Record Reviews

ZBIGNIEW GORNY ~ SOUNDTRACKS GAD 067 (Barcode: 5901549197907) ~ POLAND ~ Soundtracks Recorded: 1981 - 1992 Released: 2017 This is an archival release collecting previously unreleased soundtrack music composed by Polish composer Zbigniew GornyFind albums by this artist between early 1980s and early 1990s. The forty five short pieces served as background music for eleven Polish films, some of which are considered as cult movies today. The music is performed mostly by the Entertainment Orchestra of the Polish Radio and TVFind albums by this artist in Poznan, which was directed by Gorny at the time and a couple of other orchestras. Although seemingly unrelated, all the pieces present on this album sound as a consistent musical story, full of superbly crafted melodies and wonderful orchestral arrangements. The sheer musical power and richness of the material is a sad reminder of better times, when cinematic music often was some of the best music around, especially so on the Polish scene. From the historic perspective it is fascinating to hear the music instruments technology, i.e. synthesizers and early electronics, getting incorporated within the orchestra, to produce specific atmospheric effects of tension, fear and anticipation. This music sounds as fresh and vibrant today as it did at the time it was composed and heard during the screening of the films it accompanied. As usual, this exceptional music would have been completely lost if not for the efforts of the GADFind albums on this label Records team to bring it back to life and our attention. Since 2010 this label singlehandedly revolutionized the reissues scene in Poland and saved a staggering amount of Polish (but also other) music from oblivion. This is how a small group of people is able to change the flow of history. Music lovers all over the world are grateful today that GAD Records exist!

Updated: 02/02/2018Posted: 02/02/2018

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JERZY MILIAN ~ BEZ PRZESADY GAD 085 (Barcode: 5903068120152) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1975 - 1976 Released: 2018 This is the second archival release of previously unissued material recorded by the Entertainment Orchestra of the Polish Radio and TVFind albums by this artist, directed by veteran musician / composer / bandleader Jerzy MilianFind albums by this artist. The orchestra was based in Katowice and most of its members were associated with the Music Academy in Katowice, which at that time did not have yet a Jazz department. The orchestra included an instrumental combo, a string section and a vocal group. It performed mostly original compositions by the orchestra members, including those by Milian. Apart from Milian on vibraphone other prominent musicians include also Jerzy JarosikFind albums by this artist on flute, Piotr PronkoFind albums by this artist on saxophone, Piotr KaluznyFind albums by this artist on keyboards and many more. The album presents fourteen tracks and four bonus tracks, which follows the similar division found on the first album, in preparation for a LP edition of this album, which will include the first fourteen tracks only. The music is a wide variety of instrumental Jazz oriented pieces, ranging from almost Pop, via Funk, Groove and Jazz, all of them beautifully arranged and performed by the orchestra. At the time these tracks were recorded Milian and the composers writing for the orchestra were interested in the "Philadelphia Sound", which is immediately obvious to a knowledgeable listener. But the Polish spicing, which is added here to the American influence produces a highly effective and more sophisticated kind of funk than the origin. Although obviously on the lighter side of Jazz, the album presents superbly crafted tunes and arrangements, which lost nothing of their charm over time. The meaning of the word "entertainment" obviously meant something quite different at that time. This specific sound of the orchestra was a unique phenomenon in the history of Polish Jazz and kudos to GADFind albums on this label Records for unearthing this material and bringing it back to life. For people familiar with Polish Jazz discography, this album is a companion to the second album by the orchestra released originally in 1978 by Polskie Nagrania / MuzaFind albums on this label, which features other pieces recorded at the same sessions. For Polish Jazz enthusiasts and people interested in the Polish Funk of the 1970s this album is an absolute must. But other music lovers, who have no special ties with Polish music, might find this music fascinating nevertheless. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 06/02/2019Posted: 06/02/2019

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JERZY MILIAN ~ PRETEKST GAD 062 (Barcode: 5901549197846) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2017 This is an archival release of previously unreleased material recorded by the Entertainment Orchestra of the Polish Radio and TVFind albums by this artist, directed by veteran musician / composer / bandleader Jerzy MilianFind albums by this artist. The orchestra was based in Katowice and most of its members were associated with the Music Academy in Katowice, which at that time did not have yet a Jazz department. The orchestra included an instrumental combo, a string section and a vocal group. It performed mostly original compositions by the orchestra members, including those by Milian. Apart from Milian on vibraphone other prominent musicians include also Jerzy JarosikFind albums by this artist on flute, brothers: Piotr PronkoFind albums by this artist on saxophone and Wojciech PronkoFind albums by this artist on bass, Piotr KaluznyFind albums by this artist on keyboards and many more. The album presents fourteen tracks on both the CD and LP version of this album and four bonus tracks are present on the CD edition only. The music is a wide variety of instrumental Jazz oriented pieces, ranging from almost Pop, via Funk, Groove and Jazz, all of them beautifully arranged and performed by the orchestra. Although obviously on the lighter side of Jazz, the album presents superbly crafted tunes and arrangements, which lost nothing of their charm over time. The meaning of the word "entertainment" obviously meant something quite different at that time. This specific sound of the orchestra was a unique phenomenon in the history of Polish Jazz and kudos to GADFind albums on this label Records for unearthing this material and bringing it back to life. For people familiar with Polish Jazz discography, this album is a companion to the album released originally in 1975 by Polskie Nagrania / MuzaFind albums on this label, which features other pieces recorded at the same sessions. For Polish Jazz enthusiasts and people interested in the Polish Funk of the 1970s this album is an absolute must. But other music lovers, who have no special ties with Polish music, might find this music fascinating nevertheless. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 29/01/2019Posted: 27/01/2018

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ZBIGNIEW WODECKI ~ SNY PODROZNIKA GAD 082 (Barcode: 5903068120114) ~ POLAND ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1975 - 1977 Released: 2018 This is an archival album by Polish singer / songwriter / multi-instrumentalist Zbigniew WodeckiFind albums by this artist, which presents previously unreleased recordings he made with the Entertainment Orchestra of the Polish Radio and TVFind albums by this artist in Katowice, led by composer / bandleader Jerzy MilianFind albums by this artist. Of the twelve songs present on this album Wodecki composed six and Milian two and rest were composed by other songwriters. The orchestra was undoubtedly the best of its kind Big Band / instrumental ensemble in Poland at the time (mid-1970s), featuring many top Polish Jazz musicians. Directed by Milian, who gained a lot of experience working with Jazz orchestras around Europe, and who was also a first rate composer / arranger, the orchestra was able to achieve a highly professional level characterized by sophistication, which is immediately recognizable. Although the material was basically Pop oriented, the music was intelligent, ambitious and cleverly put together and executed, which is why it still sounds excellent four decades later. Wodecki, who was one of Poland´s most loved and respected singers (he died in 2017) was in top form when recording this material and his velvet voice and superb vocal performances are timeless, as are his wonderful compositions. This album is a true treasure chest and an excellent addition to his recorded legacy, especially in view of the fact that these recordings were completely forgotten until brought back to light by the GADFind albums on this label Records label, which never ceases to surprise. For the many fans of Wodecki this album is a true gem, but all Polish Pop connoisseurs should find this a first rate addition to their collection. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 06/02/2019Posted: 06/02/2019

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend