Record Reviews
14 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | CHICK COREA ~ PLAYS
CONCORD 888072171442 (Barcode: 888072171442) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2020
This is a 2CD album of solo piano performances by iconic American Jazz pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist. The recording dates and places are not specified, which is highly unusual, but the album was released first on Chick’s label in 2018, and this is the second edition released in 2020, just a few months before his death. The recording quality is absolutely sublime all the way through.
Corea plays some of his original compositions as well as his interpretations of works by Classical Music composers like Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist, Domenico ScarlattiFind albums by this artist and Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist or other Jazz composers like Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, George GershwinFind albums by this artist, Antonio Carlos JobimFind albums by this artist and Paco De LuciaFind albums by this artist. A couple of piano duets (played on one piano) are also included, one with Israeli pianist Yaron HermanFind albums by this artist and another with French pianist Charles HeisserFind albums by this artist. Corea also adds his spoken word commentary about the music he is about to perform.
Although the music does not add anything new to listeners familiar with Corea’s music, it is a great document of his Artistry, versatility and his excellent contact with his audience, which always was one of his virtues.
Overall this is a wonderful addition to the extensive recording legacy left to us by Corea, which sparkles and shines, and as always brings infinite joy to the listeners. He was a unique musician and a beautiful human being, and I have been lucky to enjoy both of these qualities at first hand.
| | Updated: 18/02/2022Posted: 18/02/2022 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHICK COREA ~ SARDINIA
CANDID 33112 (Barcode: 708857331123) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2023
This is a live album by the great American Jazz pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, recorded with the Orchestra da Camera Della SardegnaFind albums by this artist, and released posthumously. The album presents seven tracks, two of which are spoken introductions, three are parts of the Piano Concerto No. 24 by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist and two are by George GershwinFind albums by this artist, one song (in a solo piano version) and the Godly “Rhapsody In Blue”. The album is appropriately subtitled as “A Night of Mozart & Gershwin”.
Corea’s affinity and involvement with Classical Music is well documented on record and with his virtuosity and impeccable taste at helm, the results of his flirting with Classical Music were always extraordinary, as is, not surprisingly, this one. Captured about a couple of years before Corea’s untimely death, it shows him still in perfect form, which he managed to preserve to the very end. It seems to be his last live recording available on record so far.
The music is a perfect example of the right balance between the source, i.e. the original scores of the music, and Corea’s interpretations of it, including his improvised parts. It all works absolutely coherently, in perfect harmony and obvious respect, which characterized Corea’s work in all areas throughout his career.
Although described as “unconventional” by critics, personally I don’t see any lack of convention in this music, on the contrary, Corea’s improvisations are playful, intelligent and creative, but perfectly fitting the original compositions, which, if such thing was possible, most probably would have been approved by the original composers with a huge smile and a raised hat.
“Rhapsody In Blue” (RIB) is probably the most influential piece of music in my life and I have listened to countless versions of it, both live and on record, in the seven decades since my existence on this speck of dirt we all share. My very early years were full of Classical Music, which I have spent conducting orchestras in front of our old, big radio in our living room. Gershwin’s RIB was a true shock, as it opened by ears to a new world, which at the time I didn’t even know exists, called Jazz. Although RIB is completely composed, every note of it, it is full of Jazz spirit, even if Gershwin himself didn’t really intend it to be so. The solo piano parts just beg to be expanded by improvisation, a concept I was not familiar with at the time, but sensed deeply, and comparing different versions of this Masterpiece became a sort of obsession for me. Imagine my surprise, when during a conversation with Chick Corea, who visited my home, we discovered a common enthusiasm about this piece of music (which Corea mentions in his introduction). Listening to this album vividly and fondly brings back that and other conversations I was lucky to have with the Maestro. It is therefore not surprising that the version of RIB on this album is my favorite moment. Corea’s touches on the keyboard herein are simply divine. What a pity you are gone my Friend.
Overall, this is a brilliant example of what this kind of Jazz-Classical Fusion is all about: respect, intelligence, vison and above all honesty! For the many Corea’s followers, this is an absolute must, especially those less aware of his love affair with Classical Music. Somehow, quite surprisingly, this album was almost completely ignored upon its release, which is a true shame. Absolutely not to be missed!
| | Updated: 02/01/2024Posted: 02/01/2024 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | DZWIEK-BUD ~ OSTRE NOZE
NASZE NAGRANIA 002 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013
This is the second album by Polish improvising collective Dzwiek-BudFind albums by this artist, founded by guitarist Suavas LewyFind albums by this artist, which also includes viola player Malgorzata BoguszFind albums by this artist, violinist Michal RupniewskiFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Pawel SokolowskiFind albums by this artist, but they play many other instruments as well. The concept of the ensemble is to create music inside a specific environment, which reflects that specific environment and its ambience. This album presents nine (well there is also a hidden tenth) improvised pieces reflecting the atmosphere of marketplaces around the Polish town of Lodz, Suavas´ home town. The music is not specifically credited to anybody so one can assume it is by proxy credited to the ensemble members. The improvised pieces are accompanied by a collage of field recordings, made by Suavas at the markets, which are the authentic voices of people and other related ambient environmental sounds.
This is Avant-Garde music at its most extreme manifestation, which for most people is most probably way above their heads and ears. The violin and viola create mostly a sound close to Avant-Garde Classical music, which has been around for almost a century, although continues to be consistently ignored by the Classical snobs stuck with Ludwig van BeethovenFind albums by this artist and Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist. When the guitar and saxophone join in, we are transported into the Steve LacyFind albums by this artist / Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist / Derek BaileyFind albums by this artist area of expertise, which of course also continues to be consistently ignored, this time by the Jazz snobs; life is a bitch…
Of course the question often arises if this music (if it is music at all) has a raison d´être, since it is not very communicative, certainly isn´t entertaining and most people hate it? Well, one should not ask moronic questions like these, unless one intends to question the raison d´être of Art or even Culture itself. If someone creates this music as a means of his expression, this a priori validates its right to exist. Perhaps best appropriate as a soundtrack of a documentary movie, this music standing alone offers the advantage to be able to become a soundtrack to whatever imaginary movie the listener wishes to create inside his head. It takes a lot of courage to make music like that.
The fact that such music is being created, recorded and released in Poland is truly amazing. Often considered backward and primitive by its western neighbors and across the pond big brothers, 21st Century Polish Jazz in its full splendor and diversity actually is able to teach everybody a lesson or two.
| | Updated: 08/09/2021Posted: | CD-R 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | RICHARD GALLIANO ~ AROUND GERSHWIN
PENTATONE 8717306262293 (Barcode: 8717306262293) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2023 - 2024 Released: 2024
This is a solo album by French Jazz accordion / bandoneon virtuoso Richard GallianoFind albums by this artist, which as the title indicates, is dedicated to the music of George GershwinFind albums by this artist, but also other early 20th Century composers, like Sergei RachmaninoffFind albums by this artist, Eric SatieFind albums by this artist, Claude DebussyFind albums by this artist, Maurice RavelFind albums by this artist and Gabriel FaureFind albums by this artist, all adapted for accordion by Galliano, and also including a couple of pieces composed by himself. The album presents fourteen tracks and offers a splendid sound quality.
I have been following the career of Galliano since as long as I can remember (he is almost exactly one year older than me) and he was always one of my favorite Jazz musicians, long before he achieved the international fame and recognition. His incredible sensitivity and power of expression are almost unparalleled, and his openness to other musical cultures and genres makes him a true total Artist. His accumulated contribution to European Jazz is simply colossal.
This is not the first album which finds Galliano interpreting Classical music, and his earlier albums with music by Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist, Antonio VivaldiFind albums by this artist or Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist are all warmly recommended, but this album is closest to my heart, for several reasons. Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” is my all-time favorite piece of music (as irresponsible as that kind of statement might sound), and Galliano’s interpretation of it is simply Godly. I have heard hundreds of recordings of RIB, but this is definitely one of the most profoundly moving ones, especially in view of the completely new environment and the ability to overcome the devilishly difficult score and underlying changes of mood / melody / tempo, etc., which Galliano conquers with his usual wit, intelligence and charm.
But perhaps more important is the statement, subtly hidden behind the vail, which places Gershwin with his “serious” Classical Music contemporaries, recognizing his position as a no less “serious” composer, which is more often than not denied from Gershwin, mostly recognized for his work as a songwriter, with his Classical compositions often ignored and neglected, and which deserves to be put straight.
Overall, this is a marvelous album, full of delightful music, brilliantly performed and cleverly put together, which puts a new light on the sublime music composed by Gershwin, and offers an hour of tete-a-tete between the listener and one of the greatest musicians out there. Another great production by the PentatoneFind albums on this label label and of course, this is something way beyond recommendation…
| | Updated: 04/10/2024Posted: 02/10/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | KRZYSZTOF HERDZIN ~ JAZZ Z MACV
WARSZAWSKA OPERA KAMERALNA 001 (Barcode: 5904316586829) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021
This is an album by Polish pianist / composer / arranger / conductor Krzysztof HerdzinFind albums by this artist, recorded with the Musicae Antiquae Collegium VarsovienseFind albums by this artist (MACVFind albums by this artist), an early music orchestra playing original period instruments. The album presents two works: Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist’s Piano Concerto No. 17 and Herdzin’s piece called “Chopiniana con delizia”, based of Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist’s themes. Both works are in three parts.
For his entire career Herdzin floats between Classical Music and Jazz, trying to excel in both, a process which often borders on musical schizophrenia and works perfectly (well almost) only in extremely rare cases. There is no doubt about Herdzin’s talents and abilities, and he did manage to produce a fine body of recorded legacy over the time, but somehow I have always found his efforts a tad problematic, unfocused and in extreme cases pointless. Sadly, this album belongs to that last category.
On the Mozart concerto Herdzin fiddles a little with the original composition, but that’s about it. There are many classical pianists in Poland who can play this concerto much more elegantly, passionately and imaginatively, and Herdzin’s minimal “improvisations” are somehow out of place.
The original piece, based on Chopin’s themes, immediately brings on the problem of abusing Chopin’s Genius ad absurdum within the “Jazz” idiom, which somehow never seems to stop. It is somewhat closer to the cross-genre concept, but only slightly, and contributes absolutely nothing to both genres, trivializing them on the way and crossing into the kitsch region.
Overall, this is a sad example of an attempted cross-genre Classical-Jazz Fusion, that went astray. Herdzin is perhaps a classic case of “to talented for his own good” musician, which is a great pity. But of course he will surprise us all with his display of pure Genius in the future (hopefully).
| | Updated: 31/12/2023Posted: 19/02/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOACHIM KUHN ~ ALLEGRO VIVACE
ACT 9750 (Barcode: 614427975027) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2005
This is a solo piano album by veteran German Jazz pianist / composer Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist, one of the great pioneers of modern European Jazz and one of my favorite musicians since decades. On the album Kuhn plays his interpretations of Classical music by Francois CouperinFind albums by this artist, Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist and Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist, classic Jazz music by John ColtraneFind albums by this artist and Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist and finally his original compositions, all with the same passion and unique approach to the instrument. The music was recorded during one studio session and offers a superb sound quality.
For many of Kuhn´s fans this album might come as a surprise, as it presents him in one of his calmest and most introvert moments of his career, gently stroking the keyboard, as if hesitating before making his next move, in complete contrast to the usual energetic and almost hyperactive self. As the result of this unique approach the listener is exposed to the contemplative side of Joachim Kuhn, which is a revelation.
Obviously Kuhn treats the Classical pieces with a dose of liberty and perspective, which turns out to be way more interesting than a note for note treatment, which would only prove his technical ability to play Classical scores, rather than his ability to understand and feel the music, turning it into his very own on the fly. There is certain amount of frivolity and humor involved of course, which is truly a great fun.
His treatment of the Jazz pieces are much closer to what Kuhn is know for, but of course his enormous sensitivity turns that music into a fountain of emotions sprinkling European Jazz aesthetics. Kuhn transforms the Jazz tunes into wonderful mini piano suites, which are superb examples of his ability to cross genres with ease and elegance.
Obviously the last part of the album, where Kuhn plays his own music, is the absolute pinnacle, as nothing is better than Kuhn playing Kuhn. Limited only by his own imagination Kuhn stretches out his wings and soars to the sky lifted by his pieces. His virtuosity and improvisational powers come to full bloom here and the concentration of energy and emotion are truly electrifying.
Overall this is a beautiful solo piano album, which all connoisseurs of this particular genre should try and get a copy of, and of course cherish. Although Kuhn is a very prolific artist, this is definitely one of his most intriguing recordings and as such is highly recommended.
| | Updated: 13/11/2016Posted: 13/11/2016 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MARCIN MASECKI ~ JAZZ Z MACV
WARSZAWSKA OPERA KAMERALNA 003 (Barcode: 5904316586850) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022
This is an album by Polish pianist / composer / bandleader Marcin MaseckiFind albums by this artist, recorded with the Musicae Antiquae Collegium VarsovienseFind albums by this artist (MACVFind albums by this artist), an early music orchestra playing original period instruments. The album presents three harpsichord / piano concertos, one each by Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist, Carl Philipp Emanuel BachFind albums by this artist and Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist. All works are in three parts and all are performed by Masecki on piano.
Masecki received Classical Music education and was recognized early on as an exceptionally gifted pianist. Later on he added Jazz to his milieu and since many years is active in both genres. In Classical Music he is known for his very unique interpretations of Classical pieces, in which he shows incredible originality and innovative approach. In Jazz he seems to be truly ubiquitous, playing everything between Ragtime and Avant-Garde, always brilliantly and with matchless virtuosity. He also presents a highly idiosyncratic stage persona, which offers a fascinating live experience.
This album is somewhat puzzling, since Masecki performs the three concerti with remarkable restraint and almost complete reproduction of the original scores. Only a patient and very attentive listening will lead to the discovery of his delicate personal “artifices” utilized herein, all very clever and elegant, as expected, but somewhat too modest to call this entire enterprise as an “interpretation” of the original works.
Overall, this is a very nice Classical Music album, which offers excellent performances of well-known keyboard concerti with a bit of “hide & seek” detective aspect, trying to find the subtle personal alterations utilized by Masecki. Calling this album Jazz is a wide stretch, but anything played by Masecki is definitely worth listening to. Personally I’d prefer to hear more of his “wild side”.
| | Updated: 31/12/2023Posted: 22/02/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | BOBBY MCFERRIN ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM CLASSICS
SONY 190758893723 (Barcode: 190758893723) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 1991 - 2013 Released: 2018
This Box Set collects reissues of five albums by the legendary American Jazz vocalist Bobby McFerrinFind albums by this artist, originally released on the SonyFind albums on this label label between 1992 and 2013. They are: “HushFind albums with this title” (1992), “Paper MusicFind albums with this title” (1995), “The Mozart SessionsFind albums with this title” (1996), “CirclesongsFind albums with this title” (1997) and “SpirityouallFind albums with this title” (2013).
“Hush” is a duo recording with cellist Yo-Yo MaFind albums by this artist and presents thirteen pieces, four of which are originals by McFerrin and the rest are arrangements of well-known Classical compositions. “Paper Music” is a recording of McFerrin conducting the Saint Paul Chamber OrchestraFind albums by this artist and singing specially arranged vocal parts to nine Classical compositions. “The Mozart Sessions” is also a recording of McFerrin conducting the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and singing specially arranged vocal parts, with pianist Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist performing the piano parts. Together they perform two Concerti by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist and a vocals / piano improvisation based on a Mozart sonata. “Circlesongs” is a cappella recording of eight original pieces performed by McFerrin with twelve invited vocalists. “Spirityouall” is a mixture of Americana, spirituals and original songs performed by McFerrin, a Jazz group and background vocals.
McFerrin is undoubtedly the greatest male Jazz vocalist of all time and one of the most creative, versatile and open-minded musical personalities ever on the American scene. Although three of these five albums showcase him in the Jazz-Classical Fusion idiom, his extensive and superbly diverse recorded legacy presents the full picture of his achievements so far, and one can never expect what else he will come up with next.
He is also one of the nicest human beings I have ever had the opportunity to meet in person, which is of course not less important than his musical genius. Definitely a “Don’t worry, be happy” person, but also an exceptionally gifted human being.
This music is of course beyond recommendation…
Side Note
The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty.
The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations.
In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!
| | Updated: 08/09/2021Posted: 08/09/2021 | CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Oversampling Recommend To A Friend |
  | ZBIGNIEW NAMYSLOWSKI ~ MOZART GOES JAZZ
JAZZ FORUM 019 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 1998 Released: 1999
This is probably the least known as well as most unusual album by veteran Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer / band leader Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist, who is associated with the local scene continuously since the late 1950s. The album consists of a live recording captured by the Polish Radio, which presents a Jazz arrangement of Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist´s Clarinet Concerto in A major, K 622, performed by Namyslowski´s quartet, clarinetist Wojciech MrozekFind albums by this artist and the CamerataFind albums by this artist string quartet. The Zbigniew Namyslowski quartet at the time of the recording included also pianist Krzysztof HerdzinFind albums by this artist, bassist Olgierd WalickiFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz GrzybFind albums by this artist. Mozart´s masterpiece, which was his last completed work before his untimely death, consists of three movements, but this extended interpretation adds five more "variations". All the pieces were arranged by Namyslowski, except the middle movement of the original concerto, which was arranged by Herdzin.
Of course this is by far not the first attempt of creating Classical-Jazz Fusion, which has been attempted countless times before. The matching of these often distant musical idioms is probably the most perilous area, and this album is a "classic" (pun intended) example why. The idea behind such attempts is of course to fuse the two idioms and create an amalgam, which somehow manages to preserve the best of both ingredients and create a new flavor, previously unknown. Sadly the music presented here fails completely in that sense, as far as I am concerned. The resulting music mixes Mozart´s melodic themes with Jazz rhythms and improvisations, but the resulting music simply sounds unsavory. Sort of "pickles with marmalade", which makes sense to pregnant women only.
Of course Namyslowski and his crew are all wonderful musicians and perform spotlessly all the way through, as do their Classical counterparts. There are many showcases of splendid musicianship and inspired soloing. However the overall atmosphere simply doesn´t let one enjoy this music. Mozart dancing calypso is simply not my cup of rum…
But considering Namyslowski´s remarkably long and otherwise spotless career and tremendous contribution to Polish Jazz, this excursion is easily forgiven, as it is forgotten.
| | Updated: 08/09/2021Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOLANTA SOSNOWSKA & FRIENDS ~ BAROCK & VIENNA
FOR TUNE 0082 (Barcode: 5902768701746) ~ POLAND ~ Classical
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2015
This is the first album in a new "silver" series of releases by the distinguished Polish record label For TuneFind albums on this label, which is dedicated to Old Music, i.e. music written during the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Polish violinist Jolanta SosnowskaFind albums by this artist performs seven Baroque compositions, six of which originate in the last quarter of the 17th Century, and only the Antonio VivaldiFind albums by this artist´s Violin Sonata in D major dates from 1716 / 1717. Four of these pieces were created in Vienna but all have a Viennese connection (hence the album´s title), and three of them are world premiere recordings.
Sosnowska, who plays a baroque violin, is accompanied by Magdalena MalecFind albums by this artist (harpsichord and organ), Mirko ArnoneFind albums by this artist (theorbo and baroque guitar) and Tore EketorpFind albums by this artist (G violone). The background information about the music is eloquently described in the album´s liner notes in German, Polish and English.
Old Music is a niche territory which often suffers from neglect and prejudice. The snob Classical Music connoisseurs who discredit anything before Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist and after Ludwig van BeethovenFind albums by this artist have little interest in it and therefore it is relatively rarely recorded. This important album shows that Old Music can be both a lot of fun and a serious aesthetic experience. This is definitely worth checking out and opening the horizons or thinking outside of the box we so often close ourselves in. Well done!
| | Updated: 08/09/2021Posted: 24/02/2016 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | UPPER AUSTRIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ DEFERENCE TO ANTON BRUCKNER
ATS 0771 (Barcode: 9005216007714) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2002 Released: 2012
This is an album by veteran Austrian Jazz Big Band called The Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which presents a tribute to the music by the great Austrian composer Anton BrucknerFind albums by this artist, one of the most complex and often enigmatic Classical composers in history. The album was recorded in a studio in contrast to most other recordings by the orchestra, which are usually live recordings. Led by saxophonist Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist, the orchestra includes four trumpets, five saxophones, four trombones and a four piece rhythm section. Vocalist Ali GagglFind albums by this artist appears as a guest. The album presents nine compositions inspired by the works of Bruckner, seven of which are composed by orchestra members and one each by Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist and Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist.
Although obviously a Jazz-Classical Fusion project, the music on this album is much more intricate and complex than most other projects of this kind. Usually Jazz-Classical Fusion deals with interpretation of works by Classical composers – see the Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist albums with music by the Strauss Family or Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist (just to stay in Austria both with the Jazz and Classical ingredients of the fusion elements). On this album however, the Bruckner "elements" are more suggested than quoted directly, which of course is much more difficulty to conceive to start with and finally execute. But the UAJO manages to achieve the goal brilliantly and with its usual panache and flair.
Like with the music by Bruckner, which is certainly far from being easily understood, the music on this album might prove to be slightly more difficult than other UAJO recordings as far as the average listener is concerned. It definitely requires a very attentive listening and perhaps even several listening sessions to be appreciated in its full glory. But it is certainly worth the effort and presents European Big Band Jazz at its best and most elaborate reflection. As usual the album offers many superb soli and extraordinary orchestral work of the highest caliber.
Overall this is another recording by the UAJO, which deserves an honorable place on the shelf of every serious record collection. Connoisseurs of Big Band Jazz will be delighted of course as will be serious Jazz-Classical Fusion enthusiasts. Very highly and wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 08/09/2021Posted: 04/05/2019 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ POLISH RADIO JAZZ ARCHIVES VOL.30
POLSKIE RADIO 2063 (Barcode: 5907812244026) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1966 Released: 2017
This is the thirtieth installment in the series of releases initiated by the Polish Radio, which presents archive Jazz recordings from the radio vaults. Radio recordings are always a fabulous source of remarkable material, and as far as Polish Jazz history is concerned, the Polish Radio, which was a state monopoly for 45 years, recorded over time a plethora of invaluable material, which apart from the albums released by the Polskie Nagrania record company (also a state monopoly), is the only available additional source of Polish Jazz recordings. For many years Polish Radio recorded concerts presented during Poland´s most important Jazz venues, including the annual Jazz Jamboree Festival and many other festivals as well.
The tracks presented here were recorded live in October 1966 during the ninth Jazz Jamboree Festival in Warsaw and are the second volume of a collection of tracks from that event.
The first ten tracks present the legendary French vocal group The Swingle SingersFind albums by this artist, led by Ward SwingleFind albums by this artist (an American in Paris) and including seven more vocalists. The vocal octet is accompanied by bassist Guy PedersenFind albums by this artist and drummer Daniel HumairFind albums by this artist. In contrast to the earlier iconic French vocal ensemble Les Double SixFind albums by this artist (which included several of the Swingle Singers members earlier on), which sung vocal versions of Jazz standards, The Swingle Singers performed mostly vocal Jazz arrangements of Classical Music pieces, by Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist, Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist and others. The tracks present here are all in this particular idiom.
The next two tracks present a trio led by American organist Lou BennettFind albums by this artist, who moved to Paris in 1960. The other members of the trio are: Belgian guitarist Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist and Italian drummer Franco ManzecchiFind albums by this artist. These tracks are of interest as early examples of Catherine´s playing before he started his illustrious solo career.
The last track presents a Polish Jazz quartet led by saxophonist Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist, which also includes pianist Adam MatyszkowiczFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Adam MakowiczFind albums by this artist), bassist Janusz KozlowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Czeslaw BartkowskiFind albums by this artist. They perform an original composition by Namyslowski, recorded on his debut Polish album by the same lineup.
The beautifully restored sound quality is excellent and the warm ambience of the analog recording is a true joy. As usual with this series, which is very reasonably priced, I miss the presence of "in depth" liner notes / booklet, which should convey the circumstances at which this music was recorded and its importance to the development of Jazz in Poland. Nevertheless this is an absolutely essential piece of Jazz history which every Jazz fan will surely consider an absolute must.
| | Updated: 07/07/2017Posted: 07/07/2017 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ FRANCESCO ZAPPA
ZAPPA 3872 (Barcode: 824302387221) ~ USA ~ Classical
Recorded: 1984 Released: 2012
This is a reissue / remaster of the 42nd album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1984. It continues Zappa’s interest in Classical Music, which started with the “London Symphony OrchestraFind albums with this title” albums recorded a year earlier and “Boulez Conducts Zappa: The Perfect StrangerFind albums with this title” recorded the same year. The album presents ten compositions by 18th Century Italian cellist / composer Francesco ZappaFind albums by this artist, whose works were introduced to Zappa by clarinetist / copyist / Synclavier programmer David OckerFind albums by this artist, who worked with Zappa on his Classical Music projects. Since the music of Francesco Zappa (unrelated to Zappa himself) was barely known, Zappa decided not only to record it and release this album, but also published the music. The album is performed entirely using the Synclavier, making this the first Zappa album recorded entirely using this instrument, although Zappa did use it earlier on several albums. In Ocker’s liner notes, he describes the entire project in typical Zappaesque zany and highly humorous prose.
This album remains amongst the least known of his works and perhaps also the most misunderstood. Zappa was obviously first interested in this music because of the composer’s family name, but he also felt a close affinity to his composing skills and talents. Not less importantly, he wanted to show the possibilities of the Synclavier, which represented the advancement in musical technology, of which Zappa was a great enthusiast and avid pioneer. Asked why he made this album, he answered that Francesco Zappa’s music, contemporary to Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist, was “interesting and does a few strange things harmonically, which seem to be ahead of their time”, which of course best describes Zappa’s music as well.
Overall, this album is another document of Zappa’s wide range of interest in all types of music and his dedication to unconventional projects. His Sisyphean workload during his lifetime produced an amazing variety of musical accomplishments, which scaled everything known about music as well as discovered new and uncharted territories, which at the end of the day made him the greatest musical Genius of the 20th Century and one of its most profound observers of the human nature.
Side Note
Frank Zappa created a vast recorded legacy during his lifetime, which is continuously being expanded using music recorded and stored in his extensive vault. The albums officially released and approved by Zappa are numbered sequentially in the "Official Release" series, from #001 to the last release so far #126. The albums between #001 to #062 were released during Zappa's lifetime and all the others were released posthumously. There are countless unofficial / bootleg releases on the market as well.
Zappa's catalogue was remastered for CD release twice: in 1995 for the RykodiscFind albums on this label releases and again in 2012 for the ZappaFind albums on this label Records / UniversalFind albums on this label releases. The Zappa / Universal program includes 60 releases, which cover the entire catalog released during his lifetime (62 releases, except #013 "200 Motels" and the three Box Sets #043, #046 and #049 called "The Old Masters vol.I / II / III"), and 6 posthumous releases (#064, #065, #067, #068, #093 and #094), which were also included.
| | Updated: 22/09/2022Posted: 10/04/2022 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
|
