Record Reviews

JOZEF SKRZEK ~ MOJA MUZYKA VIATOR 001 (Barcode: 5901549197235) ~ POLAND ~ Electronic & Ambient Recorded: 1978 - 1981 Released: 2014 This is an archival album by Polish bassist / keyboardist / composer Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, one of the leading musicians in the country and the founder and leader of the legendary group SBBFind albums by this artist. This album concentrates on Skrzek as a synthesizer player and presents eight tracks, seven of which are performed only on synthesizers and one with features also the SBB drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist. The opening and closing tracks were recorded solo live during TV shows and the remaining six tracks are fragments of live performances by SBB, edited out to showcase the synthesizer parts. All music was composed by Skrzek. The music is a loosely connected series of ambient / electronic pieces, which are only marginally interesting. There are no real melodic themes developed and expanded by improvisations, but mostly loops and repetitive sounds which result in uneventful music, reminiscent of efforts by New Age / ambient artists. The closing, almost half hour long title track, is in fact pretty difficult to listen to without falling asleep. Of course many diehard SBB fans will find this music to their liking, but honestly Skrzek is at his best when playing bass with SBB and making ass-kicking music that rocked Eastern Europe in the early years, rather than pretending to make "serious" music, which goes nowhere. Considering the plethora of available SBB and Skrzek live recordings, there comes a point when one should let the bygones be bygones and concentrate on new music, if possible, rather than dig out more pieces from the past which do not add anything to the long list of achievements by Skrzek or SBB. This album is a first release on a new label called ViatorFind albums on this label Records, owned by Skrzek and dedicated to release his music, including more archival material like the one present on this album.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

JOZEF SKRZEK ~ AKUSTYCZNIE II VIATOR 002 (Barcode: 5901549197440) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2003 Released: 2015 This is an archival release by Polish bassist / keyboardist / composer Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, the founder and leader of the legendary Polish Progressive Rock and Jazz-Rock Fusion band SBBFind albums by this artist. It is the second album on his ViatorFind albums on this label label, and it presents a solo concert by Skrzek captured live at a club in Czech Republic. The music includes six original compositions by Skrzek, spanning his entire career, which are well known to Skrzek / SBB fans. Skrzek sings and plays piano and Minimoog. The recording captures very well the atmosphere of the club and Skrzek at his best, playing his heart out. The recording quality is rather questionable, but considering the intensity of the performance this can be easily forgiven. Skrzek´s fans will find this highly interesting and entertaining of course. On the other hand, however, Skrzek and SBB released way to many live recordings so far, which feature quite similar material, which means that one more such album basically adds nothing new to what Skrzek / SBB have to offer, simply further saturating the market.

Updated: 03/03/2016Posted: 03/03/2016

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

JOZEF SKRZEK ~ KOLEDY 81-82 VIATOR 003 (Barcode: 5901549197679) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1981 - 1982 Released: 2016 This is an archival album presenting the unreleased solo album recorded by the Polish bassist / keyboardist / composer Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, primarily known as the leader of the legendary group SBBFind albums by this artist. This album presents Skrzek´s interpretations of Christmas Carols, performed by a plethora of keyboards and bass. The album offers thirteen tracks, twelve of each are traditional compositions presented in their instrumental form and only the last track offers an original composition by Skrzek which also includes vocals. The music is a typical synthesizer drenched music, which dominated the 1980s, with occasional solo piano pieces, which are much more lyrical and enjoyable. Although the melodic background is familiar, Skrzek takes the Carols into the Prog fantasy world, to the delight of his many fans. As a result this is only marginally a Christmas album, if at all, but rather a Progressive Rock venture, which emphasizes Skrzek´s virtuosity as a synthesizer Master and a bass virtuoso. Fans of the late Keith EmersonFind albums by this artist will find this album a pure delight. The fact that this music was unreleased for such a long time is a pity and the fact that it is finally available is a relief. The continued effort by Skrzek to present his musical archives on his own ViatorFind albums on this label Records label is definitely worth checking out.

Updated: 21/03/2017Posted: 21/03/2017

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend