Record Reviews

ADAM BALDYCH ~ ENDLESS IMAGINAY MUSIC 004 (Barcode: 5905817210053) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2026 Released: 2026 This is an album by Polish violinist / composer / bandleader Adam BaldychFind albums by this artist, recorded with a new quartet, called European QuartetFind albums by this artist, which also includes Italian bandoneonist Daniele di BonaventuraFind albums by this artist, Swedish pianist Jacob KarlzonFind albums by this artist and Jewish, Algerian born and resident in France bassist Michel BenitaFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, all of which are original compositions by Baldych, except one, which is an interpretation of a piece by Erik SatieFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded at the Krzysztof PendereckiFind albums by this artist European Centre for Music, engineered by Mateusz BanasiukFind albums by this artist, and offers an exceptional sound quality and clarity. The album was released on Baldych’s own record label, called Imaginary MusicFind albums on this label. The music is a stunning display of elegance and typical European aesthetic musical values, which is strongly influenced by European Romanticism, obviously displaying Classical Music roots, superbly mixed with contemporary Jazz ambience. In fact, the music is so much in a style of its own, that is completely blurs genre borders, which of course are often artificial anyhow. Baldych displays a remarkable process of maturing, both as a player and composer. I have been following him for the last fifteen years, since he first appeared on the Polish Jazz scene, and his career and recorded legacy clearly show both his extraordinary talent and consistency. His tendency to become a part of the international scene was a very sensible move and provided him with opportunities to meet and learn from the best, and always non-trivial musicians on the European scene, Jazz and beyond. The lineup of this album is a typical example of such unusual meeting, both instrumentally and personally, and puts together a remarkable team of virtuosic performers, which makes every note played herein absolutely perfect. Despite the minimalist approach, with every note carefully placed and restraint being of the outmost importance, the music is full of brilliant compositions and sublime performances by all the participants. It is a perfect balm on our weary ears and souls, and a truly embracing piece of musical Art causing supreme enjoyment, for its entire duration. Overall, this is another giant step in Baldych’s already impressive recording legacy and a truly brilliant piece of music, which offers a long-lasting source of both emotional and intellectual contentment for every music lover the world over, as its values are absolutely universal. A big “thank you”, as always!

Updated: 18/09/2026Posted: 18/09/2026

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MIROSLAV VITOUS ~ UNIVERSAL SYNCOPATIONS II ECM 2013 (Barcode: 602517183575) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2004 - 2005 Released: 2007 This album, subtitled "Music for ensemble, orchestra and choir", is the second project by Czech virtuoso bassist / composer Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist recorded at the Universal Syncopation Studios in Italy, hence the title. However, the music is quite different from what the previous album offers, being much more contemporary Classical inclined, as well as using certain World Music elements, all pre-composed and arranged. The cast consists of nine musicians playing in defferent settings, with saxophonists Bob MintzerFind albums by this artist, Gary CampbellFind albums by this artist and Bob MalachFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist, bandoneon player Daniele di BonaventuraFind albums by this artist, singer Vesna Vasko-CaceresFind albums by this artist, drummers Gerald CleaverFind albums by this artist and Adam NussbaumFind albums by this artist and Vitous on bass. Serious music lovers will find this very interesting for sure, and I recommend some intense listening here, but all well rewarded. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 18/09/2026Posted:

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