Zbigniew Seifert - Man of Light (1976 by Adam Baruch

Zbigniew Seifert - violin

Joachim Kühn - piano (1, 2, 4, 6)
Cecil McBee - double bass (1-4, 6)
Billy Hart - drums (1, 2, 4, 6)
Jasper van 't Hof - electric piano & organs (5)

Man of Light (1976) 

This exceptional album by Polish violin virtuoso / composer Zbigniew Seifert was the first major exposure of his talents outside of his motherland. Legendary MPS producer Joachim Berendt, who had close ties to the Polish Jazz scene, was aware of Seifert´s incredible talent and managed to pull off this recording session, bringing on board a superb team of players, which consisted of German pianist Joachim Kuhn and an American rhythm section: bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Billy Hart. Dutch pianist Jasper van`t Hof also participates on one track. Seifert composed all the music on this album, which is a great example of typical Eastern European Jazz, which cleverly combines elements of modern American Jazz, especially that of John Coltrane, with Folklore and Classical influences. Seifert´s "obsession" with Coltrane´s music and his improvisational technique are plainly evident, especially during the up-tempo numbers. The album´s title track is dedicated to Coltrane´s pianist McCoy Tyner. Hearing the album 35 years after it was recorded makes one realize how great music gets better with time, losing absolutely nothing of its initial grandeur. Both Seifert and Kuhn play some incredible solos here and the rhythm section supports them admirably every step of the way. Tragically, just three years after this music was recorded Seifert died, stricken by cancer, before his endless potential was realized and recognized properly. Seifert managed to record several albums in the US before his untimely death, but this album is definitely his most important and most perfect legacy. Absolutely essential!

Author: Adam Baruch

http://www.adambaruch.com/

check also his music boutique: https://www.jazzis.com/shop/