Record Reviews

MIECZYSLAW KOSZ ~ DEBUT – JAZZ JAMBOREE `67/`68 POLSKIE RADIO 2464 (Barcode: 5905610874117) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2024 This is an archival live album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Mieczyslaw KoszFind albums by this artist, recorded a year apart during his appearances at Poland’s most prestigious Jazz event at the time, the annual Jazz Jamboree Festival. The album presents eight tracks, four each from the 1967 and 1968 concerts, both recorded in a classic piano trio format with bassist Janusz KozlowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Sergiusz PerkowskiFind albums by this artist. In the first set only one of the tracks is an original composition by Kosz, but in the second set three of the tracks are his compositions. The rest are Jazz standards or an interpretation of a Classical piece by Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist. The carefully restored sound quality is pristine and considering the fact that these recordings were done almost sixty years ago, behind the Iron Curtain, the sound is absolutely astounding. The life story of Kosz, a blind Genius, who died tragically at the age of twenty-nine, less than six years after the first set on this album was recorded, is probably one of the most fascinating Polish Jazz tales, but the saddest fact is that his recorded legacy to this day is truly miniscule. Therefore, the importance of this album goes far beyond the fact that the music is not surprisingly brilliant, but because it opens a window into the hidden treasures of the Polish Radio vaults, sadly badly neglected for decades, which now opens an opportunity to uncover and release a vast amount of previously unheard music, all thanks to the diligence of the editor Adam DomagalaFind albums by this artist, who promises more music by Kosz and other Polish Jazz treasures to be revealed in the future. The album is accompanied by a modest, but interesting booklet, which sadly is entirely in Polish, leaving the many Polish Jazz enthusiasts abroad in the dark. Hopefully this can be rectified on the future releases with Polish Jazz music, which has a substantial following outside of the country’s borders. Overall, this is a beautiful piece of Polish Jazz history, miraculously saved from oblivion and neglect, for all to enjoy. It fills a gap in the story of one of the most fascinating figures of Polish Jazz and a world-class Artists, which deserves to be told in full, and nothing tells the story better than the music itself. But of course lovers of classic piano trio Jazz anywhere on this planet should find this album delightful. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 21/12/2024Posted: 21/12/2024

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MIECZYSLAW KOSZ ~ SYGNALY - TRIO `68 POLSKIE RADIO 2474 (Barcode: 5905610874599) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2025 This is 2nd volume of the archival albums by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Mieczyslaw KoszFind albums by this artist, edited and compiled by Adam DomagalaFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded during two sessions in 1968, with two trios, both featuring the drummer Sergiusz PerkowskiFind albums by this artist and bassists Janusz KozlowskiFind albums by this artist (on the first three tracks, recorded on October 28, 1968) and Jacek OstaszewskiFind albums by this artist (on the remaining six tracks, recorded in February 2, 1968). The carefully restored sound quality is pristine and considering the fact that these recordings were done almost sixty years ago, behind the Iron Curtain, the sound is absolutely astounding. The first tree tracks are original composition by Kosz and were already released on the “Polish Radio Jazz Archives Vol.37Find albums with this title” in 2023, and the next six tracks are all standards, and are all previously unreleased. The life story of Kosz, a blind Genius, who died tragically at the age of twenty-nine, less than five years after the second set on this album was recorded, is probably one of the most fascinating Polish Jazz tales, but the saddest fact is that his recorded legacy to this day is truly miniscule. Therefore, the importance of this album goes far beyond the fact that the music is not surprisingly brilliant, but because it opens a window into the hidden treasures of the Polish Radio vaults, sadly badly neglected for decades, which now opens an opportunity to uncover and release a vast amount of previously unheard music, all thanks to the diligence of the a.m. Adam Domagala, who promises more music by Kosz and other Polish Jazz treasures to be revealed in the future. The album is accompanied by a modest, but interesting booklet, which sadly is entirely in Polish, leaving the many Polish Jazz enthusiasts abroad in the dark. Hopefully this can be rectified on the future releases with Polish Jazz music, which has a substantial following outside of the country’s borders. Overall, this is a beautiful piece of Polish Jazz history, miraculously saved from oblivion and neglect, for all to enjoy. It fills a gap in the story of one of the most fascinating figures of Polish Jazz and a world-class Artists, which deserves to be told in full, and nothing tells the story better than the music itself. But of course lovers of classic piano trio Jazz anywhere on this planet should find this album delightful. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 14/11/2025Posted: 14/11/2025

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

KUBA STANKIEWICZ ~ KILAR V 001 (Barcode: 5903111377007) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is finally the full album (preceded by a teaser EP), which presents one of the best Polish Jazz pianists Kuba StankiewiczFind albums by this artist playing his interpretations of music written by the great Polish contemporary Classical and Cinematic music composer Wojciech KilarFind albums by this artist. The music is performed on solo piano, the most "naked" of all formats but also the most unlimited one. Kilar, who is unfortunately less know outside of Poland than his contemporaries like Krzysztof PendereckiFind albums by this artist, Henryk GoreckiFind albums by this artist or Witold LutoslawskiFind albums by this artist, is by no means less important and neither is his wonderful musical legacy. His work as a composer of film scores is truly legendary and his music accompanies over 100 films by all major Polish directors, like Roman PolanskiFind albums by this artist and Andrzej WajdaFind albums by this artist, and also those beyond Poland, both in Europe and the US (for example Francis Ford CoppolaFind albums by this artist). Although a modernist, Kilar´s music is full of romanticism and lyricism, and his sublime sense of melody is second to none. This album includes twelve compositions by Kilar, ten of which are from film scores and the remaining two from TV serials. Stankiewicz treats Kilar´s music with a lot of respect and obvious love. The relaxed and delicate interpretations are full of charming moments, where the improvisations move out and return to the melodic theme. Stankiewicz has a wonderful touch on the piano, which sounds full-bodied and expressive even at a low volume. The overall effect is simply delightful. I especially admire the pianist´s humility and modesty which are the predominant features of his approach to the music. He firmly leaves the focus on the amazing compositions, taking only very limited liberties with the original notes and making his personal input subtly concealed, exposed only to the sensitive listener. Contrary to many other Jazz pianists, who often like to dominate their interpretations of other composers´ music with their own statements, Stankiewicz simply serves as a vessel bringing Kilar´s music to a new audience. Following decades of Polish Jazz musicians obsessively interpreting the music of Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist and Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, it´s truly refreshing to hear some musicians turning the attention to other great Polish composers, like the sensational "Experiment: PendereckiFind albums with this title" released recently by pianist Piotr OrzechowskiFind albums by this artist or the new album by the superb RGGFind albums by this artist trio performing the music of Karol SzymanowskiFind albums by this artist. This music is very different, but also very interesting and no less challenging intellectually. An absolute must to all piano, solo piano and Jazz-Classical Fusion listeners everywhere. This is a heartwarming piece of music, which is a balsam to the ears, weary from the noise that surrounds us all. This album was released on a new Polish Jazz record label, called VFind albums on this label Records, steered by the producer Adam DomagalaFind albums by this artist. I look forward impatiently to hear the future releases by this label and in the meantime wish the best of luck with this admirable project to both maestro Stankiewicz and his producer.

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TOMASZ STANKO ~ POLISH RADIO SESSIONS 1970-1991 POLSKIE RADIO 2504-2509 (Barcode: 5905610875251) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 - 1991 Released: 2025 This is an archival 6CD Box Set, which collects recordings made by the iconic Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist. These recordings, found in the Polish Radio archives and edited by Adam DomagalaFind albums by this artist, span a period of over two decades and reflect Stanko’s development as a musician and leading figure of the Polish Jazz scene, during the first period of his activity as a leader, after leaving the ensembles led by the Godfather of Polish Jazz, Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist. This period was characterized by dramatic changes and experimental explorations. Stanko was accompanied by the crème de la crème of the Polish Jazz and Jazz-Rock musicians active at the time, including drummers Czeslaw BartkowskiFind albums by this artist, Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist and Andrzej RyszkaFind albums by this artist, pianist Adam MakowiczFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist and Tomasz SzukalskiFind albums by this artist, violinist Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist, bassists Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist, Witold SzczurekFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Vitold RekFind albums by this artist) and Jerzy KawalecFind albums by this artist, keyboardist / electronics Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist and Tadeusz SudnikFind albums by this artist and percussionist Jose TorresFind albums by this artist. The Box Set includes an informative bilingual booklet, which describes the relevant discographic details, as well as personal notes by several of the musicians and quotes from Stanko’s autobiography “Desperado”. All the music included in this Box Set is previously unreleased. CD1 (eight tracks TT 33:47 recorded 1970 / 1971) presents the Stanko quintet with Muniak, Seifert, Stefanski and Suchanek. Two tracks are compositions by Komeda, three by Stanko and the remaining three are credited to all the quintet members. Stylistically these recordings mark the transition between modern European Jazz and Free Jazz / Improvised Music. Further and more extensive recordings of this quintet’s music is available on the two live albums recorded in 1972: “Wooden Music IFind albums with this title” and “Wooden Music IIFind albums with this title”. CD2 (five tracks TT 37:04 recorded 1974 / 1975) presents the trio called “Unit” with Stanko, Bartkowski and Makowicz. Two tracks are compositions by Stanko, one is a standard and two are by John Coltrane. It is a beautifully intimate session, which defines Stanko’s aesthetics and trumpet sound, which will eventually lead to is international career. The trio recorded a studio album in Germany, entitled “Stanko - Makowicz Unit Featuring Czeslaw BartkowskiFind albums with this title” and another album in Poland for the PoljazzFind albums on this label label (still waiting for a reissue). CD3 (six tracks TT 38:02 recorded 1975) presents another trio with Stanko, Bartkowski and Szukalski. Two tracks are compositions by Stanko and the remaining four are credited to all the trio members. This recording follows shortly the recording of Stanko’s debut album for ECMFind albums on this label, entitled “BalladynaFind albums with this title”, recorded with Szukalski, British bassist Dave HollandFind albums by this artist and Finnish drummer Edward VesalaFind albums by this artist, but precedes its release. The music is characteristic to Stanko’s distinctive style, which combines Polish lyricism with Free Jazz. CD4 (nine tracks TT 38:04 recorded 1985 / 1986) presents a revolutionary quartet called “Freelectronic” with Stanko, Skowron, Sudnik and Szczurek. Six tracks are compositions by Stanko and the remaining three are credited to all the quartet members. The music presents a relatively short period of Stanko’s flirt with electronic music and Avant-Garde Rock, which was way ahead of its time and brilliantly innovative. The quartet released a live album recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1987, called “SwitzerlandFind albums with this title” (but also released under several different titles by different labels). CD5 (six tracks TT 30:59 recorded in 1991) presents an intimate duo recording of Stanko and Szczurek. Five tracks are compositions by Stanko and one is by Szczurek. The impromptu “live in the studio” recording presents the close affinity between the two musicians and the result is a great example of the “Art of the Duo”, which is always fascinating and highly rewarding. CD6 (five tracks TT 1:04:51 recorded in 1983) presents a live recording by a sextet led by Stanko with Anthimos, Kawalec, Szczurek, Ryszka and Torres at the legendary Warsaw Jazz club Akwarium. All the music is composed by Stanko. This music shows Stanko playing advanced Jazz-Rock Fusion with young musicians, highly inspired by the electric period of Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, from a decade earlier. Most of the material captured here was released later on the “C.O.C.XFind albums with this title” studio album. It is almost beyond self-evident that this Box Set is one of the most important, or perhaps even the most important archival / retrospective / historic Polish Jazz album ever compiled. Thanks to the patience and determination of the editor Adam Domagala, the Polish Jazz fans the world over are able to discover and enjoy this epic music, which might have been otherwise lost forever. I am pretty confident that there are still hours of music by Stanko, where these recordings came from, so a second volume of this wonderful Box Set is perhaps a possibility? Overall, this is certainly one of the most fabulous collections of music a Jazz connoisseur can put his hand on, so don’t even think twice, as these editions have a tendency to get sold out notoriously. This music is universal, so if your Stanko’s record collection is relatively small, this is a great opportunity to enlarge it, and if you already have everything Stanko ever recorded, it is even more essential to get it ASAP.

Updated: 10/12/2025Posted: 10/12/2025

CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

STUDIO S-1 / TRZASKOWSKI / STANKO ~ WSTEP WZBRONIONY POLSKIE RADIO 2503 (Barcode: 5905610875220) ~ POLAND ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1976 - 1981 Released: 2025 This is an archival album, compiled from the Polish Radio vaults by Adam DomagalaFind albums by this artist, which collects six recordings by the Polish Radio and TV Orchestra Studio S-1Find albums by this artist, directed by pianist / composer / arranger Andrzej TrzaskowskiFind albums by this artist, originally recorded between 1976 and 1981. Legendary trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, who was a member of the Orchestra, is featured prominently. Guests include saxophonist Henryk MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist, guitarist Winicjusz ChrostFind albums by this artist and the Sun ShipFind albums by this artist quintet, led by pianist / composer Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist. The Orchestra was de facto a fully-fledged Jazz Big Band, which provided a steady income and homey atmosphere to many of the best Polish Jazz musicians active at the time. The music performed comprised mostly of originals composed by the Orchestra members, but sometimes compositions by prominent American Jazz composers were also included in the repertoire, like the Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist tune featured on this album. The music, albeit seemingly on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, offers some highly sophisticated and no less importantly splendidly recorded Polish Jazz music, which is a delightful listening experience. Hopefully Domagala’s diligence, patience and passion will result in many more similar archival finds in the near future. The Orchestra was just one of many state owned institutions, which provided opportunities for Polish Musicians / Artists / Intellectuals / Writers / Actors, etc. to make a living during the harsh economic times under the Socialistic regime, which enabled Polish Culture to flourish in an “open” underground Culture. In many respects these were, in retrospect, some of the most productive times for Polish Culture. Overall, this is an absolutely splendid album of Jazz Big Band music, beautifully composed / arranged / performed and recorded, which is a great pleasure to listen to, in addition to its historical value. For Polish / East European Jazz connoisseurs, this is of course a must!

Updated: 29/11/2025Posted: 29/11/2025

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