Muzyczna Spółka Akcyjna 111 - Autoportret X (2016)

Muzyczna Spółka Akcyjna 111

Janusz Konefał – guitar
Wojciech Jaworski - electric piano 

Zbigniew Szuba – electric piano
Maciej Roda - bass guitar

Mietek Jurecki – bass guitar
Leszek Chalimoniuk – drums

Autoportret X

GAD 049

By Adam Baruch

This is an archival album presenting material recorded by an excellent but sadly short-lived Polish Jazz-Rock Fusion band Muzyczna Spółka Akcyjna 1111, which consisted of guitarist Janusz Konefał, keyboardists Wojciech Jaworski or Zbigniew Szuba, bassists Maciej Roda or Mieczysław Jurecki and drummer Leszek Chalimoniuk. The material originates from two radio sessions recorded a couple of years apart (1975 and 1977), which produced seven tracks and a live performance at the Jazz Nad Odrą Festival from 1977, which produced two tracks and finally a studio session recorded by a attempted comeback lineup of the band in 2005, which produced one track. Overall the album presents nine original compositions (one composition appears twice, in live and in studio version), eight of which were composed by Konefał and one by Szuba.

Both the music and the execution are truly excellent from start to finish and the album is a hidden gem of Polish Fusion, which finally is able to reach a wider audience. Although the live tracks were released on vinyl at the time, they are long lost and with the addition of the radio and studio recordings this album finally pays proper homage to this splendid group.

The music is very melodic and presents well written themes, which are ideal vehicles for the improvisations by the group members. The rhythm section supports the guitar and keyboards solos amicably and the music moves forward elegantly and intelligently, which is typical of European Fusion bands, which put sophistication and harmonic complexity ahead of flashy instrumental show-off.

This is another superb discovery bestowed upon the Polish music lovers by the splendid GAD Records label, which manages time after time to uncover hidden treasures, which are all more than worthy to be available to the wide public. Considering the superb quality of the music and the great sound quality, this album is an absolute gem!