Record Reviews
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  | MARIUSZ SMOLINSKI ~ 10 MINUTES LATER
NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020
This is the debut album by young Polish keyboardist / composer Mariusz SmolinskiFind albums by this artist recorded in a trio format with bassist Bartosz KuczFind albums by this artist and drummer Piotr BudniakFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Smolinski.
The music is all strictly melody based mainstream Jazz / Fusion, with a distinct retro feel reminiscent of Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist 1970s / 1980s recordings, constantly moving on the border between Jazz and Fusion. Smolinski plays both acoustic piano and the Fender Rhodes (or synthesizer), which naturally swing the mood between the Jazz and Fusion idioms. Kucz plays a distinct Fusion oriented electric bass whereas Budniak´s drumming is more Jazz oriented, which again emphasizes the stylistic dichotomy of the album.
The compositions are all solid and well structured, the ballads being typically drenched in Polish melancholy and for me stronger than the up-tempo numbers, with have less distinct character. But all in all the music is certainly very well crafted and offers a pleasant experience to a wide range of listeners.
The performances are all first class, as usual with the young and well schooled Polish Jazz musicians. Smolinski has what it takes to play a wide range of stylistic nuances, sounding confident and sparkling. Kucz gets a lot of exposure and soloing opportunities, and his bass work is truly inspiring, with a wonderful fretless sound and fluidity. His contributions on this album are an essential part of the entire result and for Fusion bass lovers are probably the focus of interest. Budniak, who is a frequent participant in on the Polish Jazz / Fusion recording scene, is as precise and inspiring as always.
Overall this is an excellent debut effort, which shows potential and professionalism of the leader in this early stage of his career. Smolinski needs to find his personal voice and style in time, which will surely happen very quickly based on the rapid development displayed by the young generation of Polish Jazz players, and I´m already curious to hear his sophomore effort.
| | Updated: 14/10/2020Posted: 14/10/2020 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MARIUSZ SMOLINSKI ~ MYSLIWSKI NA GLOS
NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz & Poetry
Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024
This is the 2nd album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Mariusz SmolinskiFind albums by this artist, recorded again in a classic piano trio setting with bass guitarist Bartosz KuczFind albums by this artist and drummer Piotr BudniakFind albums by this artist. Cornet player Artur MajewskiFind albums by this artist guests on one track. Two speakers recite fragments from three novels written by Polish author Wieslaw MysliwskiFind albums by this artist at the start of each of the six tracks, which remain title-less, all composed by Smolinski and inspired by Mysliwski’s works. Although not strictly a “Jazz & Poetry” project, this album is close enough to belong to the category.
In contrast to the debut album, this recording presents straightforward Jazz played on acoustic piano, and the only “link” to the Fusiony debut is the sound of the electric bass guitar. The compositions are also way more advanced and offer a beautiful melodic themes, full of typical Polish lyricism, excellently weaved and obviously inspired.
The trio performances are also absolutely perfect and the presence of the electric bass guitar is refreshing and ornaments the music structurally and rhythmically, with obvious technique and feel. Smolinski plays with confidence, without any excessive soloing, which would have been out of place in this delicate lyrical environment. Budniak is also perfect for the job, precise, inventive and most importantly supportive.
Overall, this is a wonderful piano trio album, which should keep Jazz lovers around the globe perfectly happy. This is pure Jazz, completely devoid of fleshy exhibitionism and pretenses. The Polish texts are kept to a minimum, and should not disturb listeners, who do not speak the language, and are a nice spicing for those who do. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 29/01/2025Posted: 29/01/2025 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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