Record Reviews

ADAM BALDYCH ~ POETRY ACT 9939 (Barcode: 614427993922) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021 This is the seventh album on the prestigious German ACTFind albums on this label label by Polish Jazz violinist / composer Adam BaldychFind albums by this artist recorded with his Polish quintet, which comprises of saxophonist Marek KonarskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Krzysztof DysFind albums by this artist, bassist Michal BaranskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Dawid FortunaFind albums by this artist. Italian Master trumpeter Paolo FresuFind albums by this artist expands the quintet into a sextet. The album presents eleven tracks, ten of which are original compositions by Baldych and one is an arrangement of a song composed by the enigmatic BjorkFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded at the fabulous Monochrom Studio and engineered by Ignacy GruszeckiFind albums by this artist, with the usual exceptional sound quality. Following a dazzling career, which developed over the last decade, Baldych emerges as a pillar of the Polish Jazz violin tradition, joining the ranks of the Giants of the generations that preceded his era. This album sets also Baldych’s status as a composer, perhaps more clearly and distinctly than any of his earlier recordings. The collection of his compositions on this album presents a remarkable stylistic clarity and coherence, which, at least for me, sound completely his own, with specific characteristics, which are now clearly distinguishable. The music is beautifully melancholic, brilliantly melodic and superbly lyrical, following the Polish musical tradition on every level, from Polish Folklore, Classical Music and of course the Polish Jazz tradition. There is an elegant restrain and easy pace inherent in all the pieces, which perhaps is a result of the fact that Baldych does not need to prove anything anymore, as far as his violin virtuosity is concerned, and creating music is his only concern. Despite the fact that the music offers seemingly unrelated pieces, the album sounds remarkably as one aesthetically logical continuum. Although Baldych is surrounded here by first class instrumentalists, the album offers very limited soloing, except for the violin parts of course and occasionally subdued trumpet or saxophone soli. The fact that Fresu agreed to take part in this project, with his personal profile barely audible, speaks highly of his respect towards the essence of the music. Nevertheless, the contributions of all the participants are absolutely brilliant, as expected. Sonically the most surprising accent is a very unusual sound produced by the drums, which sound completely different to what one expects in the Jazz environment. Overall, as someone who had the honor to write the liner notes for Baldych’s debut album more than ten years ago, I feel a great satisfaction as a result of following his career closely and witnessing its splendid progress. The music offers a deeply spiritual sonic experience of rare quality and the album is wholeheartedly recommended as one of the most significant Polish Jazz outings of 2021.

Updated: 11/11/2021Posted: 11/11/2021

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

FRESU / DI CASTRO / TAYLOR ~ CONTOS EGEA 039 (Barcode: 8015948000397) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1993 Released: 1993 This is a beautiful album by the international Jazz trio comprising of Italian trumpeter / composer Paolo FresuFind albums by this artist and bassist / composer Furio Di CastroFind albums by this artist and British pianist / composer John TaylorFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, four by Fresu, three by Di Castro and two by Taylor. The music is delicate and highly melodic / melancholic, totally acoustic and intimate in nature. The three musicians support each other amicably and they all solo extensively, offering truly sublime display of their musicality and brilliant technique. The trio format allows for each and every nuance and note played to be perfectly audible and the magic of the music created together lasts for the entire duration of the album, regardless if the music is played in the trio, duo or solo format at each specific moment. Fresu, one on my personal favorite European trumpeters, is a unique romantic, creating heartbreaking little touches like no other. Taylor was a Genius on unparalleled proportions and every touch of his fingers on the keyboard is a display of Artistry. Di Castro is one of the most imaginative and colorful European bassists. Together the trio perfectly symbolizes the European Jazz aesthetics and sophistication. The album was released on the Italian EGEA label, which is one of several excellent Italian labels, which offer numerous British and British-Italian Jazz recordings, like CAM Jazz and several smaller ones, all of which are worth following for listeners interested in first class European Jazz recordings. Overall, this is a beautiful album, delicate and fragile, full of super interplay between these Master musicians, and although recorded thirty years ago, is completely timeless and sounds exactly as relevant and convincing as it did at the time of its release, and as such is of course wholeheartedly recommended.

Updated: 03/02/2023Posted: 03/02/2023

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

FRESU / GALLIANO / LUNDGREN ~ MARE NOSTRUM ACT 9466 (Barcode: 614427946621) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007 This is an album recorded by three top European Jazz musicians: Italian trumpeter Paolo FresuFind albums by this artist, French accordionist Richard GallianoFind albums by this artist and Swedish pianist Jan LundgrenFind albums by this artist. Together they perform fifteen pieces, three composed by Fresu, four by Galliano, four by Lundgren and of the remaining four two are standards, one is classical piece arranged by Galliano and one a folk tune arranged by Lundgren. All three musicians are revered Jazz virtuosi and have a long career behind them, but on this album the focus is on melody rather than of improvisation. This album is an extreme example of melodic Jazz, which is not very surprising considering that all three participants are considered very melodic players. The choice of material and the way it is played emphasize the sweetness of the melodies and as such marks the album as an extreme case of "commercial" approach to the genre, which in fact proved itself right by the high number of units this album sold and the recording of a second volume with similar musical spirit. It would be very easy to criticize this album for its populism, sellout or even bad taste, but in fact there is basically nothing wrong with this music. Yes it is sweet and sentimental, but it is superbly executed, elegant in its own way and basically even quite entertaining. It certainly popularized the Jazz idiom and brought the names of these superb musicians to the public eye, which might result in the listeners reaching for others, more ambitious albums recorded by them. Even if the music is too sweet and simplistic for some listeners, it is certainly not vulgar nor does it fall to the level of Smooth Jazz or other elevator music creations mostly made in the US. For us, serious Jazz folk, this is a kind of album we give to our Jazz-deaf friends for birthdays and anniversaries, hoping they would come back asking questions and looking for advice.

Updated: 14/08/2016Posted: 14/08/2016

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

PAOLO FRESU ~ 5 ORIGINAL ALBUMS BLUE NOTE 602557224900 (Barcode: 602557224900) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 - 2005 Released: 2016 This Box Set collects reissues of five albums by the iconic Italian trumpeter / composer / bandleader Paolo FresuFind albums by this artist, originally released on the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label between 2005 and 2007. They are: ”KosmopolitiesFind albums with this title“, “P.A.R.T.EFind albums with this title”, “IncantamentoFind albums with this title”, “ThinkingFind albums with this title” and “Rosso, Verde, Giallo E BluFind albums with this title”. The first four albums were recorded in 2004 and the fifth in 2005 by the same quintet, which also includes saxophonist Tino TracannaFind albums by this artist, pianist Roberto CipelliFind albums by this artist, bassist Attillio ZanchiFind albums by this artist and drummer Ettore FioravantiFind albums by this artist. Each of the albums is dedicated to the music composed on one of the quintet members: Cipelli, Zanchi, Tracanna, Fioravanti and Fresu correspondingly. The music is all modern mainstream Jazz oriented, with typical Italian lyricism and highly melodic approach, which never fails to produce brilliant flow and harmony. The performances are also stellar, with Fresu playing his heart out and the quintet swinging superbly. Although Fresu recorded many excellent albums and being incredibly prolific, his recorded legacy is truly enormous. However, these quintet recordings are for me one of his best achievements. I have followed Fresu’s path since his early days and he is definitely one of my favorite Jazz trumpeters, never failing to be graceful and wonderfully creative. Overall, these five albums are absolutely wonderful and present a coherent recording project, which portrays Italian / European mainstream Jazz at its absolute best! Side Note The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty. The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!

Updated: 07/04/2022Posted: 07/04/2022

CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend

ENRICO RAVA / PAOLO FRESU ~ SHADES OF CHET EDEL CONTENT 4029759089025 (Barcode: 4029759089025) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 2013 This is a reissue of a fabulous Italian Jazz album, which pairs the country´s two leading Jazz trumpeters Enrico RavaFind albums by this artist (born 1939) and Paolo FresuFind albums by this artist (born 1961), who represent two generations of the Italian Jazz scene, playing side by side in a quintet setting, which features other Italian Jazz Masters: pianist Stefano BollaniFind albums by this artist, bassist Enzo PietropaoliFind albums by this artist and drummer Roberto GattoFind albums by this artist. Together they perform nine Jazz standards, which were associated with the repertoire performed by the great American trumpeter Chet Baker, who lived in Italy for many years. Although the album is completely straightforward and offers no groundbreaking innovation whatsoever, it is nevertheless a perfect example of beautifully performed mainstream Jazz, which is a faultless encapsulation of everything that this music has to offer. Of course the presence of Rava and Fresu, who belong to the top class of Europe´s trumpeters, is a wonderful bonus, especially when they exchange licks playing simultaneously. This album´s version of "My Funny Valentine", which is the song most often associated with Baker and his tragic life, is simply a timeless classic, but the entire set is remarkable. The true Jazz cognoscenti will of course enjoy the comparison between the two trumpeters, their respective technique and emotional finesse. It also shows that Europeans can play mainstream Jazz as well and often better than their colleagues from across the pond. In short this is trumpet heaven for connoisseurs of Jazz trumpet and a superb tribute to one of the greatest Jazz trumpeters ever, but also a most entertaining piece of music of the highest quality. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 02/04/2016Posted: 02/04/2016

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

GIANLUIGI TROVESI ~ THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE CAM JAZZ 1032 (Barcode: 8052405141378) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 - 2004 Released: 2014 This superb Box Set collects all the recordings by legendary Italian clarinetist / saxophonist / composer / bandleader Gianluigi TrovesiFind albums by this artist released on the Black SaintFind albums on this label, Soul NoteFind albums on this label and Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label labels (the album´s title is a bit misleading in that respect). The set includes nine albums featuring various recordings by Trovesi as a leader and sideman over a span of twenty five years made alongside the top Italian Jazz players active in the 1980s and 1990s and is therefore a superb document of the era. Trovesi, who is today one of the pillars of modern Italian Jazz, started his career in early 1970s, playing first as a member of ensembles led by legendary Italian Jazz Godfathers like Franco CerriFind albums by this artist and Giorgio GasliniFind albums by this artist. From the mid 1970s he recorded dozens of albums as a leader, co-leader, guest and sidemen, becoming one the major forces of Italian and European Jazz. He often cooperates with other European musicians and his unique voice as an instrumentalist, as well as magnificent compositions, are classic examples of the scope and sophistication of European Jazz. Trovesi plays modern Jazz, which often stands on the verge of Free, always challenging the boundaries of the genre, often also including World Music and contemporary Classical influences, as reflected on the albums included here. His ensembles, the most notable of which was the octet featuring two bass players, always included the absolute crème de la crème of the Italian Jazz scene, such as trumpeters Pino MinafraFind albums by this artist, Paolo FresuFind albums by this artist and Enrico RavaFind albums by this artist, pianist Guido ManusardiFind albums by this artist, drummer Furio Di CastriFind albums by this artist and numerous others. This music is an absolute must to all European Jazz enthusiasts, and the fact that it is available again is pure joy. Trovesi is a genius composer and instrumentalist and his legacy is well worth to be preserved and studied by the new generation of Jazz musicians. Remastered, mini-sleeved and with a great bargain price – this Box Set is an absolute must for any serious Jazz collector. Side Note The Italian independent record label Black SaintFind albums on this label was founded by the music critic / author / producer Giacomo PellicciottiFind albums by this artist in 1975. It was taken over by the producer Giovanni BonandriniFind albums by this artist in 1978 and a year later (1979) a sister label, called Soul NoteFind albums on this label, was established. The twin labels were run by Giovanni and later his son Flavio BonandriniFind albums by this artist, until they were sold in 2008 to the Italian KEPACH Music Group, which already owned the CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, and which also bought another Italian independent record label Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label. The mission of the Black Saint / Soul Note labels was to record and document the Free Jazz / Improvised Music / Avant-Garde scene, mostly from the US but also from Europe, which continued between mid 1970s and late 1990s and produced a staggering collection of almost 550 albums recorded by world's most important Jazz innovators active at the time, providing an opportunity to American (mostly Afro-American) musicians, who would have never managed to make these recordings at home, ridden by racism, alienation and closed-mindedness. Without these two labels most of this fantastic human creativity would have been never documented. However, the Black Saint / Soul Note Box Sets produced under the CAM JazzFind albums on this label moniker are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty. These Box Sets have no booklet which presents researched historical background and exact discographical information of the albums included, and most importantly an overview of the music and its meaning and contribution to the Jazz Art form. Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, the information is in most cases too small to be readable at all. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap!

Updated: 05/05/2020Posted:

CD 9 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

WINSTONE / WHEELER / FRESU / TAYLOR / DAMIANI / OXLEY ~ LIVE AT ROCCELLA JONICA SPLASC(H) 508 (Barcode: 716642050821) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1984 Released: 2003 This is a reissue of a rather obscure live recording by a dreamy Anglo-Italian sextet comprising of British vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony OxleyFind albums by this artist and Italian trumpeter Paolo FresuFind albums by this artist and bassist Paolo DamianiFind albums by this artist. Together they perform five original compositions, three by Wheeler (two of which are joined into a medley) and two by Damiani, one of which lasts for over twenty three minutes. The music is typical modern European Jazz, based on solid melodic themes but open to individual interpretations, which are expressed here by the solos performed by all the participants. The melodies are first presented by Winstone using her amazing vocalese statements and then are picked up by the rest of the sextet and subjected to open improvisation. The album is full of wonderful soloing and the double trumpet lineup is especially attractive with Wheeler and Fresu playing in tandem or jointly, creating some truly amazing statements. Taylor as always lays the harmonic background for the music and adds fiery solos on the way and the rhythm section keeps things moving ahead. Oxley´s drumming is definitely one of the most "straightforward" performances of his ever captured on record. Winstone´s neck breaking solos are the absolute highlight of this album and her full power of improvisation and amazing virtuosity are beautifully captured here. The informality of a concert setting and the extraordinary drumming by Oxley, which accompanies her vocal solos come together perfectly. Although the sound quality of the recording, even in this remastered version, is far from perfect, the music is so powerful and unique that the sound imperfections can be easily ignored. Since the sextet came together only once for this specific appearance, the album is a time capsule and a perfect historical document of European Jazz at its best in the mid-1980s. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 13/07/2018Posted: 13/07/2018

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend