Record Reviews

WIESLAW WILCZKIEWICZ ~ FLY ENSEMBLE GAD 038 (Barcode: 5901549197488) ~ POLAND ~ Smooth Jazz Recorded: 1981 - 1983 Released: 2016 This album presents a collection of radio recordings by the Polish Jazz ensemble called Fly EnsembleFind albums by this artist, led by guitarist Wieslaw WilczkiewiczFind albums by this artist, who was a member in the legendary Alex BandFind albums by this artist. The ensemble also included several other ex-Alex Band members like keyboardist Marek WalarowskiFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Jerzy MuchaFind albums by this artist, and featured guest artists like violinists Krzesimir DebskiFind albums by this artist and Zbigniew WodeckiFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten instrumental pieces, five of which were composed by Wilczkiewicz, two by Walarowski, and one each by Mucha, Wodecki and American pianist Randy WestonFind albums by this artist. The music is a superb blend of Jazz / Groove / Funk, with excellent melodies and interesting arrangements, altogether perfectly executed. Although definitely on the easy side of the genre, it is fascinating and intelligent, and still sounds great over three decades later. The musicians involved in these recordings are all top professionals and manage to make the best of it. Although some people might consider this Smooth Jazz, it stands miles above what passes as Smooth Jazz these days and is infinitely more sophisticated. I had a great time listening to this music, in spite of its easy-going approach and perhaps even because of it. With music getting more and more convoluted over time, the simply stated but elegant phrases on this album are a truly relaxing and entertaining. Thanks to GADFind albums on this label Records for bringing this music back to circulation, as it fully deserves it.

Updated: 02/03/2016Posted: 02/03/2016

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