Record Reviews

ADAM BALDYCH ~ MAGICAL THEATRE ELITE 001 (Barcode: 885767685468) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 The violin holds a very special position in the history of modern Polish Jazz, and except for France, no other European country can pride itself in such splendid heritage as far as the use of violin in Jazz is concerned. The first generation of modern Polish Jazz musicians includes three distinguished Jazz violinists: Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist (born 1943), Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist (born 1946) and Krzesimir DebskiFind albums by this artist (born 1953). Each of these virtuosi and exceptional composers made his mark not only on Polish Jazz, but also on European Jazz and World Jazz scenes. Of course each of these three musicians offered a unique and very individual approach to violin, all being innovators and pioneers: Urbaniak contributed greatly to the development of Jazz-Fusion and Jazz-Funk, Seifert to modern and Free Jazz and Debski to the amalgam of Jazz and contemporary Classical music. Adam BaldychFind albums by this artist (born 1986) is of course a member of a different generation; one might even say a child of a very different era. His predecessors lived and created under the Socialist regime, which of course was far from enabling the freedom of expression and the opportunities to study and develop musical talents, and their life was a story of constant struggle with reality. Baldych grew up in a "new" Poland, liberated, democratic and full of opportunities. That does not mean, of curse, that his life and his path to success was an easy one. Considered a child prodigy, Baldych started his performing and then composing careers very early on, which explains his extremely impressive biography at the age of 25. The list of awards, notable performances, composing credits and recordings could easily satisfy a musician twice his age or more. And yet Baldych considers this album a pivotal point of his career and although not his recording debut, this is certainly a new begging, hopefully of an international career. Recorded with his band called Damage ControlFind albums by this artist, "Magical TheatreFind albums with this title" is certainly an album, which should expose him to the worldwide audiences. Baldych composed six of the eight compositions present here and co-composed one more, with the last being composed by the band´s keyboardist. The band includes gifted young players, who provide him with excellent support and execute his complex compositions with grace and panache. Full of youthful spirit and energy, the album flows beautifully from one track to the next, changing moods and atmospheres, but always remaining fascinating. There are no dull moments here, no boring parts and no fillers – just one continuous flow of entrancing music, which keeps the listener captivated. Of course regardless of how good the performers might be, the primary strength of this album lies in the music contained herein. Baldych´s compositions are simply spot on and his unique ability to amalgamate the Jazz tradition, the Polish romanticism and the contemporary sound techniques works perfectly. An experienced listener will be able to discover many delicate musical hints and references in this music, especially in Baldych´s solos, but surely anybody able of enjoying good music will find here starlight qualities. I´m sure that Michal, Zbigniew and Krzesimir would be proud of the continuator of their splendid heritage. What remains is to hope that as many music connoisseurs as possible will eventually discover this gem and hold it dear to their hearts. I certainly hope it does happen, big time, as it is well deserved! Side Note The above are my liner notes included on this album's artwork. I am honored when asked by the Artists to write liner notes for their albums, always hoping that my words reflect the true spirit of the music. This is also a symbol of our mutual respect and friendship developed over the years. The same is also true when Record Labels ask me to write liner notes for their releases, mostly in the case of reissues of archival albums, which is a symbol of their appreciation of my knowledge and historical perspective and my recognition of their dedication to the preservation of the history of recorded music and the effort to keep human Culture and Aesthetics alive.

Updated: 19/09/2018Posted:

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