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

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MACIEK PYSZ ~ A JOURNEY DOT TIME 9044 (Barcode: 604043904426) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 This is the second album by Polish (resident in London) guitarist / composer Maciek PyszFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with celebrated Italian bandoneónist / pianist Daniele di BonaventuraFind albums by this artist, Russian bassist Yuri GoloubevFind albums by this artist and Israeli drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist (also resident in London). The album presents twelve compositions, ten of which are originals by Pysz, one is an original co-composed with Italian guitarist Gianluca CoronaFind albums by this artist and one is composed by Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded at the wonderful Artesuono Studio in Italy and engineered by Stefano AmerioFind albums by this artist with spectacular sound quality. Pysz continues the path already established on his debut album, which presents him as a superb composer and a virtuoso guitar player, which in spite of his young age (born 1982) propels him directly to the very top of contemporary Jazz-World Fusion musicians. The beauty and depth of the compositions presented on this album as well as their extraordinary execution are simply marvelous. The music, although obviously deeply personal, is at the same time completely universal, crossing melodic and rhythmic boundaries with ease and amalgamating the absolute best of the diverse Musical cultures from all over the world. Pysz has an ability to weave exquisite melodies, which in spite their sweetness manage to avoid completely even the slightest suspicion of cliché and kitsch. This is a very rare gift and he uses it exceptionally well. The three musicians that accompany Pysz on his journey are all top professionals: di Bonavenura provides the perfect harmonic and melodic counterpart to the guitar parts and his melancholy and delicate lyricism are simply ideally suited to this music, Goloubev is one of the most sophisticated bassists in Europe, his sound is absolutely unique and his emotional intelligence is incomparable, and finally Sirkis, who grew "under my wings" at the early stages of his career, turned into one of the Master drummers of our times, playing very subtly on this album, but his sole solo spot here is such a classic of the trade that it should be studied by all drummers. There is no doubt that this is an amazing album, full of musical beauty, aesthetic pleasure and extraordinary musicianship, an album that has only a very few equals among the numerous other albums released on a world scale. Blessed by the talent and the friendship of his fellow musicians Pysz gives the world a brilliant gift of music, which should leave not a soul untouched. Essential listening for Body and Soul!

Updated: 11/10/2026Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

MACIEK PYSZ ~ PONT DE VIE ABEAT 295 (Barcode: 8031510002958) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2025 Released: 2026 This is the 7th album as a leader / co-leader by Polish Jazz guitarist / composer Maciek PyszFind albums by this artist, this time recorded in a trio setting with Italian pianist / bandoneonist Daniele di BonaventuraFind albums by this artist and Russian (resident in Italy) bassist Yuri GoloubevFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen tracks, nine of which are original composition by Pysz, one each are by di Bonaventura and Goloubev and the remaining two are by other composers. The music was recorded at the fabulous Artesuono Studio in Udine and engineered by the great Stefano AmerioFind albums by this artist, which guarantees a spectacular sound quality. The music is a wonderful collection of deeply melodic tunes, which offer a perfect ground for the improvisations by all three members of the trio. The music flows gently and unhurriedly, allowing the listener to enjoy every single note and the subtle interplays between the instrumentalists. The delicate touches on the strings and keys are absolutely right time after time and the typical European aesthetics is at the helm for the entire duration. In the dozen years since Pysz (at the time resident in London) released his debut album “InsightFind albums with this title”, he consistently developed his style and technique, becoming a prominent member of the European Jazz scene. Goloubev played on that debut album and di Bonaventura played on his sophomore release “A JourneyFind albums with this title” (also featuring Goloubev), so this trio definitely offers a long and well established musical friendship, which is immediately obvious upon listening to the music. Not surprisingly, di Bonaventura is one of the most sought after Jazz musicians on the European scene, with close to a hundred recording dates under his belt, and Goloubev is no less that my favorite European acoustic bass players lately, which I have repeatedly stated when reviewing his albums. Together they are an irresistible music making organism, which simply delights from start to finish. Overall, this is one of those albums, which work like a balm to the listener’s soul, something many of us desperately need in these insane times we live in. Gentle, highly elegant and sophisticated music, beautifully played with a sublime emotion, which many albums, despite of being technically superb, simply are not able to deliver. I am truly grateful to these three great musicians to share this music with as many people as possible. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 11/10/2026Posted: 11/10/2026

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

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:

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend