Record Reviews

MARGO ZUBER ~ CISZA SJ 077 (Barcode: 5905489720522) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is the debut album by Polish Jazz vocalist / songwriter Margo ZuberFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded in an unusual setting with the vocalist supported by Hammond organist Kajetan GalasFind albums by this artist, pianist Mateusz PalkaFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz PalkaFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, eight of which are original songs, one composed by Zuber, five co-composed by Zuber and Galas and two composed by Galas, all with lyrics by Zuber. The ninth, a bonus track, is an interpretation of the iconic “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” composed by Charles MingusFind albums by this artist with words by Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist. Despite the fact that Galas is one of my favorite Polish Hammond players and I absolutely love his playing here, and both Mateusz Palka and Grzegorz Palka are excellent and by now very experienced instrumentalists, and together they manage to provide a very interesting and unusual instrumental accompaniment on this album, the rest of it does not work for me. The compositions are way too similar to each other, which makes the album sound samey and flat for the entire duration. The vocal parts have a very limited range, both emotional and musical. There are some touching moments of course, especially the brilliant piano touches, but not enough to support a lasting interest in the music for the entire duration. It is a matter of taste I suppose, but sadly I remained unconvinced, although I did listen to the very end waiting for the bonus track, which sadly wasn’t able to save the day. Overall, despite an honest effort on my side I remain unimpressed, which of course is entirely my fault. I hope to be proven wrong next time and thank everybody for their efforts.

Updated: 25/03/2024Posted: 25/03/2024

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend