Record Reviews

ADAM BALDYCH ~ ENDLESS IMAGINAY MUSIC 004 (Barcode: 5905817210053) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2026 Released: 2026 This is an album by Polish violinist / composer / bandleader Adam BaldychFind albums by this artist, recorded with a new quartet, called European QuartetFind albums by this artist, which also includes Italian bandoneonist Daniele di BonaventuraFind albums by this artist, Swedish pianist Jacob KarlzonFind albums by this artist and Jewish, Algerian born and resident in France bassist Michel BenitaFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, all of which are original compositions by Baldych, except one, which is an interpretation of a piece by Erik SatieFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded at the Krzysztof PendereckiFind albums by this artist European Centre for Music, engineered by Mateusz BanasiukFind albums by this artist, and offers an exceptional sound quality and clarity. The album was released on Baldych’s own record label, called Imaginary MusicFind albums on this label. The music is a stunning display of elegance and typical European aesthetic musical values, which is strongly influenced by European Romanticism, obviously displaying Classical Music roots, superbly mixed with contemporary Jazz ambience. In fact, the music is so much in a style of its own, that is completely blurs genre borders, which of course are often artificial anyhow. Baldych displays a remarkable process of maturing, both as a player and composer. I have been following him for the last fifteen years, since he first appeared on the Polish Jazz scene, and his career and recorded legacy clearly show both his extraordinary talent and consistency. His tendency to become a part of the international scene was a very sensible move and provided him with opportunities to meet and learn from the best, and always non-trivial musicians on the European scene, Jazz and beyond. The lineup of this album is a typical example of such unusual meeting, both instrumentally and personally, and puts together a remarkable team of virtuosic performers, which makes every note played herein absolutely perfect. Despite the minimalist approach, with every note carefully placed and restraint being of the outmost importance, the music is full of brilliant compositions and sublime performances by all the participants. It is a perfect balm on our weary ears and souls, and a truly embracing piece of musical Art causing supreme enjoyment, for its entire duration. Overall, this is another giant step in Baldych’s already impressive recording legacy and a truly brilliant piece of music, which offers a long-lasting source of both emotional and intellectual contentment for every music lover the world over, as its values are absolutely universal. A big “thank you”, as always!

Updated: 18/09/2026Posted: 18/09/2026

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

NORMA WINSTONE / MONA LARSEN ~ FREEDOM JAZZ DANCE 3361*BLACK 1016 (Barcode: 4988041007980) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1994 Released: 1995 This is a criminally little known album by the vocal duo of British Jazz Diva Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist and Danish Jazz vocalist Mona LarsenFind albums by this artist. They are accompanied by American (resident in Paris when this album was recorded) pianist Jeff GardnerFind albums by this artist, French (of Algerian origin) bassist Michel BenitaFind albums by this artist and British (also resident in Paris) drummer Steve ArguellesFind albums by this artist. The album, recorded in Paris, presents eight tracks, all Jazz standards, one with lyrics written by Winstone. The album’s focus is on the sublime vocal performances by the duo, which uses the entire available vocal toolbox, which includes singing lyrics, scatting, vocalizing, and more, which the two vocalists perform together in perfect harmony and sync. The accompaniment is very subdued and delicate, as appropriate for the occasion, but perfectly executed. Benita is absolutely brilliant as a collaborator to the vocal parts and is often left alone with the singers, but the piano trio is also head more prominently on some of the tracks. As far as the vocals are concerned, this album is a beautiful example of what modern Jazz vocals are all about and a classic schoolbook example of how they should be treated. The range of the various vocal techniques and collaborative vocal exchanges are simply phenomenal. It took me ages to find a copy of this album, released only in Japan on an obscure Japanese label, but persistence and patience paid up big time, as this is definitely one of the best vocal Jazz album ever, and I have heard a few of those over the years. Simply brilliant and absolutely essential listening!

Updated: 20/06/2021Posted: 20/06/2021

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend