Record Reviews

LIGHT COORPORATION ~ ABOUT RER LC03 ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the third (in three years) album by Polish Progressive Rock / Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble Light CoorporationFind albums by this artist, founded and led by guitarist / composer Mariusz SobanskiFind albums by this artist. The ensemble is expanded to include twelve musicians, which more then doubles its size on their two earlier albums, and includes members from the earlier versions of the ensemble, like saxophonists Pawel RogozaFind albums by this artist, Michal PijewskiFind albums by this artist and Michal FetlerFind albums by this artist, violinist Robert BielakFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Marcin SzczesnyFind albums by this artist, bassist Tom StrukFind albums by this artist and drummer Milosz KrauzFind albums by this artist, as well as others who play here for the first time. They perform ten original compositions, all by Sobanski, who also arranged it. The album was again released on the prestigious British ReRFind albums on this label label, which stays faithful to its Artists. Musically this album shows yet another step forward for the group, which keeps changing like a chameleon, and yet retains a specific sound and feel, which by now are certainly their own. There is a shift from the earlier Prog and Ambient tendencies towards more Jazzy influences, which of course are emphasized by the expanded brass section and the appropriate arrangements. There is more of typical Jazz improvisation here, although rhythmically the music is still very much Rock based. The music is dark and moody as on the earlier albums, but also Funky and swinging at the same time. It appears that the ensemble is able to re-invent itself anew on every album, which is truly impressive. One can only hope that this can be repeated in the future. By now it is pretty obvious that Sobanski is a major force on the Polish music scene, which should not be ignored or dismissed haphazardly. He has proved not only his talents as player / composer / arranger but also as innovator and visionary, with a burning desire to create and develop further. His restlessness is a blessing and hopefully the harsh reality will not be able to block his creative powers. Having done a remarkable job third time in a row he truly deserves both recognition and support. This is the kind of music, which keeps my faith in aesthetics, intelligence and creativity in a world full of superficiality, banality and zero values. As already stated in my reviews of the two earlier albums, the music of Light Coorporation fails every attempt of categorization, since it is so original and unconventional on one hand and so encompassing on the other. As a result there should be something for everybody herein, regardless if the listener comes from Prog, Jazz or even contemporary Classical fields. This is simply great music, and as such needs no particular encouragement to be listened to. Just grab a copy of the album and listen – satisfaction guaranteed!

Updated: 31/03/2018Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

LIGHT COORPORATION ~ ALIENS FROM PLANET EARTH RER LC02 ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012 The recording of a second album is a pivotal moment for every ensemble; a process, which often foretells if that particular group of musicians has a lasting momentum and creative power to re-invent itself time after time and remain relevant and artistically significant in the long term. There are endless examples of one-time creative outbursts, which result in brilliant music, but only a miniscule proportion of these develop into a lasting source of inventiveness, which withstands the tides of time. This, the second album by Polish ensemble Light CoorporationFind albums by this artist, is therefore a litmus paper of sorts, by which the future of this group can be predicted, bearing in mind of course that prophesy was given the fools. The group underwent some personnel changes since the release of their stunning debut album "Rare DialectFind albums with this title" a year earlier and comprises now of leader / founder guitarist / composer Mariusz SobanskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Pawel RogozaFind albums by this artist, violinist Robert BielakFind albums by this artist, bassist Krzysztof WaskiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Milosz KrauzFind albums by this artist. Of the eight compositions present on the album (there is also a "hidden" ninth track), two are credited to the leader and the remaining six are group compositions, indicating that most of the music is improvised. The fact that the music was recorded live in an Art Gallery, capturing the wonderful ambience of the room, is yet another indication as to the highly improvised nature of the music herein. The music itself is quite different from what we can hear on the debut album, which points out that the group is not trying to find a formula, which can then be repeated, but keeps searching, which is probably the essence of all Art. Although the music consistently defies all efforts to be neatly categorized, or even described for that matter, it is quite clear that it moves more towards ambient improvised music, in which sounds become as important as notes in traditional music, even if the sounds are produced by traditional acoustic instruments, sometimes electronically amplified and modified with the use of delay and other effects. The overall effect is completely novel and deadly effective, creating sonic tension of incredible intensity and emotional potency. In many respects this album moves away from the direct relations with the sources of this music, like RIO, Zeuhl and Jazz, which were still very much noticeable on the debut album, clearly trying to establish a self-determined (sound-wise) identity. At times, when most music is sadly being reduced to repetitious mechanical dribble, originality and creativity, which are the underlying principles of this music, is so much more important and worthy of admiration and support. Sobanski and his cohorts might as well be "aliens from planet earth", as their music is so far removed from the dreaded mainstream so-called music as planet earth from other galaxies. In fact this might even suggest that Poland is a favorite place of residence of many other musical "aliens", judging by the incredible music scene, which produces these days more original and highly innovative music than most other places on our planet. As to the original question about the "second album trial", the answer is one big "passed with honors". Congratulations are in order, and of course a wholehearted recommendation to every intelligent and adventurous music lover (few of those are still remaining on this planet), to grab this immediately and put it on "repeat" at once. There will be no regrets!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

LIGHT COORPORATION ~ RARE DIALECT RER LC01 ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 This debut album by Polish ensemble Light CoorporationFind albums by this artist is a stunning revelation of musical genius present among the new generation of European musicians. Led by guitarist / composer Mariusz SobanskiFind albums by this artist, who composed all the music, the ensemble also includes saxophonists Michal FetlerFind albums by this artist (baritone and alto) and Michal PijewskiFind albums by this artist (tenor), violinist Robert BielakFind albums by this artist, bassist Tom StrukFind albums by this artist (fretless bass) and drummer Milosz KrauzFind albums by this artist. Keyboardist Marcin SzczesnyFind albums by this artist sits in as a guest musician. The music is a completely unique brand of RIO / Avant-Garde Prog, which is deeply rooted in the beginning of the movement (Henry CowFind albums by this artist) but successfully updated to contemporary standards, both sonically and conceptually. Superbly matched and combined acoustic sounds of the reeds and electronic distortion from the guitar and keyboards, hypnotic rhythmic patters (similar to the Zeuhl movement) and dark melodic vistas create an overwhelming effect, which is completely fresh and unparalleled. Considering the fact that these are very young individuals and this is their debut recording one must wander about the possibilities of these gifted musicians in the future. No wander the prestigious ReRFind albums on this label label released this album worldwide, especially since this kind of material suits their catalogue as a glove. On the band´s site we can learn that their performances are usually accompanied by screening of video material, which seems highly appropriate, as this music has a very strong atmospheric / ambient content as well, which is usually ideal to be combined with visual material. But listening "only" to the music is also an immensely powerful and invigorating experience of rare magnificence and depth. I listened to the album for three consecutive times, being completely enchanted by it. I´m pretty sure the same will happen to most of the listeners. Of course such music requires repeated listening sessions to be discovered and uncovered in depth – as all great music does. It is rather obvious that this music is well beyond being recommended – it would (literally) be a crime if any serious music lover, regardless is he´s a Prog or Jazz or RIO or Zeuhl fan if he was to miss this album! Such gems are so rare, that we must make everything in our power to make the world listen, especially since I can´t recall hearing such great music in a very long time! This is a brilliant piece of intelligent music - chapeau Mariusz & co.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Gold Recommend To A Friend

QUESTION MARK ~ EXSESSIONS RG 105 (Barcode: 002018111112) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is an album by Polish Progressive Rock / Jazz-Rock Fusion group Question MarkFind albums by this artist, led by guitarist / composer Boguslaw RaatzFind albums by this artist, which also includes violinist Robert BielakFind albums by this artist, bassist Jacek DolegaFind albums by this artist and drummer Marek MatuszewskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen compositions, six of which are main extended pieces and the other seven are shorter connecting pieces, which are intertwined around the main pieces and together they all present a musical continuum. The music was co-composed by the group members (five of the main pieces), or co-composed by Raatz and Bielak (six of the connecting pieces) and the remaining two pieces were composed by Raatz. The album is beautifully packaged in an elegant metal case. The music is different from the earlier material recorded by the group and has a distinct industrial / minimalist / ambient sound and feel, where the extended improvisations are developing over a steady drone like rhythmic pattern and the guitar and violin sound more like a synthesizers. The metamorphosis is quite dramatic and if not for the name on the packaging, the connection to the earlier recordings would have been difficult to recognize. Regardless of the change of direction, the music is again very impressive and fascinating. The improvisations are well structured and enable the listener to enter a trance like state of intensive listening. It is rare to see a group to undertake such a bold direction change and keep the level of musicianship unchanged, achieving such a thrilling result. With this new direction the music might find a new audience, perhaps a bit younger, than the traditional Prog / Fusion fans, which are sadly mostly quite advanced in their years. But all open-minded music connoisseurs should be able to develop an affinity to this music, as it as much challenging as it is rewarding. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 17/02/2019Posted: 17/02/2019

