Record Reviews

STEPANKA BALCAROVA ~ LIFE AND HAPPINESS OF JULIAN TUWIM ANIMAL MUSIC 065 (Barcode: 8594155991709) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is the debut album as a leader by Czech trumpeter / composer Stepanka BalcarovaFind albums by this artist, recorded with a septet comprising of Czech and Polish Jazz musicians: vocalist Malgorzata HutekFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Marcel BartaFind albums by this artist, flautist Robert FischmannFind albums by this artist, pianist Nikola KolodziejczykFind albums by this artist, bassist Jaromir HonzakFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz MaslowskiFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, the album presents nine poems by Polish / Jewish poet Julian TuwimFind albums by this artist, which were made into songs with original music composed by Balcarova. The album is a typical Jazz & Poetry project, which apparently is a specialty of the Eastern European region (Poland especially), and which keeps the wondrous and much neglected elsewhere idiom alive and kicking. Of course tackling Tuwim´s poems, who after all was the most important 20th Century Polish poet, is an extremely risky undertaking, especially in view of the fact that his poems were already made into songs countless times before by some of the best composers out there. Balcarova decided to compose music to Tuwim´s early poetry, published (with one exception) between 1918 and 1923, which are more rarely used as sources of songs, and therefore she brings forward to the public eye a lesser known facet of his poetry. I am happy to say that Balcarova managed to create a consistent song cycle, with her music being very appropriate to the poetic contents. The music is full of melancholy, perhaps even a bit too somber at times, since these poems are considered as optimistic and vital in comparison to Tuwim´s later work, which was full of cynicism and resentment. Nevertheless the music, as already mentioned, is more than appropriate in this context and its melodic qualities, which incorporate strong Eastern European folkloristic motifs, is definitely impressive. The polyrhythmic compositions are the most successful and interesting musically, but they are a minority. The instrumental work is also very solid from start to finish, with excellent solo parts by the players and supportive rhythm section. Kolodziejczyk is definitely the key player, who keeps the harmonic structures in place and accompanies the vocals amicably, adding some splendid solo parts on the fly. The vocals suffer from some problems: they are way too theatrical and loud; there is way too much vibrato and almost no reference between the actual lyrics (poems) and the way they are expressed. Hutek sings forcefully even in the most intimate moments, which at its extreme manifestations is pretty annoying. I´d rather have these texts whispered rather than sung the way they are. But to be fair these texts are extremely difficult and combined with the music, which also is often challenging, Hutek does the best she can to make it work and overall, with a bit of acquired taste, does fine. But this album is all about the music, first and foremost, and as such it is a splendid piece of work, that deserves to be heard and enjoyed. Beautifully packaged and with a booklet that includes the original poems in Polish and Czech and English translations, this is a piece of Culture that true connoisseurs of the Jazz & Poetry idiom would absolutely love to have in their collections. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 04/03/2018Posted: 04/03/2018

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STEPANKA BALCAROVA ~ STESTI RADIOSERVIS 1171 (Barcode: 8590236117129) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is the second ‘remake” project, that lands on my desk this week – statistically this is a miracle… In 2017 the Czech trumpeter / composer / arranger / bandleader Stepanka BalcarovaFind albums by this artist released her wonderful Jazz & Poetry album, entitled “Life And Happiness Of Julian TuwimFind albums with this title”, recorded with her Czech / Polish septet, which featured nine of her compositions to the poems by my favorite Polish poet Julian TuwimFind albums by this artist. Now, five years later, she presents six of those compositions, expanded and accompanied by orchestral arrangements, performed by the same septet and the Prague Radio Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist, conducted by Marko IvanovicFind albums by this artist. There is no point in repeating what I said about the previous recording, which you can read by clicking on the album’s title, and my comments concentrate on the new recording. My only reservation about the previous album were the vocal parts, which I am happy to say are well balanced with the rest of the music this time, taking a stone off my chest. The orchestral arrangements influence to aural outcome of the music, which is somewhat more distant from the Jazz & Poetry idiom, but not eliminating that delicate relationship entirely, which is a happy outcome. On the other hand, if the orchestral parts were not given a significant weight on this album, the entire concept of the remake might have been questionable. So, all things considered, this second approach is all for the best every way one looks at it (or rather listens to it). The vocalist still uses her idiosyncratic voice with a theatrical emphasis, which of course is a subjective assessment, but balanced by the orchestra the vocal parts work splendidly this time. Her vocalese soloing is absolutely stunning. Obviously, the septet instrumentalists have way less space to solo and display their Jazz chops, but the piano parts are still omnipresent and the wonderful bass playing is the heartbeat of the music. The music is so wonderful, that one can assume it would have sounded great in any variation. Balcarova’s arrangements deserve nothing but praise and my only worry is that we might lose her Jazz oriented work in favor of other explorations, but I am sure she has still so much to say in her future accomplishments; that we won’t be able to resist her charm and sophistication. Overall, this is a fascinating piece of music and more, a superb Jazz & Poetry project, a great example of cross-genre exploration, in short a gem of an album. The level of creativity and musical Artistry present herein is absolutely astounding. If you love music and even if you don’t speak Polish, this is still a dynamite piece of music, which is completely universal. If you, however, do speak Polish, and even perhaps also love Tuwim, this is Heaven on Earth.

Updated: 05/02/2023Posted: 05/02/2023

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EWA DEMARCZYK ~ SPIEWA PIOSENKI ZYGMUNTA KONIECZNEGO (EXPANDED EDITION) MUZA 445 (Barcode: 5907783494451) ~ POLAND ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1967 Released: 1999 This is the most famous Polish album of all times, an extraordinary musical achievement revered all over the world in spite the fact that it is sung in Polish, which makes the lyrics accessible only to people speaking that language. The apparent power of the music crosses language barriers with its awe-inspiring intensity and expressiveness, similar to the music of Edith PiafFind albums by this artist, Jacques BrelFind albums by this artist and other famous troubadours, balladeers and chansonniers. The music, written by famous Polish composer Zygmunt KoniecznyFind albums by this artist, one of the most important composers in post WWII Poland, is absolutely marvelous, combining many different European music traditions, both of Western and Eastern European origin, providing a perfect match to the poetry, which serves as the song´s lyrics. The poetry is mostly modern, written by the country´s most talented and expressive minds, including my favorite Polish poet Julian TuwimFind albums by this artist. Outstanding Polish singer Ewa DemarczykFind albums by this artist performs these songs with such transcendent power and skill, theatrical dynamics and incredible vocal quality, that each and every one of them becomes an instant classic, all marvelous and brilliant. Combined together on one album they create a musical masterpiece rarely paralleled elsewhere, proving again that great music can be created outside of the mainstream, both musically and geographically. In the 43 years that passed since this album was recorded it lost absolutely nothing of its beauty, excellence and power and perhaps serves as yet another piece of evidence about the decadence and loss of direction we experience in music in recent times. This expanded edition of the original album includes a second CD with similar material recorded by Demarczyk four years earlier and issued as a single, which today is one of that rarest collector´s items in the Polish discography. Absolutely essential listening!

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

MAREK GRECHUTA ~ MAREK GRECHUTA & ANAWA POMATON 724352774029 (Barcode: 724352774029) ~ POLAND ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2000 This is the debut album by Polish singer / songwriter / poet Marek GrechutaFind albums by this artist, one of the most iconic figures on the Polish popular music scene and the most important representative of the Music & Poetry movement in Poland. This is also his first of the two albums with the group AnawaFind albums by this artist, which he founded during his student years in Krakow together with fellow architecture student, pianist / composer Jan Kanty PawluskiewiczFind albums by this artist. The version of Anawa playing on this album was sextet, which included also cellist Anna WojtowiczFind albums by this artist, viola player Tadeusz KozuchFind albums by this artist, bassist Jacek OstaszewskiFind albums by this artist and guitarist Tadeusz DziedzicFind albums by this artist. Several guest musicians also played on the album, including drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Marek JackowskiFind albums by this artist, violinist Zbigniew PaletaFind albums by this artist and others. The album includes ten tracks, seven composed by Pawluskiewicz and three composed by Grechuta. Grechuta wrote lyrics to three of the songs and the remaining seven are by some of the Polish poets Grechuta admired: Adam MickiewiczFind albums by this artist, Julian TuwimFind albums by this artist, Leszek Aleksander MoczulskiFind albums by this artist (closely associated with the legendary Polish group SkaldowieFind albums by this artist) and others. Musically the album is light-years ahead of its time and completely different from anything else that was happening on the Pop / Rock scene at the time in Poland or anywhere else for that matter. It amalgamates seemingly conflicting elements like contemporary Classical music, Psychedelia, chanson and cabaret, Jazz and very strong Folklore and World Music influences. In addition there is also the omnipresent Polish melancholy, emphasized by the poignant lyrics and sensitive delivery. Although the Music & Poetry movement existed in Poland earlier, mostly in the intimate cabaret environment, Grechuta took it forward making a milestone step towards perfecting the genre and no less importantly popularizing it by bringing it to huge crowds rather than to the limited Avant-Garde / intellectual audiences of small clubs and student hangouts. Grechuta is a master of his trade and his vocal delivery is simply sublime. Always somewhere in between singing and reciting, his interpretation of the lyrics is exquisitely intelligent and insightful. The entire band performs simply divinely, displaying obvious talents and sensitivity. Such combination of beautiful music performed as perfectly as here is indeed extraordinary. Therefore in retrospect this is simply one of the best Pop / Rock albums ever recorded in Poland and absolutely nothing recorded since comes even close to its perfection, except of course for the next album he recorded with the same group called "Korowod", which is considered even stronger than this one. It is completely untouched by time and constantly gets better in contrast to most music created today. It is an absolute must have for every lover of Polish music and no collection of Polish music will be complete without it. This expanded and remastered edition includes twelve bonus tracks recorded by the Polish Radio or in concert, all of excellent quality, both sonically and musically. Perfection incarnate!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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BOGDAN HOLOWNIA / WOJCIECH PULCYN ~ HENRYK WARS SONGBOOK HOBO 009 (Barcode: 5907527959093) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 The great Polish (of Jewish origin) composer Henryk WarsFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Henryk WarszawskiFind albums by this artist) was one of the most important music personalities of the interwar Polish music scene. He wrote music for many Polish films made during that period and composed countless popular songs, which were performed by the top Polish singers. He was also the musical director of the first Polish record company Syrena RekordFind albums on this label, which produced many thousands of recordings during the period. In addition he also wrote several Classical compositions and was one of Poland´s Jazz pioneers. Wars survived the WWII as a member of the Polish Army and after being demobilized in 1947 he emigrated to the USA, where he continued his music career, mostly as cinematic composer and songwriter until his death in 1977. Polish Jazz musicians: pianist Bogdan HolowniaFind albums by this artist and bassist Wojciech PulcynFind albums by this artist present a selection of nine evergreens composed by Wars, with words by the best lyricists of the time, including the sublime poet Julian TuwimFind albums by this artist, which during the interwar period were smash hits on the local scene. In an intimate duo format and stripped from the lyrics, these performances emphasize the melodic sensitivities of the composer, which undoubtedly stand up to all other popular music composers of that period, who produced the inexhaustible source of musical gems, called "standards" in Jazz. The performances by the duo are all kept in a low key and the improvisation is kept to a minimum, concentrating on the delivery of the melodic contents. Therefore as a Jazz album it is relatively limited, but as an important document of the Polish popular music history and a tribute to the great composer it´s invaluable. The album will surely bring on some nostalgic moments from the older generation of listeners (sadly almost gone) and its primary role is to introduce this wonderful music to the younger generation, which should not forget the tradition, which is so full of musical treasures. Definitely worth investigation! The album was recorded at the excellent Studio Tokarnia and engineered by Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, which of course means that the sound quality is super as always in such case.

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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

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EWA LIPSKA / ZBIGNIEW PREISNER ~ 2016 DOKAD? UNIVERSAL MUSIC POLSKA 602557360660 (Barcode: 602557360660) ~ POLAND ~ Sung Poetry Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is a live recording of a concert, which presents a series of compositions by composer Zbigniew PreisnerFind albums by this artist with texts by poetess Ewa LipskaFind albums by this artist. The music is performed by several vocalists, including Lisa GerrardFind albums by this artist, Edyta KrzemienFind albums by this artist and others, a large mixed choir and many instrumentalists, including pianist Dominik WaniaFind albums by this artist, organist Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, percussionist Slawomir BernyFind albums by this artist and others. Both Lipska and Preisner also contribute spoken / sung parts. The 2CD album presents twenty-two tracks, which are also available on the enclosed DVD. The music, which encompasses Classical, Folkloristic and Popular music elements, offers a form of a contemporary oratorio, but the subject matter is completely secular, and touches on deeply philosophical / political / social matters, which trouble the Polish society, as much today as it did through the ages. Lipska’s tongue, sharp as a razor, is completely ruthless and slaughters holly cows by the dozen, often shockingly “in the face”, which often is the only way to jiggle people out of their lethargy. Preisner’s music fits the “wild” and provocative lyrics perfectly, creating an amalgam of somber, deadly serious atmosphere with seemingly lighter interludes of cabaret-like textures. Of course one can always ponder on the effectiveness of “protesting” in Art, and the realization that even the most talented human beings, like Allen GinsbergFind albums by this artist and the entire Beat Generation, or Bob DylanFind albums by this artist and the entire Protest Generation, or Marek GrechutaFind albums by this artist, or Julian TuwimFind albums by this artist managed to change anything in the long run, prevent wars, social injustice or human stupidity. And yet, the Artists simply must do, what they do, since they just wouldn’t be Artists if they wouldn’t do what they do, hoping that someone will hear what they mean. Overall, this is a monumental stage enterprise, which forces the listener to face a mirror, and which uses an entire arsenal of Cultural armament: music, poetry, spoken word, etc. to make one simple, but powerful statement: “wake up! I consider myself extremely happy to be able to count several of the protagonist of this ambitious masterpiece as my friends. Thank you for the words and the sounds!

Updated: 24/05/2024Posted: 24/05/2024

2CD+DVD 3 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

LORA SZAFRAN ~ EWA DEMARCZYK: INSPIRACJE POLSKIE RADIO 2444 (Barcode: 5905610871109) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is an album by veteran Polish Jazz vocalist Lora SzafranFind albums by this artist, supported by a formidable team of instrumentalists, fronted by pianist / arranger Milosz WoskoFind albums by this artist, drummer Sebastian FrankiewiczFind albums by this artist, bassist Adam KowalewskiFind albums by this artist and others. She also invited three guest: vocalist Aga ZaryanFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Henryk MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist and accordionist Jaroslaw BesterFind albums by this artist, who appear on selected tracks. The album presents ten tracks, all being songs associated with the repertoire of the Polish Diva Ewa DemarczykFind albums by this artist, six of which were composed by the legendary Zygmunt KoniecznyFind albums by this artist, two by Andrzej ZaryckiFind albums by this artist and the remaining two by others. The lyrics are mostly by renown Polish Poets, like Julian TuwimFind albums by this artist and others. Any attempt to touch an icon / legend / idol of the class of Demarczyk is a highly risky and virtually impossible task. Although the new arrangements of these songs, which are taken more into the Jazz environment, rather than the original chanson / theatrical idiom created matchlessly by Demarczyk, the comparisons are inevitable, and sadly come out rather oddly in the ears of anybody familiar with the original. Of course one has to give credit to the new arrangements and the excellent work by the instrumentalists involved, as well as Szafran’s vocal abilities and the throaty coloring of her voice, all of which are truly admirable. Still, the mind does not allow to separate oneself from the deeply seeded impressions and memories of the original. Some things are obviously better left alone… Overall, this is an impressive production / arrangement / execution in every respect, but I am simply too old to let my personal memories be forgotten, which is apparently needed in order to enjoy this album, beyond appreciating the effort. Of course these songs are still absolute treasures of Polish Culture.

Updated: 29/12/2023Posted: 29/12/2023

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