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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)
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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)


