Record Reviews

GRAZYNA AUGUSCIK ORCHESTAR ~ INSPIRED BY LUTOSLAWSKI FOR TUNE 0044 (Barcode: 5902768701470) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This extraordinary album is a superb example of intelligent contemporary music, which is completely unlimited by the imaginary bounds set up by genres and other labeling concepts. Polish vocalist Grazyna AuguscikFind albums by this artist embarked on this ambitious project with the help of some of the most important musicians on the Polish scene, who cover a wide scope of stylistic spheres including Classical Music, Folklore and Jazz, all of which have been already visited by her during her prolific career. The music combines Polish Folk songs and the work of the esteemed Polish modern Classical composer Witold LutoslawskiFind albums by this artist, which were based on or inspired by Polish Folklore. Lutoslawski, like all the composers living and working behind the Iron Curtain, was forced (directly or indirectly) by the regimes ruling Eastern Europe at the time, to include folkloristic motives in his compositions, often completely artificially and against all aesthetic or compositional reasoning. The refusal to do so would effectively mean an artistic ban by the authorities and in extreme cases political persecution. The compositions included here were created by Lutoslawski in the 1950s, the most oppressive period in the Socialist era, and for many years thereafter were considered as his less important and definitely less appreciated works. However, in retrospect the composer´s genius obviously overcame the obstacles and this music turns out to be a completely relevant component of his grand legacy. Auguscik combined forces with the brilliant keyboardist / composer / arranger Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, who was entrusted with the enormous task of arranging all the music, both the Classical and Folklore pieces, and than participate in the recording, as well as being the sound engineer, since the recording took place in his now legendary Studio Tokarnia, with spectacular sonic results, as usual in his case. In many respects this album is as much a credit to Auguscik as it is to Jan Smoczynski. The research of the Polish Folklore as well as the leadership of the ensemble performing the folk songs was left in the hands of violinist Janusz PrusinowskiFind albums by this artist. Overall twelve musicians take part in the entire project in addition to Auguscik, who sings the lead vocals: the Jan Smoczynski Trio (with bassist Wojciech PulcynFind albums by this artist, drummer Tomasz WaldowskiFind albums by this artist and vocalist Sylwia SmoczynskaFind albums by this artist), the Janusz Prusinowski Trio (with clarinetist Michal ZakFind albums by this artist, percussionist Piotr PiszczatowskiFind albums by this artist and bassist Piotr ZgorzelskiFind albums by this artist) and Poland´s most celebrated string quartet, the Atom String QuartetFind albums by this artist (violinists Dawid LubowiczFind albums by this artist and Mateusz SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, violist Michal ZaborskiFind albums by this artist and cellist Krzysztof LenczowskiFind albums by this artist). The album comprises of twelve pieces (and a radio edit bonus), ranging from "pure" folklore songs, which were the original songs upon which Lutoslawski based his compositions, to more arranged pieces of folk songs and Lutoslawski´s pieces performed by the ensemble and finally to a quite Jazzy songs based on folkloristic motifs. In spite of the variety and wealth of the musical material the album creates a coherent and aesthetically pleasing outcome, which is a music connoisseur´s wet dream. The beautiful arrangements, passionate performance and depth of respect for the Polish musical tradition and legacy are all combined herein with truly spectacular results. Auguscik takes a step back from the limelight on this album, preferring to play the role of an integrator rather than the leading person. She sings beautifully, as always, but with less spectacular attitude, almost leaving out completely her Jazzy improvisations and vocalese acrobatics, which are her trademarks. This is a very courageous artistic decision, for which she deserves a lot of respect. There is no doubt that this is definitely one of the most important and beautiful albums released in Poland in 2014, a "complete" multi-layered, multi-faced effort involving the talents of many wonderful musicians and setting a golden standard for future projects, which will be very difficult to match end even more so to rise above. Polish music scene and Polish Culture is glorified by this project, which should make all Poles proud. Being realistic, however, it will probably reach only e very limited scope of listeners, which of course is tragic. My deepest thanks to everybody involved in this project for the pleasure it causes to this humble listener.

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KRZYSZTOF LENCZOWSKI ~ INTERNAL MELODY ALLEGRO 031 (Barcode: 5901157049315) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is (finally!) the debut album by Polish cellist / guitarist / composer Krzysztof LenczowskiFind albums by this artist, one of the most prominent representatives of the young generation of Polish musicians, who is characterized by a total cross-genre approach to music, tipping his fingers in anything from Pop, Rock, Fusion, Jazz and deep into contemporary Classical music, always with grace and sublime talent. The fact that this is his debut album, already preceded by dozens of albums recorded as a group member or sideman, is surprising, but on the other hand nothing about Lenczowski should be really surprising, as he is an Artist of the unexpected. This album, recorded in a quartet setting with saxophonist Grzech PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist, organist Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Tomasz WaldowskiFind albums by this artist, was recorded at the Studio Tokarnia (owned by Smoczynski who also engineered the recording with the usual spectacular sonic results) presents eight original compositions, all by Lenczowski. From the very first tones heard on this album it becomes immediately apparent that this is a piece of music completely unique and incomparable to anything else happening anywhere. Yes, completely unexpected in every aspect: sound, melody, use of instruments, atmosphere and overall feel of this album are all absolutely stunning. Cello is by far not the most popular instrument outside of the Classical Music idiom and Lenczowski´s determination to stick with this instrument despite the obvious difficulty, is commendable. But the entire instrumentation of his music on this album is far from being easy on the ear: Jazzy saxophone playing complex extended solos, organ playing mostly bass lines and very limited melody / chord lines and a Rocky drummer on top – a strange recipe to say the least. And yet against all odds this music works splendidly and extremely effectively. Lenczowski´s cello parts are of course incredible all the way through, which is hardly surprising in his case. Surprisingly (again) Piotrowski plays beautifully and ambitiously as well, and Lenczowski´s decision to use him here turned out to be the right one, in spite of Piotrowski´s problematic flirts with Smooth muzak in the past. Smoczynski, as always, turns out to be an island of serenity and his somber, church like organ sound, creates a solid layer upon this music solidly rests, or floats above. Waldowski´s drums become an integral part of the ensemble and his sensitivity, elegance and coolness are exemplary. As usually the strength of the entire ensemble only works out if all the participants contribute on the same emotional level, which obviously happens in this case. Lenczowski also deserves praise for his compositions, which are all not only beautifully melodic, but also delightfully lyrical and emotionally deep. The music sounds at times like medieval chant, or charmingly discloses touches Middle Eastern mystique, or brings fond memories of early days of Progressive Rock glory. Regardless of the many associations, it is always inspired and rewarding. Overall this is a most impressive debut album by an experienced and mature musician, who is still searching and ready for the challenges of the future. It is definitely one of the finest albums released this year on the Polish scene, with very few challengers around. An absolute must for any true music lover!

Updated: 26/10/2016Posted:

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MARCIN PENDOWSKI ~ KURATORIUM JUDASZ 2024 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024 This is the 3rd album by Polish bassist / composer / arranger / bandleader Marcin PendowskiFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. PendofskyFind albums by this artist), released four years after his previous album and following a near fatal motorcycle accident, which put a hold to his prominent career and required a long and difficult convalescence. The album presents ten tracks, all by Pendowski. He plays all the bass parts and some vocals parts and is accompanied by a mighty team of local musicians, which includes guitarist Krzysztof KawalkoFind albums by this artist, organists Marcin CichockiFind albums by this artist and Kamil BaranskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Marcin KajperFind albums by this artist, bass clarinetist Szymon LukowskiFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Rafal DubickiFind albums by this artist, harmonica player Bartosz LeczyckiFind albums by this artist, percussionists Dominik JaskeFind albums by this artist and Tomasz StarzykFind albums by this artist and drummer Tomasz WaldowskiFind albums by this artist. As if all these were not enough, a fifteen-men strong Warsaw Funky Horn EnsembleFind albums by this artist is also employed to add some serious zets to the proceedings. The music is everything one would expect from Pendowski, i.e. a wonderful mix of Jazz, Funk, Groove, Brass-Rock, etc. with great tunes and superb performances by everybody involved, in addition to his remarkable (despite the injury) bass playing, which makes him one the best electric bass players in the country. Over the years he managed to develop his unique style, which is quite different from the mainstream Polish Jazz activity, and for a blind test listener sounds rather as something created in South America or Cuba, than originating from pale-faced Slavs. This music makes your bottom move involuntarily, and if it doesn’t you are probably deaf or dead. Overall, this is a most welcome return of Pendowski and his mighty Groove, which sounds nothing like anything else recorded in Poland and rocks one’s bottom instantly. It shows a remarkable ability by the leader to get the best out of his companions, and proves that entertaining, danceable music can be aesthetically sound and interesting. Happy to see you back my Friend!

Updated: 15/04/2025Posted: 15/04/2025

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MARCIN PENDOWSKI ~ PENDOFSKY NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2012 - 2013 Released: 2014 This is the debut album as a leader by the Polish bassist / composer Marcin PendowskiFind albums by this artist, who started his career as a Rock musician (as a member of the band ArtrosisFind albums by this artist) but later on cooperated with many Polish Jazz musicians as well. On this album he presents ten original compositions recorded with a core group of musicians, which includes guitarist Krzysztof KawalkoFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Marcin KajperFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Przemyslaw KostrzewaFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Marcin CichockiFind albums by this artist, drummer Tomasz WaldowskiFind albums by this artist and several guest artists. On the album Pendowski plays on two old electric basses manufactured in Czechoslovakia (Jolana Diamant) and Poland (Defil Mamba) during the Socialist regime, which have a very specific ambience. The music is a great mixture of Jazz-Rock Fusion, Funk, Soul, Grove and superb retro / vintage sounding pieces, which are almost never played these days by anybody. The arrangements and instrumentation, including the Hammond organ and the in-sync unisono brass section, the airy guitars and the fantastic bass sound are simply irresistible. Of course the best part is the fact that although this is truly enjoyable music, it is also of the highest quality, with great melodies, riffs and interesting arrangements, supported by virtuosic instrumental work. This music could be an ideal partner for a long car drive, a club setting or a groovy party with your friends, and it would fit all these diverse surroundings perfectly. I must admit that it was quite a while since I enjoyed myself that much listening to an album. Hopefully this won´t be a one off, as that would be a true shame. We need more honest and fun music like this in this world full of phony pretentious garbage. I wholeheartedly recommend this album to people who really love music and are able to enjoy it in full, without inhibitions. For bass aficionados this is a must of course. Very well done Sir, chapeau!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend