Record Reviews

MUZYCZNA SPOLKA AKCYJNA 1111 ~ AUTOPORTRET X GAD 049 (Barcode: 5901549197648) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1975 - 2005 Released: 2016 This is an archival album presenting material recorded by an excellent but sadly short-lived Polish Jazz-Rock Fusion band Muzyczna Spolka Akcyjna 1111Find albums by this artist, which consisted of guitarist Janusz KonefalFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Wojciech JaworskiFind albums by this artist or Zbigniew SzubaFind albums by this artist, bassists Maciej RodaFind albums by this artist or Mieczyslaw JureckiFind albums by this artist and drummer Leszek ChalimoniukFind albums by this artist. The material originates from two radio sessions recorded a couple of years apart (1975 and 1977), which produced seven tracks and a live performance at the Jazz Nad Odra Festival from 1977, which produced two tracks and finally a studio session recorded by a attempted comeback lineup of the band in 2005, which produced one track. Overall the album presents nine original compositions (one composition appears twice, in live and in studio version), eight of which were composed by Konefal and one by Szuba. Both the music and the execution are truly excellent from start to finish and the album is a hidden gem of Polish Fusion, which finally is able to reach a wider audience. Although the live tracks were released on vinyl at the time, they are long lost and with the addition of the radio and studio recordings this album finally pays proper homage to this splendid group. The music is very melodic and presents well written themes, which are ideal vehicles for the improvisations by the group members. The rhythm section supports the guitar and keyboards solos amicably and the music moves forward elegantly and intelligently, which is typical of European Fusion bands, which put sophistication and harmonic complexity ahead of flashy instrumental show-off. This is another superb discovery bestowed upon the Polish music lovers by the splendid GADFind albums on this label Records label, which manages time after time to uncover hidden treasures, which are all more than worthy to be available to the wide public. Considering the superb quality of the music and the great sound quality, this album is an absolute gem!

Updated: 21/03/2017Posted: 20/03/2017

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

SPISEK ~ SPISEK GAD 065 (Barcode: 5901549197884) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 1977 - 1978 Released: 2017 This is an archival release collecting previously unreleased radio recordings by the short lived Polish Funk / Jazz-Rock Fusion group SpisekFind albums by this artist, which consisted of saxophonist Stanislaw WinskiFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Leszek PaszkoFind albums by this artist and Andrzej DieringFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Janusz GoralskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jacek KrzaklewskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Mieczyslaw JureckiFind albums by this artist and drummer Leszek ChalimoniukFind albums by this artist. On three tracks they are fronted by the charismatic vocalist Krzysztof CugowskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, six of which were written by the group members (three each by Winski and Paszko) and three come from outside of the group. Spisek originated in the early 1970s as the Jazz-Rock Fusion group Spisek SzesciuFind albums by this artist (Complot Of SixFind albums by this artist) founded by Winski, and over the years it incorporated or contributed members to the leading Polish bands of the time, like Alex BandFind albums by this artist, PerfectFind albums by this artist, Budka SufleraFind albums by this artist and Porter BandFind albums by this artist. The group never recorded an album and these radio recordings are the only legacy they left. The music is a wonderful amalgam of Brass-Rock, Funk and Jazz-Rock Fusion, sparkling with superb musicianship and excellently crafted music. The brass section and the rhythm sections sound as good as any American or European groups at the time, and they present many unique Polish hooks. For Brass-Rock and Funky Jazz-Rock of the 1970s this album is an absolute revelation, which lost absolutely nothing of its power and ingenuity over the years. Considering that this music is available on record for the first time should make it very interesting to collectors worldwide! As usual our thanks go to the terrific team of GADFind albums on this label Records for making this music available, and liberating it from oblivion. Hats off!

Updated: 02/02/2018Posted: 01/02/2018

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend