Record Reviews

JAKUB KLIMIUK QUINTET ~ (UN)BALANCED NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 198500118957) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is the debut full album (an EP was released in 2022) by Polish (resident in London) Jazz guitarist / composer Jakub KlimiukFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with British saxophonist Simeon MayFind albums by this artist, pianist Cody MossFind albums by this artist, bassist Harry PearceFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. KinzanFind albums by this artist) and drummer Adam MerrellFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Mark LockheartFind albums by this artist guests on a couple of tracks. The album presents twelve tracks, all original compositions by the leader. The music is based on solid, mostly very melodic themes, and floats between mainstream Jazz and sophisticated Fusion, which is pretty natural for guitar led projects. All the participants are well educated, excellent performers, which is evident throughout the album. The album offers seven full-length compositions and five short pieces, performed in solo or duo setting by the quintet members and called “Studies”. I would have loved to hear more soloing by the pianist, who is less prominently featured, but that’s just a whim. The music combines two somewhat different musical directions, with the saxophone parts representing the modern Jazz tendencies, which are more open, and the guitar, which has a somewhat Fusiony tendency, which is more tight and melodic. That balance works very well and results in a diverse and interesting listening experience. Overall, this is an excellent debut effort, which offers excellent original compositions and splendid instrumental work by the musicians involved, which results in a well-balanced and pleasant musical journey. Highly recommended and worth keeping an eye on in the future!

Updated: 22/05/2024Posted: 22/05/2024

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

JOHN PARRICELLI ~ ALBA PROVOCATEUR 1021 (Barcode: 5038491102120) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 2000 British guitarist / composer John ParricelliFind albums by this artist ranks amongst the most respected players on the contemporary British Jazz scene. His work with Andy SheppardFind albums by this artist and Colin TownsFind albums by this artist (also on the ProvocateurFind albums on this label label) shows his versatility and technical skills, but this, his debut album as a leader, focuses the attention on his compositional skills. All the music on this album was composed by him and is performed by an excellent quartet, featuring Mark LockheartFind albums by this artist on saxophone, Dudley PhillipsFind albums by this artist on bass and Martin FranceFind albums by this artist on drums. Stylistically the album moves across a wide spectrum of contemporary Jazz, from up-tempo Fusion oriented tunes to slow dreamy ballads. Some World Music influences are also apparent. Parricelli plays with gusto and obvious sensitivity. People who like Pat MethenyFind albums by this artist (not that Parricelli is copying Metheny in any way) will love this album, and all Jazz guitar lovers should find it interesting. Definitely worth investigating.

CD 1 HDCD Recommend To A Friend

PRINTMAKERS ~ WESTERLY BASHO 46 (Barcode: 832929004629) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2015 This is a beautiful debut album by the British Jazz ensemble The PrintmakersFind albums by this artist, which comprises of top Jazz musicians spanning several generations: the wonderful vocalist / lyricist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, pianist / composer Nikki IlesFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Mark LockheartFind albums by this artist, guitarist Mike WalkerFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve WattsFind albums by this artist and drummer James MaddrenFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tunes, three of which were composed by Iles with lyrics by Winstone, two with music by Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist and lyrics by Winstone, one tune each composed by John TaylorFind albums by this artist and Iles, both without lyrics, a song by Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist and finally two are the ensemble´s interpretations of familiar Pop songs, one each by Paul SimonFind albums by this artist and Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live in a room of a country house and offers superb sound quality. The album is dedicated to the memory of the great Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist. The music is everything one might expect from this formidable lineup: superb vocals and excellent playing from start to finish, elegant, somewhat restrained and always exactly with the right dose of emotional involvement and professional musicality. There is an obvious affinity and respect between the participants and a harmonious teamwork, which truly pays off. On the two tunes that do not feature lyrics, Winstone performs her fabulous vocalese parts, which are her trademark since many years. There is plenty of opportunity for great solo parts by Lockheart, Iles and Walker, and the rhythm section keeps the music flowing gently but precisely in time and in perfect harmony. Although the entire album is characterized by a relaxed, calm atmosphere, the music is rich and full of intrinsic vitality. Stylistically one might consider this to be "mainstream Jazz", but this music has absolutely nothing in common with the American version of mainstream Jazz, which of course is all for the best. It is great to see Winstone active and at full power, as if for her time is standing absolutely still. Having enjoyed her work for five decades, I can say that her music making is a safe heaven of good taste and aesthetic excellence, one of a very few of such kind. This album is relatively little known by Jazz connoisseurs, and therefore it is wholeheartedly recommended to all true music lovers and British Jazz enthusiasts to grab a copy as long as it is still in circulation.

Updated: 29/05/2018Posted: 29/05/2018

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend