Record Reviews

LESZEK KULAKOWSKI ~ KOMEDA VARIATIONS FOR TUNE 0148 (Barcode: 5906395808632) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is an album by veteran Polish pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Leszek KulakowskiFind albums by this artist. It presents a live concert recording of Kulakowski´s arrangements of film music by the Godfather of Polish Jazz, Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, for a Symphony Orchestra. These arrangements were originally written by Kulakowski in 2001 and performed the same year by the Lodz PhilharmonicFind albums by this artist with the participation of the brilliant Polish Jazz trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist as a soloist. Almost twenty years later the concert was repeated and recorded, this time with slightly changed arrangements featuring a Jazz quartet with Kulakowski on piano, bassist Adam KowalewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Tomasz SowinskiFind albums by this artist, and the sadly departed Stanko replaced by three trumpeters: Piotr WojtasikFind albums by this artist, Tomasz DabrowskiFind albums by this artist and German Christoph TitzFind albums by this artist, playing with the Sinfonia BalticaFind albums by this artist Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Radoslaw DronFind albums by this artist. The genius film music by Komeda is of course a wonderful subject matter, and in Kulakowski´s hands (or rather mind) it metamorphoses into its Classical form gracefully and "willingly", proving the greatness of both the composer and the arranger. The transformation sounds absolutely naturally and manages to bring to light many aspects of the original compositions, which often remain hidden in their Jazz interpretations. Although the arrangements may appear bold and "invasive" in some ways, they are absolutely justified and artistically coherent. The performances are also absolutely brilliant from start to finish. The balance between the orchestra and the quartet is perfect all along the way and the focus on the trumpet soli is holding the internal tension and creates a superb continuity, which keeps the listener mesmerized. Having three trumpeters, each with his idiosyncratic approach, adds another layer of diversity to the entire project. Kulakowski spices the proceedings with his superb piano solos, full of delicate touches and melancholic twists. It is a well known fact that Komeda´s music has been abused and mistreated many times by Polish Jazz musicians, thinking that by playing his music they would be automatically immune from criticism. It gives me a great joy to see (and hear) Komeda treated with respect and love, and mastery and imagination, which he truly deserves, like in this case. Overall this album is an instant classic, a must have by Polish Jazz fans and Komeda admirers all over the world and a sublime example of Polish / European Jazz ingenuity, which does hesitate to reach boldly beyond the obvious. Well done my Friend!

Updated: 22/12/2020Posted: 22/12/2020

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

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