Record Reviews
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  | KARIN KROG ~ WHERE YOU AT?
ENJA 9144 (Barcode: 767522914429) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2002 Released: 2003
This is an album by the Norwegian Jazz singer Karin KrogFind albums by this artist, recorded in NY with a fabulous American trio: pianist Steve KuhnFind albums by this artist, bassist David FinckFind albums by this artist and drummer Billy DrummondFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, three of which were written by Kuhn, four were composed by John SurmanFind albums by this artist with lyrics by Krog and the remaining four are standards.
Krog recorded several albums with Kuhn and they love to work together since many years, as this lovely album clearly shows. Kuhn is a highly sensitive accompanist and a virtuoso pianist, which can be heard on his numerous recordings, but his collaborations with Krog always offer a wonderful atmosphere of mutual respect and love.
Krog has been one of my favorite vocalist since decades and her idiosyncratic style and approach are absolutely unique. She combines the Jazz vocal tradition with modern and sometimes even Avant-Garde approach, especially when recording with Surman.
Overall, this is a fabulous classic Jazz vocal album, perfectly sung and played by fabulous musicians, with great mixture of original material and standards. Krog recorded quite a few albums during her career, and there is not even one of those, that does not make my day on a cloudy day. Love you, Karin!
| | Updated: 14/08/2023Posted: 14/08/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE KUHN ~ BAUBLES, BANGLES AND BEADS
VENUS 1003 (Barcode: 4571292510035) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008
This is an album by American pianist / composer Steve KuhnFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic Jazz piano trio format with bassist Dave FinckFind albums by this artist and drummer Billy DrummondFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve tracks, all of which are interpretations of Classical Music pieces. The album offers a superb sound quality.
Kuhn is undoubtedly one of the most interesting American Jazz pianists, especially since his approach is often more European than strictly representing the American Mainstream Jazz tradition. He recorded many albums with European Jazz musicians and released albums on the ECMFind albums on this label label, before switching to the Japanese VenusFind albums on this label Records label, which released this album.
Kuhn has a Classical Music education and loves to perform his own interpretations of Classical pieces, with sound often like Jazz standards, which is perfectly illustrated by this album.
Overall, this is a wonderful example of Classical Music transformed into the Jazz environment, which is perfectly executed by a Master of the trade. Personally I’m not a great fun of this Jazz sub-genre, but Kuhn is a superb piano virtuoso, and one can’t deny him his dues. For Jazz classic piano trio recordings, this is a true gem.
| | Updated: 17/09/2025Posted: 17/09/2025 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICHAL URBANIAK ~ ASK ME NOW
STEEPLECHASE 31454 (Barcode: 716043145423) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1998 Released: 1999
This is an album by Polish Jazz violinist / composer Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist, recorded with a trio comprising of American musicians: pianist Jim PryorFind albums by this artist, bassist Dwayne BurnoFind albums by this artist and drummer Billy DrummondFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all of which are standards. This is one of several albums by Urbaniak released on the excellent Danish SteeplechaseFind albums on this label label, owned by Nils WintherFind albums by this artist.
Following the dramatic 1970s, which saw Urbaniak revolutionizing the Jazz-Rock Fusion with a series of brilliant albums recorded first in Poland and Germany and later, after his move to the USA recorded there, by the 1980s he returned to play modern mainstream Jazz with his unique touch and style, as documented on this album. He played always with some of the best Jazz musicians, including the famous stint with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, and his feverish creativity resulted in a long series of albums, which featured mostly his excellent compositions.
This album is an exception, as it basically presents a violin tribute to Bebop, and includes unique interpretations to many classic Bebop compositions by such Masters as Charlie ParkerFind albums by this artist, Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, Dexter GordonFind albums by this artist and others. The trio accompanies him superbly amicably and their solid backing enables Urbaniak to spread his wings in full. The music just pours out of the violin straight to the listener’s heart.
Overall, following Urbaniak’s unexpected recent departure, this is a splendid opportunity to enjoy one of his less known albums, which offers some truly unique performances. Thank you, Maestro, for the six decades of music, which you shared with us, and for which we are grateful.
| | Updated: 01/01/2026Posted: 01/01/2026 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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