Real jazz - good for the soul
author: Chris Mann
I love the idea that all the best contemporary jazz doesn't come out of the USA. Therefore, 'Art of Silence' from Polish band Slow is a real treat.
They show, with songs like 'First Impression', Payola' and 'Iguana Party' that they have got the groove aspect of contemporary jazz well and truly down.
Instrumentally, well, I'm hearing some astonishing soprano sax, some subtle acoustic guitar and edgy electric guitar. The juicy bass solo on 'Gender Blender' made me smile almost as much as the song title.
The band can capture a mellow mood and they show this on 'Wczesna Sjesta', 'Spokojnie' and 'Art of Silence'.
'Ada' is the only song here that betrays any kind of European roots and 'Way Out' is an aptly-titled fusion workout which runs to almost 9 minutes.
This is a well-rounded album from real jazz musicians that displays a wealth of talent and potential. Hear it as soon as you can.
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SmoothJazz.com Review
author: Sandy Shore
Founded in 2010 in Poland by guitarist, Tomasz Kaczmarczyk and pianist, Krzysztof Wermiński, the musical project Slow, is a bountiful, melodic Smooth Jazz duo that has released a remarkable debut album, ART OF SILENCE. This Full band recording features the highest quality production and world-class musicianship including percussionist, Sławomir Berny, drummer, Michał Dąbrówka, bassist, Robert Kubiszyn, drummer, Kenny Martin, and vocalists, Kasia Piasecka and Ania Szarmach. We were delighted to discover such sophisticated, intriguing new music in a part of Europe that is seemingly abuzz with new excitement for Smooth Jazz. Fresh, innovative musical ideas is exactly with the genre needs and ART OF SILENCE is filled with intelligent, heartfelt new music, including sweet jams like “First Impression” and the title track, and the electric-infused, “Gender Bender,” as well as their Spyro Gyra vibe on “Iguana Party,” plus many more great songs. Relax your world with tasty new music from Slow!
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