Record Reviews

MICHAL URBANIAK ~ ASK ME NOW STEEPLECHASE 31454 (Barcode: 716043145423) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1998 Released: 1999 This is an album by Polish Jazz violinist / composer Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist, recorded with a trio comprising of American musicians: pianist Jim PryorFind albums by this artist, bassist Dwayne BurnoFind albums by this artist and drummer Billy DrummondFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all of which are standards. This is one of several albums by Urbaniak released on the excellent Danish SteeplechaseFind albums on this label label, owned by Nils WintherFind albums by this artist. Following the dramatic 1970s, which saw Urbaniak revolutionizing the Jazz-Rock Fusion with a series of brilliant albums recorded first in Poland and Germany and later, after his move to the USA recorded there, by the 1980s he returned to play modern mainstream Jazz with his unique touch and style, as documented on this album. He played always with some of the best Jazz musicians, including the famous stint with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, and his feverish creativity resulted in a long series of albums, which featured mostly his excellent compositions. This album is an exception, as it basically presents a violin tribute to Bebop, and includes unique interpretations to many classic Bebop compositions by such Masters as Charlie ParkerFind albums by this artist, Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, Dexter GordonFind albums by this artist and others. The trio accompanies him superbly amicably and their solid backing enables Urbaniak to spread his wings in full. The music just pours out of the violin straight to the listener’s heart. Overall, following Urbaniak’s unexpected recent departure, this is a splendid opportunity to enjoy one of his less known albums, which offers some truly unique performances. Thank you, Maestro, for the six decades of music, which you shared with us, and for which we are grateful.

Updated: 01/01/2026Posted: 01/01/2026

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MICHAL URBANIAK ~ TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY HEART STEEPLECHASE 31195 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1984 Released: 1986 This is a reissue of an album by Polish Jazz violinist / composer Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist, recorded with a trio comprising of American (resident in Denmark) pianist Horace ParlanFind albums by this artist and Danish bassist Jesper LundgaardFind albums by this artist and drummer Aage TanggaardFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, seven of which are original compositions by Urbaniak, one is by Polish Jazz pianist / composer Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist and two are standards. This CD reissue adds one bonus track not included on the original LP release. This is one of several albums by Urbaniak released on the excellent Danish SteeplechaseFind albums on this label label, owned by Nils WintherFind albums by this artist. Following the dramatic 1970s, which saw Urbaniak revolutionizing the Jazz-Rock Fusion with a series of brilliant albums recorded first in Poland and Germany and later, after his move to the USA recorded there, by the 1980s he returned to play modern mainstream Jazz with his unique touch and style, as documented on this album. He played always with some of the best Jazz musicians, including the famous stint with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, and his feverish creativity resulted in a long series of albums, which featured mostly his excellent compositions. The music often echoes the Polish folkloristic sources, which were always deeply imbedded in his music, and his unique approach to the violin always sounded exceptional and completely original. The trio accompanies him amicably and their solid backing enables Urbaniak to spread his wings in full. The music just pours out of the violin straight to the listener’s heart. Overall, following Urbaniak’s unexpected recent departure, this is a splendid opportunity to enjoy one of his less known albums, which offers some truly unique performances. Thank you, Maestro, for the six decades of music, which you shared with us, and for which we are grateful.

Updated: 29/12/2025Posted: 29/12/2025

CD 1 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend