Record Reviews

DOMINIK BUKOWSKI ~ VICE VERSA SOLITON 125 (Barcode: 5907577112530) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 This is the third album as a leader by Polish Jazz vibraphonist / composer Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist recorded in a quartet format with two Finnish musicians: saxophonist Joonatan RautioFind albums by this artist and drummer Ville PynssiFind albums by this artist and his faithful companion since many years bass virtuoso Piotr LemanczykFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, three each by Bukowski and Rautio and one by Lemanczyk. Although well within the Jazz mainstream, this album simply fulfills all the basic requirements expected from a superb Jazz production: beautiful melodies, excellent improvisations, superb teamwork and a crystal clear sound quality. Bukowski, as evident from his numerous other recordings, is the top vibraphone player on the Polish scene and his eloquence is simply astounding, as are his composing skills. Lemanczyk, one of my favorite Polish Jazz bassists, is also perfect all the way through. His sense of melody and understanding of the role of bass in a Jazz ensemble is second to none. The two Finns, although still relatively young, display here first class musicianship and in the case of Rautio also great compositional talent. Overall this is a first-class mainstream album, which makes no compromises whatsoever, keeping the music swinging and melodic and yet full of elegance and flair. This music has, perhaps unintentionally, a certain "retro" flavor, taking an experienced listener back to the 1950s and the Cool era, when the music was all about good taste and beautiful ladies. Of course any Jazz connoisseur should simply love this stuff to bits, as this music is so likeable that it makes you press the "repeat" button of your player instantly. Thank you guys for this little gem! This album is now four years old and one can only hope that we won´t have to wait much longer for another Bukowski recording, what do you say Dominik?

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MARTTI VESALA SOUNDPOST QUINTET ~ LANDMARKS OZELLA 102 (Barcode: 4038952001024) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2022 This is the third album by Finnish Jazz trumpeter / composer Martti VesalaFind albums by this artist and his Soundpost QuintetFind albums by this artist, which also includes saxophonist Petri PoulitaivalFind albums by this artist, pianist Joonas HaavistoFind albums by this artist, bassist Juho KivivuoriFind albums by this artist and drummer Ville PynssiFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by the leader. The music is pretty standard mainstream Jazz, based on solid melodic themes, that serve as basis for extensive improvisations by the quintet members. There is very little, if any, Nordic influence and stylistically the music is mostly post-Bebop oriented, with strong ties to American Jazz tradition and quite distant from the contemporary European Jazz and the Finnish Jazz tradition, which tends to be more adventurous and idiosyncratic. Having said that, this is still a first class Jazz album for listeners who like a more conventional and traditional approach. These relatively young musicians are all highly professional and well educated, and can plays as good as any musician from across the pond. There are plenty of fiery soli by the three soloists and the rhythm section is fluid and stable, supporting the music amicably. Overall, this is a fine Jazz album, played by gifted musicians and full of energy and spunk, suitable mostly for mainstream Jazz enthusiasts, who should enjoy this music immensely. Listeners looking for the typical Finnish Jazz aesthetic could be disappointed.

Updated: 09/08/2022Posted: 09/08/2022

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