Record Reviews

TOMASZ STANKO ~ JAZZMESSAGE FROM POLAND B.FREE 6098 ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1972 Released: 2016 This is a reissue of a relatively obscure album by the Polish Jazz icon Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, released originally by a small independent German label JGFind albums on this label Records. The album was recorded by the first quintet Stanko formed as a leader, shortly after the death of the Godfather of Polish Jazz, pianist / composer / bandleader Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, with whom Stanko recorded extensively for years. The quintet included the best Polish Jazz musicians at the time: violin virtuoso Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, flautist / saxophonist Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, bassist Bronislaw SuchanekFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist. This album is one of three albums this quintet recorded, following the legendary "Music For KFind albums with this title" (from 1970) and proceeding "Purple SunFind albums with this title" (from 1973, with Hans HartmannFind albums by this artist on bass instead of Suchanek), also originally released on a small German label CaligFind albums on this label Records. The album was recorded live and presents just three extensive pieces, the longest almost half an hour in duration. The pieces are credited to Muniak / Stanko, Seifert and Stanko respectively. The music is a brilliant example of early European Free Jazz / Improvised Music, which illustrates the differences between the American approach to Free Jazz and the European Free Jazz aesthetic, with is much more settled and sophisticated already at this early stage. It also shows the development of Stanko and the members of his quintet and their involvement with Free Jazz, proving to be a major step forward from what they played together on their debut album. All the musicians are prominently featured on the album, which in spite of the fact that it was recorded live, offers a crystal clear sound quality and allows the individual instruments to be perfectly audible. Seifert is spiritually closest to Stanko´s explorations and proves to be also an equally brilliant instrumentalist, being able to transform the John ColtraneFind albums by this artist inspirations into the European sphere of aesthetics, which Stanko is pursuing as well. Muniak also contributes very valuable input and the rhythm section offers an exquisite mixture of free time and discipline, which holds this music brilliantly together. In retrospect this is a milestone recording and an essential piece of Polish / European Jazz history, which is worth its weight in gold and should be a part of every serious European Free Jazz collection!

Updated: 22/04/2018Posted: 22/04/2018

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

MICHELE DI TORO / YURI GOLOUBEV ~ DUONOMICS CALIGOLA 2249 (Barcode: 8033433292492) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is an album by the duo comprising of Italian pianist / composer Michele Di ToroFind albums by this artist and Russian (resident in Italy) bassist / composer Yuri GoloubevFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, two (one each) are original compositions by Di Toro and Goloubev and the rest are standards. The album offers an excellent sound quality, which is one of the usual qualities by Jazz albums recorded in Italy. The intimate duo format is ideal for the musicians to express their mutual respect and long-lasting camaraderie, which developed over time and albums they recorded together, mostly in a trio setting. Now, within the duo setting, they can embrace to close cooperation, which allows both their individual expression and cooperative effort, unadulterated by any external influences. It is quite unusual to hear the way the duo manages to share the responsibility for the outcome of their cooperation, especially as far as giving each other both space and responsibility. The presence of the bass is felt very strongly every step of the way, bringing fond memories of the Bill EvansFind albums by this artist / Scott LaFaroFind albums by this artist interplays. Classically trained Goloubev has both the training and the talent to be there up front with the piano at all time, ignoring the traditional roles of soloist / accompanist – hence probably the meaning of the album’s title. Overall, this is a beautiful piece of Jazz music, which should completely satisfy even the sternest critics and pampered connoisseurs. Full of joy from making music together and presenting the brilliant “Art of the Duo” at its full meaning of the idiom. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 12/01/2026Posted: 12/01/2026

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DI TORO / GOLOUBEV / MATHISEN ~ TRIONOMICS CALIGOLA 2340 (Barcode: 8033433293406) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 This is an album by a Jazz trio led by Russian (resident in Italy) bassist / composer Yuri GoloubevFind albums by this artist, with Italian pianist Michele Di ToroFind albums by this artist and Norwegian guitarist Hans MathisenFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, four of which are original compositions by Mathisen and three each by Goloubev and Di Toro. The album offers a brilliant sound quality. The music is all melodic modern Jazz, offering elegant tunes, which are ideal vehicles for the trio members to show their excellent skills as instrumentalists and improvisers, which is the focus of the album. Mostly ballad oriented, the music flows gently and delicately, which enables the listener to enjoy every single note. It is all about beauty, elegance and cooperation, with no “show off” or unnecessary barrage of notes, au contraire every touch of the strings or keys seems to be perfectly designed to fit the music. Goloubev’s bass playing is on the same level of presence and amount of soloing, making the trio a perfectly balanced music making unit, and his beautiful tone, technique and rounded ambience are absolutely wonderful. As such this album is a true delight for Jazz bass lovers. Overall, this is a delightful listening experience, full of great melodic themes and virtuosic instrumental performances, which puts the bass as a full-fledged partner in the trio setting. Goloubev is certainly a player worth keeping an eye (ear) on and the album deserves an honorable place in any serious Jazz records collection.

Updated: 19/12/2025Posted: 19/12/2025

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TOMASZ STANKO ~ PURPLE SUN MILO 003 (Barcode: 5907513047230) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1973 Released: 2006 Brilliant early album by Polish trumpeter / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, one of the founding fathers of modern Polish and European Jazz and one of the most important Jazz pioneers in music today. The album was recorded in Germany and originally released on LP by the tiny private CaligFind albums on this label label, being unavailable for 33 years, so this reissue is a true blessing. The album was recorded by Stanko´s quintet, which comprises of the violin virtuoso Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, German bassist Hans HartmannFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz StefanskiFind albums by this artist, and is a superb example of revolutionary modern European Jazz. The album is full of brilliant solos and telepathic group interplay with endless climaxes which go right down the listener´s spine. This is European Jazz at its best, with intelligent music and virtuosity predominant at every step of the way. I can´t imagine any serious fan of modern Jazz not wanting this album in their collection. Brilliant stuff!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MARION BROWN ~ GESPRÄCHSFETZEN / MARION BROWN IN SOMMERHAUSEN MOOSICUS 1219 (Barcode: 885513121929) ~ USA ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2023 This is a reissue / remaster of two live albums by American saxophonist / composer Marion BrownFind albums by this artist, recorded in Germany with American and German musicians. “GesprächsfetzenFind albums with this title” was recorded in 1968 with American trumpeter Ambrose JacksonFind albums by this artist and drummer Steve McCallFind albums by this artist and German vibraphonist / bass clarinetist Gunter HampelFind albums by this artist and bassist Buschi NiebergallFind albums by this artist. It presents five tracks, three of which are originals by Brown and one each by McCall and Hampel. “Marion Brown In SommerhausenFind albums with this title” was recorded in 1969 with Jackson, McCall, Hampel, French bassist Daniel LalouxFind albums by this artist and brilliant American vocalist Jeanne LeeFind albums by this artist (Hampel’s wife). It presents six tracks, all credited to the performing musicians. Both albums were originally released on the legendary German CaligFind albums on this label label. This album is a companion release to the 2CD live archive album “Mary AnnFind albums with this title”, recorded by Brown in 1969 and also released on the MoosicusFind albums on this label label, which is highly interesting as well. The music is absolutely sensational, a great example of classic Free Jazz in the best spirit of John Coltrane. Brown’s European recordings are in many respects the highlights of his entire career, and therefore are essential listening to all Free Jazz enthusiasts. It is also a great document of the exploding early European Free Jazz scene, which flourished in Germany at the time. Overall, this is a superb reminder of the Free Jazz at its peak, captured live in a perfect sound quality, which only the Germans could provide at the time. It is an obvious “must have” to the Free Jazz / Improvising Music enthusiasts and a proud addition to every serious record collection. Both these albums have been highly sought-after rarities for decades.

Updated: 28/11/2025Posted: 28/11/2025

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MARION BROWN ~ MARY ANN MOOSICUS 1221 (Barcode: 885513122124) ~ USA ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1969 Released: 2023 This is an archival live album by American saxophonist / composer Marion BrownFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with German trombonist Ed KrogerFind albums by this artist, bassist Sigi BuschFind albums by this artist and American drummer Steve McCallFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents eight lengthy tracks, six of which last around twenty minutes and up each. The music was recorded by Radio Bremen during a performance at the legendary local “Lila Eule” club and offers a superb sound quality. At the time the music was recorded, both Brown and McCall lived in Europe and played with many European Jazz musicians, contributing to the rapid development of the European Free Jazz / Improvising Music scene. Brown and McCall recorded two live albums with Gunter HampelFind albums by this artist, “GesprächsfetzenFind albums with this title” and “Marion Brown In SommerhausenFind albums with this title”, for the legendary CaligFind albums on this label label, which were also reissued on the MoosicusFind albums on this label label and are of course a must. The music is absolutely sensational, a great example of classic Free Jazz in the best tradition of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, and with some European accents, especially in the performances by Kroger, who was of course strongly influenced by his countryman Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, who almost singlehandedly defined the role of the trombone in European Jazz. Brown’s European recordings are in many respects the highlights of his entire career, and therefore are essential listening to Free Jazz enthusiasts. Overall, this is a superb reminder of the Free Jazz at its peak, captured live in a perfect sound quality, which only the Germans could provide at the time. This is another treasure from the bottomless archives of the Radio Bremen vaults, which is always a guaranteed perfect listening experience. It is an obvious “must have” to the Free Jazz / Improvising Music enthusiasts and a proud addition to every serious record collection.

Updated: 19/09/2025Posted: 19/09/2025

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend