Robert Czech / Sound Smugglers – Robert Czech / Sound Smugglers (2008)

Robert Czech - keyboards
Jacek Mielcarek - saxophone
Maciej Paszek - bass
Marek Sochacki - drums
guests:
Krzysztof Scieranski - bass
Bernard Maseli - vibraphone
Marek Raduli - guitar
Karolina Glazer - vocals

PRIVATE EDITION

By Adam Baruch

This is an album by Polish Jazz keyboardist / composer Robert Czech and his ensemble Sound Smugglers, which includes on this album as core members saxophonist Jacek Mielcarek, bassist Maciej Paszek and drummer Marek Sochacki. Many additional musicians participate as guest artists on some of the tracks, including Polish Jazz icons such as bassist Krzysztof Scieranski or vibraphonist Bernard Maseli. Czech wrote all the ten compositions included here, one of which also features vocals by Karolina Glazer.

Stylistically the music is mostly contemporary Fusion, with strong melodic statements and intervals of extended improvisations, all of which are done professionally and spotlessly. Most impressive solos are delivered by guitarist Marek Raduli and it's a pity he is not featured on more tracks. Although there are no innovations or groundbreaking statements here, this is a very well done mainstream Fusion, which should be enjoyed by all Fusion enthusiasts anywhere in the world.

This kind of music often very easily crosses over to clichés and pointless doodling, which fortunately is successfully avoided here. Therefore although on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, this is definitely music worthy of being listened to both for its quality and fun value.