Record Reviews

BARTOSZ HADALA ~ THE RUNNER UP PILOO 003 (Barcode: 859703475543) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2010 This is the debut album (in the Jazz field) by Polish pianist / composer Bartosz HadalaFind albums by this artist, currently residing in Canada. The album was recorded with the help of six excellent Jazz musicians, playing in different settings: trumpeter Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Ada RovattiFind albums by this artist, bassists Dave AndersonFind albums by this artist (electric) and Noriko UedaFind albums by this artist (acoustic), drummer Antonio SanchezFind albums by this artist and percussionist Kevin GarciaFind albums by this artist. The album includes nine original compositions by Hadala and one standard. The music is mainstream modern Jazz, with clear melody lines and classic instrumentation approach, which clearly places the album in the American rather than European Jazz category. It is perfectly executed, with many excellent solos and professionalism evident at every step. The compositions are truly first-rate, and are the strongest asset of this album. Hadala´s piano playing is absolutely wonderful, elegant and expressive but perhaps slightly too conventional for more advanced listeners. Nevertheless the overall level of the music and especially the compositions are praiseworthy. The album´s versatile settings, from a classic piano trio to a sextet, and the interesting compositions, which are excellent vehicles for the musicians´ improvisations, make it a pleasurable listening experience, highly recommended to mainstream Jazz connoisseurs. Hopefully Hadala will record another album soon, as his music is too good to be undiscovered.

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

JOHN MCLAUGHLIN ~ INDUSTRIAL ZEN VERVE 983932 (Barcode: 602498393284) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 Here it is at last – the finest album recorded in the 21st century! As lofty and far-fetched as this might sound, I’m ready to defend this statement for as long as it takes. This masterpiece by the legendary guitarist is a complex, multi-layered work of art. On one hand it is contemporary in every sense, especially as far as the overall sound is concerned, on the other hand however it is also an amalgam of John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist’s entire life as a musician, including every style, genre, direction and sound he played over the years, all of these synthesized into an integral new entity. For people familiar with McLaughlin’s illustrious career it should be quite easy to recognize the familiar elements: the spontaneity of the Miles DavisFind albums by this artist sessions, the fire of Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, the grace of his solo work on acoustic and electric guitar and of course his sensitivity and openness to other cultures as demonstrated in ShaktiFind albums by this artist and Remember ShaktiFind albums by this artist. Every note here is original and yet every note also has traces and links to something accomplished in the past. As far as the sound and instrumentation are concerned, these are completely new to McLaughlin. As the title of the album suggests, he uses plenty of electronics here – synth-guitar, keyboards and even drums are used to produce a plethora of both foreground and background electronic sounds, somewhat similar to the so-called “Industrial” sound used in Rock, but of course infinitely more complex and interesting. In addition, the album is very rhythmic and percussive, with two drummers and percussion players present simultaneously on most tracks. To achieve the maximal effect McLaughlin uses different players on various tracks and the list is most impressive: Mark MondesirFind albums by this artist, Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist, Dennis ChambersFind albums by this artist, Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist – drums; Otmaro RuizFind albums by this artist, Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist – keyboards; Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, Ada RovattiFind albums by this artist – sax; Matthew GarrisonFind albums by this artist, Hadrien FeraudFind albums by this artist – bass; Zakir HussainFind albums by this artist – tabla; Shankar MahadevanFind albums by this artist – vocals. This superb group of musicians supports their Master with love and devotion, which is evident, every step of the way. Another very interesting aspect of this album is that it seems McLaughlin is paying homage to the greatest Fusion ensemble in history – Weather ReportFind albums by this artist. Two of the tracks are explicitly named after WR members: “For Jaco” (Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist) and “Wayne’s Way” (Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist) but also the entire sound and feel of the album reflects very closely the feel of WR albums. I had a distinct feeling as if listening to a new album by an expanded version of WR including guitar. Perhaps something that was meant to happen but never did (i.e. WR playing with McLaughlin) finally materializes here? Fusion Karma? Whatever the Gods intended is besides the point here; one thing is sure: to create such divine music McLaughlin surely had to have a measure of godly intervention / inspiration. Bless you John for giving us such a wonderful musical gift. You do make life endurable again with your beacon clearly showing the direction to ships sailing the oceans of musical ennui.

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend

RUNAR NORSETT TRIO ~ ENDLESS JOURNEY LOSEN 298 (Barcode: 7090025832987) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is an album by the Norwegian Jazz trio, led by pianist / composer Runar NorsettFind albums by this artist with bass guitarist Fredrik SahlanderFind albums by this artist and drummer Tobias Oymo SolbakkFind albums by this artist. American trumpeter Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist guests on three tracks and Italian (resident in US) saxophonist Ada RovattiFind albums by this artist (Randy’s wife) guests on two tracks. The album presents eight tracks, all originals by the leader. The music is highly melodic mainstream Jazz, energetic and Funky, definitely on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, but excellently played by all participants. The idea is obviously to have fun and play music, which can be enjoyed by a wide spectrum of Jazz listeners. Overall, this is a pleasant Jazz album, accessible to a wide audience and offering an enjoyable listening experience, which in these bleak days is not such a bad idea. Although originating from Norway, it sounds pretty close to American Jazz, and the presence of the guest musicians emphasizes that trend. Not really my cup of tea, but many Jazz lovers might enjoy this “easy on the ear” approach.

Updated: 04/09/2024Posted: 04/09/2024

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend