Record Reviews

ROBERT CZECH / SOUND SMUGGLERS ~ ROBERT CZECH / SOUND SMUGGLERS NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 5096031407135) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2008 Released: 2008 This is an album by Polish Jazz keyboardist / composer Robert CzechFind albums by this artist and his ensemble Sound SmugglersFind albums by this artist, which includes on this album as core members saxophonist Jacek MielcarekFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej PaszekFind albums by this artist and drummer Marek SochackiFind albums by this artist. Many additional musicians participate as guest artists on some of the tracks, including Polish Jazz icons such as bassist Krzysztof ScieranskiFind albums by this artist or vibraphonist Bernard MaseliFind albums by this artist. Czech wrote all the ten compositions included here, one of which also features vocals by Karolina GlazerFind albums by this artist. Stylistically the music is mostly contemporary Fusion, with strong melodic statements and intervals of extended improvisations, all of which are done professionally and spotlessly. Most impressive solos are delivered by guitarist Marek RaduliFind albums by this artist and it´s a pity he is not featured on more tracks. Although there are no innovations or groundbreaking statements here, this is a very well done mainstream Fusion, which should be enjoyed by all Fusion enthusiasts anywhere in the world. This kind of music often very easily crosses over to clichés and pointless doodling, which fortunately is successfully avoided here. Therefore although on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, this is definitely music worthy of being listened to both for its quality and fun value.

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KRZYSZTOF PUMA PIASECKI ~ JAZZ ROCK STANDARDS SOLITON 1458 (Barcode: 5903684234585) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2025 Released: 2025 This is an album by Polish Jazz / Rock guitarist / composer Krzysztof Puma PiaseckiFind albums by this artist, recorded in quartet setting with keyboardist Zdzislaw KalinowskiFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Stan MichalakFind albums by this artist and drummer Jacek PelcFind albums by this artist. Seven guest artist are featured on selected tracks. The album presents twelve tracks, all classic Pop / Rock / Jazz evergreens, which span the entire music rainbow of the 1960s / 1970s, when people like yours truly and Piasecki were young and naïve and music was the absolute center of our universe, completely irrelevant of genre or style, as long as it was true and heartfelt. Who cares if it was The BeatlesFind albums by this artist, The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, Miles DavisFind albums by this artist or John ColtraneFind albums by this artist. One has to admire Piasecki’s ability to apply an original treatment to these classics, which is even more important than his obvious virtuosity. He takes many liberties, which makes the listening to this album a constant quest as to “what else is he going to come up with”, in short an absolute heaven on earth for guitar lovers of all ages and preferences. The sound and vibe tend to be more Rock than Jazz oriented but who cares, when your tushie can’t rest even for a moment. The rhythm section does a splendid job supporting the guitar front, elegantly switching tempi and styles, and the guests, including fellow guitar heroes Marek RaduliFind albums by this artist, Grzegorz SkawinskiFind albums by this artist and Pawel AmbroziakFind albums by this artist, ornament the proceeding with their splendid contributions. The rhythm section carries the music firmly and steadily, which is not a surprise considering the presence of Pelc. Overall, his is a brilliant piece of entertainment and a wonderful homage to the music of our youth. Although accessible to a wide audience, the music is clever, perfectly executed and even manages to be innovative, despite the fact that it was tackled by so many musicians earlier on. There is not an iota of kitsch or cheapness herein, which plagues most of similar projects, and that deserves an honorable “hats off” to you, my Friend and everybody on board – well done indeed!

Updated: 22/05/2025Posted: 22/05/2025

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THREE GENERATIONS TRIO ~ LIVE! IN JAZZ CLUB PINOKIO! GAD 313 (Barcode: 5903068125904) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1992 - 1994 Released: 2024 This is a reissue of an album by the Polish Fusion trio called Three Generations TrioFind albums by this artist, which comprised of guitarist Marek RaduliFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Wojciech PilichowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Zbigniew LewandowskiFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded live and presents eleven tracks, five of which are original compositions by Raduli, one is by Pilichowski and the rest are by other composers. This reissue adds one bonus track from another album by Lewandowski. The trio’s moniker originates due to the age differences between the members, but their performance together finds them completely in sync which each other. Although this album, released privately, was overlooked at the time and disappeared pretty quickly, it is a great example of guitar power trio playing classic Fusion, and this reissue is a welcome occasion for the album to be re-discovered by Fusion fans. Raduli is undoubtedly one of the best Polish guitar players, who sadly never achieved the fame and recognition he deserves. Pilichowski, as heard here, is also a highly talented bassist, but he also almost disappeared from the scene. Lewandowski, who is more associated with the Polish Jazz scene, made occasional reappearances over the time, but again it would have been nice to hear more from him over time. The problem with Fusion is of course, that its musical scope developed rapidly and soon after got stuck in a limbo, which persists to this very day. This means that as far as Fusion is concerned, this album is as actual today as it was at the time it was recorded three decades ago, for good and for bad. Overall, this is still a scorching Fusion album, which for the lovers of the genre and guitar aficionados is as perfect as it gets. The sound quality is great and the trio storms the stage, taking no prisoners. Considering how rare this album was before the reissue, this is quite a celebration. Well done as usual, GADFind albums on this label Records, the champion of Polish recorded music archeology!

Updated: 03/02/2025Posted: 03/02/2025

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VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ TRIBUTE TO ZBIGNIEW JAKUBEK AFRO VIBE 006 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2013 - 2023 Released: 2023 This is a 2CD album paying tribute to Polish Jazz keyboardist / composer / arranger Zbigniew JakubekFind albums by this artist, a prominent figure on the Polish Jazz scene for many decades and member of such ensembles like Walk AwayFind albums by this artist, Young PowerFind albums by this artist and others. Jakubek recorded many albums with the groups he was a member of, as well as a sideman in numerous projects with other top Polish Jazz musicians, but sadly never managed to record a solo album as a leader. Following his death in May 2023, guitarist / composer Marek RaduliFind albums by this artist, who was a close friend of Jakubek, undertook this splendid project to record an album with original music by Jakubek, with the help of many of the musicians Jakubek played with, such as bassists Michal GrottFind albums by this artist, Tomasz GrabowyFind albums by this artist, Robert KubiszynFind albums by this artist and Krzysztof ScieranskiFind albums by this artist, drummers Michal DabrowkaFind albums by this artist, Wojciech FedkowiczFind albums by this artist and Cezary KonradFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Bernard MaseliFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Adam WendtFind albums by this artist, guitarist Damian KuraszFind albums by this artist and others. The album presents ten tracks (five on each CD), nine of which are original compositions of Jakubek and one is composed by Raduli, with lyrics by Bartlomiej SkubiszFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. EskaubeiFind albums by this artist). Seven of the tracks are based on tracks left by Jakubek, recorded as sketches / preparations for his solo album and other sources, two are taken from Walk Away albums and the last one, was written (see above) especially for this album. The music is all brilliantly melodic, with typical Polish melancholy and lyricism, excellently performed by all the participants and offers an excellent sound quality. Raduli’s guitar playing is absolutely sensational and his emotional involvement with this project is evident and his dedication to carry it out is exceptional. Overall, this is a brilliant tribute album to a great musician / composer, warmly remembered by his peers and friends, and the music offers some of the finest guitar oriented Jazz / Fusion music recorded in Poland. For the lovers of the genre, this album is an absolute must, but all Jazz lovers around the world should be able to appreciate the superb compositions by Jakubek and enjoy the music wholeheartedly. Hats off to those who contributed to make this project a reality!

Updated: 09/04/2024Posted: 09/04/2024

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