REVIEWS

CD FRYDERYKATA (2008)

CD JUNCTIONS (2004)

CD SARAKINA (2001)

Tomasz Janas: „Fryderykata” is a musical tribute to a great composer, and at the same time a challenge to his traditional interpretations. It is “merely” an inspiration for musical sketches, and simultaneously proof of a thorough investigation into Chopin's creativity. Finally, it is an expression of the conviction that the contemporaneousness of great masters' work lies in the fact that they continuously provoke creative effort, and constantly inspire an artistic dialog.

Maybe it comes as no surprise that Chopin's music sounds impeccable even without the piano. But also – as previously mentioned – the ambition of the creators of this album is not to pointlessly dazzle. Instead, there is an entire palette of timbre and associations. The romantic compositions develop a specific character due to the rich acoustics. The singability of Chopin's melodies as well as the subtlety and finesse of execution effectuate that we discover a new range of “hearing” and “understanding” of His compositions. The sounds of the accordion supported by the clarinet, interspersed with the characteristic tone of the kaval, on top of that an unusually solid, but also mainly discreet, presence of double-bass and percussion instruments. There are many beautiful musical hues.

For those that overlooked Sarakina's previous exceptional achievements, the new album may be a surprise. What may amaze are the music's culture and nobility as well as the ease and casualness of using means referring to ethnic or folk traditions. Nothing is lost. “Fryderykata” is an excellent idea to start an adventure with Sarakina and reach for the previous albums. Listeners, who are acquainted with the previous albums, will surely do the same.

http://www.accordions.com/index/art/cd_07_04_20.shtml

Overall this a is a beautiful CD that always maintains its quality and remains interesting throughout, both in the more rhythmical pulsating tunes and those more calm and reflective. The expressive range of the instruments is taken to the maximum giving this CD a striking personality.

Renato Belardinelli, April 2007

Recording: Tadeusz Mieczkowski  Polskie Radio S4,  May, 2004

"For the professional performance and precision of the recording. For the marvellous cover and the whole record -world class!"

Justyna Ziółkowska (journalist, TV Polonia)

"For the utter professionalism as far as the music and publishing parts are concerned. Delicious!"

Wojciech Ossowski  (jounalist for 3 Channel of Polish Radio)

The  ‘’Sarakina – Grekow.Mlejnek.Mlejnek’’ CD -  is the first co-production of the band Sarakina. The compositions and arrangaments of melodies as well as musical motives originate in Bulgaria and Macedonia. Original instruments and professionalism of the musicians, together with the excellent choice of music material make some pieces on the CD bear an immense emotional loading. The inspiration is to be found in dynamical, ravishing Bulgarian dances and contrasting in mood and tempo nostalgic songs on the basis of the archaic chorus. The music presented on the Sarakina’s CD ranges from folk and classical to sacral one.

The ‘’Sarakina – Grekow.Mlejnek.Mlejnek’’ CD follows traditions of the ‘’Kyrillikata – Grekow.Cholowicz’’ ( Vienna, ZBOR 7401).http://kyrillikata.fm.interia.pl/

Group members:

Jacek Grekow -   accordion, bagpipe, kaval – Bulgarian flute; Jan Mlejnek - clarinet, tambura – Bulgarian guitar; Bartosz Mlejnek - double bass

Guest musicians: Weronika Grozdew - female vocal, Bartosz Zwolski – tarambuka,

Recording: Tadeusz Mieczkowski  Polskie Radio S4,  October, 2001