Record Reviews

KRZYSZTOF PUMA PIASECKI ~ JAZZ ROCK STANDARDS SOLITON 1458 (Barcode: 5903684234585) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2025 Released: 2025 This is an album by Polish Jazz / Rock guitarist / composer Krzysztof Puma PiaseckiFind albums by this artist, recorded in quartet setting with keyboardist Zdzislaw KalinowskiFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Stan MichalakFind albums by this artist and drummer Jacek PelcFind albums by this artist. Seven guest artist are featured on selected tracks. The album presents twelve tracks, all classic Pop / Rock / Jazz evergreens, which span the entire music rainbow of the 1960s / 1970s, when people like yours truly and Piasecki were young and naïve and music was the absolute center of our universe, completely irrelevant of genre or style, as long as it was true and heartfelt. Who cares if it was The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, Miles DavisFind albums by this artist or John ColtraneFind albums by this artist. One has to admire Piasecki’s ability to apply an original treatment to these classics, which is even more important than his obvious virtuosity. He takes many liberties, which makes the listening to this album a constant quest as to “what else is he going to come up with”, in short an absolute heaven on earth for guitar lovers of all ages and preferences. The sound and vibe tend to be more Rock than Jazz oriented but who cares, when your tushie can’t rest even for a moment. The rhythm section does a splendid job supporting the guitar front, elegantly switching tempi and styles, and the guests, including fellow guitar heroes Marek RaduliFind albums by this artist, Grzegorz SkawinskiFind albums by this artist and Pawel AmbroziakFind albums by this artist, ornament the proceeding with their splendid contributions. The rhythm section carries the music firmly and steadily, which is not a surprise considering the presence of Pelc. Overall, his is a brilliant piece of entertainment and a wonderful homage to the music of our youth. Although accessible to a wide audience, the music is clever, perfectly executed and even manages to be innovative, despite the fact that it was tackled by so many musicians earlier on. There is not an iota of kitsch or cheapness herein, which plagues most of similar projects, and that deserves an honorable “hats off” to you, my Friend and everybody on board – well done indeed!

Updated: 22/05/2025Posted: 22/05/2025

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WALK AWAY ~ FLOWER POWER SOLITON 1186 (Barcode: 5903684231867) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This is an album by veteran Polish Jazz ensemble Walk AwayFind albums by this artist, formed in the mid-1980s by drummer / composer / bandleader Krzysztof ZawadzkiFind albums by this artist. The lineup of the ensemble was remarkably stable over the years and still includes vibraphonist Bernard MaseliFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Adam WendtFind albums by this artist and bassist Tomasz GrabowyFind albums by this artist. Master percussionist Slawomir BernyFind albums by this artist joins the quartet, expanding the lineup to a quintet and guitarist Grzegorz SkawinskiFind albums by this artist guests on couple of tracks. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which are originals (three by Maseli and two each by Wendt and Grabowy) and one is by Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist. The music is a continuation of the musical path the ensemble preferred over the years, which is an easy going mainstream Jazz, with some touches of Fusion and Smooth Jazz, all excellently put together, arranged and performed. Although definitely on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, this music is honest, direct and highly professional, and for listeners who love this shade of Jazz, it is simply perfect. All these musicians are so experienced and professional that they simply cannot play anything below standard. Sometimes one wonders if Jazz musicians completely forgot the concept of having a good time and all try to be over complicated to prove their worth. Well, this album is certainly all about good time, without giving away the seal of quality. Overall, this is a pleasant, highly melodic and entertaining Jazz album, which proves that the less complex Jazz explorations can be Artistically satisfying and highly pleasurable. Great to see all these guys in such a great form!

Updated: 04/11/2021Posted: 04/11/2021

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