Record Reviews

STUDIO S-1 / TRZASKOWSKI / STANKO ~ WSTEP WZBRONIONY POLSKIE RADIO 2503 (Barcode: 5905610875220) ~ POLAND ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1976 - 1981 Released: 2025 This is an archival album, compiled from the Polish Radio vaults by Adam DomagalaFind albums by this artist, which collects six recordings by the Polish Radio and TV Orchestra Studio S-1Find albums by this artist, directed by pianist / composer / arranger Andrzej TrzaskowskiFind albums by this artist, originally recorded between 1976 and 1981. Legendary trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, who was a member of the Orchestra, is featured prominently. Guests include saxophonist Henryk MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist, guitarist Winicjusz ChrostFind albums by this artist and the Sun ShipFind albums by this artist quintet, led by pianist / composer Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist. The Orchestra was de facto a fully-fledged Jazz Big Band, which provided a steady income and homey atmosphere to many of the best Polish Jazz musicians active at the time. The music performed comprised mostly of originals composed by the Orchestra members, but sometimes compositions by prominent American Jazz composers were also included in the repertoire, like the Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist tune featured on this album. The music, albeit seemingly on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, offers some highly sophisticated and no less importantly splendidly recorded Polish Jazz music, which is a delightful listening experience. Hopefully Domagala’s diligence, patience and passion will result in many more similar archival finds in the near future. The Orchestra was just one of many state owned institutions, which provided opportunities for Polish Musicians / Artists / Intellectuals / Writers / Actors, etc. to make a living during the harsh economic times under the Socialistic regime, which enabled Polish Culture to flourish in an “open” underground Culture. In many respects these were, in retrospect, some of the most productive times for Polish Culture. Overall, this is an absolutely splendid album of Jazz Big Band music, beautifully composed / arranged / performed and recorded, which is a great pleasure to listen to, in addition to its historical value. For Polish / East European Jazz connoisseurs, this is of course a must!

Updated: 29/11/2025Posted: 29/11/2025

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