Krzysztof Puma Piasecki – Backward / Forward (2016)

Krzysztof Puma Piasecki

Krzysztof Puma Piasecki - guitar
Andrzej Rusek - bass
Charli Green - trumpet
Katarzyna Puma Piasecka - vocals
Tadeusz Leśniak - keyboards
Arek Kondorowski - drums

Backward/Forward


HRPP 043

By Adam Baruch

This is the sixth album by Polish Jazz-Rock Fusion guitarist/composer Krzysztof Puma Piasecki. He is accompanied by a team of musicians, which includes bassist Andrzej Rusek, trumpeter Charli Green, vocalist Katarzyna Puma Piasecka, keyboardist Tadeusz Leśniak and drummer Arek Kondrowski. The album presents twelve original compositions, all by Piasecki.

The music is a great collection of melodic Fusion tunes, beautifully crafted and most importantly honest and down to earth. Piasecki is of course "old school" and for him a good tune is the basis for a great performance. These tunes are almost danceable, and certainly a great fun to listen to, which basically scream pure unadulterated musical fun.

Of course the guitar is the focus of this album, and Piasecki is a Master of the trade. He plays many different guitars, with different sound effects and in many different moods, doing so always right on the money and straight to the heart. People like me, who still remember the good old days when guitar was the King of the musical Universe, are probably more prone to the heartwrenching guitar sounds that this album is full of. The other players all contribute amicable and highly professional parts on this album, staying however mostly in the background and leaving the spotlight for Piasecki and his stunning guitar parts.

Sometimes music should simply serve as an island of sanity in this crazy world of ours, and this album is a great example of such music. Flowing smoothly from one tune to another this music has no dull moments and keeps the listener in a state of bliss. Forget the cerebral doodling and pretentious over sophistication – this is 100% pure delight. Of course this album is an absolute must for all guitar fanatics all over the world and the hordes of Fusion fans, who still populate this earth. This is no bullshit real deal - please remember you heard it from me first!

Krzysztof Puma Piasecki – Illusion (2014)

Krzysztof Puma Piasecki

Krzysztof Puma Piasecki - guitar
Wojciech Konikiewicz - keyboards
Adam Skrzypek - bass
Sebastian Skrzypek - drums
Kasia Puma Piasecki - vocals

Illusion



PRIVATE EDITION

By Adam Baruch

This is the fifth album by veteran Polish guitarist/composer Krzysztof Puma Piasecki, recorded in a quartet format with keyboardist Wojciech Konikiewicz, bassist Adam Skrzypek and drummer Sebastian Skrzypek. Kasia Puma Piasecki adds some improvised vocals on one track. The album presents ten original compositions, six of which were composed by Piasecki and four were co-composed by Piasecki and Konikiewicz.

The material on this album presents two quite separate musical universes:

The music composed by Piasecki moves between Blues-Rock and Jazz-Rock Fusion and is based on strong melodic motifs, which serve as vehicles for extended improvisations by the guitar and the keyboards. Both the lyrical/melancholic ballads and the bluesy rockers are nicely and intelligently crafted. The entire sound of the ensemble is somewhat retro oriented and quite reminiscent of many late 1960s/early 1970s Blues based electric instrumental albums. Piasecki plays some great guitar licks, which still send a shiver down the listener's spine, at least in the case of those of us who grew up when this type of music ruled the world. Konikiewicz plays a variety of keyboards, from acoustic piano, on the mellow acoustic tunes on which the acoustic guitar is also used, to mean synthesizers on the more rocky tunes. The rhythm section (with acoustic bass) is supportive and tight, exactly as needed, and produces an unobtrusive background, which carries the solos with grace.

In contrast, the music co-composed by Piasecki and Konikiewicz is less conventional, mostly ambient/improvised, performed by guitar and keyboards only, except for one track, which also uses vocals. This music is obviously more complex and adventurous, and as a result more difficult to be absorbed by an average listener. It is also much more interesting as far as more experienced and daring listeners are concerned.

In spite of the obvious differences, the two musical universes work well together, balancing the overall effect both aesthetically and emotionally, creating a multifaceted musical experience.

Although this album does not break any new ground musically, it contains excellent musical content, which is based on creative compositions and superb execution by high class instrumentalists, which is already more than most album released today. Listeners who still listen to Blues-Rock and Jazz-Rock Fusion have a great opportunity here to get an injection of fresh music, which is right up their alley. This is definitely an album worth investigating by all guitar fans and just anybody with any musical taste left in them. Well done!

Slow - Art Of Silence (Proa Records, 2011)

Slow (band)

Tomek Kaczmarczyk - guitars
Krzysiek Wermiński - piano, kbds

Guests:
Sławomir Berny - perc
Michał Dąbrówka - drums
Robert Kubiszyn - el/ac bass
Kenny Martin - drums
Kasia "Puma" Piasecka - b.voc.
Ania Szarmach -voc.
Leszek Szczerba - ts, ss, fl

Art Of Silence (Proa Records, 2011)

Debut recording by smooth jazz duo of guitarist Tomek Kaczmarczyk and keyboardist Krzysiek Wermiński. Diversified selection of guests, catchy melodies and high quality of recording all contribute to make this CD  one not-to-be-missed for all smooth jazz lovers. Check sample of this music:  

Author: Maciej Nowotny

http://kochamjazz.blox.pl/html