Record Reviews

CHICK COREA ~ PLAYS CONCORD 888072171442 (Barcode: 888072171442) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2020 This is a 2CD album of solo piano performances by iconic American Jazz pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist. The recording dates and places are not specified, which is highly unusual, but the album was released first on Chick’s label in 2018, and this is the second edition released in 2020, just a few months before his death. The recording quality is absolutely sublime all the way through. Corea plays some of his original compositions as well as his interpretations of works by Classical Music composers like Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist, Domenico ScarlattiFind albums by this artist and Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist or other Jazz composers like Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, George GershwinFind albums by this artist, Antonio Carlos JobimFind albums by this artist and Paco De LuciaFind albums by this artist. A couple of piano duets (played on one piano) are also included, one with Israeli pianist Yaron HermanFind albums by this artist and another with French pianist Charles HeisserFind albums by this artist. Corea also adds his spoken word commentary about the music he is about to perform. Although the music does not add anything new to listeners familiar with Corea’s music, it is a great document of his Artistry, versatility and his excellent contact with his audience, which always was one of his virtues. Overall this is a wonderful addition to the extensive recording legacy left to us by Corea, which sparkles and shines, and as always brings infinite joy to the listeners. He was a unique musician and a beautiful human being, and I have been lucky to enjoy both of these qualities at first hand.

Updated: 18/02/2022Posted: 18/02/2022

CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

BARTOSZ GLOWACKI ~ GENESIS DUX 1585 (Barcode: 5902547015859) ~ POLAND ~ Classical Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is the debut album by Polish (based in London) accordionist Bartosz GlowackiFind albums by this artist. Most of the music is performed on solo accordion, except for the last piece which also includes guitar and string orchestra. The repertoire includes works by such diverse composers as Domenico ScarlattiFind albums by this artist, Jean Philippe RameauFind albums by this artist, Vaclav TrojanFind albums by this artist, Sofia GubaidulinaFind albums by this artist, Arvo PartFind albums by this artist, Victor VlasovFind albums by this artist and finally Astor PiazzollaFind albums by this artist – from Baroque via Avant-Garde to Tango. The music is absolutely delightful and taking into account the fact that these compositions are very rarely performed and even more so get recorded, this is a wonderful opportunity to get exposed to some exquisite non-trivial music. Glowacki´s playing is also extraordinary, and he seems to overcome effortlessly the many challenges involved with performing this often difficult music. His tone follows the mood of the compositions, always with great taste and true artistry, placing the much neglected accordion in the center of the listener´s attention and paying tribute to its full glory as an instrument. For accordion connoisseurs this album is an absolute must, but any serious music lover should be able to discover these little known gems, which deserve to be cherished. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 16/01/2020Posted: 16/01/2020

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend