Record Reviews

TOMASZ STANKO ~ FROM THE GREEN HILL ECM 1680 (Barcode: 731454733625) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1998 Released: 1999 Polish trumpeter / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, one of the great Lions of European Jazz, now in his fifth decade of the tireless journey dedicated to discovering uncharted territory. This album, perhaps the most atypical one ever recorded by Stanko so far, presents his music somewhat away from the usual Jazz setting, with strong contemporary Classical and World Music influences. Not only the music, but also the choice of the musicians participating in this recording, is quite different from everything he attempted before. British saxophone Giant John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Argentinean bandoneon player Dino SaluzziFind albums by this artist, American violinist Michelle MakarskiFind albums by this artist, Swedish bassist Anders JorminFind albums by this artist and Norwegian drummer Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist create an amazing amalgam of sounds and musical ventures, travelling along Stanko´s vision. Of the fourteen relatively short pieces on this album nine were composed by Stanko, two by his Mentor Krzysztof Komeda and three by Surman. The overall effect is like a strange and enchanted sound voyage, which moves around the globe oblivious of borders and distances. Although quite demanding and less glamorous than other Stanko albums, it is full of beauty and charm and definitely worthy of admiration, like everything Stanko ever recorded. Superb stuff! Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice Who would have thought that an accordion (OK, bandoneon) could be a major enhancement of a Stanko album or a Surman album? But it is - and Messrs S&S are a fabulous partnership.

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