Record Reviews

DZAMBLE ~ KAZDY MARZY KAZDY SNI GAD 063 (Barcode: 5901549197860) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion Recorded: 1979 Released: 2017 This is an archival release of radio recordings by the excellent Polish group DzambleFind albums by this artist. These recordings were done by the last incarnation of the group, which included the charismatic vocalist / saxophonist Andrzej ZauchaFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Ryszard KwasniewskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Wieslaw WilczkiewiczFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Stefan SendeckiFind albums by this artist, bassist Marian PawlikFind albums by this artist and drummer Benedykt RadeckiFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine songs, five of which are originals composed by Sendecki, Pawlik and Wilczkiewicz, two are composed by the prolific Polish composer Jacek MikulaFind albums by this artist and another two are arrangements of Pop songs (sung in English). Two of these recordings are previously unreleased, six were released as singles and one was released in a compilation set only. The music is a wonderful amalgam of Pop / Rock / Groove / Funk / Jazz, which still sounds great as if untouched by time. All the instrumentalists are experienced and highly skilled players and the album sparks with ideas and excellent solo parts. Zaucha´s vocals are absolutely marvelous and his Jazz and Rock experience is of course quite evident here. Considering the fact that the group released only one studio album, eight years before this material was recorded, and the fact that Zaucha was tragically killed some years after these recordings, the material included here is a goldmine of excitement for many of the group´s and Zaucha´s followers. The recordings have an excellent sound quality and the album includes intelligent liner notes with historical background information about the group and the circumstances of the recording sessions. As usual thanks are due to GADFind albums on this label Records for bringing this music back to circulation.

Updated: 13/02/2020Posted: 29/01/2018

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MARIAN PAWLIK ~ OLD BASS LINE NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 5907222318409) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 This is the debut album as a leader by veteran Polish bassist / composer Marian PawlikFind albums by this artist, renowned as a member of the legendary Polish Jazz-Rock ensemble DzambleFind albums by this artist, which recorded just one cult album "Wolanie O Slonce Nad SwiatemFind albums with this title". This album, recorded in a quartet setting, finds Pawlik in the company of the young generation Polish Jazz players: pianist Kuba PluzekFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Bartlomiej NoszkaFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal HellerFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, five of which are originals: two by Pawlik and three by Pluzek and four are by celebrated Jazz bassists: two by Paul ChambersFind albums by this artist and one each by Ron CarterFind albums by this artist and Oscar PettifordFind albums by this artist. The music was excellently recorded and the up-front bass presence is a delight to the many enthusiast of the instrument. As the album´s title suggests, it is primarily a tribute to the double bass, its heroes and history, and as a result the music is mostly within the boundaries of American Bebop tradition, albeit the majority of it was composed by the Polish members of the quartet. There is no doubt that the three compositions by Pluzek are the most interesting musical endeavors, even if they are still closely related to the Bebop spirit, as they offer typical twists and turns Pluzek often employs in his compositions, which make the cognoscenti smile. The music is executed perfectly, with a lot of soloing space offered to the leader, who obviously displays first-class technique and feel for the music. Noszka and Pluzek solo extensively as well, always according to what is expected in this kind of music. Heller keeps the time like clockwork and stays mostly in the shadows. Personally I find this kind of music uninteresting, but listeners who still listen to Bebop should be able to enjoy this music and since this is an opportunity to listen to a legendary musician still in great form, it is a source of joy.

Updated: 10/12/2018Posted: 10/12/2018

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend