Record Reviews

URSZULA DUDZIAK ~ SORROW IS NOT FOREVER... BUT LOVE IS KEYTONE 726 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 1983 Released: 1986 This is an album by Polish Jazz vocalist Urszula DudziakFind albums by this artist, recorded during two NY sessions with her husband Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist, who plays the lyricon, and a great American team, which includes saxophonist Michael BreckerFind albums by this artist, Brazilian (resident in US) pianist Eliane EliasFind albums by this artist, guitarist Kevin EubanksFind albums by this artist, bassist Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist. On one track another lineup is present, which comprises of Dudziak, saxophonist Bob MalachFind albums by this artist, Ukrainian (resident in US) pianist Vladimir HorunzhyFind albums by this artist, bassist Victor BaileyFind albums by this artist, drummer Omar HakimFind albums by this artist and percussionist Carol SteeleFind albums by this artist. This CD reissue adds two bonus tracks, not included on the original LP, recorded by the second lineup. The album presents eight tracks, four of which are original compositions by Urbaniak, two are by Horunzhy, one is by Eubanks and finally one is by Randy BerndsonFind albums by this artist. On this album Dudziak uses exclusively her brilliant and innovate vocalese, which sets her apart from the mainstream Jazz vocals, as a member of the small and exclusive group of Avant-Garde, mostly female vocal improvisers, together with such sublime vocalists like Lauren Newton, Jeanne Lee, Jay Clayton and others. Although the music is based on strong melodic themes and is mostly Funky / Groove oriented, the vocalese parts remain the focal point. This makes the music accessible to a wide audience, but the vocal parts are still artistically intact. Overall, this is a brilliant example of Dudziak’s magic vocal powers at their best and the album is an important milestone in her discography. Despite the fact that it is now over forty years since it was recorded, it still sounds wonderfully fresh. Although it is not easy to find a copy today, it is definitely worth the effort!

Updated: 12/01/2026Posted: 12/01/2026

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

DAVE HOLLAND ~ EXTENSIONS ECM 1410 (Barcode: 602517758421) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1989 Released: 2008 British bassist / composer Dave HollandFind albums by this artist is undoubtedly one of the greatest Masters of his trade. From his role as a member of the Miles DavisFind albums by this artist ensembles at their most revolutionary transition period through his work with other distinguished Jazz musicians and his work as a leader, Holland emerges as a pillar of stability and inventiveness combined into one Genius. This brilliant album presents Holland in somewhat unusual setting, with a quartet comprising of US musicians: saxophonist Steve ColemanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Kevin EubanksFind albums by this artist and drummer Marvin SmithFind albums by this artist, which means that the music includes a certain measure of Funk, which is not what Holland´s music is associated with normally. However, the leader and the group emerge victorious (as expected), with the music being fresh and artistically perfect, not allowing the Funk to dominate it, but cleverly incorporating it within. Holland, Coleman and Eubanks contribute two compositions each, and this highly spirited and brilliantly played music is a delightful musical experience. Superb stuff!

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

JEAN-LUC PONTY ~ NO ABSOLUTE TIME MPS 4029759181231 (Barcode: 4029759181231) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1992 - 1993 Released: 2023 This is a reissue / remaster of an album by French Jazz violinist / composer Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist, recorded with several African musicians from Cameroon, Senegal and Morocco, as well as American keyboardist Wally MinkoFind albums by this artist. Guitarist Kevin EubanksFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album presents ten tracks, all composed by Ponty. The music is, as expected, an amalgam of beautiful melodies and African rhythms, offering a splendid Jazz-World Fusion atmosphere. Ponty utilizes electronics to multiply the layers of sound he produces, and his violin work is as charming as always. This album, originally released in 1993, is a continuation of the previous album “TchokolaFind albums with this title”, released a couple years earlier, which also included African musicians. Overall, this is a wonderful piece of music, sadly much less popular than the early albums by Ponty, but definitely worth digging out. The new remastered sound quality as absolutely stunning and giving the album another chance is a great idea. If you don’t have a copy from thirty years ago, now is the time!

Updated: 18/08/2023Posted: 18/08/2023

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend