Record Reviews

SBB ~ FOLLOW MY DREAM GAD 105 (Barcode: 5903068120442) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1977 - 1978 Released: 2019 This is a reissue of the album recorded by the iconic Polish Prog / Fusion band SBBFind albums by this artist (bassist / keyboardist / composer / leader Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist) in West Germany and released on the West German SpiegeleiFind albums on this label label, being their first album released beyond the Iron Curtain. This is also the first album that features lyrics in English language, written or in one case translated from Polish by Pawel BrodowskiFind albums by this artist. One song features English lyrics by Marek MilikFind albums by this artist. The music, as usually composed by Skrzek, presents two extended suites (each on one side of the original LP) this time each separated into four distinct sub-parts. This reissue adds three bonus tracks recorded for Polish Radio, one of which is again an extended suite, another one is a solo (accompanied in the background by synthesizer) bouzouki performance by Anthimos, and yet another one is a solo electric piano performance by Skrzek. Stylistically SBB continue their modus operandi, but slowly depart from their early recordings in several manners: the music is distinctly well behaved, mellow and melodic and it is also heavily dominated by a plethora of synthesizers, which significantly diminish the role of the guitar. Considering the close proximity of the themes Skrzek is continuously creating, the music is definitely losing some of its initial strength and attraction and generally is running out of steam, getting closer to more commercial outings. As a result it was sadly their weakest album to date (at the time). The bonus tracks, however, are much more interesting, with the wonderful bouzouki solo by Anthimos alone being worth the price of this album. Overall this is still an important part of the great SBB legacy, definitely worth revisiting, and of course owning in your collection, simply for the reason that nobody makes music like this today. This album still holds water today and with the bonus tracks is certainly a powerful statement.

Updated: 10/03/2020Posted: 10/03/2020

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend