Record Reviews
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  | AL DI MEOLA ~ FLESH ON FLESH
TELARC 83543 (Barcode: 089408354328) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2002 Released: 2002
Ever since Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist’s early days as a member of Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist’s Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist (with whom he recorded three splendid albums in the mid-1970s: Where Have I Known You BeforeFind albums with this title, No MysteryFind albums with this title and Romantic WarriorFind albums with this title) and then as a solo recording artist since 1976, his output has been consistently excellent. This remarkable career now stretches over 4 decades and Al seems to be going as strong as ever. A master of both the electric and the acoustic guitar, Di Meola refined his style over the years. Finesse and delicacy, replaced the youthful zest and energy, as demonstrated on his early albums by his guitar pyrotechnics. The love of Fusion was expanded and enriched by love of World Music, which presents an infinite source of inspiration. The 1990s saw Di Meola getting involved extensively with World Music, when he formed his group called World Sinfonia (with some of the best musicians from all over the world) and recorded a tribute to the great Argentinean composer Astor PiazzollaFind albums by this artist. In 1998 Di Meola signed with the excellent TelarcFind albums on this label label, famous for it’s superb sound recording quality, and this is his 4th release on that label. As usual the music is a tasty mixture of fiery Fusion and elegant World Music. Di Meola switches between the acoustic and electric guitar according the mood of the music. Also as usual, he includes some distinguished guests to play along with, this time the legendary Cuban keyboards player Gonzalo RubalcabaFind albums by this artist (who adds some of his own fire to the proceedings) and veteran bass virtuoso Anthony JacksonFind albums by this artist, who played with Di Meola on his early Fusion albums. Although Di Meola usually writes all the music on his albums, this time a Chick Corea composition was also included to celebrate the Di Meola / Jackson reunion. All together another triumphant achievement for Al and a superb musical experience. Most warmly recommended.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ANNA MARIA JOPEK ~ LUSTRA
UNIVERSAL 602527835242 (Barcode: 602527835242) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2010 - 2011 Released: 2011
Polish vocalist extraordinaire Anna Maria JopekFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. AMJFind albums by this artist) never stops to amaze her faithful fans and devoted listeners, but this, her latest Box Set (or rather book set), which consists of not one, not two but three full-fledged musical projects released simultaneously, is simply awe-inspiring. The three projects, entitled "PolannaFind albums with this title", "HaikuFind albums with this title" and "SobremesaFind albums with this title", were also released separately, but this set includes all three of them packaged with a marvelous book full of photographs and background information, elegantly designed and exquisitely printed, in a format similar to her previous 3 CD set "Dwa Serduszka Cztery OczyFind albums with this title", released three years earlier.
The three projects, although diametrically different from each other, form a coherent "whole", which reflects AMJ´s complex artistic vision of this world, which bridges different cultures, traditions and backgrounds, finding the common beauty in all of them, and engulfing her inner spirit. Obviously she feels completely "at home" with her music, regardless if it is rooted in the Polish melancholy, Japanese introversion and minimalism or Portuguese / African pulsations. Spanning the entire world this music is simply a living proof that geography, language and nationality have absolutely no meaning when artistic expression is concerned.
As usual AMJ is surrounded by excellent musicians, some from Poland, other from around the world. The list is very long and can be studied by reading the book, but the most significant names include Japanese pianist / composer Makoto OzoneFind albums by this artist, Cuban pianist / composer Gonzalo RubalcabaFind albums by this artist, American keyboardist / producer Gil GoldsteinFind albums by this artist and many more. Polish musicians include, among others, bassist Robert KubiszynFind albums by this artist and drummer Pawel DobrowolskiFind albums by this artist. The music on all the albums is superbly recorded and mastered, being not only perfect musically but also sublime sonically even to the most uncompromising sound quality connoisseurs. This is a "total" listening experience, which is so incredibly rare these days.
I must say that every time I confess my love of AMJ´s work my Jazz friends give me a "funny" look, which I find often infuriating. This is not Free Jazz, it´s not freely improvised music, and in fact it is only marginally Jazz at all, or rather a Jazz-World Fusion. So what? I find it fulfilling, challenging, aesthetic and meaningful nevertheless. The fact that this music can be enjoyed by a wide circle of listeners without losing an iota of quality and dedication testifies of its inherent value, which I´m always ready to defend.
So overall this is a serious piece of excellent music, diverse and surprising, deeply heartbreaking at times and unboundedly cheerful at others, but always honest and straight to the point, again a rare quality these days. Keep doing what you are doing girl, never look back!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 3 Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
  | ANNA MARIA JOPEK / GONZALO RUBALCABA ~ MINIONE
UNIVERSAL 602557398083 (Barcode: 602557398083) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017
Polish Diva Anna Maria JopekFind albums by this artist reached a stage in her career, which places her outside the helter-skelter of the local music scene, basically free to do whatever she loves to do. This magnificent album is a result of her desire to re-examine the Polish popular music of the pre-WWII period, the music of her Grandmother and the music of Warsaw, the Warsaw Tango, which thrived in the city´s nightclubs but was also on the lips of Warsaw people during their daily mundane lives. The passionate songs about love, desire, betrayal and despair and love again, which squeezed tears from women´s blue, black, green or brown eyes since the beginning of humanity.
These songs were written by such highly talented composers like Wladyslaw DanFind albums by this artist (Danilowski), Zygmunt BialostockiFind albums by this artist, Jerzy PetersburskiFind albums by this artist, Artur GoldFind albums by this artist and others and featured lyrics by poets like Andrzej WlastFind albums by this artist, Julian TuwimFind albums by this artist, Zenon FriedwaldFind albums by this artist and others; and yes they were mostly Polish Jews, which means that many of them did not survive the Holocaust: Bialostocki, Gold and Wlast perished in the Warsaw Ghetto or in concentration camps. Therefore this album is not only a tribute to the Polish Tango, but also homage to its creators.
The album´s eleven tracks present eight Polish evergreens, one classic non-Polish song, which Jopek performs as a vocalese, and two short piano fragments related to two of the songs. Jopek selected an ideal partner for this recording in the brilliant Cuban pianist Gonzalo RubalcabaFind albums by this artist, whose virtuosity but more importantly incredible sensitivity and understanding of the tango rhythmic intricacies turn this album into a true masterpiece. The rhythm section consists of two renown Cuban musicians: bassist (electric and acoustic) Armando GolaFind albums by this artist and drummer Ernesto SimpsonFind albums by this artist. Together, in the minimal vocals / piano trio format, they create their magic, delicate, somewhat subdued and melancholic, but always directly penetrating the soul.
This album stands out on its own in many respects, beyond comparison and competition, a mature piece of Art, which immediately enters the Polish Jazz vocal Hall of Fame, even if Jazz is not really its focal point. Jopek´s interpretations of these songs could be considered theatrical rather than straightforward Jazzy, but combined with the exquisite accompaniment the album stays within the Jazz idiom for the entire duration.
And most importantly, as usual in such cases, is the fact that this is not just one more vocal Jazz album; it is way more in every sense: aesthetic, conceptual, historical and cultural. It is a symbol of good taste, respect of one´s tradition and roots, continuity and Artistic consistency, being a true beacon of Polish Culture in the best meaning of the term. My deepest heartfelt thanks to you my Dear Anna Maria!
| | Updated: 15/09/2017Posted: 15/09/2017 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MARIPOSA ~ EFEKT MOTYLA
NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Afro-Cuban Music
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019
This is the debut album by Polish vocalist / songwriter MariposaFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Asia PyrekFind albums by this artist), recorded at the legendary EGREM Studio in Havana, Cuba, where many of the stellar Afro-Cuban albums by such luminaries as IrakereFind albums by this artist, Chucho ValdesFind albums by this artist, Gonzalo RubalcabaFind albums by this artist, Arturo SandovalFind albums by this artist and others were recorded. She is accompanied by some top Cuban instrumentalists which results in the album offering an authentic Afro-Cuban sound and ambience. Polish vocal Diva Urszula DudziakFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The album presents thirteen original songs, all composed by Mariposa and featuring her lyrics in the Polish language.
The music is all pure Afro-Cuban grooves and the resemblance to original Afro-Cuban Music is so effective that it is almost hard to imagine that this album was written and performed by a Polish artist. Of course all the arrangements and the instrumental work were done by bona fide Cuban musicians, but Mariposa´s ability to fit in that environment is truly remarkable. In retrospect this is the only Polish album ever recorded which offers authentic Afro-Cuban Music.
The vocal parts are not particularly spectacular, but of course they don´t need to be in this idiom, it is more the feel and ability to ride the grove that matters in this case. The vocal solos by Dudziak are a very clever move and they are absolutely delightful, as are those by Cuban opera singer who also adds her voice to the proceedings on one track.
Mariposa´s texts are intelligent and touch upon a diverse and non-trivial collection of subjects, which she very able puts into words. Her decision to use Polish lyrics is absolutely commendable and proves my claim that it is possible to sing in Polish in every musical environment. I´d hate to hear this album sung with a poor Spanish or English pronunciation.
Overall this is an absolutely delightful Afro-Cuban Music album, which every fan of this music should be able to enjoy, even those who are not native Polish speakers. The instrumental parts, the brass and the rhythm arrangements simply move your buttocks either you want it or not and an absolutely good time is had by all. Obviously a result of heartfelt personal involvement and love of music by the author, this album is a bomb of energy and good time, sometimes with a teardrop in one´s eye. Well done indeed!
| | Updated: 22/11/2019Posted: 22/11/2019 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MCLAUGHLIN ~ THIEVES AND POETS
EMARCY 801075 (Barcode: 602498010754) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003
John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist is not only the world’s finest guitar player, but surely also the most versatile one. Throughout his illustrious career he played almost in every conceivable jazz-related genre between free jazz, Jazz-Rock Fusion, mainstream jazz, Jazz-World Fusion and so on. This gorgeous album opens yet another area for his musical achievements – the marriage of classical music and jazz or Jazz-Classical Fusion. The contents of the album can be divided into two parts. First comes a title piece – a splendid suite for acoustic guitar and orchestra (over 26 minutes long in 3 parts), which presents McLaughlin accompanied by the Deutsche KammerphilharmonieFind albums by this artist (with Renato RivoltaFind albums by this artist conducting). The music shows McLaughlin’s skills as a composer of contemporary music, based on the European romantic tradition. It is passionate and elegant, as one might expect from McLaughlin and quite a revelation for many of his admirers. The second part of the album consists of four jazz standards performed here in a very special guitar arrangement with McLaughlin accompanied by guitar based classical Aighetta Quartet. As these four standards have been mostly associated with legendary jazz pianist (Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and Gonzalo RubalcabaFind albums by this artist) McLaughlin presents them as homage to these jazz Giants. This is a very personal album, delicate and subtle, requiring a most attentive listening and deserving repetitive exploration. Essential musical experience!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Essential Recommend To A Friend |
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