Record Reviews

LESZEK DRANICKI ~ LESZEK DRANICKI (SWINGING TRICITY VOL.5) NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1986 - 1989 Released: 2013 This is the fifth installment in the excellent archival series documenting Polish Jazz created in the country´s Tricity on the Baltic Sea, one of the important centers where Polish Jazz thrives and over the years produced numerous first-rate musicians and superb bands. The series presents material, which in most cases never previously appeared in any form and therefore is of immense historic importance. This chapter presents the vocalist / guitarist Leszek DranickiFind albums by this artist, who was a member of the Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble BasztaFind albums by this artist, which is also documented in this series, and later played in several other groups (including the legendary KrzakFind albums by this artist) and recorded as a leader. This album is an expanded reissue of his debut solo album "With A Little Help…Find albums with this title", originally released by Polskie NagraniaFind albums on this label / MuzaFind albums on this label, with six bonus tracks recorded later at radio sessions. The music consists all of Jazz, Blues and Pop standards, which Dranicki sings (in English) and plays guitar on. Although some of the arrangements are pretty nice, the overall effect is far from spectacular. As usual the attempt to sing in English simply falls apart and spoils the pleasure of the instrumental work, which is better by far. Dranicki is a good guitar player with a Bluesy feel and splendid technical efficiency. The two bonus tracks recorded with bassist Andrzej CudzichFind albums by this artist and drummer Eryk KulmFind albums by this artist are the most impressive and the last two solo tracks are the weakest. The problem with this album is that is completely lacks any originality and shows how some of the musicians behind the Iron Curtain wanted to copy what was happening elsewhere, rather than create some new facets in their musical explorations. Of course this material is still worthy, especially as part of an archival series. This is another great piece of Polish Jazz history, which should definitely be told and preserved as part of the country´s Cultural Heritage. Kudos to Marcin JacobsonFind albums by this artist for creating this series and keeping it going!

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ERYK KULM ~ PRIVATE THINGS POLSKIE RADIO 2232 (Barcode: 5907812247096) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2019 This is an album by veteran Polish Jazz drummer / composer Eryk KulmFind albums by this artist recorded with his QuintessenceFind albums by this artist quintet, which includes American trumpeter Rasul SiddikFind albums by this artist and young Polish Jazz saxophonist Marcin KaletkaFind albums by this artist, pianist Michal SzkilFind albums by this artist and bassist Michal JarosFind albums by this artist. The album presents six pieces, four (one repeated twice with an alternate take) of which are original compositions by Kulm and one is by American pianist / composer Dolph CastellanoFind albums by this artist. The music is surprisingly different from most of the output created on the Polish Jazz scene, completely dominated by American Jazz influences, not only due to the presence of Siddik, a relatively well known AACM member now resident in Europe, who displays his emblematic Post-bop / Avant-Garde mixture which he has been playing for the last fifty years, but also due to Kulm´s rough compositions, which are basically just a base for the improvisations by the quintet members. The music is open enough to allow the musicians to contribute individually significantly more so than in a more structured environment. The true surprise of the album are the three young Polish Jazz musicians, who not only are able to fit into the environment set by the two veterans, but actually to make the most effective contributions musically. Kaletka, Szkil and Jaros sound like true pros and in comparison to their other recorded projects (all three took part in several recordings already), they are able to open up and move into the specific "Chicago school" with ease, elegance and considerable vigor. Of course it is great to see Kulm return to recording after several years of absence and see him in his full creative power. Hopefully this album will be followed shortly by more new projects. For lovers of the more ambitious American Jazz variety this album should be quite interesting, not only because it offers some excellent performances, but mainly because it is composed and performed mostly by Polish Jazz musicians, who once again prove that they can match if not beat their colleagues from across the pond.

Updated: 15/11/2019Posted: 30/04/2019

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