Record Reviews

GRZEGORZ KARNAS ~ SNY DEBIES 002 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2002 - 2004 Released: 2004 This is the second album by Polish Jazz vocalist / composer / arranger Grzegorz KarnasFind albums by this artist, one of the most unique and talented representatives of the young generation of the local Jazz scene. Born in the southern Polish province of Upper Silesia, Karnas graduated form the Jazz Institute at the Katowice Academy of Music, where a large percentage of the young Polish Jazz musicians get their initial graduate education. His debut album "ReinkarnasjaFind albums with this title", released in 2000, created quite a stir on the local scene and immediately established him as one of the most significant newcomers. He is accompanied on this album by a superb team of excellent players: pianist Michal TokajFind albums by this artist (who plays the Fender electric piano here rather than his usual acoustic piano), guitarist Damian KuraszFind albums by this artist, bassist Robert KubiszynFind albums by this artist and drummer Sebastian FrankiewiczFind albums by this artist. In addition several guest artists also participate: legendary veteran saxophonist Tomasz SzukalskiFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Jerzy MalekFind albums by this artist, cellist Adam OlesFind albums by this artist (a future close collaborator, who also hails from Silesia), vocalist Patrycja GolaFind albums by this artist and congas player Bogusz WekkaFind albums by this artist. The album consists of twelve pieces, ten of which were written (music & lyrics) by Karnas, one was co-written by Karnas and Oles and one is a standard. Karnas wrote all the arrangements, which are quite unusual and beautifully atmospheric. Of course Karnas´ vocal performances are the focal point of the album, but his ability to involve all these wonderful players to become an integral part of the overall result is absolutely astounding. Szukalski plays wonderfully here, but for me Tokaj and his incredible electric piano phrasing are the cherry on the cake. Karnas is a unique vocalist, a power of Nature. Although many of the tricks of the trade he so skillfully utilizes can be traced back to other great vocalists, like the great Bobby McFerrinFind albums by this artist and the Polish diva Urszula DudziakFind albums by this artist, but he is truly original. First and foremost he completely disregards any conventions, allowing himself a total freedom as far as his vocal expressions are concerned. Regardless if he sings lyrics, vocalese, scat or just utters sounds from his throat, there are no rules involved. His pronunciation of the lyrics is completely off the wall and probably would give his primary school Polish language teacher a heart attack, but the effect is overwhelming. He also twists the melody any way he wants and his disregard of "proper" timing is simply scandalous; and yet all these elements put together create an amalgam, which is just so beautiful and intelligent, that any experienced music connoisseur simply melts away. Vocal Jazz or more exactly interesting and challenging vocal Jazz is unfortunately a rarity on contemporary Jazz scene and therefore any Artists of the level presented by Karnas is a most welcome addition. People who truly love music will love this music immediately and unconditionally. Not to be missed!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

QUIDAM ~ SNY ANIOLÓW / ANGELS` DREAMS (LIMITED EDITION) ROCK SERWIS 102 (Barcode: 5907729910229) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1998 Released: 2006 2nd album by the superb Polish Prog band QuidamFind albums by this artist. The angelic voice of Emila DerkowskaFind albums by this artist in the lead and the great instrumental work by all the players in the band create together one of the freshest and most uplifting performances in modern Prog. This album follows splendidly in the tracks set by the stunning debut, released two years earlier, and fills all the expectations. The album was released in two versions – one with Polish lyrics and the other with English lyrics. Although Derkowska feels comfortably with the English vocals, the Polish version is preferable in my opinion, as the singer is free to concentrate on her vocal performances rather than (at least subconsciously) on the foreign language. The music is a unique mixture of classic Prog elements with classical and folk influences. The flute is the second leading voice in the band and it provides a splendid companion to the singer’s delicate voice. The album is full of gorgeous melodies, magic moments and atmospheric tension, which set the standard of Progressive Rock music another notch higher. This beautiful new edition includes both versions of the album in an exquisite mini-sleeve packaging.

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

ZBIGNIEW WODECKI ~ SNY PODROZNIKA GAD 082 (Barcode: 5903068120114) ~ POLAND ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1975 - 1977 Released: 2018 This is an archival album by Polish singer / songwriter / multi-instrumentalist Zbigniew WodeckiFind albums by this artist, which presents previously unreleased recordings he made with the Entertainment Orchestra of the Polish Radio and TVFind albums by this artist in Katowice, led by composer / bandleader Jerzy MilianFind albums by this artist. Of the twelve songs present on this album Wodecki composed six and Milian two and rest were composed by other songwriters. The orchestra was undoubtedly the best of its kind Big Band / instrumental ensemble in Poland at the time (mid-1970s), featuring many top Polish Jazz musicians. Directed by Milian, who gained a lot of experience working with Jazz orchestras around Europe, and who was also a first rate composer / arranger, the orchestra was able to achieve a highly professional level characterized by sophistication, which is immediately recognizable. Although the material was basically Pop oriented, the music was intelligent, ambitious and cleverly put together and executed, which is why it still sounds excellent four decades later. Wodecki, who was one of Poland´s most loved and respected singers (he died in 2017) was in top form when recording this material and his velvet voice and superb vocal performances are timeless, as are his wonderful compositions. This album is a true treasure chest and an excellent addition to his recorded legacy, especially in view of the fact that these recordings were completely forgotten until brought back to light by the GADFind albums on this label Records label, which never ceases to surprise. For the many fans of Wodecki this album is a true gem, but all Polish Pop connoisseurs should find this a first rate addition to their collection. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 06/02/2019Posted: 06/02/2019

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend