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  | ZYGMUNT WICHARY ~ TALIZMAN
GAD 083 (Barcode: 5903068120138) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1955 - 1962 Released: 2018
This is an archival album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Zygmunt WicharyFind albums by this artist, one of the pioneers of Polish Jazz, who is mostly sadly forgotten due to his untimely death in 1966 at a ridiculous age of 38. Wichary, born in the Silesian town of Chorzow, which happens to be my hometown, was very popular between mid-1950s and until his death and his music was broadcasted often by Polish Radio. The music on this album presents twenty three radio recordings spanning the years 1955 to 1962.
The music is stylistically mostly related to early Jazz forms like Dixieland and Swing and features several male and female Jazz vocalists, including the Scottish Elizabeth CharlesFind albums by this artist, Rena HolmFind albums by this artist and Carmen MorenoFind albums by this artist. As these recordings show, the level of musical knowledge and instrumental technique displayed by the musicians and vocalist are astonishingly advanced and are every bit as good as what was played by parallel ensembles active beyond the Iron Curtain. This explains the revolutionary development of the Polish Jazz scene from the mid 1960s onwards, based on the rich tradition of the music that existed in the country in the preceding decades, although at times simmering mostly under the surface.
Several of the recordings also show the early days of Rhythm And Blues / Rock And Roll in Poland, before the development of the local "Big Beat" scene, which then developed into Rock.
For Jazz enthusiasts interested in the history of Polish Jazz in particular, or in Jazz development beyond the Iron Curtain in general, this is a fascinating opportunity to take a peek at what was happening there at a time. Of course the music is also a great fun to listen to, as it still sounds fresh and honest.
As usual GADFind albums on this label Records are able to unearth a piece of forgotten treasure, which is definitely worthy of being remembered and cherished, which is a true labor of love.
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 06/02/2019 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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