Record Reviews

STOL PANSKI ~ GADAJACE DRZEWO ZBIG 001 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1996 Released: 1997 This is the only album by Polish Jazz ensemble Stol PanskiFind albums by this artist, led by guitarist / composer Zbigniew KunkowskiFind albums by this artist, which also featured trumpeter Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist, flautist / saxophonist Janusz SmykFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Slawomir KulpowiczFind albums by this artist, bassist Krzysztof ScieranskiFind albums by this artist, drummer Michal ZduniakFind albums by this artist, vocalist Joachim JankoFind albums by this artist, violinist Henryk GembalskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Aleksander KoreckiFind albums by this artist and several other players. Some of these players used to be a decade earlier members of the legendary ensemble Free CooperationFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, all composed by Kunkowski and arranged by Kulpowicz. There is also a hidden / undocumented track, which follows the seventh tracks, which is a free improvised piece. Musically the album presents a fascinating amalgam of Jazz with Groove, Funk and World Music. Most of the music consists of a simple melody line played over a repetitive groove and serving as a background for extensive improvisations by the soloists. The main and most impressive soloist is of course the legendary trumpeter Andrzej Przybielski, who plays on this album some of the most coherent and beautiful solos in his entire career, which bridge between his free improvising tendencies and the melodic approach he uses here. Especially impressive are his muted trumpet parts, which easily compare to those played by Miles DavisFind albums by this artist. Since every note of the Przybielski legacy is utterly sacred, this album is an absolutely must to every follower of the Polish Jazz trumpet heritage. Overall this album is one of the hidden gems in the Polish Jazz discography, which disappeared from the shelves shortly after being released almost two decades ago and never reissued. True Polish Jazz fans should make every effort to get hold of a copy, at all costs.

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