Record Reviews

SLOW ~ UNDER EVERCHANGING SKY SM 002 (Barcode: 5905068087008) ~ POLAND ~ Smooth Jazz Recorded: 2020 - 2021 Released: 2022 This is the third album by Polish ensemble SlowFind albums by this artist, co-led by guitarist / composer Tomasz KaczmarczykFind albums by this artist and pianist Krzysztof WerminskiFind albums by this artist. The current lineup includes also saxophonist / flautist Leszek SzczerbaFind albums by this artist, bassist Tomasz GrabowyFind albums by this artist and drummer / percussionist Slawomir BernyFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Kaczmarczyk. The album continues the path set by its two predecessors, offering a melody based Smooth Jazz / Fusion, which is perfectly executed by the ensemble. Some changes are noticeable, since this time the album is entirely instrumental, with more emphasis on the guitar, and of course the brilliant percussion work by Berny, which is immediately recognizable and highly effective. Slow cover an ungrateful territory on the Polish Jazz scene, as the kind of music they play is often trivialized by critics and social media, who are unable to distinguish between schmaltz and genuine Smooth Jazz, which is a legitimate sub-genre and often produces more rewarding music that other sub-genres preferred by the Jazz snobs. It takes real talent to compose a beautiful tune, and play it with taste and skill. Overall, this is a kind of album that is great fun to listen to, without burning too many cerebral cells, and which brings a smile on the listener’s face rather than push him into despair and misanthropy. Personally I respect the choices the musicians made, as long as they stand behind them honestly and consistently, which is true in this case. If you are looking for some good time, this is definitely an album to put on in the background.

Updated: 12/08/2022Posted: 12/08/2022

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