of a 1989 album. This is the album that brought DK to the attention of the general Prog public and established then as one of the leading acts on the Prog scene.
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EABS ~ REFLECTIONS OF PURPLE SUN ASTIGMATIC 028 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is the 6th album by Polish Jazz ensemble EABSFind albums by this artist, which comprises of saxophonist Olaf WegierFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Jakub KurekFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Marek PedziwiatrFind albums by this artist, bassist Pawel StachowiakFind albums by this artist and drummer Marcin RakFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, five of which are the ensemble’s interpretation of the tracks included on the legendary album “Purple SunFind albums with this title” by Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, who died in 2018, and one is a short tribute to Stanko’s drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist, who died in 2016, credited to Rak. The album was recorded at Stanko’s flat and includes a booklet with extensive and highly informative liner notes by the ensemble’s manger Sebastian JozwiakFind albums by this artist. The “Purple Sun” album was recorded in Germany in 1973 by the legendary quintet led by Stanko, with included saxophonist / flautist Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, who died in 2016, saxophonist / violinist Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, who died in 1979, bassist Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist, may he live for many more years, and Stefanski. For various reasons (see the booklet) Suchanek was replaced on this recording by Swiss bassist Hans HartmannFind albums by this artist, who died in 2022. The album presented five compositions (two combined into one track), four composed by Stanko and one by Seifert. Since the album was released only in Germany on an obscure small record label, it remained almost completely unknown to most Polish and international Jazz connoisseurs for many years. The album was never properly reissued / remastered to this very day. Sadly, none of the quintet members, who recorded this album, are with us anymore. The concept of re-recording entire albums is not exactly neither new nor very revolutionary, even when the music is teleported into an entirely different sphere / universe, like in this case. EABS gradually won me over with their consecutive albums, and I learned to accept their Groove and Funky attitude, which, in their case, can result in deeply Artistic music, despite the appearances. I must admit that I had serious doubts in this specific case, as this particular period in Stanko’s musical chronology sets a certain aesthetic peak, as far as my historic perspective of Polish Jazz is concerned, where his highly adventurous searching produced some of the best Improvised Music / Free Jazz on earth at the time. This new interpretation of “Purple Sun” has absolutely nothing of that searching, subversive, groundbreaking charisma that the original album projects. The links between the original album and this offering are left purely to the spiritual / associative levels. I don’t think anybody not informed about the linkage between these two albums would ever guess its existence. So the question is if EABS have jumped the proverbial “one bridge too far” this time? I don’t have a precise answer to be honest. I do love the music, without any reservations: it is well played, it is Groovy and Funky as always, the solos are impressive and everything works just fine, including the urge to get up and dance. They have definitely found their very own style and they are consistent. Only some questions remain: what is the relevance of this music as far as its inspiration is concerned? Does it bring Stanko’s ideas forward by fifty years? Does it play tribute to Stanko’s original music, beyond the conceptual envelope? I honestly don’t know… Overall, this as good EABS album as ever, and people who love their music will enjoy this one as well. They are a talented bunch and it’s always great to hear them play, live or on record. As far as “Purple Sun” is concerned, if this album prompts people to make an effort and listen to the original album, I am more than happy!

Updated: 14/06/2024Posted: 14/06/2024

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ADAM GOLICKI ~ REFLECTIONS DAYMUSIC 01 (Barcode: 198000473723) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This is the third album as a leader by Polish Jazz drummer / composer Adam GolickiFind albums by this artist, this time recorded in a classic guitar trio setting with two veterans of the local scene: guitarist Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist and bassist Piotr LemanczykFind albums by this artist, who plays both acoustic and electric basses. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Golicki. The album shows a much serious facet of Golicki’s music in comparison to his earlier efforts, which presented an easy-going approach with a Fusion oriented approach. This time we are presented with a collection of carefully crafted tunes, strictly within modern mainstream Jazz, which are treated seriously and respectfully by the trio in a traditional Jazz manner. The music has a certain melancholic tinge, which suits the trio format perfectly. The performances are, as expected, exemplary, with Grzywacz playing the themes and improvisations with technical precision and obvious feel for the music. Lemanczyk is absolutely brilliant, both as an accompanist and soloist, and as usual “steals the show” with his virtuosity, a phenomenon repeating itself on all the recordings he takes part in, which he simple cannot avoid in view of his extraordinary technique and talent. The leader plays very tastefully and with great sensitivity, which is also apparent on the current recording he made with the Confusion ProjectFind albums by this artist, of which he is a founding member, album “LastFind albums with this title”, Overall, this album is an important milestone in Golicki’s recording career, certainly his most impressive achievement so far, which of course is very welcome. For guitar lovers this is a great opportunity to hear some beautiful guitar playing in the true Jazz spirit, avoiding the overbearing Fusion mannerisms, and of course a superb display of bass playing, which every bass player the world over surely can learn something from. This is a typical example of “less is more”, which in this crazy world we live in is a welcome balsam to one’s ears. Well done!

Updated: 21/11/2021Posted: 21/11/2021

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KAYA MELLER ~ REFLECTIONS NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019 This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer Kaya MellerFind albums by this artist recorded with her quartet, which also includes pianist Eloa GoncalvesFind albums by this artist, bassist Tin DzaferovicFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter LenzFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, all by Meller. The music is melody based modern European Jazz, well structured and coherent, but at the same time open enough to allow the music reach beyond the mainstream boundaries. The intimate quartet setting allows the leader and the pianist to develop lengthy solo parts, supported by the amicable rhythm section, which handles the standard rhythmic patterns and the odd meters with ease and elegance. Meller´s trumpet playing – very unusual instrument for a female Jazz instrumentalist – is surprisingly mature and polished. It bears some traces of the Berklee education, but luckily the Americans didn’t manage to kill her originality and she presents a highly individual stylistic approach, which shows strong European roots, lyricism and aesthetics, which is only present on the Old Continent. Her compositions offer broad and diverse stylistic explorations, which encompass within the same framework contemporary Chamber Music and Modern Jazz. Her ballads have a distinct Nordic characteristic, full of melancholy and minimalism, whereas her up-tempo compositions show a strong World Music influences and complex rhythmic structures. Goncalves is a wonderful pianist and an ideal partner for Meller´s conceptual approach, providing beautiful melodic layers that carry the trumpet voicing. Her soloing is also exceptionally well structured and compliments the music every step of the way. The rhythm section keeps the music afloat with highly melodic and dense bass structures in the background and relatively sparse drumming, which is non obtrusive buy always right on the money. Overall this is a stunning debut effort, presenting a young but already seasoned instrumentalist and a gifted composer, with obvious bright future ahead of her. The album is full of excellent music and first class performances, which can be enjoyed by every Jazz connoisseur around the globe. Very well done and bonne chance with the future endeavors!

Updated: 01/10/2019Posted: 01/10/2019

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RAINING PLEASURE ~ REFLECTIONS: MUSIC BY MANOS HADJIDAKIS BLUE NOTE 311536 (Barcode: 094631153624) ~ GREECE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2004 - 2005 Anybody our there remembers the legendary 1969 album Reflections: Music By Manos HadjidakisFind albums with this title by the New York Rock And Roll EnsembleFind albums by this artist? If you do, you surely appreciate how revolutionary and pioneering it was at the time. Manos HadjidakisFind albums by this artist cooperated with a group of young Rock musicians and composed a cycle of songs called “Reflections” (with English lyrics) especially for them. The resulting album created quite a sensation at the time and became a cult album in the years to follow. Hadjidakis was of course the greatest 20th century Greek composer who at that time was a political exile in the US (between 1966 and 1972), as were many other Greek intellectuals and artists who opposed the military dictatorship in their native country. In 1993 Hadjidakis re-recorded “Reflections”, this time with Greek lyrics. Raining PleasureFind albums by this artist, the most prominent and ambitious Rock group in Greece since the mid-1990’s re-recorded “Reflections” yet again in late 2004 / early 2005 with the original English lyrics again, but with much richer and profound instrumental arrangements, developing it into a full-blown Prog masterpiece. Featuring the Mellotron as the main instrument, this is a beautiful and sensitive piece of musical artistry. The original music by Hadjidakis remains as profoundly moving as it ever was, but the modern treatment takes it into new musical vistas, proving that the music is absolutely timeless. Anybody with a well-developed taste for quality will enjoy this masterpiece immensely, regardless of his / hers cultural background, as this music is definitely beyond any boundaries.

Updated: 01/06/2018Posted:

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