Record Reviews

RANDY BRECKER / WLODEK PAWLIK ~ NIGHT IN CALISIA LICOMP 014 (Barcode: 5903034005490) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 This is the second album on which the legendary American trumpeter Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist cooperates with Polish Jazz pianist / composer Wlodek PawlikFind albums by this artist, performing a Jazz suite composed by Pawlik. Their previous cooperation resulted in the album "Tykocin Jazz SuiteFind albums with this title", which was very warmly received by critics and audiences alike. This time they perform the "Night In CalisiaFind albums with this title" suite, which was commissioned by the Polish City of Kalisz to commemorate its 1850 Anniversary. The music is performed by Brecker, a piano trio led by Pawlik with bassist Pawel PantaFind albums by this artist and drummer Cezary KonradFind albums by this artist and the Kalisz Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Adam KlocekFind albums by this artist. The suite is sub-divided into six sections, which together provide a continuous flow of integrated music. The suite is based on several melodic themes, which reappear throughout the sections, with some passages performed by the orchestra and others featuring the piano trio and the trumpeter. There are several extended solos, all executed perfectly as expected from such high-class musicians. The instrumentation and arrangements balance beautifully between the Jazz undercurrent and the orchestral parts, with naturally tend to sound more Classical in nature. The music is wonderfully lyrical and melodic, tranquil and serene most of the time, simply stroking the listener´s attention note by note. Brecker plays simply outstanding, with exceptional clarity and stability, which is extremely difficult. Pawlik fills the space with the melodic motifs, always attentive and gentle. The bassist displays sheer virtuosic qualities and a warm sound of rare beauty and the veteran drummer keeps time, when keeping time is needed and gently strokes the set during the more atmospheric passages. This is pure bliss. I suppose some listeners and Jazz connoisseurs might find this music to be slightly "sugary" at times. Well, perhaps so, but it certainly does not bother me at all. This is supposed to be a melodic, Jazz oriented amalgam of cross-genre explorations, well framed within the Classical tradition as well as the Jazz heritage. Pawlik is obviously a Master of his trade, which anybody listening to this recording must admit fair and square. There is a plentitude of wonderful Jazz / Classical interplays, which are intelligent, interesting and entertaining. The artistry involved both in the composition as well as the execution of this music is definitely praiseworthy. This album is highly recommended to listeners, who love the proximity of Jazz and contemporary Classical music, and who will find this work delicious at all times. Pawlik confirms his position as a major force on the Polish Jazz scene and listening to Brecker´s trumpet is always a pleasure. Well done!

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LESZEK KULAKOWSKI ~ POLAND, MY HOMELAND SOLITON 1854 (Barcode: 5903684238545) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2024 Released: 2026 This is an album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader / educator Leszek KulakowskiFind albums by this artist, recorded live by a Jazz sextet led by Kulakowski, with vocalist Magdalena ZawartkoFind albums by this artist, two German guests: saxophonist Peter WenigerFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Christoph TitzFind albums by this artist and a Polish rhythm section comprising of bassist Piotr KulakowskiFind albums by this artist (Leszek’s son) and drummer Jacek PelcFind albums by this artist, side by side with the Symphonic Orchestra Sinfonia BalticaFind albums by this artist, conducted by Adam KlocekFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, which are parts of a “Jazzfonia” which gives the album its title. The music is a beautiful and classic (sic) example of an amalgam between Jazz and Classical Music, masterly put together and, as always, deeply touching. Kulakowski, in his massive recorded legacy, proved time and again that he is a master of harmony and deep Polish melancholy, which on this album reach a momentous peak. The Jazz and Classical forms are naturally interconnected, organically intertwined and perfectly serve the purpose of uplifting the music to a higher plane, with the result being way more than just the sum of its parts. Of course the presence of such elite group of musicians helps tremendously to create such perfect result, and considering the fact that this music was recorded live makes everything even more impressive. The usage of vocalese as an instrument is absolutely perfect for the occasion, and Zawartko proves, as always, to be up to the challenge. Obviously she is perfectly capable of singing lyrics, which she demonstrates on one of the tracks. I have been lucky to spent many hours with Leszek over the years, in various capacities, and I can testify that his dedication to music and aesthetic devotion are always first priority. His deep knowledge of the Classical forms, in addition to his profound Jazz experience, make him a true treasure on the Polish Jazz scene and one of its most important pillars. Thank you, my Friend, for these encounters. Overall, this is truly momentous piece of music, which can (and should) be enjoyed by every music lover the world over, not only Jazz enthusiasts, but every sensitive and profound music connoisseur. This music has much to offer and is certainly way beyond only a one-time happenstance, since every listening session will expose the listener to many previously undiscovered treasures. Respect!

Updated: 03/10/2026Posted: 03/10/2026

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