Record Reviews

VAS / BUKOWSKI / SZMANDA ~ OPEN-CLOSED PRINCIPLE SJ 068 (Barcode: 5902596066994) ~ HUNGARY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 - 2022 Released: 2022 This is the debut album by the trio comprising of Hungarian (resident in Poland) organist / composer Bence VasFind albums by this artist and Polish vibraphonist Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Krzysztof SzmandaFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Vance. The music was recorded at the excellent Studio Tokania and engineered by Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, who owns the studio and is a fabulous organist himself, which of course guarantees a fabulous sound quality. The trio offers a unique aural experience and the unusual instrumental lineup, despite its minimalist setting, offers an almost orchestral sound, much denser and elaborate in textures than one might expect. Both the organ and the vibraphone are among my favorite instruments, so I obviously have no complains in that department, although aurally the matching of these two instruments might prove difficult. The compositions are less exciting and the feeling is that the music tends to linger somewhat longer than necessary, not really developing much after the melodic theme was introduced. Also the compositions are quite similar to each other, which offers little dynamics over the playing time of the album. Of course all three musicians are highly professional and capable of playing the music without a hitch, with most of the inventive soloing is taken over not surprisingly by Bukowski, who is a true Master of the trade. Szmanda, as usual, keeps the music swinging at all times. Overall, this is a nice, melodic Jazz album, which offers a rather unusual sound and instrumental blend, in a chamber like atmosphere, often close to Classical music. For fans of organ Jazz, this is certainly something they might like to look into.

Updated: 16/01/2023Posted: 16/01/2023

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BENCE VAS & BIG BAND ~ OVERTURE ET AL. NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 794712431091) ~ HUNGARY ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020 This is the fifth album by Hungarian (resident in Poland) organist / composer Bence VasFind albums by this artist, this time recorded with a Hungarian Big Band comprising of some of the best young Hungarian Jazz / Contemporary Music players, most members of the Modern Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist (MAO), conducted by Daniel DinnyesFind albums by this artist. The solo parts are performed by Vas, pianist Gabor CsekeFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Kristof BacsoFind albums by this artist. The album presents a five-part suite, composed by Vas. The music is an amalgam of Jazz and orchestral music, with contemporary Classical Music ties, all tightly composed with little space for improvisation. Vas indicates that he was inspired by Bela BartokFind albums by this artist, hardly surprising in his case, but other influences are also clearly evident. The music offers highly melodious and harmonious serenity, which make it accessible to a wide spectrum of music lovers. The sound of the organ, supported by a Big Band / Orchestra, is highly original, contrasting the usual Rock / Jazz small combo setting. This is in fact the second album Vas recorded with a Big Band, which indicates his affinity for that format. The performances are all very professional and the Big Band / Orchestra offers the usual magnificent power of a big ensemble, which works splendidly as an accompaniment for the soli and of course on its own merit. Overall this is a very pleasant, well put together and performed piece of music, which should satisfy many music lovers, not necessary from any specific genre. The wonderful sound of the Big Band and the melodic contents offer a joy ride, supported by the great sound quality of the recording.

Updated: 26/03/2021Posted: 26/03/2021

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