Record Reviews

FELIPE AVILA ~ QUASE TUDO EDITIO PRINCEPS 96 (Barcode: 7898901556961) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2008 Released: 2008 3rd album by Brazilian guitarist Felipe AvilaFind albums by this artist (member of the excellent group PercussônicaFind albums by this artist), who explores his own compositions this time, accompanied by an excellent group of fellow Brazilian musicians, including keyboardist Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Vinicius DorinFind albums by this artist, drummer NenêFind albums by this artist and many other great players. The music is very diverse, moving between straight-forward Jazz (with Brazilian flavor of course), atmospheric pieces and even freely improvised passages, all very elegantly performed and consistently absorbing. This is undoubtedly Avila´s best effort so far and a superb example of contemporary Jazz-World Fusion, which is by far the most interesting facet of modern Jazz these days. This music is uplifting and energetic, but always carefully held back before it becomes to obviously folkloristic, definitely not an easy task. For listeners, who enjoy cross-cultural excursions, this is a gem well worth investigating. Recommended!

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MAGGIE BELL ~ QUEEN OF THE NIGHT ANGEL AIR 200 (Barcode: 5055011702004) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1974 Released: 2006 1st album by Maggie BellFind albums by this artist, after her group Stone The CrowsFind albums by this artist disbanded a year earlier. A wonderful singer with a distinct husky voice and great musical sensitivity, she was definitely one of the most important female vocalist on the UK scene in the 1970’s. The album is excellent in every respect: the choice of material, the accompanying band and the performances are all first rate. Maggie moves freely between genres – soul, blues, Rhythm And Blues and even jazz. Her range and passion make every tune to come alive and she obviously has a ball singing. The overall atmosphere resembles recordings by Joe CockerFind albums by this artist and at times also Janis JoplinFind albums by this artist. Great remastering, which brings out all the crisp sounds of the original and two live bonus tracks make this a definite worth investigating item for fans of British Rhythm And Blues of the 1970’s.

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

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BURTON / METHENY / SWALLOW / SANCHEZ ~ QUARTET LIVE CONCORD 888072313033 (Barcode: 888072313033) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2009 In the 1960s the celebrated American vibraphonist / composer Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist led a quartet, which also included guitarist Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist and drummer Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist (and later Bob MosesFind albums by this artist). That quartet recorded a series of brilliant albums, which in retrospect clearly show how pioneering and revolutionary that music was at the time, giving birth to Jazz-Rock Fusion years ahead of anybody else in the US. The young and up-coming guitarist Pat MethenyFind albums by this artist joined that same quartet just a few years later (mid-1970s), adding his unique input to the quartet´s sublime legacy. This live recording at the legendary Yoshi´s Jazz club in Oakland captures a reunion of the original (1970s) quartet with the exception of the Mexican drummer Antonio SanchezFind albums by this artist, who is of course a member of the much younger generation of Jazz players, but his remarkable qualities suited the occasion perfectly. They perform a series of mostly original compositions by the three veteran group members, which have all been performed at the time by the original quartet. A few compositions originating from outside the quartet, but performed at the time, as also included, those being by Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, Carla BleyFind albums by this artist, Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist and Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist. This quartet treats these compositions quite differently in comparison to the original performances, bringing the arrangements up to date both sonically and stylistically, which awards them a second life. The overall level of performance is of course stellar, which is not surprising considering the aggregation of talent present. It is really great to hear Metheny play Jazz again, which he scarcely does with his own group. Both Burton and Swallow seem to be completely untouched by time and sound in top form. It is truly uplifting to see Jazz veterans being able to create music, which is fresh and valid today, as it was decades ago. Great stuff!

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CLAMAN / STRYCHARSKI / CHOJNACKI / PRATS ~ QUARTETT NON LOCALITY MULTIKULTI MPSMT 015 (Barcode: 5903068683336) ~ SPAIN ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is an album by international Improvising Music ensemble Quartett Non LocalityFind albums by this artist consisting of New Zealand (resident in Barcelona) violinist Sarah ClamanFind albums by this artist, Polish flautist Dominik StrycharskiFind albums by this artist and accordionist Zbigniew ChojnackiFind albums by this artist and Catalan drummer Ramon PratsFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven improvised pieces not attributed to specific composers. The album is a part of the "Spontaneous Music Tribune Series" dedicated to Iberian Free Improvised Music, curated by my friend and colleague Maciej LewensteinFind albums by this artist, who lives in Barcelona since many years and who is a passionate music lover in parallel to his scientific career. The music is a typical Improvised Music experience, which sadly suffers from the characteristic recorded Improvised Music malady, which haunts most albums of the genre. This music might have been highly interesting for the musicians to play, and perhaps might have been a fascinating live experience, but is much less interesting to listen to at home from a record and is unable, at least to me, to recreate that potential excitement, closed in a recorded time capsule. Sadly since making a recording and releasing albums have become accessible and inexpensive in the last two decades, there is a deluge of Improvised Music albums on the market, which only under rare circumstances make a lasting statement and deserve repeated listening. Strycharski and Chojnacki are both formidable musicians and have already created numerous excellent recordings, but sadly on this album one can hardly find significant evidence of their individual abilities. Although I painstakingly listened to this music, enjoying some fragments, I don´t envisage myself doing it again. Overall this is perhaps of interest to the hardened Improvised Music enthusiasts, who are deeply enthralled by the intricacies of the genre, but for listeners beyond that intimate circle it is most probably impenetrable.

Updated: 12/01/2020Posted: 09/01/2020

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KIT DOWNES TRIO ~ QUIET TIGER BASHO 34 (Barcode: 832929003424) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011 This is the 2nd album by British Jazz pianist / composer Kit DownesFind albums by this artist, recorded with his trio, which also includes bassist Calum GourlayFind albums by this artist and drummer James MaddrenFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist James AllsoppFind albums by this artist and cellist Adrien DennefeldFind albums by this artist guest on all but three of the tracks, but their contributions are relatively minimal. The album present eleven tracks, all of which are original compositions by the leader. Since his appearance on the British Jazz scene just a decade and a half ago, Downes managed to create quite a stir and draw a lot of attention, as well as managed to build up a sizeable recording legacy, making him probably the most noticeable “new arrival”. I have had the pleasure of listening to him play on several occasions and I must admit he does stand out from the crowd. His compositions are unusual, often quirky and unpredictable, both rhythmically and harmonically, and his broad range of musical activities is altogether very impressive. This album is quite an early recording by Downes, but already here all those odd, surprising elements are vividly present, which makes the music truly fascinating. The definition of Jazz as “the Art of the unexpected” fits to Downes’ music perhaps more than to most other contemporary Jazz musicians around. I have often thought that Downes reminds me of Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, and his quirkiness, which made him stand out among most Bebop players at the time. Some of the tracks on this album, are a living proof of that “Monk theory”, taken some seventy years forward. Listeners, who know their Monk will understand what I am saying. In short, this is seemingly a classic Jazz piano trio album, but it is nothing like a classic Jazz piano trio album that most people ever heard, I guarantee you! Overall, this is a brilliant piece of contemporary Jazz, completely unique and fascinating, which should be heard by every Jazz lover on this planet, although many might probably not like it too much, at least at first. Downes is a musician worth keeping an eye (ear) on, for example please note his album with the British Diva Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist “Outpost Of DreamsFind albums with this title”. Enough said!

Updated: 04/02/2025Posted: 04/02/2025

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MADS LA COUR / ALMUGI ~ QUARTET WHYPLAYJAZZ 019 (Barcode: 4050486928226) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is the debut album by the AlmugiFind albums by this artist quartet, led by Danish cornetist / composer Mads la CourFind albums by this artist, which also includes clarinetist Lars GreveFind albums by this artist, bassist Andreas LangFind albums by this artist and drummer Kasper Tom ChristiansenFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all by la Cour. Christiansen, Lang and la Cour were members of the QuartzFind albums by this artist quartet, which recorded a debut album almost a decade earlier and which was also released at the time on the excellent German WhyPlayJazzFind albums on this label label. The music is a an open form of modern Jazz, which ignores genres and conventions and freely floats between melodic passages and free improvisations, presenting the complete palette used by today´s new generation of European Jazz players, who are constantly trying to expand the Jazz idiom. These musicians are all very experienced players, having participated in numerous recordings as leaders and sidemen and played countless gigs, so there is nothing surprising about their proficiency and brilliance. Their functionality as a group is also beyond reproach, both when playing straightforward and improvising. The cornet solos are excellently structured and for some strange reason bring an association of the work by Don CherryFind albums by this artist in the early Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist´s quartets. Of course la Cour has his own individual language and this is just a nostalgic whim on my part. He also weaves excellent melodies, which serve as vehicles for the quartet to improvise and express the individual statements. Greve is very expressive and skillfully uses the clarinet and bass clarinet to create atmospheric layers and solos, expanding the sonic scope of the music. The rhythm section is, as usual, exceptional. Lang and Christiansen are already well known for their skills and adaptability to every imaginable musical setting, and they don´t disappoint here as well. Overall this is another superb album coming out of Denmark, where Jazz is enjoying an impressive Renaissance in the last decade, which makes all connoisseurs of Scandinavian Jazz extremely happy. Very well done indeed and I am looking forward to hear more from this group in the future. Two more albums: a duo and a large ensemble recording by la Cour are also available.

Updated: 11/06/2016Posted: 11/06/2016

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LABORATOTIUM ~ QUASIMODO (POLISH JAZZ VOL.58) POLSKIE RADIO 0532 (Barcode: 5901448115323) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1979 Released: 2005 This is the 2nd album by Polish Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble LaboratoriumFind albums by this artist, which was one of several great Polish bands (like Extra BallFind albums by this artist for example) playing in that vein during the 1970s. Founded by keyboardist Janusz GrzywaczFind albums by this artist, the band´s founding members included also saxophonist / vocalist Marek StryszowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Mieczyslaw GorkaFind albums by this artist. After an initial period of trying to find a musical identity, the band was joined by brothers Pawel ScieranskiFind albums by this artist on guitar and Krzysztof ScieranskiFind albums by this artist on bass (one of the greatest Polish bass players) and settled into the Fusion genre, with a musical approach and sound not far away from Weather ReportFind albums by this artist. This, their second recording, presents them in their full power and the recording is quite stunning in its sophistication and instrumental aptitude. The music includes pieces composed by all members of the group. As opposed to most American Fusion at the time, which was mostly based on simplistic melodies and endless instrumental doodling, this music is atmospheric, intelligent, sophisticated, well developed and coherent, clearly well rooted in the European musical tradition. Fusion fans are well advised to try this out and explore this wonderful music, which is expanding the genre´s limitations to the max. This music will also interest fans Prog fans, as it is close in spirit to the Canterbury genre. Superb stuff!

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JOHN MCLAUGHLIN ~ QUE ALEGRIA VERVE 837280 (Barcode: 042283728028) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1991 Released: 2003 A beautiful album by the John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist Trio, with percussionist extraordinare Trilok GurtuFind albums by this artist and bass player Dominique Di PiazzaFind albums by this artist (Kai BeckhardFind albums by this artist plays bass on two of the nine tracks). McLaughlin switches masterfully between the acoustic guitar and guitar synthesizer according to the desired mood and his partners play along with virtuosity and elegance. The music covers a wide range of genres, from blues to strong world music influences. McLaughlin wrote most of the music on the album, with Gurtu and Di Piazza contributing one track each. This is a true showcase of sophisticated and invigorating music creation, which is timeless and precious. A case of “less is more”, where the silence is as important as the sound. Beautifully recorded in the famous Ludwigsburg Studio (in South Germany), where also many ECM albums were recorded. Brilliant!

Updated: 09/07/2024Posted:

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DOM MINASI ~ QUICK RESPONSE CDM 1005 (Barcode: 616892598527) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004 This quartet date by US guitarist / composer Dom MinasiFind albums by this artist is quite different from his two trio recordings, which brought him back from a quarter of a century long self-imposed exile from recording and stormed the Jazz world with his amazing performances. Together with Mark WhitecageFind albums by this artist on tenor saxophone, Kyle KoehlerFind albums by this artist on organ and John BollingerFind albums by this artist on drums, Minasi presents a laid-back session, which re-examines the Jazz heritage in a contemporary setting. Of the nine compositions included on here, three are re-workings of standards and the other six are Minasi’s compositions, all kept in the “spirit” of Jazz tradition. Minasi’s followers might find this approach surprising, but it is really quite natural for him to play more or less “straight ahead” Jazz, as long as he retains his unique guitar voicing, which of course he does with flying colors here. His delicate and ever so sophisticated solos are truly delightful, time after time, with traces of Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist chords hidden under the surface. The other quartet members play along splendidly, with Whitecage and Koehler adding their tasteful solos, Koehler (when not soloing) supporting the perfect background layers and the basses (with his pedals) gluing the music together and Bollinger driving them all rhythmically. The retro sound of the organ is really delightful, at times somewhat resembling what Larry Young was doing in Tony Williams LifetimeFind albums by this artist. Playing “straight ahead” is a real challenge when the musicians want to retain the element of originality and creativity, which is exactly what happens on this album. For the less experienced Jazz lovers, who might find Minasi’s Avant-Garde work difficult to swallow at first, this is a great introduction to the magical word of his music. Grab it!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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JANUSZ MUNIAK ~ QUESTION MARK (POLISH JAZZ VOL.54) MUZA 1054 (Barcode: 5907783420542) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 Released: 2007 This is the debut album as a leader by the great Polish saxophonist / composer Janusz MuniakFind albums by this artist, one of the forefathers of modern Polish Jazz. His legacy includes the membership in such legendary Polish ensembles as those led by Andrzej TrzaskowskiFind albums by this artist, Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist and Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist as well as leading his own groups. He is accompanied here by his quintet, which includes pianist Pawel PerlinskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Marek BlizinskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Andrzej DechnikFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy BezuchaFind albums by this artist, all excellent players themselves. Muniak has a completely unique, natural style of improvisation, which is passionate and highly expressive, putting him somewhat aside in a class of his own besides the other distinguished Polish saxophonists, like Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist for example. His compositions incorporate beautifully Polish folklore and the Jazz tradition, often unintentionally, but always brilliantly. This is on of the strongest albums in the legendary Polish Jazz series, which is a very high distinction by any standard. This is a must to lovers of Polish and Eastern-European Jazz and a timeless masterpiece.

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ALON OLEARTCHIK ~ QUIETLY NMC (ISRAEL) 20308 (Barcode: 7290005215032) ~ ISRAEL ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1997 Released: 1998 This is the fifth album by Israeli vocalist / multi-instrumentalist / songwriter Alon OleartchikFind albums by this artist which is a retrospective look at his work up to that moment and presents rearranged and reworked versions of his songs. Of the thirteen tracks on this album, twelve are songs and one is an instrumental piece that closes the album. Oleartchik composed and wrote the lyrics for all these pieces with some minor exceptions. The album was recorded by just two participants: Oleartchik (who sings, plays piano and acoustic guitar) and guitarist Barak HanochFind albums by this artist (who plays acoustic and electric guitars and guitar synthesizer). These new versions, which are much more personal, intimate and fragile, are as a result paradoxically also much more striking than the originals. Oleartchik performs the songs at a slower tempo (in most cases) and the delicate and sensitive instrumental accompaniment is absolutely brilliant. The overall effect is a superb example of camaraderie and mutual respect between these two musicians, which is quite rare in a world where competition is considered an ideal. Oleartchik´s music proves once again that is has universal qualities, which are independent from the way they are executed. They sound great when performed by a full band and are as much effective in a duo or solo setting. Of course they are also aesthetically some of the best songs the Israeli Rock produced over the years. There are but a few other Israeli songwriters who are capably of such divine melancholy, tenderness and melodic perfection, even when being anything but "simple" or immediate. What a pity that Oleartchik is not appreciated in accordance to his exceptional qualities. This is a true gem, which sadly won very little attention at the time it was released and is now out of circulation. If you can find a copy, grab it immediately, as it is will give you many musical pleasures!

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QUARTADO ~ QUARTADO NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the debut album by young Polish Jazz ensemble QuartadoFind albums by this artist, which consists of keyboardist Jan RejnowiczFind albums by this artist, guitarist Marcin WadolowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Karol KozlowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Tomasz LosowskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions, eight of which are by Rejnowicz and one each are by Wadolowski and Losowski. The music can be generally classified as Jazz-Rock Fusion, but it certainly has quite an unusual approach, mixing the standard Fusion tricks of the trade with Latin rhythms, Jazzy acoustic piano passages and many other devices, which sets the quartet apart from most of their competition. The level of the compositions is quite surprising, with solid melodic and harmonic ideas rather than the usual Fusion chord progressions which only purpose is to serve as a basis for endless doodling. The personal contributions are all impressive, with the rhythm section driving the music forcefully forward. The bass has a very thick sound and the drums are very busy, and although together they are well synchronized, personally I think that the rhythm section is too dominant and comes way to forward in the mix, which causes a listening fatigue after about half the album, actually hurting the listeners ears. The overall sound is not great either, sounding muddy and condensed as if recorded in a tiny box, which is a great pity as this album could have sounded infinitely better. Rejnowicz, who wrote most of the music, comes up as a gifted composer, but his playing is not sensational and fails to make a unique personal statement, probably due to the fact that he is still very new at it. However, Wadolowski, who has been very busy in the last few years and participated in quite a few recordings, is the absolute star of this album, playing his heart out and sounding really good from start to finish. His solos are inventive and well developed, obviously making hordes of young guitarist to cringe with envy. It is truly satisfying to follow a musicians for a period of time and see (or rather hear) his progress and development. Overall quite a nice debut with many fine moments and a lot of potential, just take it a bit easy next time around and channel the testosterone elsewhere.

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QUARTADO ~ QUARTADO 2 SOLITON 938 (Barcode: 5901571099385) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019 This is the second album by Polish Fusion quartet QuartadoFind albums by this artist, which comprises of keyboardist Jan RejnowiczFind albums by this artist, guitarist Marcin WadolowskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Karol KozlowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Tomasz LosowskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions; four by Rejnowicz, two by Wadolowski and one each by Kozlowski and Losowski. The music continues exactly where the debut left off, with the same Fusion feel based on highly melodic compositions and full of typical Fusion riffs, which have been around for the last fifty years, which means that this album might have been recorded anytime between 1970 and now and nobody would be able to pinpoint the recording date. This of course proves that Fusion is one of the most stable (or stale is one wants to be nasty) Jazz idioms out there. Having said that, this music is really quite excellent as far as Fusion is concerned, full of great tunes, excellent playing and "positive energy", as the quartet states on the album´s cover. The technical level of the performances is much better than on the debut, especially the keyboards, which offer a diverse sonic kaleidoscope of instruments between acoustic and electric pianos, organ and synthesizers. The soloing is solid and very well structured this time. The only pity is that the keyboards completely dominate the proceedings, and the role of the guitar is sadly much less prominent. Wadolowski is obviously a growing force on the Polish guitar scene and his playing is significantly superior, which is an asset the quartet could have explored more efficiently. The rhythm section does a perfect job all the way through, doing exactly what is expected in the Fusion environment, i.e. keep the beat steady and the groove swinging. Overall this is a splendid Fusion album, perfectly in the middle of the Fusion mainstream, which should keep most of the fans of the genre perfectly happy. It is certainly as good as anything produced by American Fusion bands that are still around, if not better than most. Highly recommended to Fusion-heads the world over!

Updated: 09/08/2019Posted: 09/08/2019

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	QUATERMASS ~ QUATERMASS REPERTOIRE 4620 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Only album from 1970 by this legendary UK Prog group, considered as an early treasure of the genre. Remastered with bonus tracks.
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QUEEN ~ QUEEN EMI JAPAN 67341 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock 1st album from 1973. Although largely overshadowed by the later masterpieces, this is a very strong debut album by one of the most popular and revered Rock bands of all times. Basically a Hard Rock album, dominated by the excellent guitar work (with many overdubs and effects) by Brian May and Freddie Mercury´s vocal acrobatics. In retrospect it is a classic of the genre. Limited Edition

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QUEEN ~ QUEEN II EMI JAPAN 67342 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock 2nd album from 1974. Heavier and darker then the debut, this was their first album to win both the critics and the fans approval and hit the charts. It still does not reach the level of magic and perfection acheived on the 3 albums that follow, but it is a great classic nevertheless. It was also the first album to reach US on a wide scale and win the band the huge following there. Limited Edition

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QUIDAM ~ QUIDAM ROCK SYMPHONY 070 (Barcode: 7898217280703) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1995 - 1996 Released: 1996 1st album by the Polish Prog group QuidamFind albums by this artist, which took the Prog world by surprise when it hit the Western world. In retrospect this is definitely one of the best Prog albums released in the 1990s and surely one of the strongest Prog debuts ever. Quidam has all the elements of a great group: superb writers, excellent instrumentalists and a divine female vocalist with an angelic voice of the caliber of Annie HaslamFind albums by this artist – Emila DerkowskaFind albums by this artist. The band is deeply rooted in the Prog tradition, especially in the GenesisFind albums by this artist dramatics, but they take the best of the tradition only as a backbone of their music, developing it far beyond the cliches and building exceptionally well developed and masterly executed songs. The delicate balance between acoustic (flute, viola) and electric (keyboards and guitar) instruments is enchanting and extremely effective. The choice to stick to Polish lyrics is a wise one, as the vocalist certainly can express herself better in her native tongue, rather than use English (as they tried later on). This is a masterpiece in every respect and every single second of this album is absolutely perfect. No serious Prog collection can be complete without this album.

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QUIDAM ~ QUIDAM / RZEKA WSPOMNIEN (LIMITED EDITION) ROCK SERWIS 101 (Barcode: 5907729910120) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1996 Released: 2006 1st album by the Polish Prog group QuidamFind albums by this artist, which took the Prog world by surprise when it hit the Western world. In retrospect this is definitely one of the best Prog albums released in the 1990s and surely one of the strongest Prog debuts ever. Quidam has all the elements of a great group: superb writers, excellent instrumentalists and a divine female vocalist with an angelic voice of the caliber of Annie HaslamFind albums by this artist – Emila DerkowskaFind albums by this artist. The band is deeply rooted in the Prog tradition, especially in the GenesisFind albums by this artist dramatics, but they take the best of the tradition only as a backbone of their music, developing it far beyond the cliches and building exceptionally well developed and masterly executed songs. The delicate balance between acoustic (flute, viola) and electric (keyboards and guitar) instruments is enchanting and extremely effective. The choice to stick to Polish lyrics is a wise one, as the vocalist certainly can express herself better in her native tongue, rather than use English (as they tried later on). The new 10th Anniversary edition adds a second CD called “River Of Memories”, which is a collection of previously unreleased material by the group and offshoot projects, all very interesting and worth having. Several video clips are added as well. This is a masterpiece in every respect and every single second of this album is absolutely perfect. No serious Prog collection can be complete without this album.

CD 2 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SAMECH ~ QUACHATTA TZADIK 8169 (Barcode: 702397816928) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 This is a debut album by the Polish Jazz-World Fusion quartet SamechFind albums by this artist, which consists basically of a string trio: Anna OstachowskaFind albums by this artist who plays voila, Magdalena PlutaFind albums by this artist who plays cello and Marek LewandowskiFind albums by this artist, who plays double bass with percussionist Robert SztorcFind albums by this artist (who in his distant past was a member of the Prog outfit T.A.O.Find albums by this artist). The quartet plays acoustic music, which to some extent is based on Jewish and Klezmer music elements, but takes the music much further into Medieval European music, Turkish swirling rhythms, Sephardic, rather than Ashkenazi musical tradition and the Iberian Peninsula Moorish heritage. The album consists of ten wonderful pieces, seven of which are written by Ostachowska or co-written / co-arranged with Agata KrauzFind albums by this artist, one is by Krauz herself, one is co-written by Pluta and Lewandowski and the remaining one is by the DavkaFind albums by this artist ensemble (another great Jewish Music ensemble, from US, which also records for the TzadikFind albums on this label label). The incredible sound of the viola and cello combined with the bass pulsations and mostly Oriental percussion is simply stunning and completely unique, which immediately places Samech in a class of its own. The performances are all very exciting and manage to keep the listener on his toes through the entire duration of the album. The overall sound is well balanced with all four instruments clearly audible, which is such a relief opposite the much cluttered sound one comes across so often in contemporary recordings. This is a perfect example of innovation rather than imitation, which of course is highly commendable. The album should delight many quite diverse audiences, as it speaks to World Music, Classical and Jazz connoisseurs alike and is of course highly recommended. Hopefully the ensemble will follow the superb debut effort with additional future achievements. Well done indeed!

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SLOW ~ QUARTET LIVE SLOWMUSIC 05 ~ POLAND ~ Smooth Jazz Recorded: 2024 Released: 2025 This is the 5th album by the Polish Jazz ensemble SlowFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Slow The BandFind albums by this artist), recorded live by a quartet lineup, led by guitarist / composer Tomasz KaczmarczykFind albums by this artist, with saxophonist Leszek SzczerbaFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Tomasz GrabowyFind albums by this artist and drummer Lukasz SobolakFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks (one bonus), two composed by Kaczmarczyk, one co-composed by him and the fifth member of the band, in absentia, keyboardist Krzysztof WerminskiFind albums by this artist, and three are standards. The music was recorded in a church and offers spectacular sound quality. The music is, as always in the case of this ensemble, a perfectly executed and elegant Smooth Jazz, based on melodic themes, usually composed by the band’s members, but in this case also including interpretations of Jazz standards. As I have already stated repeatedly, although this is not the kind of music I listen to often, I have a lot of respect for these musicians, who always treat the music they play with respect and dedication, without giving up musical standards and remaining faithful to their aesthetic credo. Smooth Jazz can very quickly deteriorate into a shameless chaltura, but Slow managed to avoid such a development on five consecutive albums, so I have nothing but high esteem for their music. Overall, this is a fine, pleasant and highly entertaining album, which offers a lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, which can be enjoyed by a wide spectrum of music listeners, without offending anybody’s taste buds. Well done, as always, and a relaxing listening experience in the chaotic world we live in.

Updated: 09/11/2025Posted: 09/11/2025

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

SPONTANEOUS MUSIC ENSEMBLE ~ QUESTION AND ANSWER RHYTHM AND BLUES 068 (Barcode: 5060331752431) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1966 Released: 2021 This is an archival release, which presents early recordings by the pioneering British Free Jazz / Improvised Music outfit, called Spontaneous Music EnsembleFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. SMEFind albums by this artist), fronted by drummer / composer John StevensFind albums by this artist, which also includes saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist, trombonist Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist and Australian bassist Bruce CaleFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks recorded live at a pub, as well as an Q&A session with the musicians, and additionally four trio tracks (less Rutherford), recorded a couple of months later at an unknown studio. The sound quality is a bit rough around the edges, but surely good enough to express the atmosphere and the magic of the music. The album’s booklet with text by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist, gives a wide historic perspective of the circumstances surrounding the music. Soon after Stevens formed the SME with Watts and Rutherford, the group begun a residency at the Little Theatre Club, and soon after recorded their debut album. The recordings on this album originate from just few months later on and are some of the earliest SME musical documents. Over the years the entire British (as well as many European improvisers) Avant-Garde Jazz scene took part in SME activities, making it one of the most formidable British / European foci of the genre. A plethora of SME lineup existed up to the untimely death of Stevens in 1994. Britain was definitely somewhat behind the burgeoning American Avant-Garde Jazz scene, which started in the late 1950s, and therefore what was considered as Free Improvisation in UK was much gentler and less radical than what was happening across the pond. The music played here still offers some basic themes, which are then improvised on, and the music more often than not still swings, at least to those listeners who can recognize that swing in Stevens’ drumming. Watts, improvising bravely and with unlimited expressionism, is only of the verge of becoming the Master Improviser he would become a few years later. Rutherford manages to raise some brows, being perhaps the most virtuosic performer at that point of time. Overall this is certainly a very important document as far as the British / European Avant-Garde history is concerned, and the fact that this music suddenly pops up five and half decades later is a major discographical event. Surely this will be of interest to many British Jazz fans around the globe and make many of them grateful for being able to enjoy it.

Updated: 19/06/2021Posted: 18/06/2021

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

WOJCIECH STARONIEWICZ ~ QUIET CITY POLONIA 043 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1995 Released: 1995 This is an early release by veteran Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer Wojciech StaroniewiczFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quartet setting with pianist Andrzej JagodzinskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Adam CegielskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Cezary KonradFind albums by this artist. The album includes six original compositions, all by Staroniewicz, most of which are ballads. After listening to just a few opening notes it becomes immediately apparent that this is a Polish Jazz recording, as the music is full of the characteristics, which are unique to Polish Jazz: wonderfully lyrical melodies, folkloristic undertones, unusual meters and those unique harmonies, which only Polish Jazz musicians are able to invent. Also clearly apparent is the virtuosity of the participants, who in spite of their (at the time) young age sound as if they played Jazz for decades. Staroniewicz has a beautiful tone when playing his tenor saxophone, which resembles several of the great American saxophonists, but has more vitality and chutzpah. Jagodzinski is a fantastic player and this early recording already shows him in his full capacity. The rhythm section is also first class, doing a fantastic job supporting the two soloists both during the ensemble parts and solo parts. Although this is solid mainstream Jazz, it is full of intelligent moments and passionate performances, which take the music well beyond what is usually conceived as mainstream. Partly due to the leader´s superb compositions and partly to the musicians growing up absorbing the Polish Jazz heritage, which includes the innovations introduced by Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, which were as much influential on Polish Jazz as John ColtraneFind albums by this artist´s legacy was on the global scene, this music is both a classic example of mainstream Jazz as much as an epitome of Polish Jazz. In retrospect I find myself returning to this album from time to time and although it is rarely considered as a Polish Jazz "classic", it is definitely so for me. Of course the fact that it was recorded almost two decades ago means absolutely nothing except for the fact that is seems to be getting better with time. The fact that Staroniewicz emerged eventually as one of the pillars of the Polish Jazz scene, not only as a player but also as a record label owner, concert organizer, etc. proves that he means business, which is always a great quality in people. So a "classic" for me, and if you get to listen to it – it will be also a "classic" for you!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

GNIEWOMIR TOMCZYK / PROJECT LIVE ~ QUALITY JAZZ LIVE SJ 034 (Barcode: 5912596066672) ~ POLAND ~ Smooth Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is the second album by Polish drummer / composer Gniewomir TomczykFind albums by this artist, this time recorded live and presenting some of the compositions included on the debut album recorded with keyboardist Andrzej MikulskiFind albums by this artist and new original compositions by Tomczyk intended to appear on the next studio album. The album consists of seven tracks recorded live and five additional bonus tracks recorded in various locations either live or in studio. Tomczyk is accompanied by an impressive group of young Polish musicians, which includes keyboardist Zdzislaw KalinowskiFind albums by this artist, cellist Anna FurkalowskaFind albums by this artist, violinist Robert SeniutaFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Maciej KadzielaFind albums by this artist and others, with several people providing the rap and vocal parts. The music is a sophisticated amalgam of Jazz roots with contemporary Pop / electronic / Avant Rock / Rap excursions, melody based but allowing plenty of space for improvisation and individual statements by the participating musicians, which works quite well and definitely explores new horizons as far as Jazz music is concerned, bringing it much closer to contemporary popular music trends, without loosing any of the intellectual and artistic quality. The album is a very refreshing listening experience and although it is a compilation of available recordings rather than a coherent and well planed album, it still works out well and offers plenty of diverse and at times even fascinating music. For the young generation of Jazz musicians and listeners, such cross genre excursions sound completely natural. For the Jazz purist my advice is to take the stick out of their rectum and let go – this is fun music and is to be treated as such. Personally I am already waiting to hear the next album by Tomczyk, which promises to be an exciting journey.

Updated: 11/01/2019Posted: 11/01/2019

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

WHO ~ QUADROPHENIA (DELUXE EDITION) POLYDOR 2780503 (Barcode: 602527805030) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2011 This was the 6th studio album (7th including "Live At LeedsFind albums with this title") by the legendary British band The WhoFind albums by this artist and their second "Rock Opera" ("TommyFind albums with this title" was the first of course). In order to comprehend the enormity of Who´s output of that period, one must recall that the three successive studio albums: "Tommy", "Who`s NextFind albums with this title" and "QuadropheniaFind albums with this title" were all double LPs, were based on literary plot / storyline and were written and composed by one man: Pete TownshendFind albums by this artist. The story behind "Quadrophenia" talks about a teenager boy called Jimmy, the opera protagonist, who suffers from quadruple schizophrenia (hence the title), where each of his multiple personalities represents one of the band´s members. The social, psychological and moral aspects of Jimmy´s life, set in London and Brighton in the mid-1960s are the opera´s plot. In spite of the relative success of the album at the time of its release, it was severely criticized as self-indulgent and excessive, and was mostly completely misunderstood musically by the contemporary critics, which happened repeatedly with Who´s albums. Often even passing time and perspective did not make significant difference in the order of recognition of the album´s standing as one of the great masterpieces of British Rock. In 1979 the opera was transformed into a script and filmed, to be later released under the same name. The film´s soundtrack features ten remixed songs from the original album and three new songs that did not appear on the album. In retrospect the music serves as a glorious reminder of times, when music was at the epicenter of Artistic expression with unprecedented and unfortunately unrepeated power and aptitude. This Deluxe Edition, produced by Townshend, adds a set of previously unreleased demo versions of the songs, which would later on become "Quadrophenia", and of course a remastered versions of the original album. Do I need to remind everybody again how essential it is? Side Note: In addition to this Deluxe Edition there is also a Super Deluxe Edition of "Quadrophenia", a lavishly packed LP-sized Box Set, which includes 5 CDs, a beautiful book with text by Townshend and beautiful photographs and a plethora of other goodies. It is expensive, but worth every penny for a true Who fan!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

FRANK ZAPPA ~ QUAUDIOPHILIAC DTS 01125 ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Rock Recorded: 1970 - 1978 Released: 2004 This is the 74th album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 2004 in DVD-A format. The music was recorded over the entire 1970s decade with various lineups of The Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist and later groups. Zappa was not only a musical genius but also a pioneer in sound recording technology, as the recordings included here show. Mixed by Zappa originally for the Quadraphonic Sound format in 1970s (which was soon forgotten), these never previously released tracks sound simply breathtaking, utilizing the latest high-resolution remastering and Surround Sound technologies. Even though some of the tracks have been released in different form before, these new mixes are so much different that they sound completely new. No Zappa fan can possible live without this stuff!

Updated: 12/01/2023Posted:

DVD-A 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend