Record Reviews

(0-58) ~ DO DZIESIECIU OLO 003 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001 This is the second album by Polish Jazz vocalist Krystyna StankoFind albums by this artist and her debut recording with the group (0-58)Find albums by this artist, which placed her as a co-leader with guitarist / composer Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist and bassist / composer Olgierd WalickiFind albums by this artist. The group also included accordionist Cezary PaciorekFind albums by this artist and alternating drummers Cezary KonradFind albums by this artist and Grzegorz GrzybFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Adam PieronczykFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The album includes nine original compositions, four each by Grzywacz and Walicki and one by Stanko with lyrics all written by Stanko. Musically the album presents a process of searching after a unique identity, which takes the musicians exploring many different avenues, such as Blues, chanson, alternative Pop and of course Jazz. The songs are very diverse in their tempi, moods and melodic ranges and the album keeps changing quite dramatically between one song and another. Listening to the album is like embarking on a journey with destination unknown. On the whole the approach is acoustic and rather intimate. The instrumentalists perform splendidly, improvising extensively between the vocal parts. Grzywacz and Walicki both play some outstanding instrumental parts as do the guest soloists. Stanko is theatrical and somewhat reserved, perhaps still not aware or her formidable vocal ability, which will flower on her later recordings. In retrospect this is a very interesting document of the Polish Jazz scene at the turn of the Millennium. Obviously the young generation of musicians is looking for something different than the mainstream tradition and with Yass paving the way in the previous decade, everything is open and nothing is taboo any more. The album is unfortunately out of print since many years and it took me ages to track a copy down – lucky me!

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(0-58) ~ TRYBY 0-58 001 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003 This is the third album by Polish Jazz vocalist Krystyna StankoFind albums by this artist and her second recording with the group (0-58)Find albums by this artist, which paired her as a co-leader with guitarist / composer Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist. The group also included accordionist Cezary PaciorekFind albums by this artist, bassist Piotr LemanczykFind albums by this artist and drummer Marcin JahrFind albums by this artist. The album includes eight original compositions, seven of which are by Grzywacz with lyrics by Stanko and one is an instrumental by Lemanczyk, where Stanko uses wordless vocalese only. Musically the album is a striking amalgam of cross-genre explorations, which could be labeled as Jazz-Rock Fusion, but in truth comprises of many other musical influences and sources, from French musette via alternative Rock, RIO, Fusion, Prog and probably quite a few others, all resting firmly in the Jazz tradition. The eclecticism is not only part of the composition but is also reflected in the entirely unusual overall sonic atmosphere, which moves between the accordion inspired jubilation to dark, melancholic and deeply lyrical pieces, especially those featuring Stanko with Grzywacz on acoustic guitar and supported by the incredible bass lines by Lemanczyk and percussive ornamentation by Jahr. The album offers so many incredible musical moments that by and large the listener has barely time to enjoy one piece of music and is immediately thrown into completely new surroundings. The level of performances on this album is simply astounding. Stanko, as usual, presents the lyrics with a theatrical sensitivity and the instrumentalists magically perform a set of chameleonic tricks, changing moods and tempi on the fly, often using those strange odd meters, which make music exciting. The decision to use the accordion is a blessing as this fantastic instrument is able to produce a variety of sounds, so sweet and natural, that no synthesizer can ever come close to. Paciorek is obviously a Master and his solos, as well as his accompaniments are a real joy. Grzywacz is a versatile player with great technique and sensitivity, which is quite evident here and his solos are a classic examples of what Jazz / Fusion guitar playing should be all about. Lemanczyk is a true giant, and his strong acoustic bass lines on this album often sound as if produced by a bass guitar, which is quite incredible, Jahr is an excellent drummer and his all-around experience playing in many different musical areas makes him an ideal contributor on this recording. In retrospect it appears that this is definitely one of the best offerings of the Polish Jazz / Fusion scene in the first decade of the 21st Century and it certainly deserves much more attention and praise than it originally gained at the time of its release. Seemingly out of print, perhaps a reissue us in order? Delightful stuff!

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MACIEJ GRZYWACZ ~ SOLO BLACK WINE 001 (Barcode: 5902020424024) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is a solo guitar album by veteran Polish Jazz guitarist / composer Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist, and after many years of playing mostly electric guitar his comeback to the acoustic classical guitar, his first musical love. The album presents nine tracks, two of which are his compositions and the rest are standards. Polish Jazz fans familiar with his recordings with the group (0-58)Find albums by this artist or his earlier solo efforts will find this album quite different in comparison. This is naked acoustic guitar playing completely natural acoustic sounds, usually associated with Classical music. Although the music comes from the Jazz world, the solo guitar arrangements change their overall appearance drastically, especially as far as the rhythmic approach is concerned, which turns the well known Jazz pieces into somewhat somber, melancholic Classical pieces. The melodic themes are still there, but the swing is gone. Therefore Jazz oriented listeners might find this album a bit too much to swallow, especially in the long term. Although the album is only slightly over thirty minutes in duration, this is way beyond the scope of attention of people who need to tap their feet in order to enjoy music. Although Grzywacz is an excellent player with splendid technical proficiency, which is easily recognizable, I´m afraid the public will find this way above their heads and move on to greener pastures. I enjoy this music myself, but I don´t think that this album adds anything significant to the already superb recorded legacy by Grzywacz. But an artist has a right to indulge himself from time to time.

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