Record Reviews

GRZEGORZ KAPOLKA ~ LIVE AT NOSPR SJ 061 (Barcode: 5902596066772) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2019 Released: 2022 This is a live album by veteran Polish Blues guitarist / composer Grzegorz KapolkaFind albums by this artist recorded in a trio format with electric bassist Dariusz ZiolekFind albums by this artist and drummer Alan KapolkaFind albums by this artist. The album presents five (presumably original, as nothing is stated on the albums artwork) compositions by the leader, with a total playing time of about thirty-six minutes, more like an EP than a full album. The music is classic Blues soaked Fusion, entirely based on the leader’s improvising abilities. The melodic, well-crafted themes are ideal vehicles for the lengthy guitar explorations. Kapolka earned his dues on the local scene working extensively for many years with many ensembles and musicians, earning a lot of respect, and this album clearly shows why. Since Fusion is an intrinsically highly limited genre and after over fifty years of Fusion guitar playing, which dominates the genre, it seems that everything that is possible to do was already done one time or another, but this album manages to raise a brow and show that we have not heard everything yet. Kapolka certainly has some tricks up his sleeve that are able to surprise even the most “educated” Fusion guitar fans, and his virtuosity is surely worth being discovered. This album is more of a short document of a concert appearance than a proper well produced studio effort, and as such is perfect for what it is. Overall, this is spine-chilling exposition of Fusion guitar playing, which should surprise even the veterans of the genre and considering how rare new discoveries in that area are, is wholeheartedly recommended. Guitar freaks heaven on earth!

Updated: 28/01/2023Posted: 16/04/2022

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KAZIOGRA ~ COLORS SJ 073 (Barcode: 5905489720324) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Blues Fusion Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is the debut album by the Polish quartet KaZioGraFind albums by this artist, which comprises of guitarist / composer Grzegorz KapolkaFind albums by this artist, bassist Dariusz ZiolekFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Antoni GralakFind albums by this artist and drummer Alan KapolkaFind albums by this artist (Grzegorz’s son). The album presents eleven original compositions, nine composed by Grzegorz Kapolka and two by Ziolek. The music is a refreshing mixture of Blues, Rock, Jazz, Funk and Groove, which is a great fun to listen to, but does not compromise musical quality at any time. Grzegorz Kapolka is basically a Blues oriented guitarist, with a beautiful tone and many years of experience behind him. Ziolek is Funky and his bass pulsations add the Groove momentum to the music. Gralak, as always, is the enfant terrible of the bunch, playing some truly weird and wonderful Jazz improvisations, using a lot of electronic devices to twist the sound of the trumpet out of its expected home turf. The young Kapolka drives the quartet steadily forward, keeping everything in check. This music simply refuses to be easily defined, and each composition opens up new sound vistas, keeping the listener in constant state of discovery, which of course is never easy to achieve. There is plenty of great melodic themes, Blues oriented guitar solos and trumpet craziness to surprise even the most erudite listeners and most importantly this music is completely different from everything else on the local scene, which by itself is highly commendable. Overall, this is an unusual, dynamic piece of music, which shuns definitions and pre-conceptions, which is able to take the listener into uncharted territory. The basic Blues / Funk, spiced by the Jazzy improvisations is exciting and refreshing, which happens rather rarely these days. This album is highly recommended to listeners, who are open-minded to new experiences, but at the same time have a build-in affinity to Funky Blues-Rock with a Jazz topping. Definitely well done Gentlemen!

Updated: 25/05/2023Posted: 25/05/2023

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