Record Reviews

PRZEMYSLAW STRACZEK ~ WHITE GRAIN OF COFFEE ES ART 1406 (Barcode: 5908285240034) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is the fifth album by Polish Jazz guitarist / composer Przemyslaw StraczekFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Michal WierbaFind albums by this artist and Italian rhythm section: bassist Francesco AngiuliFind albums by this artist and drummer Flavio Li VigniFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Karolina SleziakFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks and saxophonist Radek NowickiFind albums by this artist guests on five. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Straczek. Stylistically the music belongs to a typical lightweight Fusion, which sounds pretty smooth but offers little depth or aesthetic effort, although overall excellently performed by all participants. Sadly the compositions are not able to save the day and they are pretty banal and altogether unremarkable. It is always a pity to hear a recording by excellent instrumentalists, which sadly amounts to what could be described as a blunder. I am not familiar with Straczek´s earlier recordings, but Wierba, who is by all standards is an excellent pianist, seems to fall again and again into these situations where his contribution is simply a wasted opportunity. Hopefully he will find his true calling one day. I suppose some people will enjoy this album, like Smooth Jazz enthusiasts or yuppies wishing to impress their dinner friends, but honestly this does not represent the creative side of Polish Jazz, which can be truly inspiring.

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