Birthday. Polish Jazz, vol. 48

Their first record includes eight pieces by J. Smietana and W. Sendecki. Each of the recorded themes attracts attention to some qualities of the group and of its particular members. The title piece "Birthday" is probably the most perfect as regards the composition. A lyrical tone of the saxophone is "painting" here the theme, while the guitar of the group's leader, J. Smietana, organizes the piece harmonically and rhythmically. In its middle section the piece includes a beautiful quotation of a Silesian folk-song which fuses into the whole…

"Maryna's Dance" reminds us that this is Polish jazz. And the both exotic and familiar sounding kujawiak of the 11/8 metre indicates that a contemporary jazz can draw its inspiration not only from the Balkan folk-lore (Ellis!).

In "Without Return", on the other hand, the Group shows us how deeply it is rooted in the jazz tradition. The classically constructed theme indicates that Packer's music remains to the young jazzmen still most attractive. Of special interest here is the tenorist, A. Olejniczak, who in solo parts, too, inspires his partners to a group creation. "A Journey to the Mountains" — probably the most popular of their themes so far — presents the group, after a lyrical introduction, in a dynamic jazz-rock. It was just this music which won the "E-B" most enthusiastic fans, especially among the devotees of "Return to forever"…

"The Seven" also belongs to the Group's earlier achievements (it was played at the "Jazz on the Oder-River" competition). One can notice in it a "Hendersonian" tone of the tenor and, above all, admire a virtuoso solo a capella of the electric piano, concluded by a beautiful, lyrical motive.

"The Lucky Unlucky-Man" framed by joyful sounds of nature, gives us a sample of W. Sendecki's talent. "Blues for Everybody" takes us back again into the past. Without limitations of time and arrangement, W. Sendecki (this time playing the classic piano) and J. Smietana are enjoying a free and joyous improvisation. Both the instruments used in it and the virtuosity of the performer are reminiscent of the J. Pass — O. Peterson duet.

The theme "Hengelo Almelo Deventer" concludes the record and although one must stress in it the solo parts of J. Smietana and J. Cichy, one cannot fail to admire the accomplished collective playing as well. One may be surprised at the diversity of numbers on this record — a summary of the Group's output so far — and yet this is, throughout and most consistently, the music of "Extra Ball". — Jan Poprawa.