Record Reviews

MARIPOSA ~ EFEKT MOTYLA NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Afro-Cuban Music Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is the debut album by Polish vocalist / songwriter MariposaFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Asia PyrekFind albums by this artist), recorded at the legendary EGREM Studio in Havana, Cuba, where many of the stellar Afro-Cuban albums by such luminaries as IrakereFind albums by this artist, Chucho ValdesFind albums by this artist, Gonzalo RubalcabaFind albums by this artist, Arturo SandovalFind albums by this artist and others were recorded. She is accompanied by some top Cuban instrumentalists which results in the album offering an authentic Afro-Cuban sound and ambience. Polish vocal Diva Urszula DudziakFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The album presents thirteen original songs, all composed by Mariposa and featuring her lyrics in the Polish language. The music is all pure Afro-Cuban grooves and the resemblance to original Afro-Cuban Music is so effective that it is almost hard to imagine that this album was written and performed by a Polish artist. Of course all the arrangements and the instrumental work were done by bona fide Cuban musicians, but Mariposa´s ability to fit in that environment is truly remarkable. In retrospect this is the only Polish album ever recorded which offers authentic Afro-Cuban Music. The vocal parts are not particularly spectacular, but of course they don´t need to be in this idiom, it is more the feel and ability to ride the grove that matters in this case. The vocal solos by Dudziak are a very clever move and they are absolutely delightful, as are those by Cuban opera singer who also adds her voice to the proceedings on one track. Mariposa´s texts are intelligent and touch upon a diverse and non-trivial collection of subjects, which she very able puts into words. Her decision to use Polish lyrics is absolutely commendable and proves my claim that it is possible to sing in Polish in every musical environment. I´d hate to hear this album sung with a poor Spanish or English pronunciation. Overall this is an absolutely delightful Afro-Cuban Music album, which every fan of this music should be able to enjoy, even those who are not native Polish speakers. The instrumental parts, the brass and the rhythm arrangements simply move your buttocks either you want it or not and an absolutely good time is had by all. Obviously a result of heartfelt personal involvement and love of music by the author, this album is a bomb of energy and good time, sometimes with a teardrop in one´s eye. Well done indeed!

Updated: 22/11/2019Posted: 22/11/2019

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

JACO PASTORIUS BIG BAND ~ THE WORD IS OUT! HEADS UP 3110 ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 2nd album by the Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist tribute Big Band, expanding the idea of the debut album recorded a couple of years earlier. The concept remains the same, i.e. to feature Jaco’s compositions and the best bass guitar players on the scene to pay tribute to his genius as a composer and instrumentalist. The Big Band this time is strengthened by the presence of a huge selection of exceptional jazz musicians, all Masters of their respective instruments: Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist, Mark EganFind albums by this artist, Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist, Bob MintzerFind albums by this artist, Arturo SandovalFind albums by this artist and many more. With a band of such distinguished and able players the music is just perfect in every sense. Of course Pastorius deserves all of it, considering his enormous contribution to the development of jazz and fusion. There is no need to explain any further – if you like Pastorius and bass guitar, you will love this album to bits.

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ARTURO SANDOVAL ~ DEAR DIZ CONCORD 33020 ~ CUBA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 This is a wonderful tribute album to the legendary trumpeter / composer Dizzy GillespieFind albums by this artist, one of the Godfathers of Bebop and Jazz most important innovators. This loving project is executed by Cuban trumpeter / composer Arturo SandovalFind albums by this artist, who always considered Diz as a father figure. Sandoval expressed his gratitude to the man is his book "Dizzy Gillespie – The Man Who Changed My Life" and this album is in many respects an extension of this book. Diz of course helped Sandoval to escape from Cuba and move to the US and later in the process of establishing a name for himself on the US scene. Sandoval selected ten Jazz standards, nine of which were composed or co-composed by Diz and added a song especially written by him for this album. All the music was arranged in contemporary fashion, using many different settings, utilizing an orchestra and even a string quartet. The players are simply the crème de la crème of the American scene and the special guests / soloist include many legendary Jazz giants, such as vibraphonist Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist, organist Joey DeFrancescoFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Bob MintzerFind albums by this artist and many more. All this music is obviously timeless, but hearing it in these beautiful arrangements and in contemporary sonic setting gives them a new dimension and sounds simply marvelous. I can´t imagine any Jazz connoisseur not enjoying this music, even if it is somewhat retro oriented. After all this is a tribute to the sublime Jazz tradition, which still sound as perfect as it did decades ago. Brilliant!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend