Record Reviews

PAWEL ROSAK ~ WHO KNOWS MJM 5273 (Barcode: 5908243452738) ~ POLAND ~ Smooth Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is an album by Polish (resident in Spain) singer / songwriter / multi-instrumentalist Pawel RosakFind albums by this artist, recorded with a stellar lineup of support musicians, including Polish vocal diva Anna Maria JopekFind albums by this artist and bassist Robert KubiszynFind albums by this artist, American saxophonist Gary MeekFind albums by this artist, Brazilian guitarist Oscar Castro NevesFind albums by this artist, British (Scottish) guitarist Hugh BurnsFind albums by this artist, Cuban (resident in US) trumpeter / percussionist Lulo PerezFind albums by this artist and many others. The album presents eight original songs (one repeated twice), all written (in English) and composed by Rosak. The album was recorded in studios in Spain, US, UK and Poland and has a wonderfully warm and crystal clear sound quality. The music has a distinctive Latin / Brazilian feel, with Bossa Nova in the helm. The exquisite melodies are all carefully woven and sound so authentic that nobody would ever be able to guess they were created by a Polish artist, a fact which again proves that music knows absolutely no borders. Although the music is very accessible, it is elegant, intelligent and creative and keeps a highly aesthetic level. The instrumental arrangements are all perfectly suiting the music, emphasizing both the melodic character and the rhythmic vitality. The musicianship is obviously stellar, as can be guessed from the list of participants, but there is no unnecessary showing off by individual musicians, but rather a well balanced group effort to build up the best possible sonic backing to Rosak´s vocals. There are numerous short solos spread all over the album´s tracks of course, which are all little gems, but they don´t try to steal the show. Rosak has a very unique voice, which he uses wisely and effectively. The softness of his voice and his power of expression, both when singing lyrics or vocalizing, is very convincing and captivating and is perfectly suited to the music he creates. Moving between seductive almost whisper to fully evocative singing is one of his many talents. Overall this is a beautiful and highly rewarding album, which offers Bossa Nova and Cuban influenced music, with Jazz arrangements, superbly crafted musically and wonderfully executed by its author and a stellar team. Highly recommended to listeners with a romantic heart that beats a Bossa Nova rhythm. Satisfaction guaranteed. Side Note: Pawel´s and mine paths crossed many years ago in London via a mutual friend, the wonderful saxophonist Chris FrancisFind albums by this artist. We lost contact completely but recently renewed it, again with a little help from Chris, which led Pawel to send me his new album. Friendship is a wonderful power!

Updated: 30/01/2018Posted: 30/01/2018

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