Zbigniew Seifert – Polish Radio Jazz Archives Vol. 32 (2018)

Zbigniew Seifert

Zbigniew Seifert - violin, alto saxophone
Jarosław Śmietana - guitar
Janusz Grzywacz - electric piano
Jan Jarczyk - piano
Zbigniew Wegehaupt - bass
Jan Gonciarczyk - bass
Mieczysław Górka - drums
Janusz Stefański - drums


Polish Radio Jazz Archives Vol. 32

POLSKIE RADIO 2145

By Adam Baruch

This is the thirty-second installment in the series of releases initiated by the Polish Radio, which presents archive Jazz recordings from the radio vaults. Radio recordings are always a fabulous source of remarkable material, and as far as Polish Jazz history is concerned, the Polish Radio, which was a state monopoly for 45 years, recorded over time a plethora of invaluable material, which apart from the albums released by the Polskie Nagrania record company (also a state monopoly), is the only available additional source of Polish Jazz recordings. For many years Polish Radio recorded concerts presented during Poland's most important Jazz venues, including the annual Jazz Jamboree Festival and many other festivals as well.

The seven tracks presented here were recorded by one of the most iconic Polish Jazz figures: saxophonist/violinist/composer Zbigniew Seifert, who sadly died at a ridiculously young age succumbing to cancer. Influenced by the music of John Coltrane, Seifert revolutionized the Polish Jazz violin school and achieved international recognition. All the tracks are original compositions by Seifert.

The first five tracks, recorded just three months before Seifert's death (in November 1978), were recorded live at the "Pod Jaszczurami" Jazz club in Kraków. They were recorded by a quintet, which also included guitarist Jarosław Śmietana (also not with us anymore, another victim of cancer), keyboardist Janusz Grzywacz, bassist Zbigniew Wegehaupt (my dear and sadly also departed friend) and drummer Mieczysław Górka. Grzywacz and Górka were at the time members of the legendary Polish Jazz-Rock ensemble Laboratorium. The music, although composed by Seifert, gets here a Fusion oriented treatment, as a result of the fact that all four members of the quintet except Seifert were involved with Fusion at the time. Nevertheless the music is superb in every sense and the fact that it remained unreleased to this very day is a Cultural crime!

The sixth track originates from a recording Seifert made with the Polish Radio Jazz Studio Orchestra directed by Jan Ptaszyn Wróblewski in 1972. It presents him as a soloist backed up by an excellent Jazz orchestra, performing one of his early compositions, which is also previously unreleased.

The seventh and last track goes even further back and was recorded in 1970 during the thirteenth edition of the Jazz Jamboree Festival. On this track Seifert plays saxophone and is accompanied by pianist Jan Jarczyk, bassist Jan Gonciarczyk and drummer Janusz Stefański. This track was already released in 2010 by the great Polish reissue label GAD Records on the album "Nora", dedicated to Seifert's early recordings, and the inclusion of this track here is redundant and somewhat questionable.

The beautifully restored sound quality is excellent and the warm ambience of the analog recording is a true joy. As usual with this series, which is very reasonably priced, I miss the presence of "in depth" liner notes/booklet, which should convey the circumstances at which this music was recorded and its importance to the development of Jazz in Poland. Nevertheless this is an absolutely essential piece of Jazz history which every Jazz fan will surely consider an absolute must.

Laboratorium – Anthology 1971-1988 (2006)

Janusz Grzywacz - keyboards, leader
Marek Stryszowski - saxophone, vocals
Pawel Scieranski - guitar
Krzysztof Scieranski - bass
Mieczyslaw Gorka - drums
Ryszard Styla - guitar
Krzysztof Olesinski - bass
Andrzej Mrowiec - drums
Jan Pilch - percussion

METAL MIND BOX 001

By Adam Baruch

This box set compiles all the albums released by the Polish Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble Laboratorium, which was without a shadow of a doubt one of the best and most important Fusion outfits in Eastern Europe before the fall of the Iron Curtain. Over the years the band managed to release ten albums, an unprecedented achievement at the time, of which seven were studio recordings, two were recorded live and the last one was a compilation of previously unreleased tracks. Two of the studio albums were released on the legendary Polish Jazz Series (Volumes 49 and 58). All the ten albums were remastered for this box set release and expanded with a plethora of bonus tracks, which include studio outtakes, radio and live performances and mini-sleeved. The booklet includes a detail history of the band and reflections about the albums by the band's founder / leader keyboardist / composer Janusz Grzywacz.

As all ensembles Laboratorium changed lineups over the years, but enjoyed relatively steady personnel for extended periods of time, which undoubtedly added to their success. Most of their material, which is covered by their second to sixth albums (and the compilation album), was recorded by a steady lineup, which included in addition to the leader also saxophonist / vocalist Marek Stryszowski, guitarist Pawel Scieranski, bassist Krzysztof Scieranski and drummer Mieczyslaw Gorka. On the later albums the lineup includes Grzywacz and Stryszowski (who are the only musicians appearing on all the ten albums) with guitarist Ryszard Styla, bassist Krzysztof Olesinski, drummer Andrzej Mrowiec and percussionist Jan Pilch. The debut recording, which initially occupied only one side of an LP, features the legendary Polish violinist Zbigniew Seifert and is stylistically quite close to Free Jazz in contrast to the Fusion direction adopted later.

The band performed only original music, which of course was a courageous decision, and with a singular exception, all the music enclosed herein was composed by Laboratorium members, mostly by the leader but also by others or co-composed by the band. Over the years Grzywacz emerged as a first rate tune-weaver with an excellent ability to write great melodies and riffs, which make the music accessible, even when it becomes quite complex. The music remains intelligent and ambitious throughout, with a remarkable consistency of high-level quality. But the most important factor of Laboratorium was its ability to constantly evolve and change, which is quite evident to anybody listening to the music in the proper historic order. Grzywacz slowly moved from acoustic to electric piano and then to synthesizers, but never indulged in mindless pyrotechnics which so many of his colleague keyboardists fell victim to during that period of time. Laboratorium managed to avoid that terrible, obnoxious 1980s cheesy synthesizer sound, which is a success in itself.

Although most of the music performed by Laboratorium is instrumental, they used the human voice time and again in an instrumental capacity. These vocalese experiments are all quite interesting and present another layer of the band's musical range. It seems that Polish Jazz is particularly fond of such experimentation since its early days and it's definitely interesting to hear how Laboratorium handled them.

There are endless moments of musical joy inside this box set; virtuosic performances by the musicians, especially those by Krzysztof Scieranski, who stands easily shoulder to shoulder with such bass heroes as Jaco Pastorius, beautiful melodies, funky grooves, superb guitar and keyboards solos, in short Fusion heaven for all connoisseurs of the genre. I can't imagine any Fusion fan anywhere on this planet not being melted away by the beauty of this music.

The box set is an individually numbered limited edition and if you can put your hands on a copy, don't you dare to hesitate even for a moment – it's worth its weight in gold!

Laboratorium - Zdrowie na budowie (2006)

Laboratorium (band)

Janusz Grzywacz / piano, Fender Rhodes, Arp Odyssey synthesiser
Marek Stryszowski / vocal, alto sax, soprano sax
Paweł Ścierański / guitar
Krzysztof Ścierański / bass guitar
Mieczysław Górka / drums
Wacław Łoziński - flute (11, 12)
Maciej Górski - bass (11, 12)

Zdrowie na budowie (2006)

Laboratorium is legendary band in Polish Jazz and by no accident. In terms of moulding together pop, rock, funk and jazz influences it outpaced all other bands in Poland by light years. Listening to their music is as travel in time when all of sudden one finds itself back in 70ties. Great period generally for Polish culture if not somewhat surprisingly especially when taking into account that it was not then fully independent and democratic country. This travel is made possible by this astonishing disc which issued in 2006 comprises previously unreleased material recorded between 1974-78. Its quality is absolutely stellar! All is perfect here: musicians, tunes, mood. It swings, it rock, it rolls. Like hell! And regardless of years passing... Wholeheartadly recommended!

Tracklisting:
1. Zdrowie na budowie (8:05)
2. Północna samotnia (4:44)
3. Cichy kącik (4:29)
4. Dove (4:40)
5. Brzózka (2:24)
6. Za piętnastą górą (5:30)
7. My z Julkiem (3:06)
8. Madonna z Poręby (7:28)
9. Długie zimowe wieczory (6:05)
10. Złota rybka i lustereczko (6:12)
11. Nowe szaty króla (4:33)
12. Lolokuki (5:18)
13. Euschaustor (6:22)

By Maciej Nowotny
http://kochamjazz.blox.pl

Laboratorium – Quasimodo (Polish Jazz Vol.58, 1979)

Laboratorium (band)

Janusz Grzywacz – Acoustic Piano, Rhodes Piano, Arp Oddessey
Marek Stryszowski – Vocalm Vocal by "Space Chorus Rolland" Alto Sax, Soprano Sax
Pawel Scieranski – Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar
Krzysztof Scieranski – Bass Guitar
Mieczyslaw Gorka – Drums, Percussion

Quasimodo (Polish Jazz Vol.58)

This is the 2nd album by Polish Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble Laboratorium, which was one of several great Polish bands (like Extra Ball for example) playing in that vein during the 1970s. Founded by keyboardist Janusz Grzywacz, the band's founding members included also saxophonist / vocalist Marek Stryszowski and drummer Mieczyslaw Gorka. After an initial period of trying to find a musical identity, the band was joined by brothers Pawel Scieranski on guitar and Krzysztof Scieranski 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 Report. 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!

Track listing: A1 – Przejazd / The Journey; I'm Sorry, I'm Not The Driver; A2 – Etiudka / Little Etude Sniegowa Panienenka / The Snow Girl; A3 – Lady Rolland; B1 – Quasimodo; B2 – Kyokushinkai; B3 – Ikona / An Icon – in memory of Zbigniew Seifert

By Adam Baruch

http://adambaruch.com/

Laboratorium - Modern Pentathlon (Polskie Nagrania, 1976)

Laboratorium (band)
Janusz Grzywacz - Fender piano, piano, synthesizer Rolland 2000

Krzysztof Ścierański - bass guitar
Mieczysław Górka - drums, percussion
Paweł Ścierański - electric guitar, acoustic guitar
Marek Stryszowski - vocals, alto saxophone, bass clarinet

Modern Pentathlon (Polskie Nagrania, 1976)

A few years ago there appeared, in the series “Polish Jazz”, a record of the Laboratory band. On that occasion, while introducing the group and discussion their music, I ventured the opinion that the young Cracow musicians were the future of Polish jazz. Since the release of their “Modern Pentathlon” this prediction has proved right. Today the Laboratory are not longer future but present time of jazz in Poland. The Laboratory are in many respects and unusual group indeed. Having for many years worked in the quietness of Cracow, while retaining the same line-up and without the temptation or treat of immediate success – they managed to overcome the threshold of art and that of popularity. As for art – they worked out their own, original jazz-rock idiom, adding to their tonal imagination, a liking for complicated rhythmic figurations, a tendency to extend and diversify the form, etc. As for their standing in society – they have become probably the most popular Polish jazz group. The Laboratory has been playing very much indeed, taking part in major festivals, making world concert tours, making recordings. And increasingly now – be it at the international Jazz Yatra Festival in Bombay, or in Quasimodo club in West Berlin, or in small hall at the student club somewhere in Poland – the jazz-lovers do recognize the very special sound of that Cracow group. The music which is so concentrated, carefully thought out, full of nuances and with all this very much alive, filled with individualities of five musicians who concealed their solo ambitions, as well their names, under the name of the Laboratory. (All text by Jan Poprawa from original line notes from the album's back cover, translation by L. Wewiorkowski)

Check tune "Crazy Shepherd" from this album: 

Author of text: Jan Poprawa

Jarek Smietana – A Tribute To Zbigniew Seifert (2009) by Adam Baruch

Jarek Śmietana (guitars)

Piotr Wyleżoł (acoustic & electric piano)
Janusz Grzywacz (keyboards)
Zbigniew Wegehaupt (bass)
Adam Czerwiński (drums)
Sławek Berny (percussion)

A Tribute To Zbigniew Seifert (2010)

and guests:

- Jerry Goodman - violin (1)
- Mateusz Smoczyński - violin (2)
- Didier Lockwood - violin (3)
- Krzesimir Dębski - violin (4)
- Christian Howes - violin (5)
- Mark Feldman - violin (6)
- Maciej Strzelczyk - violin (7)
- Adam Bałdych - violin (8)
- Pierre Blanchard - violin (9)

This is a stunning tribute album to the Polish violin virtuoso / composer Zbigniew Seifert by the great Polish guitarist Jarek Smietana and his band: pianist Piotr Wylezol, bassist Zbigniew Wegehaupt, drummer Adam Czerwinski and percussionist Slawek Berny. Keyboardist Janusz Grzywacz guests on two tracks. Smietana invited nine leading Jazz violinists to play along with this fabulous band, performing Seifert's wonderful compositions. They are: Jerry Goodman (ex-Mahavishnu Orchestra, USA), Mateusz Smoczynski (Poland), Didier Lockwood (France), Krzesimir Debski (Poland), Christian Howes (USA), Mark Feldman (USA), Maciej Strzelczyk (Poland), Adam Baldych (Poland) and Pierre Blanchard (France). These nine virtuosi play like there's no tomorrow and the resulting music is simply a breathtaking trip into Seifert's world. This is such a conglomerate of talent, that anything said beyond this would be simply superfluous. Simply grab this ASAP, as you are about to take trip of your life – violin heaven indeed!

Sample of great misci by Zbigniew Seifert:

Author: Adam Baruch
http://www.adambaruch.com/
check also his music boutique: https://www.jazzis.com/shop/

Laboratorium - The Blue Light Pilot (Helicon, 1982)

Laboratorium (band)
Janusz Grzywacz / piano, Fender Rhodes, synthesisers (Roland Jupiter 4, Micro Moog)
Marek Stryszowski / vocal, sax
Ryszard Styła / guitar
Krzysztof Olesiński / bass guitar
Andrzej Mrowiec / drums

The Blue Light Pilot (Helicon, 1982)

This one really rocks!!! Recorded back in 1982 it contains all original compositions as well as standard "Straight No Chase", this album is so expressive, engaging, emotional that regardless of time I cannot simply detach myself from this fantastic music. Centered among powerful figure of keyboardist Janusz Grzywacz, guitarist Ryszard Styła, bassist Krzysztof Olesiński, drummer Andrzej Mrowiec plus vocalist and saxophonist Marek Stryszowski created a splendid space where both jazz and rock could interact freely. Another feature of this album that adds spice to the pot is that it was recorded live and enthusiasm and zeal of musicians is fully reflected by spontaneous and emphatic reaction of audience. Those times seem now long gone in jazz, at least as far as mainstream concerts are concerned, where most of people remain sombre and thoughtful during gigs even if music calls for dancing and shouting. Sometimes then in spite of attending today's snobistic jazz events it is good to step back a little and discover recordings like this emanating with authenticity and joy that is seldom found in our days.    

Strongly recommended!   

Author of text: Maciej Nowotny
http://kochamjazz.blox.pl/html

Jarosław Śmietana Band - A Tribute To Zbigniew Seifert (2009) by Maciej Nowotny

Zbigniew Seifert, born in 1946, lived only 33 years, but nonetheless he earned himself a reputation of the best polish jazz violinist ever (contended only by Michał Urbaniak). In this short span of time he had fruitous collaboration with Tomasz Stańko and also managed to play with Joachinm Kuhn, Charlie Mariano and Oregon group, which was quite exceptional back in 70ties when communist goverment virtually locked up Polish artist from Western world. His brilliant carrer was interrupted by cancer with which he was figthing for long time. Just 3 months before death he recorded his farewell album titled Passion accompanied by Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield, Eddie Gomes, Richie Beirach and Nana Vasconselos.

Guitarist Jarek Śmietana is no less prominent person in Polish Jazz and he worked together with Seifert on another of his legendary recording called Kilimanjaro. Thirty years after the departure of his friend he decided to venture on this specific project which turn out to be as succesul as it is ambitious. Jarek Śmietana Band consists of excellent pianist Piotr Wyleżoł, legendary bassist Zbigniew Wegehaupt and Janusz Grzywacz (keybord), Adam Czerwiński (drums) and Sławek Berny (percussion). But apart from these top musicians we encounter on this recording ten foreign and polish jazz violinits:

1. Kilimanjaro (with J. Goodman)

2. Where Are You Fron (with M. Smoczyński)

3. Passion (with. D. Lockwood)

4. Quo Vadis (with K. Dębski)

5. City Of Spring (with Ch. Howes)

6. Way To Oasis (with M. Felman)

7. Taniec Garbusa (with M. Strzelczyk)

8. Untitled Song (with A. Bałdych)

All compositions are Seifert's but newly arranged by Śmietana.  Addition of different violinist to each song makes the rehearsal of this album similar to the riding on the rollercoster but the one you really like to be on, in short it is simply pure joy. Great recording for the lovers of jazz violin!

Author: Maciej Nowotny

http://kochamjazz.blox.pl/html