Record Reviews

LESZEK KULAKOWSKI ~ POLAND, MY HOMELAND SOLITON 1854 (Barcode: 5903684238545) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2024 Released: 2026 This is an album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader / educator Leszek KulakowskiFind albums by this artist, recorded live by a Jazz sextet led by Kulakowski, with vocalist Magdalena ZawartkoFind albums by this artist, two German guests: saxophonist Peter WenigerFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Christoph TitzFind albums by this artist and a Polish rhythm section comprising of bassist Piotr KulakowskiFind albums by this artist (Leszek’s son) and drummer Jacek PelcFind albums by this artist, side by side with the Symphonic Orchestra Sinfonia BalticaFind albums by this artist, conducted by Adam KlocekFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, which are parts of a “Jazzfonia” which gives the album its title. The music is a beautiful and classic (sic) example of an amalgam between Jazz and Classical Music, masterly put together and, as always, deeply touching. Kulakowski, in his massive recorded legacy, proved time and again that he is a master of harmony and deep Polish melancholy, which on this album reach a momentous peak. The Jazz and Classical forms are naturally interconnected, organically intertwined and perfectly serve the purpose of uplifting the music to a higher plane, with the result being way more than just the sum of its parts. Of course the presence of such elite group of musicians helps tremendously to create such perfect result, and considering the fact that this music was recorded live makes everything even more impressive. The usage of vocalese as an instrument is absolutely perfect for the occasion, and Zawartko proves, as always, to be up to the challenge. Obviously she is perfectly capable of singing lyrics, which she demonstrates on one of the tracks. I have been lucky to spent many hours with Leszek over the years, in various capacities, and I can testify that his dedication to music and aesthetic devotion are always first priority. His deep knowledge of the Classical forms, in addition to his profound Jazz experience, make him a true treasure on the Polish Jazz scene and one of its most important pillars. Thank you, my Friend, for these encounters. Overall, this is truly momentous piece of music, which can (and should) be enjoyed by every music lover the world over, not only Jazz enthusiasts, but every sensitive and profound music connoisseur. This music has much to offer and is certainly way beyond only a one-time happenstance, since every listening session will expose the listener to many previously undiscovered treasures. Respect!

Updated: 03/10/2026Posted: 03/10/2026

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ERIC VLOEIMANS ~ BESTIARIUM CHALLENGE 70038 ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz Recorded: 1996 Released: 1996 This is the second album by Dutch trumpeter Eric VloeimansFind albums by this artist, who is already an established jazz star in Europe with his outstanding abilities as a player and composer to his credit. On this album his Quartet is transformed into a Quintet with the addition of the famous German saxophonist Peter WenigerFind albums by this artist. All music on this album is original by Vloeimans and the performances brilliant all the way.

Updated: 02/10/2020Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend