Record Reviews

KROKE ~ LOUD SILENCE ORIENTE 95 (Barcode: 4025781109526) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2020 - 2021 Released: 2022 Thirty years ago, at the early days of the post Holocaust Renaissance of Jewish Culture in Poland, three musicians from Krakow decided to form the Kroke (Yiddish pronunciation of Krakow) Trio, releasing their debut cassette album. Violist / multi-instrumentalist Tomasz KukurbaFind albums by this artist, accordionist Jerzy BawolFind albums by this artist and bassist Tomasz LatoFind albums by this artist ignited a career, which took them around the world and enabled cooperation with many prominent musicians, releasing over twenty albums in the process. The initial interest in traditional Jewish music was extended to incorporate numerous World Music influences and Jazz oriented improvisations, slowly and consistently developing a unique Artistic and aesthetic style, which is instantly recognizable. This album, which celebrates the trio’s 30th Anniversary, is another showcase of their ingenuity, both as composers and performers. It presents eight original compositions, co-credited to the trio members and their long-time producer / arranger / recording engineer Dariusz GrelaFind albums by this artist. The music takes the listener on a wonderful (I’d say flying carpet, but today more appropriate would be) drone ride, covering everything between Far East, Middle East, the Balkans and even South America. Somehow Kroke are able to keep this Cultural mishmash together in a most coherent and delightful way, as true Masters of their trade. Over the years I’ve had plenty of opportunity to hear Kroke live and they never fail to deliver a highly emotional stream of exciting music, which takes no compromises and strives for originality and immediacy, without any creative shortcuts. And yes, they are also excellent partners in a conversation. Overall, this is another great addition to Kroke’s splendid recorded legacy, which offers a highly-engaging listening experience full of delicate beauty and wild excitement, all perfectly balanced like a dish prepared by a true Master Chef. I am still somewhat shocked that this album failed to find a Polish record company, which would release it locally – o tempora, o mores!

Updated: 03/12/2022Posted: 03/12/2022

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KROKE ~ REJWACH UNIVERSAL MUSIC POLSKA 602508282867 (Barcode: 602508282867) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is an album by veteran Polish Jazz-World ensemble KrokeFind albums by this artist, which consists of violist / multi-instrumentalist Tomasz KukurbaFind albums by this artist, accordionist Jerzy BawolFind albums by this artist and bassist Tomasz LatoFind albums by this artist. Percussionist Slawomir BernyFind albums by this artist guest on some of the tracks. The album presents ten original compositions three of which appear as reoccurring themes, together fourteen tracks, which were created as the soundtrack for the Warsaw´s Jewish Theatre performance of the spectacle "Rejwach", based on the book of the same title, directed by my Friend, Polish / American director Andrzej KrakowskiFind albums by this artist. All the music was co-composed by the Kroke members and their producer / sound engineer Dariusz GrelaFind albums by this artist. The music is everything one can expect from Kroke, which in time reached the status of one of the leading ensembles active on the Polish scene, and which always emphasizes its empathy / connection with Jewish / Klezmer music in a most authentic, albeit at the same time completely original fashion. This music is completely up to date both in musical terms and its production approach, blending acoustic instruments with contemporary electronic sounds, as always with elegance and grace. Although the music has a distinct Jewish feel to it, it is also a rich amalgam of other influences, like Balkan and even Middle Easter tinges. The themes are richly melodic, somewhat sentimental and lyrical, but never trivial or simplistic, which proves the true Artistry of its creators. "Rejwach" is a deeply charged spectacle and the music is in many aspects an antidote for the spectators, serving as a balancing factor between the often tragic subject matter and the world existing beyond the scene. It is undoubtedly one of the most successful and fitting original soundtracks created in Poland in the last few years. But listeners, who had not been able to attend the theatre performance of "Rejwach" will be perfectly satisfied with listening to this album, which stands on its own ground perfectly securely as a separate piece of Art. Brilliantly performed by Kroke, superbly recorded and wonderfully put together, this is beautiful piece of music which is a true pleasure to listen to and surely deserves repeated periodic re-visits, as it is absolutely timeless and universal. Hats off, my Friends!

Updated: 09/01/2025Posted: 07/11/2019

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KROKE ~ THE WORLD OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 5902659802668) ~ POLAND ~ Xmas Jazz Recorded: 2020 - 2021 Released: 2021 This is an album by veteran Polish trio KrokeFind albums by this artist, which comprises of violist Tomasz KukurbaFind albums by this artist, accordionist Jerzy BawolFind albums by this artist and bassist Tomasz LatoFind albums by this artist. They are joined by percussionist Slawomir BernyFind albums by this artist on four tracks and the album is, as usual, co-produced by arranger / sound engineer Dariusz GrelaFind albums by this artist. The album presents the trio’s arrangements of eleven traditional Christmas Carols, which originate from nine European countries as well as from some Classical sources. Although Xmas Jazz albums are almost always a nauseating schmaltz, Kroke are not that kind of musicians to stoop so low and record some music just to make a buck, although making music and recording albums is not an easy path to earn money anyway these days. This means that this is by far not your usual Xmas Jazz album by any means; the choice of material, which eschews trivial and boring pieces, and the arrangements as well as the passionate execution are up to par with their reputation earned honestly by years of hard work. Kroke have a rare ability to transform any kind of music they play into their own musical universe, which is well documented by their recorded legacy. Regardless if this is Jewish music, which was their initial passion, or World Music or various cross-genre excursions, they always manage to color the music with their individual voicing, often transposing the original music into quite different musical environment, as often happens also on this album. If heard without looking at the album’s artwork, Xmas music would probably hardly even cross the listener’s mind, as a result of this music offering such universal point of reference and combining so many traditions. They even manage to turn “Silent Night” into something that might come from Mongolia. Personally I find this to be one of the best Kroke albums, despite the fact that I enjoy all of their recorded legacy. It offers a melancholic, moody, somewhat restrained atmosphere, which for me is more penetrating than complex and heavily orchestrated arrangements. The enchanting sound of the viola, which is rarely put up front, is completely mesmerizing, and the precise bass pulsations are the life rhythm of this music, with the accordion parts being like honey on a piece of cake, keeping it all together. Sounds corny? Well I am that kind of person, who lets the music get to me ;) Overall, Xmas or no Xmas, this is a splendid piece of music, excellently performed and beautifully recorded, which is a pleasure to listen to regardless if it snows outside or hot winds are blowing (down under). A very Merry Xmas to you, my Friends!

Updated: 22/12/2021Posted: 22/12/2021

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KROKE ~ TRAVELLER (DELUXE EDITION) UNIVERSAL MUSIC POLSKA 602557487787 (Barcode: 602557487787) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 In 2017 the Polish Jazz-World Fusion trio KrokeFind albums by this artist celebrates its 25th Anniversary and this album is a part of these celebrations. Violinist / multi-instrumentalist Tomasz KukurbaFind albums by this artist, accordionist Jerzy BawolFind albums by this artist and bassist Tomasz LatoFind albums by this artist founded the band in 1992 in Krakow, initially as a Klezmer oriented band, but over the years expanded their horizons to encompass a wide kaleidoscope of ethnic inspirations, which embrace the entire world. The Mediterranean musical spices are at the heart of their music, which amalgamates Jewish, Greek, Turkish, Balkan, Arabic and many other influences, creating a rich tapestry of sounds and rhythms, rarely accomplished by other ensembles of this kind. Kroke invited an old friend and wonderful drummer / percussionist Slawomir BernyFind albums by this artist to take part in the recording of this album, which presents ten (or eleven on this Deluxe Edition) original pieces of music, mostly composed by the members of Kroke, some with the participation of Dariusz GrelaFind albums by this artist, who also helped to arrange and was in charge of the recording of this album, which offers a spectacular sonic result. The music of Kroke is a soundtrack, which takes the listener from one place on the surface of our small planet, to another, doing so with grace and elegance. The transition feels completely natural and the music more hints than actually points to a specific location, leaving a lot to the listener´s imagination. The album´s title, which symbolizes Kroke´s experiences gained during their extensive voyages and their encounters with People and their diverse Cultures, also describes no less accurately the experience that the listener is going through while listening to the music, as if travelling on a magic carpet with new vistas appearing before his eyes and ears while the journey continues. Of course the level of performances by the musicians involved in no less than spectacular all the way through, but in the overall picture the instrumental intricacies are less important than the total effect this music creates. Only repeated listening can be dedicated to the discovery of the infinite riches this music offers, the elaborate arrangements and the virtuosic solo parts. Overall this album is a beautiful piece of World Music, which emphasizes the beauty of Cultures all over our planet and demonstrates what happens when openness and acceptance overcomes barriers of fear and estrangement. The secret of cooking tells us to use as many seemingly incompatible spices in one dish, as long se we keep the proportions right. Kroke cooked a wonderful musical meal for us, which leaves us simply to feast on it. Like good wine, Kroke still gets better with the passing of time, which is a true celebration and a blessing!

Updated: 16/09/2017Posted: 16/09/2017

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KAPELA HANKI WOJCIAK ~ ZASLONA LAS 31001 (Barcode: 5907222901007) ~ POLAND ~ Folk-Rock Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is the long awaited second album by the Polish ensemble Kapela Hanki WojciakFind albums by this artist, led by singer / songwriter Hanka WojciakFind albums by this artist and also including (in alphabetical order like on album´s artwork) drummer Tomasz CzaderskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jacek DlugoszFind albums by this artist, bassist Mateusz FrankiewiczFind albums by this artist, violinist Tomasz PawlakFind albums by this artist and mandola player Andrzej ZagajewskiFind albums by this artist. Three guest musicians participate on selected tracks. The album presents eleven songs, ten of which feature lyrics written by Wojciak and music composed by Wojciak or co-composed by her with the rest of the ensemble. The eleventh song is by Zakopane (the capital of the Polish Highlanders from where Wojciak also originates) native songwriter Beata Skulska-PappFind albums by this artist. The album was beautifully recorded by Dariusz GrelaFind albums by this artist and is lavishly packaged in a wonderfully designed digibook. There are also a couple of bonus tracks, which are downloadable from the record label´s site. Musically the album is a coherent and consistent continuation of the path beautifully initiated by the debut album. It is somewhat more mature and diverse, adding new areas like Gypsy Jazz, cabaret and chanson, to the already wide scope of the debut, which was strongly influenced by Polish Highlanders Folklore and other folkloristic motifs. But the heartbreaking musical simplicity and directness of the wonderful melodies are again the major strengths of this music. These songs are all true gems, which encrusted in the superbly sophisticated and delicate arrangements shine like distant stars in a bright night sky. The music is all acoustic, and often minimalistic, which makes for every bit of sound count. The instrumentalist all perform with obvious talent and dedication, minimizing their statements to short but excellent solos and fully supportive accompaniment of the vocals. There is absolutely nothing unnecessary on this album, not one spare note or bit of sound. Everything works together perfectly, saying rather less than more, leaving it to the listener to connect the dots. Wojciak has an angelic voice, sweeter than honey and sublimely expressive, albeit the controlled "simplicity". Her theatrical delivery of the lyrics is simply astounding and throughout the album she is able to move between such contrasting moods like deep melancholy and humoristic sarcasm. The lyrics are, yet again, intelligent, meaningful and skillfully weaved, using the Polish language at its full capacity. In a musical world, where everything is sampled, synthesized, overlaid by layers of computer generated effects, condensed and compressed, twisted and turned around, boosted and filtered, listening to this album is like biting a strawberry for the first time this year and letting an abundance of sweetness and other flavors to take gradually control of your mouth and then your mind. This album and the music it presents are light-years apart form almost everything that is happening of the Polish music scene, which is sadly as bad as everything that is happening in Europe or the rest of the world. It is untouched by the rotting non-culture that seems to rule our world, and Thank God somebody is still making real music these days. Bless you Haniu and your Kapela for making the world a little more bearable!

Updated: 24/11/2017Posted: 24/11/2017

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KAPELA HANKI WOJCIAK ~ ZNACHORKA RADIO KRAKOW 16 ~ POLAND ~ Folk-Rock Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is a phenomenal debut album by Polish singer / songwriter Hanka WojciakFind albums by this artist and her ensemble (called together Kapela Hanki WojciakFind albums by this artist), which presents a superb set of fourteen original pieces, thirteen songs and a short instrumental epilogue, all composed or co-composed by Wojciak and all featuring her lyrics, except for one piece which combines her poetry with that of the great Polish playwright Stanislaw WyspianskiFind albums by this artist. The ensemble consists of mandola (a type of mandolin) player Andrzej ZagajewskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jacek DlugoszFind albums by this artist, violinist Marcin SkabaFind albums by this artist, bassist Mateusz FrankiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Tomasz CzaderskiFind albums by this artist. A few guest artists participate on selected tracks. The album´s musical production was executed by the ensemble and Dariusz GrelaFind albums by this artist, who also was the recording engineer. In her songs Wojciak and her ensemble manage to combine her Highlander roots and other Polish folklore influences with contemporary Alternative Rock / World Music feel and sound, doing it better that any other Polish ensemble that I have ever come across. This music is fresh, elegant, moving and extraordinary sophisticated, with layer upon layer of both musical and poetic insightfulness. The melodies are wonderfully woven, serving as perfect vehicles for Wojciak´s impressive vocal abilities, changing from sweet innocence to witched nastiness, always delivered with taste and seemingly effortless ease. Her lyrics are also outstanding, using incredibly rich Polish language, which is almost never heard in today´s Polish songwriting. She uses old Polish words and words borrowed from dialects that are on the brink of extinction, words that make me think of my childhood when people actually used to talk like that, rather than using the "Polish idiot´s" version of the language which utilizes altogether about 300 words with every other word being the one starting with the letter k. The vocals and the instrumental work on this album, as well as the recording quality, are all exemplary. There are no exaggerated theatrics, no unnecessary over-complicated instrumental arrangements or studio mannerisms. Everything is crystal clear and straightforward sonically, which allows the listener to concentrate what is truly essential at any given moment. I have no idea why this album took so long to get to me (thanks to Mateusz Frankiewicz who actually sent it to me), but at least I´m able to enjoy it rather than stay ignorant. It is a major event on the Polish scene in the last decade, which sadly passed almost unnoticed. Why this album did not win all the awards on the Polish music market in 2014, as it should have, is another proof of the fact that garbage rules and the industry has no taste or idea about the aesthetics involved in making music. Thank you Milady for this wonderful gift of music!

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