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  • Ballads for the end of the world

    A1002

    Artist: Grzegorz Karnas

    Label: 9th Floor

    THE BALLADS FOR THE END OF THE WORLD simply develops as a whole, gradually, going through successive phases with a brief instrumental solo appearing from time to time, after which it ends. Karnas produced this CD. The instrumentation of the accompanying group is distinctive - although actually, it's not so much an accompanying group as it is musicians who, collectively, enable Karnas to better express his thoughts. Tenor sax, cello, synthesized sounds and percussion instruments - that's all. Fender-Rhodes electric piano and guitar make no more than guest appearances. I get the impression that Karnas knows exactly what he wants - and what's more, that he was able to realise his intentions here. This feeling emanates from the music itself, from the certainty with which he embarks upon his experimental, uncharted digressions, momentarily resuming his initial train of thought. Karnas is an exceptionally fine singer - although that designation doesn't fully reflect the quality of the project, the whole of which he subordinates his vocal talents to. This album is the result of well over a year's work on his part, realised between 2004 and 2005, and bears witness to the fact that projects such as this one are much more than just the result of musicians casually meeting in a recording studio. (Peter Lipa, Hudba)

  • Dreams

    CD02

    Artist: Grzegorz Karnas

    Label: 9th Floor


    Performed by:
    Grzegorz Karnas - vocals, loops, touth drum
    Tomasz Szukalski - tenor saxophone
    Jerzy Malek - trumpet
    Michal Tokaj - Fender piano
    Damian Kurasz - guitars
    Bogusz Wekka - congas
    Robert Kubiszyn - basses
    Adam Oles - cello
    Patrycja Gola - voice
    Sebastian Frankiewicz - drums

    Recorded in 2004, Poland

    "Karnas' singing – regardless of whether it's lyrics, syllabics or scat – is never for show; it's always music. Vocalists are probably a bit more susceptible to the lure of “shining” at all costs than are other instrumentalists. Karnas doesn't care about shining. He wants to make music. This is audible in every composition, in every measure he sings. Karnas should also be appreciated not only for talent and vision, but for will-power, self-control, and possessing the level of humility that's essential to keep art from becoming a spectacle." (Robert Buczek, Jazz Forum)