Record Reviews

EWA BEM ~ TRIBUTE TO MAREK BLIZINSKI POLSKIE RADIO 1945-1946 (Barcode: 5907812249458) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1980 - 2000 Released: 2015 This is a wonderful archival 2CD album by the Polish vocalist Ewa BemFind albums by this artist, which she dedicates to the memory of the superb and tragically prematurely departed Polish Jazz guitarist Marek BlizinskiFind albums by this artist, who died from cancer just a few days before his forty second birthday. Blizinski was the first modern Polish Jazz guitarist of international class and for many years during the 1970s and 1980s was considered the top guitarist on the Polish Jazz scene. Bem and Blizinski recorded together several times as a duo and these recordings were collected on the album "Dla Ciebie Jestem SobaFind albums with this title", released by the PoljazzFind albums on this label label, which is reissued here as the first CD of this album. The album consists of eleven songs, nine of which were written by Polish composers and lyricists, and two are standards with lyrics translated into the Polish language. In retrospect, although over three decades have passed since this music was recorded, these songs sound remarkably fresh and sparkling, losing none of their original charm. As noted in the liner notes, these duo recordings were inspired by the Ella FitzgeraldFind albums by this artist / Joe PassFind albums by this artist sessions, which produced four superb albums released in the 1970s and 1980s. Blizinski´s virtuosic guitar riffs are beyond reproach, precise and incredibly sensitive, and he proves being not only an exceptional player, but also a most sympathetic musical partner. Bem´s youthful energy and obvious talent come to full fruition on this recording, presenting her as fully mature vocalist in complete control of her vocal abilities. Her interpretations of these songs show that she feels comfortably in a Jazz environment, but easily moves into Cabaret and Pop, with the same seriousness and dedication. The second CD of this album presents a live recording of a concert from 2000, which was a tribute to Blizinski and which presents new versions of the songs originally recorded on the duo album with Bem being accompanied by four Polish guitarists: Jan BorysiewiczFind albums by this artist, Janusz StrobelFind albums by this artist, Jaroslaw SmietanaFind albums by this artist (who sadly also died from cancer in 2013) and Wojciech WaglewskiFind albums by this artist. The vocal / guitar duos are accompanied by percussionist Jose TorresFind albums by this artist. In addition to the songs from the original album the duos perform also songs written by the guitarists. Everybody seems to be in top form and the music flows splendidly from one song to another with Bem being on top of things at all times. Her vocal abilities are in excellent form during the entire concert and she elegantly moves between genres, whether it is Jazz, Pop or Blues. The entire concert is a very heartfelt tribute to the memory of Blizinski, who of course deserves to be remembered for his invaluable contributions over the years. The entire album has excellent sound quality and is carefully produced and packaged, bringing back to life an important segment of the Polish Jazz history, and as such is of course most welcome.

Updated: 01/01/2016Posted: 01/01/2016

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

KLAN ~ CHMURA NAD MIASTEM GAD 066 (Barcode: 5901549197891) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 - 1994 Released: 2017 This is an archival release collecting previously mostly unreleased recordings by the legendary Polish Prog group KlanFind albums by this artist, founded and led by vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Marek AlaszewskiFind albums by this artist. The material spans a period of twenty two years and includes radio, studio and live recordings featuring several lineups of Klan and recordings Alaszewski made with other musicians. Some cult Polish musicians take part in these musicians, like guitarist Tomasz JaskiewiczFind albums by this artist and Tomasz ButowttFind albums by this artist from Czeslaw NiemenFind albums by this artist´s AkwareleFind albums by this artist group, Wojciech WaglewskiFind albums by this artist and others. The music includes a wide kaleidoscope of stylistic approaches, from Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock and Alternative Rock, and presents Alaszewski as a composer of great diversity and talent. The three part suite, which also includes string quartet arrangements, is a beautiful example of East European Prog at its best. Considering the fact that these musical treasures remained hidden until recently, finally brought to life by the restless team of GADFind albums on this label Records, is especially significant in view of Alaszewski´s tragic health problems. All the proceeds from this album are dedicated to his convalescence. For fans and collectors of East European Prog this album is a great find and a must have item in their collections!

Updated: 02/02/2018Posted: 02/02/2018

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

OSSIAN ~ ROOTS MILO 101 ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1982 Released: 2005 4th album by the great Polish Prog group OssianFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. OsjanFind albums by this artist), which was one of the first East European groups to embrace World Music influences and incorporate them into their highly improvised music. Founded in 1971 by multi-instrumentalists Jacek OstaszewskiFind albums by this artist (flutes and percussion) and Tomasz HolujFind albums by this artist (tabla and percussion), the band was later expanded to include Milo KurtisFind albums by this artist (trombita and percussion, who is of Greek origin), creating some of the most adventurous and mind-blowing music, which of course at the time was truly pioneering and eons before its time. Later incarnations of the group were further expended to include additional musicians. The group´s music consists of long (usually well over 10 minutes) contemplative and largely improvised pieces, performed solely on acoustic instruments. Deeply emotional and drawing its inspiration from the Far East, Middle East, India and Polish Folklore, this is definitely one of the most wonderfully strange musical experiences one can get exposed to. This album was recorded with a quartet lineup with guitarist Wojciech WaglewskiFind albums by this artist and percussionist Radoslaw NowakowskiFind albums by this artist (who replaced Holuj), and is definitely one of the most consistent and coherent recordings the group ever made, with the entire album dedicated to two extended improvised pieces. A must to all brave-hearted music lovers!

Updated: 01/01/2016Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend