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CD REVIEW: Lukasz Lechowski - Hello (2005) By: Cyrus Rhodes
"amazing - brilliant - infectious" - INDIE MUSIC DIGEST -
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Artist: Lukasz Lechowski CD: Hello Label: Independent Artist Website: www.lucaslechowski.com Genre: Jazz Sounds Like: Herbie Hancock, Billy Cobham, Pat Matheny Technical Grade: 10/10
Production/Musicianship Grade:
10/10 Weakness: None
CD REVIEW:
Polish born composer, guitarist and violinist Lucas Lechowshi releases his latest CD in 2005 entitled Look up. Lechowski is no stranger to the music business. Over the year he has been members in several prominent Orchestras, participated in numerous Jazz festivals and has had his music featured or Synched” in major Motion Pictures. This 4 piece band features Lukasz Lechowski (guitars, violin, keyboards, samples, loops) Dorata Zaziabto (piano, keyboards) Wojtek Traczyk (bass) Irek Gtyk (drums).
The CD quickly takes to flight with “Hello” a methodical yet eccentric intro piece that flows and ebbs its way through to musical fruition. This first piece serves up impressive Jazz guitar against a dynamic rhythm section. The CD makes a great first impression and literally grabs your attention with its infectious musical flow. Track 2 “For Fun” keeps things moving in the same direction with more full tilt guitar/piano melodies meshed against dynamic rhythms against hooky bass lines. Track 3 “Little Symphony” is a more marketable piece that serves up dynamic musical build eventually lending itself to flowing rhythm, against a mesmerizing piano/guitar driven melody. The CD makes a great first impression, providing 3 solid musical experiences in a row. Musical textures reminiscent of classic Herbie Hancock, Billy Cobham, Wes Montgomery and even Pat Matheny. Despite this it’s quite amazing how original LL’s signature is and it something that goes beyond traditional pigeonholing. As the CD slowly unfolds you will notice most of the songs are very dynamic and passionate in nature, with crystal clear high end clarity and solid low end feel. The music itself goes down smooth and just fills the sonic space with what I would describe as exuberant musical meandering with all the progressive excitement of classic modern-day jazz. The musicianship though extremely conservative provides a lot of musical variety. All in all the CD has some truly impressive moments, showcasing impressive chops, dynamic grooves rich in melody and texture. What’s even more impressive is how well the guitar an piano share the sonic space equally. I was entertained the entire time and I can say this is the most unique jazz quartet I’ve ever heard with roots from Poland. Drummer Irek Gtyk pushes the natural accents and odd time signatures extremely well, Pianist Dorota Zaziabto adds fuel to the fire with his infectious melodies. Bassist Wojtek Traczyk lays down the bottom end groove with several impressive bass solos to boot. Finally Lukasz Lechowski’s guitar virtuoso just makes the whole thing work as he provides the perfect balance between strong melodic delivery and sizzling jazz guitar chops. From hypnotic “Na Fali” to grooving “Electric Dog” and Luz” to mesmerizing “People” this CD pretty much has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with ”World” the perfect finale statement for a CD of this caliber.
After spending some time with Lukasz Lechowski and company it's hard to find any solid weaknesses worth mentioning. Instead as the CD progressed I became more and more impressed with it as a whole. Make no bones about it these cats can play. What I like most about the CD is the hearing jazz from Poland. Most people will agree live performances pack a powerful punch are quite dynamic. Hello is an impressive musical production from start to finish but it has a live studio feel and quality to it. There’s not really a weak song on this entire catalog period! The musicianship is first rate and the songs are very dynamic and passionate. Each one possessing a unique personality, flair, and signature groove. Lastly - the playing and writing abilities of Lukasz Lechowski and his quarter are both amazing and brilliant.
Cyrus Rhodes
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