Record Reviews

MILOSZ BAZARNIK ~ NEW MARKET KLAMKA MUSIC ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is the second album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Milosz BazarnikFind albums by this artist, this time recorded in a quintet setting with saxophonist Krzysztof MatejskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Szymon KozikowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Marek DufekFind albums by this artist and drummer Lukasz GiergielFind albums by this artist. Violinist Stanislaw SlowinskiFind albums by this artist guests on three tracks. The album presents eleven tracks, ten of which are original compositions by the leader and one is an arrangement of a BeatlesFind albums by this artist song. The music was recorded at the excellent Monochrom Studio and engineered by Ignacy GruszeckiFind albums by this artist, with the usual excellent sound quality and clarity. The music is all based on beautiful melodic themes, full of lyricism and melancholy, as appropriate for classic Polish Jazz approach, but perhaps just a tad too “sweat” at times. Nevertheless, it offers a peaceful, relaxed listening experience, which a dreamy atmosphere, which is very enjoyable. The young musicians, who are (to me at least) anonymous so far, show great skills and vigor, as expected on the local scene, and nothing but praise can be said about their performances. The presence of the electric guitar has the usual Fusiony effect, but to be fair it is almost marginal, and the music is not trying to copy the 1970s Fusion tendencies, except for the aural similarity, and therefore manages to avoid that trap. Personally the melodic content of this album is its major forte, as there is not even one weak melody on the entire album (well except for the cover perhaps – just kidding), so it is a composing portfolio first and foremost, which Bazarnik can be proud of. Overall, this is a very pleasant, beautifully put together melodic Jazz album, which should keep many listeners perfectly happy. There is nothing groundbreaking or especially challenging herein, but the remarkable “simplicity” and straightforwardness turn out to be its strong suit. Time for some great heartfelt melodies in the midst of the mayhem that surrounds us all. Well done indeed!

Updated: 13/01/2023Posted: 13/01/2023

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KAHOMA TRIO ~ IN THE WOODS MUST-ART 005 ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is the debut album by the Czech Jazz piano trio, called Kahoma TrioFind albums by this artist, which comprises of pianist Jan KavkaFind albums by this artist, bassist Marek DufekFind albums by this artist and drummer Kamil SlezakFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven original compositions, seven by Kavka, one by Dufek and three co-composed by all three members of the trio. The album was recorded at the splendid Monochrom Studio and engineered by Ignacy GruszeckiFind albums by this artist, with the expected superb sonic quality. The music is based on well-constructed melodic themes, beautifully performed by the trio. The performances are characterized by full cooperation between the trio members, rather than the soloist – rhythm section approach, which is especially effective here. The entire outcome is very delicate, almost fragile, and the extremely slow pace of some of the pieces is almost “painful”, in the best meaning of the word. Kavka was very lucky to find his companions, as they both prove to be not only highly supportive, but also very creative. Dufek plays some of the best bass lines I have heard in a piano trio setting in a long time, absolutely virtuosic and extraordinarily supportive. The long-lasting love affair between Czech Jazz musicians and the bass gets here another extension from the young generation. Slezak keeps mostly very quiet, adding his delicate touches exactly as needed, without trying be pervasive, which is a valued quality. Kavka plays very emotionally, caressing the keyboard with his fingers elegantly and gently, but confidently. Rather than showing off he minimizes the amount of notes played, just enough to articulate the melody and the mood he wishes to convey. Overall, this is a beautiful, classic Jazz piano trio album, one of the best I had the opportunity to hear lately, with the clear “less is more” approach, which is most effective and aesthetically pleasing. Well done, Gentlemen and hope to hear more of your music again soon.

Updated: 01/03/2023Posted: 01/03/2023

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