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

QUESTION MARK ~ LA TERRA ROSA QM 003 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This is an album by Polish Progressive Rock / Jazz-Rock Fusion group Question MarkFind albums by this artist, led by guitarist / composer Boguslaw RaatzFind albums by this artist, which also includes violinist Robert BielakFind albums by this artist, Russian keyboardist Michael OgorodovFind albums by this artist, bassist Jacek DolegaFind albums by this artist and drummer Marek MatuszewskiFind albums by this artist. Flautist Timothy SanfordFind albums by this artist guests on a couple of tracks and vocalist Jaroslaw PijarowskiFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album presents a fourteen-part suite, composed by the participating musicians. The music is beautifully put together, combining superb melodic themes with Funk, Groove and World Music, which overwhelms the listener with its passionate execution. The consecutive parts of the suite are intertwined by solo violin parts called "impressions", creating a wonderful flow of the entire piece, which has no dull moments whatsoever. The group uses a rich palette of sounds and instruments to create an ever-changing tapestry of sound, which is coherent and perfectly balanced. All the musicians involved are first rate instrumentalist of superb technical skills, but Raatz manages to create a barrage of guitar virtuosity which should leave the listeners completely stunned. His proficiency and technique are truly extraordinary and his musicality is profound. He manages to shun all gimmickry and show off, simply playing his heart out. The rhythm section kicks ass and has a great feel of pulse. The violinist pulls some virtuosic stunts of his own. Together they simply fly! Overall this is an amazing album, which was sadly overlooked at the time of its release. With contemporary Prog and Fusion being almost completely lifeless, this album shows that not everything is lost yet. Both Prog and Fusion connoisseurs should be able to enjoy this album to the max and hopefully it will be discovered worldwide, as the group honestly deserves to be heard. Guitar freaks – prepare to weep!

Updated: 17/02/2019Posted: 17/02/2019

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

QUESTION MARK ~ LABORATORY QM 002 (Barcode: 5901448276925) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010 This is an album by Polish Progressive Rock / Jazz-Rock Fusion trio Question MarkFind albums by this artist, led by guitarist Boguslaw RaatzFind albums by this artist and including also bassist Jacek DolegaFind albums by this artist and drummer Marek MatuszewskiFind albums by this artist. Violinist / guitarist Robert BielakFind albums by this artist guests on most of the tracks and the legendary trumpeter Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album presents twelve original instrumental compositions by the trio members, three of which are three-part mini suites. The music introduces some basic themes, which are then used as basis for extended instrumental improvisations, mostly by guitar and violin. The violin improvisations are more Jazz / Fusion oriented and the guitar improvisations are more Prog oriented, so the album is overall quite diverse and multifaceted. The rhythm section is very Rock oriented, which sets the rhythmic patters somewhat towards Heavy Rock, but not overwhelmingly so, which still leaves the instrumental improvisation to be the center of this music. The track with Przybielski is of course outstanding and one can only regret that the entire album was not recorder with him, which would have turned it into a remarkable album. But at least we can hear the amazing trumpet work on one track, which of course is good enough reason to have this album. Przybielski had the chameleonic ability to feel completely at ease in any musical environment, from extreme Avant-Garde to commercial Pop, and Fusion / Rock suited him as well as anything else, which is evident here. The violin work is also quite impressive and people interested in Fusion violin sound should find this album fascinating as well. This album is pretty obscure even on the Polish scene, so perhaps people reading these lines will make an effort to look it up now, as it is definitely worth investigating!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 07/11/2016

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

RAATZ / BIELAK / MACKIEWICZ ~ MUTUAL INFLUENCES RG 108 ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This is the debut album by Polish Jazz trio comprising of guitarist Boguslaw RaatzFind albums by this artist, violinist Robert BielakFind albums by this artist and percussionist Daniel MackiewiczFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded live in the studio and presents three original compositions uncredited on the album’s artwork and assumably co-composed by the three participants. Raatz and Bielak cooperated earlier as members of the group Question MarkFind albums by this artist, Bielak appeared on the first three albums by Light CoorporationFind albums by this artist and Mackiewicz played for many years in Sing Sing PenelopeFind albums by this artist and with Raatz in Ritual Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist. In short these are highly experienced and talented musicians. The music is mostly improvised, based on sketchy melodic framework, which serves as the basis for extended improvisations by the trio, which float between World Music and Fusion climates. The lengthy tracks, especially the opening one, which last for over twenty-two minutes, is an epic journey moving between relaxed quiet stretches and peeks of intense soloing by the guitar or violin, accompanied by percussive Eastern rhythmic pulsations. The jam session atmosphere that prevails throughout the album offers a trans-like sonic adventure that is fascinating to follow, completely engulfing the listener in the process, inviting to sink deeply into the flow. But of course one can also follow the intricate details of the improvisations, if so inclined. Overall, this is a highly emotional musical experience for the open-minded listener, involving superb instrumental performances and strong group improvisations, which are much more inviting than most such excursions. Both World Music and Fusion fans should find this music very agreeable. Highly recommended!

Updated: 31/07/2022Posted: 31/07/2022

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend