Record Reviews

WEEZDOB COLLECTIVE ~ KOMEDA, OSTATNIA RETROSPEKCJA NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020 This is the third album by Polish Jazz quintet Weezdob CollectiveFind albums by this artist, which comprises of harmonica player Kacper SmolinskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Kuba MarciniakFind albums by this artist, guitarist Piotr ScholzFind albums by this artist, bassist Damian KostkaFind albums by this artist and drummer Adam ZagorskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven original compositions, two by Marciniak, four by Smolinski, one by Kostka, two by Scholz, one by Zagorski and finally one co-composed by Kostka and Zagorski. The text (in Polish) included on the album was written by Tomasz LachFind albums by this artist and recited by Mariusz ZaniewskiFind albums by this artist. Date and place of recording are not specified on the album´s artwork. As the album´s title suggests, this is yet another project related to the legendary Godfather of Polish Jazz, pianist / composer Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist. Despite the fact that Komeda´s name and music was over time abused, misused and mistreated obsessively countless times, the temptation to gain attention is obviously stronger than decency and good taste. The pretext this time is the text written by Lach, Komeda´s adopted son, which consists of a series of reflections about his adoptive father, incorporated into the music written by the members of the ensemble, creating sort of radio sketch, a popular form of radio broadcast before television took over. The music is series of unrelated composition, which have nothing to do with Komeda´s music per se and if the intention was to create at least am atmospheric similarity, it fails to do so as far as I am concerned. These rather forgettable themes have simply no coherent continuity and although played in the background of the text being recited, offer little, if any, relation to the text itself. The members of the ensemble are obviously well schooled and experienced musicians; hopefully they will make better decisions in the future. Overall this album not only does not pay any tribute to Komeda´s name and status, but is a rather cynical and opportunistic venture, with no Artistic merit. Combined with a murky sound quality and incorrect balance between the music and the recitation, it is even difficult to listen to.

Updated: 04/01/2021Posted: 04/01/2021

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WEEZDOB COLLECTIVE ~ STAR CADILLAC WEEZART 001 (Barcode: 5907529223987) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is the second album by Polish Jazz quintet Weezdob CollectiveFind albums by this artist, which comprises of harmonica player Kacper SmolinskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Kuba MarciniakFind albums by this artist, guitarist Piotr ScholzFind albums by this artist, bassist Damian KostkaFind albums by this artist and drummer Adam ZagorskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve original compositions, three by Marciniak, four by Smolinski, four by Scholz and one by Zagorski. The music is all within mainstream Jazz, based on melodic compositions, which are rather forgettable. The highly unusual sound, which is created as a result of the harmonica playing up front and soloing extensively, and the lack of piano, which is usually supporting the harmonic foundation, is largely unnerving and is obviously an acquired taste. The concocted Sci-Fi background story of space travel and electronic effects used to “enhance” the music don’t help either. Overall, this album, although recorded by professional musicians, is not an enjoyable listening experience, in fact it was pretty difficult to listen to it in its entirety. Definitely not my cup of tea, but that is just my subjective opinion.

Updated: 12/10/2022Posted: 12/10/2022

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ADAM ZAGORSKI ~ SUITA WIELKOPOLSKA EJZET 002 (Barcode: 5907291809617) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2024 Released: 2025 This is an album by Polish Jazz drummer / composer Adam ZagorskiFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with saxophonist Marek KonarskiFind albums by this artist, pianist Krzysztof DysFind albums by this artist and Turkish (resident in Netherlands) bassist Esat EkinciogluFind albums by this artist. The album presents a six-part suite, composed by Zagorski. The music is based on coherent, highly melodic and lyrical themes, and is exceptionally performed by this classic Jazz quartet. Both Konarski and Dys are highly regarded Polish Jazz musicians, with impressive recording legacy, and although I’ve never heard any recordings by Ekincioglu, he is a very impressive bassist based on what can be heard herein. Although the music is seemingly mainstream oriented, the performances take it more towards a more advanced improvisational facet, and with two superb improvisers, the soloing is truly first class. Dys gets a lot of space to develop his complex structures, which are truly amazing, and Konarski’s soprano saxophone work has a true snake-charming quality. The quartet’s overall sound and aura are well balanced by the beautiful work of the rhythm section. I am familiar with Zagorski’s recording history with the Weezdob CollectiveFind albums by this artist and ZK CollaborationFind albums by this artist ensembles and other projects, and although I have often been quite critical about his work, this album is definitely his finest work so far, which hopefully is a sign of his future endeavors. Overall, this is an excellent modern Jazz album by a first-rate classic Jazz quartet, superbly performed and full of truly excellent music, which of course is highly recommended. Side Note: The QR Code on the album’s cover allows a download of the full detailed score and instrumental parts for all the music, which offers a high educational value for musicians / students. This is an interesting and innovative gesture offered by the composer, which deserves respect and gratitude.

Updated: 10/04/2026Posted: 10/04/2026

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