Record Reviews

LESZEK KULAKOWSKI ~ KOMEDA VARIATIONS FOR TUNE 0148 (Barcode: 5906395808632) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is an album by veteran Polish pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Leszek KulakowskiFind albums by this artist. It presents a live concert recording of Kulakowski´s arrangements of film music by the Godfather of Polish Jazz, Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, for a Symphony Orchestra. These arrangements were originally written by Kulakowski in 2001 and performed the same year by the Lodz PhilharmonicFind albums by this artist with the participation of the brilliant Polish Jazz trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist as a soloist. Almost twenty years later the concert was repeated and recorded, this time with slightly changed arrangements featuring a Jazz quartet with Kulakowski on piano, bassist Adam KowalewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Tomasz SowinskiFind albums by this artist, and the sadly departed Stanko replaced by three trumpeters: Piotr WojtasikFind albums by this artist, Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist and German Christoph TitzFind albums by this artist, playing with the Sinfonia BalticaFind albums by this artist Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Radoslaw DronFind albums by this artist. The genius film music by Komeda is of course a wonderful subject matter, and in Kulakowski´s hands (or rather mind) it metamorphoses into its Classical form gracefully and "willingly", proving the greatness of both the composer and the arranger. The transformation sounds absolutely naturally and manages to bring to light many aspects of the original compositions, which often remain hidden in their Jazz interpretations. Although the arrangements may appear bold and "invasive" in some ways, they are absolutely justified and artistically coherent. The performances are also absolutely brilliant from start to finish. The balance between the orchestra and the quartet is perfect all along the way and the focus on the trumpet soli is holding the internal tension and creates a superb continuity, which keeps the listener mesmerized. Having three trumpeters, each with his idiosyncratic approach, adds another layer of diversity to the entire project. Kulakowski spices the proceedings with his superb piano solos, full of delicate touches and melancholic twists. It is a well known fact that Komeda´s music has been abused and mistreated many times by Polish Jazz musicians, thinking that by playing his music they would be automatically immune from criticism. It gives me a great joy to see (and hear) Komeda treated with respect and love, and mastery and imagination, which he truly deserves, like in this case. Overall this album is an instant classic, a must have by Polish Jazz fans and Komeda admirers all over the world and a sublime example of Polish / European Jazz ingenuity, which does hesitate to reach boldly beyond the obvious. Well done my Friend!

Updated: 22/12/2020Posted: 22/12/2020

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

LESZEK KULAKOWSKI ~ LOOKING AHEAD FOR TUNE 0043 (Barcode: 5902768701524) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 In the last few years preceding the release of this album celebrated Polish Jazz pianist / composer Leszek KulakowskiFind albums by this artist concentrated on producing large orchestral works, which had either no direct connection to Jazz while pushing the boundaries of contemporary Classical idiom or floated somewhere within the Jazz-Classical Fusion, combining the two genres. Therefore this album comes as most welcome return to his Jazz roots. Recorded in a sextet setting with German trumpeter Christoph TitzFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Tomasz GrzegorskiFind albums by this artist, cellist Krzysztof LenczowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Piotr KulakowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Tomasz SowinskiFind albums by this artist, the album presents nine original compositions, all by Leszek Kulakowski. Kulakowski was always first and foremost a superb song-weaver, which is very evident on this album from start to finish. The various melodies are the deepest root of this music, which then gets expanded into the modern mainstream language, floating gently and elegantly from one tune to another, caressed and pampered on its way by the musicians, who add their individual touches. There is plenty of freedom and breathing space within this music to inspire a relaxed, moderate approach by the players, which proves to be ideal in this context. Of course certain traces of Classical compositional tricks and arrangement devices can be picked up by the experienced listeners. The overall atmosphere of this recording is reminiscent of the Scandinavian sound, more so than to the usual Polish Jazz recordings. A certain ECM-ism can also be detected. The individual contributions by its participants are another forte of this album; everybody´s playing sounds truly inspired here. Titz is a wonderful trumpeter, who somehow never really gets the credit for his work that he usually deserves. His performances on this albums rank among his best work done on record, and although his phrasing derives from other great European trumpet Masters, his deep lyricism and feel are uniquely his own. The most surprising and at the same time impressive soloist on this album is the young cellist Krzysztof Lenczowski, whose name pops up on the local scene with a feverish frequency and in some most unexpected places, in addition to his regular work with the Atom String QuartetFind albums by this artist. Kulakowski relays on his solo parts in several of the compositions presented here, and his decision to engage Lenczowski in this project pays off splendidly. Grzegorski and Kulakowski also play some excellent solos in the various tunes, which perhaps are less spectacular but no less expressive and supportive in the common effort invested to create this music. The rhythm section is extremely supportive throughout and plays with precision and sensitivity, exactly when and as needed. In many respects this is probably the most "conventional" album released by the For TuneFind albums on this label label so far and it´s good to see that the people running the label have no preconceptions overshadowing their judgment and recognize great music even if it is decently (but not to conservatively) dressed. It´s good to see Kulakowski playing and composing Jazz again, especially when the music is as good as what we can hear on this album. Chapeau bas indeed!

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LESZEK KULAKOWSKI ~ POLAND, MY HOMELAND SOLITON 1854 (Barcode: 5903684238545) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2024 Released: 2026 This is an album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader / educator Leszek KulakowskiFind albums by this artist, recorded live by a Jazz sextet led by Kulakowski, with vocalist Magdalena ZawartkoFind albums by this artist, two German guests: saxophonist Peter WenigerFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Christoph TitzFind albums by this artist and a Polish rhythm section comprising of bassist Piotr KulakowskiFind albums by this artist (Leszek’s son) and drummer Jacek PelcFind albums by this artist, side by side with the Symphonic Orchestra Sinfonia BalticaFind albums by this artist, conducted by Adam KlocekFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, which are parts of a “Jazzfonia” which gives the album its title. The music is a beautiful and classic (sic) example of an amalgam between Jazz and Classical Music, masterly put together and, as always, deeply touching. Kulakowski, in his massive recorded legacy, proved time and again that he is a master of harmony and deep Polish melancholy, which on this album reach a momentous peak. The Jazz and Classical forms are naturally interconnected, organically intertwined and perfectly serve the purpose of uplifting the music to a higher plane, with the result being way more than just the sum of its parts. Of course the presence of such elite group of musicians helps tremendously to create such perfect result, and considering the fact that this music was recorded live makes everything even more impressive. The usage of vocalese as an instrument is absolutely perfect for the occasion, and Zawartko proves, as always, to be up to the challenge. Obviously she is perfectly capable of singing lyrics, which she demonstrates on one of the tracks. I have been lucky to spent many hours with Leszek over the years, in various capacities, and I can testify that his dedication to music and aesthetic devotion are always first priority. His deep knowledge of the Classical forms, in addition to his profound Jazz experience, make him a true treasure on the Polish Jazz scene and one of its most important pillars. Thank you, my Friend, for these encounters. Overall, this is truly momentous piece of music, which can (and should) be enjoyed by every music lover the world over, not only Jazz enthusiasts, but every sensitive and profound music connoisseur. This music has much to offer and is certainly way beyond only a one-time happenstance, since every listening session will expose the listener to many previously undiscovered treasures. Respect!

Updated: 03/10/2026Posted: 03/10/2026

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

CHRISTOPH TITZ ~ AUGUST STORIES MAROTY 011 (Barcode: 4251959816495) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2024 Released: 2025 This is a solo album by German trumpeter / composer Christoph TitzFind albums by this artist, recorded in a “virtual” quartet setting, with Titz playing also piano, bass and drums (with a help of a computer). The album presents ten relatively short tracks, all composed and recorded, or as he puts it, created by Titz during one month of August 2024. The music is all contemporary mainstream Jazz, based on highly melodic compositions, mostly ballads. The trumpet is basically the only soloing instrument, which is quite unusual for a Jazz album, but understandable under these circumstances. The concept is obviously to present the music and focus on the trumpet sound, rather than present a quartet performance, which is of course perfectly legitimate. Titz is undoubtedly a wonderful trumpet player, full of delicate, romantic and almost sentimental touch, which creates a pleasant and highly aesthetic listening experience. For Jazz lovers a nostalgic association of Chet BakerFind albums by this artist’s sound might be quite natural. The music tells a series of melodic “stories”, which flow gently and naturally, and although they are very personal, the whole experience coveys a universal message of reflections and emotions. Overall, this is an unusual and very moving piece of music, which Jazz lovers, but also music lovers in general, should be able to enjoy and embrace, both on the purely musical plane and the emotional level. Definitely worthy of investigation!

Updated: 16/12/2025Posted: 16/12/2025

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend