Record Reviews
3 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | PRZEMYSLAW RAMINIAK ~ LOCOMOTIVE SOLITON 417 (Barcode: 5901571094175) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015
This is the first album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Przemyslaw RaminiakFind albums by this artist, following his departure from the seminal Polish piano trio RGGFind albums by this artist, of which he was a founding member. The album was recorded in a quartet setting and features also saxophonist Jakub SkowronskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Bartosz KuczFind albums by this artist and American drummer Frank ParkerFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, seven composed by Raminiak and one co-composed by him with Skowronski.
Musically the album presents a complete about face as far as Raminiak´s role with RGG is concerned. No more long, contemplative, lyrical and almost free form ambient explorations, but straightforward melodic mainstream, almost smooth Jazz, energetic, vigorous, funky, groovy and danceable. Although at the first moment this can be quite shocking to some of Raminiak´s fans, there is basically nothing wrong with changing one´s approach, even dramatically. If Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist can do it, why can´t Przemyslaw Raminiak do it as well?
This is very immediate music and yet it has many virtues: the melodies are all first-class, the arrangements are slick and professional and the performances are brilliant in that particular milieu. Raminiak plays acoustic and electric piano and a few synthesizers, always with flair and spotless technique, which of course is not surprising. Skowronski is a big surprise with his smooth phrasing and superb melodiousness. The rhythm section plays pretty solid background timekeeping stuff, with beautiful fretless bass playing a few nice solos and drums staying respectfully in the background, as appropriate for this setting. In short this whole thing works like a dream, delivering pleasant, nontrivial and highly satisfactory music, which is a lot of fun to listen to.
Of course Raminiak will be accused of "selling out" and playing rubbish by Polish "music critics", but honestly most of them secretly enjoy this music very much and are simply embarrassed to admit it. As far as fellow musicians are concerned most of them wish they could come up with an album like this one themselves.
So here it comes again people: this is a great album for what it is, straightforward uncomplicated good music. We can´t eat the same food all the time and we can´t listen to the same music all the time – this is definitely a nice alternative, mostly for those who know it all.
| | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MARIUSZ SMOLINSKI ~ 10 MINUTES LATER NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020
This is the debut album by young Polish keyboardist / composer Mariusz SmolinskiFind albums by this artist recorded in a trio format with bassist Bartosz KuczFind albums by this artist and drummer Piotr BudniakFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Smolinski.
The music is all strictly melody based mainstream Jazz / Fusion, with a distinct retro feel reminiscent of Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist 1970s / 1980s recordings, constantly moving on the border between Jazz and Fusion. Smolinski plays both acoustic piano and the Fender Rhodes (or synthesizer), which naturally swing the mood between the Jazz and Fusion idioms. Kucz plays a distinct Fusion oriented electric bass whereas Budniak´s drumming is more Jazz oriented, which again emphasizes the stylistic dichotomy of the album.
The compositions are all solid and well structured, the ballads being typically drenched in Polish melancholy and for me stronger than the up-tempo numbers, with have less distinct character. But all in all the music is certainly very well crafted and offers a pleasant experience to a wide range of listeners.
The performances are all first class, as usual with the young and well schooled Polish Jazz musicians. Smolinski has what it takes to play a wide range of stylistic nuances, sounding confident and sparkling. Kucz gets a lot of exposure and soloing opportunities, and his bass work is truly inspiring, with a wonderful fretless sound and fluidity. His contributions on this album are an essential part of the entire result and for Fusion bass lovers are probably the focus of interest. Budniak, who is a frequent participant in on the Polish Jazz / Fusion recording scene, is as precise and inspiring as always.
Overall this is an excellent debut effort, which shows potential and professionalism of the leader in this early stage of his career. Smolinski needs to find his personal voice and style in time, which will surely happen very quickly based on the rapid development displayed by the young generation of Polish Jazz players, and I´m already curious to hear his sophomore effort.
| Updated: 14/10/2020Posted: 14/10/2020 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MARIUSZ SMOLINSKI ~ MYSLIWSKI NA GLOS NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024
This is the 2nd album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Mariusz SmolinskiFind albums by this artist, recorded again in a classic piano trio setting with bass guitarist Bartosz KuczFind albums by this artist and drummer Piotr BudniakFind albums by this artist. Cornet player Artur MajewskiFind albums by this artist guests on one track. Two speakers recite fragments from three novels written by Polish author Wieslaw MysliwskiFind albums by this artist at the start of each of the six tracks, which remain title-less, all composed by Smolinski and inspired by Mysliwski’s works. Although not strictly a “Jazz & Poetry” project, this album is close enough to belong to the category.
In contrast to the debut album, this recording presents straightforward Jazz played on acoustic piano, and the only “link” to the Fusiony debut is the sound of the electric bass guitar. The compositions are also way more advanced and offer a beautiful melodic themes, full of typical Polish lyricism, excellently weaved and obviously inspired.
The trio performances are also absolutely perfect and the presence of the electric bass guitar is refreshing and ornaments the music structurally and rhythmically, with obvious technique and feel. Smolinski plays with confidence, without any excessive soloing, which would have been out of place in this delicate lyrical environment. Budniak is also perfect for the job, precise, inventive and most importantly supportive.
Overall, this is a wonderful piano trio album, which should keep Jazz lovers around the globe perfectly happy. This is pure Jazz, completely devoid of fleshy exhibitionism and pretenses. The Polish texts are kept to a minimum, and should not disturb listeners, who do not speak the language, and are a nice spicing for those who do. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| Updated: 29/01/2025Posted: 29/01/2025 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
|