Record Reviews

WERONIKA GROZDEW & MUSOS ~ WANDERING SONGS FOR TUNE 0167 (Barcode: 5906395808809) ~ POLAND ~ World Music & Folklore Recorded: 2021 - 2023 Released: 2024 This is an album by Polish vocalist / ethnomusicologist Weronika GrozdewFind albums by this artist, a prominent activist on the local scene with impressive academic career, but also a great performer and of course Folklore Music lover. She is accompanied by an instrumental ensemble fondly named MusosFind albums by this artist, which includes dulcimer player Marta MaslankaFind albums by this artist, violinists Dorota Blaszczynska-MogilskaFind albums by this artist and Kacper MaliszFind albums by this artist, violist Alexandra Demowska-MadejskaFind albums by this artist, cellist Bartlomiej PalygaFind albums by this artist, bassist Wojciech PulcynFind albums by this artist and percussionist Wojciech LubertowiczFind albums by this artist. A few additional guests appear on selected tracks, including the celebrated vocalist Grazyna AuguscikFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, with songs originating from various sources, including Greece, Bulgaria and of course Poland, several of which were written by Polish folk violinist Bartosz NiedzwieckiFind albums by this artist. Four of the songs were arranged by accordionist / composer Jaroslaw BesterFind albums by this artist. The music presents a stunning collection of Folk songs, which although originating from diverse origins and being a random collection, form a perfectly coherent continuity, brilliantly sung and played by everybody involved, including some virtuosic voice modulations and other tricks of the trade. The album perfectly demonstrates the fact that beneath the seemingly naïve and simplistic Folklore music there is a great aesthetic depth and often musical complexity, which puts to shame much more “prestigious” music genres. The album shows an absolute love and admiration of all the participants towards the music and the absolute seriousness it is treated by them. I was particularly impressed by the superb parts played by Pulcyn, who is usually associated with the Polish Jazz scene. His steady pulsations hold the music together perfectly. But the string quartet also does an amazing job by setting the melodic / harmonic background, which often becomes quite tricky. Auguscik adds a lengthy improvised vocalese on one tune, which is a knockout. I am happy to see the For TuneFind albums on this label Records label becoming a steady supporter of Folk Music recordings, which are consistently of the highest quality and sadly badly missing on the Polish scene. Their “green” series is certainly a mark of quality in that respect, and deserve both attention and support. Overall, this is a beautiful vocal Folk Music album, which offers an ambitious stream of wonderful songs, excellently supported and accompanied by the instrumental ensemble, all of which offers a brilliant listening experience and for Folk Music lovers a truly heavenly moment of joy.

Updated: 28/03/2024Posted: 28/03/2024

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MIKE OSBORNE ~ OUTBACK FMR 007 (Barcode: 649849981349) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 Released: 1994 British saxophonist / composer Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist was an integral part of the modern Jazz scene in the late 1960s / 1970s, recording numerous albums as member of the most important ensembles at the time, led by Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist, John SurmanFind albums by this artist and Chris McGregorFind albums by this artist (Brotherhood Of BreathFind albums by this artist). He was also the founding member of the momentous saxophone trio SOSFind albums by this artist with John Surman and Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist. A brilliant improviser, he was an absolute master of the alto saxophone with very few contenders. Stylistically Osborne tendencies were always oriented towards Free Jazz and he was one of the great pioneers of the genre in UK. Unfortunately his personal life was deeply disturbed by mental illness, which resulted in time spent on and off in mental institutions. By early 1980s the illness became so severe that he had to be institutionalized for life and never again played music. He died in 2007. Although Osborne recorded quite a few albums as a sideman, his output as leader is very limited. This was his debut session as a leader, which took a lot of persuasion to materialize, as Osborne hated to be in the limelight. Released on the legendary TurtleFind albums on this label label (the first album to be recorded for the label, which was actually started to release this album), the album was a rare collector’s item for many years and the reissue is a blessing. The music consists of just two long tracks (which used to be the LP sides), performed by a quintet with Osborne on alto saxophone, Harry Beckett on trumpet, Chris McGregor on piano, Harry MillerFind albums by this artist on bass and Louis MoholoFind albums by this artist on drums (the rhythm section of Brotherhood Of Breath). On both tracks the quintet states the theme and then ventures into extended free improvisation passages, with splendid long solos by Osborne and Beckett. The album is a classic example of European Free Jazz, capturing the atmosphere of the era, when music was created because musicians had something to say. Not easy music, but essential to all enthusiasts of the genre and a most important historical document. Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice Odd that the CD cover itself credits "Mike Osbourne" so I had trouble looking up the recording date here (Wikipedia redirects Mike Osbourne to Mike Osborne)

Updated: 20/05/2016Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MIKE OSBORNE ~ SHAPES FMR 010 (Barcode: 786497263820) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1972 Released: 1995 British saxophonist / composer Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist was one of the greatest representatives of the burgeoning scene in the late 1960s / 1970s and one of the most prominent pioneers of Free Jazz and Improvised Music. His unique alto saxophone sound, exceptional improvisational skill and power and total involvement with the music were unparalleled by any of his contemporaries. Unfortunately his career was severely disrupted by mental illness, which eventually caused his early retirement from active performing. Although Osborne did record often in the 1970s as a sideman with the most prominent ensembles at the time, his output as a leader is sadly limited. Therefore the release of this fabulous album, 23 years after it was recorded and remained forgotten, was a major event not only for his many admirers, but also for the entire British Jazz scene. Especially so when one realizes that this album is in fact the first recording of the fabulous SOSFind albums by this artist saxophone trio, supported by a rhythm section. Here they are: John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Mike Osborne and Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, three British saxophone giants, with two bass players Harry MillerFind albums by this artist and Earl FreemanFind albums by this artist and Louis MoholoFind albums by this artist on drums. The music is quite overwhelming, mostly free improvised with the three saxophonists playing simultaneously and separately and the rhythm section providing a solid basis cementing the overall result into a beautiful synergy of sounds. This kind of collective improvisation, based on phenomenal and almost telepathic rapport between the musicians is extremely rare and deserves to be heard time and time again. This is an immensely important document of European Jazz and a must for British Jazz enthusiasts.

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JOLANTA SOSNOWSKA & FRIENDS ~ ANTONIO CALDARA: VIOLIN SONATAS FOR TUNE 0159 (Barcode: 5906395808748) ~ POLAND ~ Classical Recorded: 2020 Released: 2022 I write about Classical Music relatively rarely, mainly since I don’t feel sufficiently qualified in the intricacies of the vast legacy of music created over the Centuries. However, in special cases, where the music in question or the performers are close to my heart, I allow myself to express my humble impressions, trying carefully no to commit terrible blunders. This album is the second recording by Polish violinist Jolanta SosnowskaFind albums by this artist, resident in Vienna since 2005, and third overall Classical Music release on the Polish For TuneFind albums on this label label, one of the true patrons of music on the Polish scene, with a remarkable catalogue of 160 titles, assembled over time, which include also numerous Jazz, Avant-Garde and World Music titles. Sosnowska, who obviously likes to dig into the vast library of musical manuscripts at the Austrian National Museum in Vienna, found many forgotten pieces of music, which deserve a contemporary performance and recording. These eight violin sonata by the Italian Baroque composer Antonio CaldaraFind albums by this artist are among her finest findings, and the album presents their World Premiere recording. The music was performed by Sosnowska with cellist Philipp ComploiFind albums by this artist and harpsicord player Erich TraxlerFind albums by this artist and beautifully recorded in a Viennese church. The music was performed by authentic instruments originating from the time this music was composed. The beautiful booklet includes a short essay by musicologist Herbert SeifertFind albums by this artist, who explains the problems with crediting Classical music pieces to their creators and the polemics around these pieces. A short note by Sosnowska about the music is also included, all appearing in Polish, English and German languages. The music is an orgy of Baroque finesse, which in this case is also superbly melodic. Caldera was a wonderful songweaver, which as a composer of many operas was surely very useful, but these sonatas are also full of wonderful melodies. The minimalist trio setting is ideal for this music, allowing every little nuance to be heard perfectly clearly and vividly. The performances are superbly vivacious and Sosnowska’s violin parts are absolutely stunning. Overall, this is a beautiful piece of music, much like a true Bomboniere of Baroque fantasy, bringing immediate associations of other Baroque wonders of architecture, painting and poetry, and which manages to balance perfectly between kitsch and elated beauty, which never ceases to astound. Wholeheartedly recommended, even for people, who would never think to listen to a Classical Music album, or perhaps even especially for those people!

Updated: 24/11/2022Posted: 24/11/2022

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JOLANTA SOSNOWSKA & FRIENDS ~ BAROCK & VIENNA FOR TUNE 0082 (Barcode: 5902768701746) ~ POLAND ~ Classical Recorded: 2012 Released: 2015 This is the first album in a new "silver" series of releases by the distinguished Polish record label For TuneFind albums on this label, which is dedicated to Old Music, i.e. music written during the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Polish violinist Jolanta SosnowskaFind albums by this artist performs seven Baroque compositions, six of which originate in the last quarter of the 17th Century, and only the Antonio VivaldiFind albums by this artist´s Violin Sonata in D major dates from 1716 / 1717. Four of these pieces were created in Vienna but all have a Viennese connection (hence the album´s title), and three of them are world premiere recordings. Sosnowska, who plays a baroque violin, is accompanied by Magdalena MalecFind albums by this artist (harpsichord and organ), Mirko ArnoneFind albums by this artist (theorbo and baroque guitar) and Tore EketorpFind albums by this artist (G violone). The background information about the music is eloquently described in the album´s liner notes in German, Polish and English. Old Music is a niche territory which often suffers from neglect and prejudice. The snob Classical Music connoisseurs who discredit anything before Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist and after Ludwig van BeethovenFind albums by this artist have little interest in it and therefore it is relatively rarely recorded. This important album shows that Old Music can be both a lot of fun and a serious aesthetic experience. This is definitely worth checking out and opening the horizons or thinking outside of the box we so often close ourselves in. Well done!

Updated: 08/09/2021Posted: 24/02/2016

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TASSOS SPILIOTOPOULOS ~ ARCHIPELAGOS F-IRE 32 (Barcode: 5060092193221) ~ GREECE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010 This is the second album by Greek (resident in London at the time) guitarist / composer Tassos SpiliotopoulosFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with his customary cohorts at the time: Israeli bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist and drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist, both also resident in London. Two guest musicians appear, each on one track only: guitarist John ParricelliFind albums by this artist and legendary (sadly no longer with us) trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, who plays a brilliant solo like only he could. The album presents eight original tracks, all composed and arranged by Spiliotopoulos. Spiliotopoulos is certainly one of the most original voices among contemporary guitarists, playing and composing in a completely unique style which is incomparable with any other guitar player that I have heard and immediately recognizable. Considering the fact that there are countless guitar players out there, his individuality is already a great asset. Combined with his virtuosic abilities, it makes Spiliotopoulos a phenomenon worth following. The music is a sort of Jazz-Rock Fusion, mostly sonically, as the actual melodies are way more delicate and complex than the average Fusion production, full of beautiful melancholy and intrinsic Mediterranean peace of mind. Spiliotopoulos, Stavi and Sirkis fir together ideally, as documented also on other recordings they are all featured on, and it shows. The interplay and camaraderie present here are simply marvelous. Overall this is a beautiful album recorded by three Master musicians, which proves that Jazz-Rock Fusion has still something to offer when taken seriously. Wholeheartedly recommended, and if you can find a copy grab it ASAP.

Updated: 11/03/2016Posted: 11/03/2016

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TASSOS SPILIOTOPOULOS ~ IN THE NORTH ANELIA 002 (Barcode: 190394049126) ~ GREECE ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the third album by the Greek guitarist / composer Tassos SpiliotopoulosFind albums by this artist and his first since he left London (where he lived for a dozen years) for Stockholm. It is recorded in a quartet setting with three Swedish musicians: saxophonist Orjan HultenFind albums by this artist, bassist Palle SollingerFind albums by this artist and drummer Fredrik RundqvistFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Spiliotopoulos. The music floats between contemporary Jazz and Fusion, with clear melodic motifs and relaxed, lyrical atmosphere. The electric guitar emphasizes the Fusion association, although the contemplative nature of this music is definitely not of the usual Fusion shade. Also the presence of strong ethnic elements, Greek but also others like Middle Eastern and Scandinavian, take the music also into the World Music idiom. Overall there is a diverse collection of influences, which amalgamates into a fascinating musical coat of many colors. Spiliotopoulos works very amicably with the Swedish musicians, who support him all the way through. His solos are all always full of splendid displays of his feel and technique. Hulten often plays the themes unisono with him and then they separate, each to play his own solo. The rhythm section handles the complex melody and tempi shifts without a hiccup, being there behind the two soloists at all times. The album has many wonderful moments and on the whole should satisfy all listeners of Fusion and beyond. This is definitely an album worth investigating and Spiliotopoulos is a musician worth being followed, judging from his career and achievements so far. So please remember his name and support his music every way you can.

Updated: 26/02/2016Posted: 13/02/2016

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TASSOS SPILIOTOPOULOS ~ WAIT FOR DUSK KONNEX 5166 (Barcode: 4017867031210) ~ GREECE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006 This is the debut album by Greek (resident in London at the time) guitarist / composer Tassos SpiliotopoulosFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet format with French saxophonist Robin FinckerFind albums by this artist and Israeli bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist and drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist, all three also resident in London. The album presents nine tracks, all composed and arranged by Spiliotopoulos. The music belongs to the Jazz-Rock Fusion idiom, although it is much more complex and sophisticated than most Fusion recordings, with excellent melodic themes and extended improvisations. The flow and grace of these tunes is delightful and the album is one continuous fun to listen to from start to finish. Spiliotopoulos has a unique approach to guitar playing and although the guitar is the most common instrument in music today, his tone, fingering and phrasing are truly extraordinary, which is true only in very few cases. It is hard to say if this is a result of his Greek roots and the omnipresent bouzouki dominance in Greek music, but there is something that makes him immediately to stand out after hearing just a few notes. The leader gets excellent support from his cohorts, all highly professional players of great talent. Fincker plays some admirable solos and supports Spiliotopoulos by playing unisono passages on the melody intros and of course the rhythm section is a dream team, which turns any album they are on into a joyous occasion. This is a most impressive debut recording, introducing a superb guitarist, which is definitely worth to be followed as he should get far with his music and his virtuosic abilities as a player. The album is now out of print but if anyone can get hold of a copy, it is certainly highly recommended.

Updated: 08/04/2016Posted: 08/04/2016

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