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

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OLEJNICZAK / SENDECKI EUROPEAN QUARTET ~ BIRTHDAY LIVE #2 BLUE NOTE ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This is a live recording at the Blue Note Poznan Jazz club, celebrating the club´s fourteenth Anniversary, by a wonderful quartet led by two extraordinary Polish Jazz heroes: saxophonist Andrzej OlejniczakFind albums by this artist and pianist Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist, with French bassist Laurent VernereyFind albums by this artist and British drummer Mark MondesirFind albums by this artist. Olejniczak and Sendecki share some of the glory days of the Polish Jazz in the 1970s, when they were both members of the legendary Extra BallFind albums by this artist ensemble and founders of the no less legendary Sun ShipFind albums by this artist ensemble. Both living now outside of Poland (Olejniczak in Spain and Sendecki in Germany) they are still an integral part of the Polish Jazz phenomenon, as this album proves beyond any doubt. The album includes seven pieces, two each by Olejniczak, Sendecki and Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist and the remaining one being a folk tune arranged by Sendecki. The members of this quartet are some of the finest European Jazz musicians and the resulting album is simply exceptional in every respect. The music is all excellent from start to finish, modern full-fledged and highly spirited Jazz with numerous superb solo spots and an exceptional live ambience, which happens only rarely. It is obvious that everybody had a wonderful time and the musicians are simply giving everything they have, sharing, supporting and challenging each other constantly in perfect harmony and with telepathic thoughtfulness. Although the two soloists are naturally in the center of attention, one must immediately recognize the incredible role of the outstanding rhythm section, which stands shoulder to shoulder with the soloists at all times. The saxophone and piano solos are all sensational and there is no exaggeration whatsoever in that statement. In many respects these performances are absolute classics, which should be taught at music schools as examples of what real Jazz is all about, especially European Jazz, as this is, again in many respects, a revelation of the European elegance and sophistication that makes all the difference. This music is completely devoid of ego trips and attempts to prove who can play faster or louder or prettier, it is simply a perfect teamwork, which is always the ground upon great Jazz music is firmly based. The last tune on the album is dedicated to the memory of the great Polish Jazz bassist Zbigniew WegehauptFind albums by this artist, who was not only a friend of the Polish musicians but also a dear personal friend of mine and whose tragic and premature death left a scar in the hearts of all of us. There is not much more that needs to be said here, except for Gracias, Danke, Merci, Thanks and of course Dziekuje to all the people involved for this heartbreakingly beautiful music.

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend