A few years ago, I stumbled across Jozwiak at the Belvedere Hotel, where he had a weekly gig at the bar.  But Jozwiak wasn't your typical lounge pianist.  Far from it.  He played with a bold, angular style that certainly distinguished itself in a room where standards and show tunes would seem to be the norm.  No wonder he referred to himself as a "gonzo" pianist at the time.  A similar spirit pervades this disc, which is comprised mostly of solo pieces.  Jozwiak's playing certainly owes a debt to Thelonious Monk, but the pay-off is an offbeat, idiosyncratic style that makes tunes such as "Joyride" and "Monday" so enjoyable.  Just when it sounds like a melody might fracture and its notes might slide away completely, Jozwiak rescues it with a sweeping left hand that holds everything together.  And he does that again and again.  The only misstep here is "Joyride II", a sons marred by accompaniment as canned as it is annoying.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
This is wonderful! I am not swayed a bit by the fact that the song bares my name or that it makes me feel like I'm running carefree through the woods on my toes with fairies and snoopy and woodstock! Bravo my dear man for your vision.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
A few years ago, I stumbled across Jozwiak at the Belvedere Hotel, where he had a weekly gig at the bar.  But Jozwiak wasn't your typical lounge pianist.  Far from it.  He played with a bold, angular style that certainly distinguished itself in a room where standards and show tunes would seem to be the norm.  No wonder he referred to himself as a "gonzo" pianist at the time.  A similar spirit pervades this disc, which is comprised mostly of solo pieces.  Jozwiak's playing certainly owes a debt to Thelonious Monk, but the pay-off is an offbeat, idiosyncratic style that makes tunes such as "Joyride" and "Monday" so enjoyable.  Just when it sounds like a melody might fracture and its notes might slide away completely, Jozwiak rescues it with a sweeping left hand that holds everything together.  And he does that again and again.  The only misstep here is "Joyride II", a sons marred by accompaniment as canned as it is annoying.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Mr. Jozwiak has got a Polish-sounding last name, but lives in Baltimore in the USA. His first instrument is a piano, however he also plays the keyboard, acoustic guitar and percussion. Aforesaid album is the third in his solo discography after "Chromatose" (2003) and "Critic's Choice" (2005).
Ray Jozwiak calls his music a "fractured, brandy snifter jazz". Yes, it's a proper qualification for his works, however this kind of jazz is grounded on classical music harmonic patterns. At some moments, Ray steps up, and goes improvising another time. As a full-hearted pianist, he expands every theme with a vengeance creating a very ambitious and provocative music. The sound of Kawai piano is pleasing, but the most important element of its puzzle is the man in front of the instrument. Furtunately, this man can make this jazz wheel rolling and appeal to the people being desperate for an improvised music. His music is absolutely free, and I am convinced that Ray doesn't play the stuff into a predetermined sequence, but performs most compositions live subliminally.
As mentioned, he harks back to jazz and classical music fundaments, but his music is accessible enough even for uninitiated listeners. You needn't be a jazz theory expert to be convinced of its value. Moreover, it is very driven and intellectually experimental music, since he can put his fingers on keys very wisely and tactfully. Briefly put, you are the piano thumper, Ray!
                            Read more...