Record Reviews

ATOM STRING QUARTET ~ ESSENCE REQUIEM / LYDIAN 2022/24 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2020 Released: 2022 This is the 8th album by Polish ensemble Atom String QuartetFind albums by this artist, a string quartet comprising of violinists Dawid LubowiczFind albums by this artist and Mateusz SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, violist Michal ZaborskiFind albums by this artist and cellist Krzysztof LenczowskiFind albums by this artist, which is the world leading string quartet combining Jazz and Classical Music. The album presents ten original compositions, all by the quartet members, composed between 2010 and 2016. The album was not released through common distribution and can only be obtained during the quartet’s concerts or bought directly from the label that released it. The album is a kind of summary of the quartet’s decade long activity and presents mostly compositions, that were already recorded by the quartet on their earlier albums, like “PlacesFind albums with this title” and “AtomsphereFind albums with this title”, except three compositions that appear here for the first time as quartet performances, all newly arranged and performed with the benefit of a decade of experience and afterthought. There is no doubt that Atom String Quartet managed to establish a unique position for their music not only on the Polish scene, but internationally as well, primarily because it unites four exceptional instrumental virtuosi, who are able to interact telepathically, but also because of the incredible level of compositions these four individuals are capable of creating. If this is not enough to make them stand out, they also manage to combine the worlds of Jazz and Classical Music in such brilliant way, that it sounds like a natural amalgam of the two quite distant universes. Classical structures and harmonies swing perfectly to Jazzy rhythms and phrasing, and every note falls exactly in its perfect place. It is also important to emphasize the great respect the members of the quartet treat Polish musical tradition with, both Classical and Folklore, shades of which are clearly perceptible within their music. The Polish melancholy and sublime lyricism are felt strongly throughout this music, and they are heart melting. Overall, although the material on this album is not new per se, and is a kind of “best of” compilation (well, an oxymoron of sorts, as it is already the best), it offers absolutely wondrous music and heavenly performances, which can move the souls of stones. I cannot imagine any music lover on this globe to stay emotionless when this music is playing, so although it’s not going to be easy, grab a copy of this treasure!

Updated: 27/06/2024Posted: 24/03/2022

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HANKA GREGUSOVA ~ ESSENCE HEVHETIA 0082 (Barcode: 8588005257237) ~ SLOVAKIA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the second album by the Slovak vocalist Hanka GregusovaFind albums by this artist, which presents a beautiful tribute to Slovak Folklore. It features eleven folk songs, sung in Slovak and wonderfully arranged by pianist Ondrej KrajnakFind albums by this artist, who leads a Jazz quartet with bassist Josef FecoFind albums by this artist, drummer Marian SevcikFind albums by this artist and percussionist Stefan BugalaFind albums by this artist, which accompanies Gregusova on several tracks. On other tracks she is accompanied by a Folklore quartet, led by violinist Ivan HerakFind albums by this artist and featuring Josef Feco on cymbalon (also spelled cimbalom), Robert BoldiFind albums by this artist on viola and Marek BoldiFind albums by this artist on bass. One track features the combined forces of the Jazz and Folklore ensembles and the remaining tracks are more intimate trio, duet and solo vocal pieces. Several guest musicians also participate in the recording. This album is a classic example of what Jazz-World Fusion is all about and how it can be achieved successfully. Both the World music and Jazz idioms are given a respectful and graceful treatment, and are mixed with elegance and charm. The Jazz arrangements are of course further distanced from the original folk songs than the Folklore treatment, but the overall atmosphere and continuity of the album achieve a wonderful journey based on the Slovak Folklore transposed into contemporary musical language. Gregusova has a warm, well rounded voice which works both in the Jazz and the Folklore environment. Her phrasing on the Jazzy interpretations is simply superb and the solo vocal piece is deeply moving. Krajnak is a superb pianist and a most skillful arranger, which is obvious from what he achieved on this album, but all the musicians involved are also top notch. The recording quality and the sound of the album are also excellent. Overall this is an aesthetically pleasing and musically successful cross genre project, which manages to be original, while respectfully presenting traditional folkloristic heritage. Definitely a model to be followed and enjoyed!

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