Record Reviews

OLES BROTHERS & PIOTR ORZECHOWSKI ~ WATERFALL AUDIO CAVE 2020/011 (Barcode: 5908298549094) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is the debut album by a "dream come true" Polish Jazz piano trio, which combines the forces of the brilliant rhythm section comprising of twin brothers Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist on bass and Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist on drums (collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist) with one of Poland´s most idiosyncratic, expressive and open-minded pianists Piotr OrzechowskiFind albums by this artist. It is therefore not surprising that the expectations from the music produced by this trio reach the zenith as far as Polish Jazz scene is concerned. As the subtitle of this album ("Music Of Joe Zawinul") discloses, the subject of the album is the music composed by Austrian composer / keyboardist Josef Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist, who left Austria in 1959 and moved to where Jazz "was happening", soon to become one of the most prominent musicians on the American scene, playing with Cannonball AdderleyFind albums by this artist and then Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, before forming the revolutionary ensemble Weather ReportFind albums by this artist and later Zawinul SyndicateFind albums by this artist. Despite his success in America, Zawinul was in many respects a tragic figure as his European background and musical tradition never truly allowed him to integrate within American Jazz. Over the years he composed a superb body of music that attested to his European foundations, which was never fully understood by his fellow musicians at the time. Therefore the recognition of the European spirit in the music of Zawinul, which is fully recognized and openly stated by the creators of this album, offers an important historical and intellectual testimonial beyond the musical layer. This approach leads of course to a completely novel and unprecedented interpretation of Zawinul´s music, dominant to such extent that most music listeners familiar with these compositions in their original recorded form will probably not recognize these compositions easily (if at all) on this album. As a result, the listeners are exposed to a completely new depth and beauty of Zawinul´s compositions, a presentation which deserves a highest respect for its ingenuity and boldness, qualities that are not surprising in case of Oles Brothers and Orzechowski. The performances are of course absolutely stellar, with every single note and sound perfectly placed within the musical kaleidoscope. The clarity of the sound and the total involvement of these three musicians is absolutely phenomenal, standing apart from almost everything else one can find on record elsewhere. It seems that the magic touch of Oles Brothers and Orzechowski combined becomes not only a sum of their sublime qualities but rather their product A word of warning for listener´s expecting anything like what Zawinul´s music sounded originally – this album demands a completely different level of involvement, concentration and open-mindedness. Of course this is an immediate favorite as far as I am concerned, and as the year (dreadful 2020) nears its most welcome ending, this album jumps straight into the small heap of top albums of the year. It is a true revelation and I feel proud to be able to call the makers of this magnificent music my Friends. Thank you, as always!

Updated: 19/12/2020Posted: 19/12/2020

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ZAWINUL SYNDICATE ~ BLACK WATER / LOST TRIBES BGO 1417 (Barcode: 5017261214171) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 1989 - 1992 Released: 2020 This is a reissue of the second and third albums released on the ColumbiaFind albums on this label label by The Zawinul SyndicateFind albums by this artist, the ensemble led by Austrian keyboardist / composer Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist, following the cessation of the legendary Weather ReportFind albums by this artist. The ensemble continued the musical path of the late period Weather Report, mixing Jazz-Rock Fusion with World Music and Pop elements. Veteran Zawinul was supported by much younger American musicians and the lineup of the ensemble changed over time several times. "Black WaterFind albums with this title", released in 1989, features guitarist Scott HendersonFind albums by this artist, bassist Gerald VeasleyFind albums by this artist, drummer Cornell RochesterFind albums by this artist and percussionist Munyungo JacksonFind albums by this artist, with occasional vocal parts by Lynne Fiddmont-LinseyFind albums by this artist and other vocalists. The album presents nine tracks, seven of which are original compositions by Zawinul and two are arrangements by compositions by Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist. "Lost TribesFind albums with this title", released in 1992, features new members: guitarist Randy BernsenFind albums by this artist, drummer Mike BakerFind albums by this artist and percussionist Bobby Thomas, Jr.Find albums by this artist, with Veasley on bass but also playing keyboards alongside the leader. The album presents ten original compositions, nine by Zawinul and one by Veasley. Following the third album Zawinul and his ensemble was dropped by Columbia and recorded a few additional albums on small independent labels until his death at the age of 75 in 2007. These two albums perfectly reflect Zawinul´s genius as a composer and performer and his everlasting search for new forms of expression and his exploration of worldwide influences. In retrospect this music sounds significantly better than how it appeared at the time of its release, dismissed by critics and fans as way to commercial. But in truth it sounds today quite visionary, especially in comparison to what people call music today. The ensemble was a first rate live act, which I was lucky to catch several times, and managed to restore similar energies as live shows by Weather Report. Considering that the original copies of these two albums are quite difficult to find, this remastered reissue is a true Godsend. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 11/09/2020Posted: 11/09/2020

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JOE ZAWINUL ~ BROWN STREET INTUITION 3450 (Barcode: 750447345027) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006 This is an album by Austrian Jazz keyboardist / composer / bandleader Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist, recorded live with a superb rhythm section comprising of American bassist Victor BaileyFind albums by this artist, (Peruvian born) percussionist Alex AcunaFind albums by this artist and drummer Nathaniel TownsleyFind albums by this artist and the great German WDR Big BandFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents ten original compositions, all by Zawinul, which span his entire career from his stint with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and his bands Weather ReportFind albums by this artist and Zawinul SyndicateFind albums by this artist. Following his return to Austria Zawinul opened a club in Vienna’s Hilton hotel called Zawinul’s Birdland, which is where this music was recorded in October 2005. This is one of the last recordings by Zawinul before his untimely death in 2007. The music is a brilliant mixture of Jazz-World Fusion and Big Band Jazz and pays a great tribute to Zawinul’s compositional genius, in addition to his unparalleled keyboard magic. The Big Band arrangements are absolutely amazing, as are the performances, which makes the fact that these compositions have been recorded before irrelevant, as this new attire makes them sound completely fresh and worth being rediscovered. There is not one dull moment on this album and the soaring music is worth its weight in gold. Overall, this album is full of wonderful music, brilliant performances and innovative Big Band arrangements, which should leave no true Jazz fan indifferent. For Zawinul fans and his many followers around the world this is an absolute must!

Updated: 31/08/2021Posted: 31/08/2021

CD 6 Digipak Recommend To A Friend