Record Reviews
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  | JOLA LITERSKA ~ PROTEST SONGS (PIESNI LUTRA)
NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Gospel
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017
This is a wonderful and completely out of the ordinary album by Polish (well Silesian) vocalist Jola LiterskaFind albums by this artist, which as the title suggests presents her interpretation of eight songs composed and written by the 16th Century Protestant Reformation leader Martin LutherFind albums by this artist, who was also an accomplished composer. Literska´s concept is to interpret these songs as Protest Songs, which in many respects they were, considering the theological and social upheaval Luther´s teachings managed to create. Literska sings the songs in the Polish language and is accompanied by a small group of musicians, which includes guitarist Tomasz BienekFind albums by this artist, bassist Andrzej RusekFind albums by this artist and violinist Tomasz MuchaFind albums by this artist; all three also arranged the songs. Guitarist Stefan MalejkaFind albums by this artist and violinist Jacek DzwonowskiFind albums by this artist guest on a couple of tracks.
Although the music has distinctive mediaeval characteristics, it sounds also amazingly contemporary, and turns out to be almost Bluesy. The arrangements, which are very delicate and minimalistic, are astoundingly effective and powerful. Literska´s beautiful vocals, which are kept within strict stylistic limitations, amaze with their simplicity and intrinsic gorgeousness. The instrumentalists make every note count and adorn the spiritual music with angelic beauty.
This album is a superb example of great taste, intelligent treatment of the subject matter and divine esthetics, which combined together are simply irresistible. Even without the deeply theological layer, which is expressed by the song´s lyrics, the music has a spiritual nature and quality, which is almost never achievable by today´s musical standards.
Personally I was completely smitten by this concept album, which proves the power of modesty and "less is more" approach, especially if the actual concept matter is as powerful as in this case. It takes a lot of courage to tackle such an unusual and ideologically challenging project and the fact that the result is as powerful and successful as in this case, is truly rewarding.
This is definitely one of the most unusual recordings on the Polish scene in quite a while and I recommend to every music connoisseur, including those who do not know the Polish language, to try and get a copy of this gem. Silesia Rules!
| | Updated: 11/02/2018Posted: 11/02/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | PARTY SAHNE ~ PARTY SAHNE
NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022
This is the debut album by Polish / Silesian trio called Party SahneFind albums by this artist, which comprises of guitarist Tomasz BienekFind albums by this artist, bassist Andrzej RusekFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz ImielskiFind albums by this artist. French horn player Michal ZdrzalekFind albums by this artist plays on four tracks and vocalists Jola LiterskaFind albums by this artist and Marek McCarron MotykaFind albums by this artist also participate, each on one track, as does the rapper DonoFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original tracks, six of which were composed by Bienek and three are from different sources. The album is dedicated to Rusek, who tragically fell victim to the Covid-19 pandemic during the recording of the album.
The music is an idiosyncratic amalgam of Rock, Fusion, Blues and Ambient elements, which characterize Bienek’s earlier recording projects. His excellent guitar playing, which eschews flashy displays of vanity and stays focused and pretty minimalist, is captivating and heartfelt. The solid rhythm section drives the music forward, adding a Funky Groove and solid ground for the guitar solo parts. The French horn melodic layer is a wonderful idea and fits the rest of the music like a glove.
Overall, this is a splendid and highly entertaining album, which offers a diverse mixture of highly melodic, well-constructed music, which is superbly executed by all the musicians involved. There is nothing pretentious or hyper-cerebral in this music, just pure solid musical contents and an honest statement. It’s a great pleasure to follow my Silesian musical friends, who never disappoint. Highly recommended!
| | Updated: 23/07/2022Posted: 23/07/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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