Record Reviews

RENATA IRSA ~ CZERWONA SPODNICA SOLITON 1190 (Barcode: 5903684231904) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2019 - 2021 Released: 2021 This is the second album by Polish vocalist / songwriter Renata IrsaFind albums by this artist recorded with a spectacular team of Polish Jazz musicians, which include the Atom String QuartetFind albums by this artist, pianists Nikola KolodziejczykFind albums by this artist, Artur JurekFind albums by this artist and Canadian John RoneyFind albums by this artist, bassist Jaroslaw StokowskiFind albums by this artist, drummer Grzegorz LewandowskiFind albums by this artist, guitarists Maciek PyszFind albums by this artist and Krzysztof PaulFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Piotr SzlempoFind albums by this artist and Emil MiszkFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Dariusz HerbaszFind albums by this artist. Actor Miroslaw BakaFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album presents twelve songs, eleven of which are original compositions by Roney (2), Jurek (3), Jurek & Irsa (4) and Miszk (2) and one is a standard. Irsa wrote the lyrics to the original songs, all in Polish except one in English. The album, from the very onset, is absolutely amazing, offering a dazzling amalgam of superbly composed songs and brilliant, highly intelligent, witty and humorous, and above all very personal lyrics, which can hardly be found within the Polish Jazz vocal scene lately. Although Irsa’s lyrics are not poetry per se, at least not formally, I personally think they are, and therefore the album easily falls within my favorite Jazz & Poetry idiom. What is poetry after all if not an expression of deeply personal observations, captured in a frame of words, and these lyrics do exactly that. It is a rare occasion when a collection of songs on an album consists of a coherent continuity, with each of the songs fitting perfectly to the ones preceding and following it, despite the diversity of stylistic approaches and arrangements, but Irsa manages to pull this off as well. There are no weak songs here, and each one seems to be simply irreplaceable. The vocal abilities Irsa displays here are also quite remarkable. She floats somewhere between singing and reciting the lyrics, with every syllable and every word clearly articulated and audible, and the whole always telling a story, which is believable and deeply personal. Well, these are her lyrics after all, and she knows exactly what to do with them. Accompanied by a collection of seasoned Jazz musicians, who know exactly how to play the right notes every time, she does not have to worry about what is happening behind her and is able to concentrate on her vocal parts. Her delivery is often wonderfully “old fashioned”, which is meant as a compliment here, with a close association to cabaret and on stage coquetry, and which is all charming. Combined with the excellent sound quality this album offers, it is an unadulterated piece of joy. Even the album’s elegant artwork and booklet with the lyrics are carefully designed and fit the entire picture perfectly. Overall, this is a wonderful album, exceptionally put together and performed, and a blissful reminder of what Jazz vocals can deliver, when properly done. These songs go directly to the listener’s heart, and are perfect sonic companions for rainy days. Sadly, this is one of the very few Polish Jazz vocal albums released this year that make any sense. Definitely a ray of hope and a superb listening pleasure, which could prove to be a best friend in days of need. Wholehearted recommended of course and hats off Milady for this gift of music!

Updated: 30/12/2021Posted: 30/12/2021

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MARCIN JANEK / EXTRADITION QUINTET ~ MOVIN` ON ALLEGRO 042 (Barcode: 5901157049421) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This is the debut album by Polish Jazz saxophonist / flautist / composer Marcin JanekFind albums by this artist and his Extradition QuintetFind albums by this artist, which also includes trumpeter Piotr SzlempoFind albums by this artist, pianist Dominik KisielFind albums by this artist, bassist Pawel UrowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Maksymilian KreftFind albums by this artist. Veteran Polish Jazz saxophonist and the owner of AllegroFind albums on this label Records, which released this album, Wojciech StaroniewiczFind albums by this artist, guests on one track. The album presents seven original compositions, all by Janek. The music is all within the mainstream modern Jazz idiom, but the level of the compositions and the splendid performances turn it into a most enjoyable listening experience from start to finish. The quintet comprises of a mixed bag of musicians, as far as recording experience is concerned, but the seamless flow and diversity of these players speaks volumes as to the level of the young Polish Jazz scene, which of course is hardly a secret to those familiar with the scene. As already mentioned above, the level of the compositions is the most surprising element on this album, since each and every one of the seven tunes is an immediate candidate for sounding like a Jazz standard, creating a warm feeling of familiarity in the listener’s sub consciousness. The leader offers some passionate soprano saxophone soloing of snake-charming fluidity and no less impressive work on the tenor saxophone. Sadly, he plays the flute sparingly, which is a pity, as this beautiful instrument get sadly very little exposure lately. The rhythm section passes with flying colors, with Kisiel, an already proven charmer, providing excellent harmonic accompaniment, “almost veteran” Urowski is excellent, as always, and Kreft, whom I know from only one previous recording, is certainly a drummer worth watching. Overall this is a heartwarming album, which proves that the Jazz tradition is being well preserved by the young Polish players, and kept up to date with contemporary approach and that the new generation is able to compose wonderful European Jazz, which no inferiority complex. Well done by all of you Gentlemen!

Updated: 03/08/2021Posted: 03/08/2021

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