Label: Polskie Radio / Polskie Nagrania - Muza , 1976/2004
Catalogue No: PRCD 545
Format: CD
Tracks:
1. Narodziny (Birthday)
2. Taniec Maryny (Maryna's Dance)
3. Bez powrotu (No Return)
4. Podroz w gory (A Journey to the Mountains)
5. Siodemka (7)
6. Szczesliwy nieszczesliwiec (The Lucky Unlucky Man)
7. Blues For Everybody
8. Hengelo, Almelo, Deventer
Recorded:
April 1976 at Polskie Nagrania Studio, Warsaw, Poland.
Performed by:
Jaroslaw Smietana - guitar, leader
Andrzej Olejniczak - tenor and soprano saxophones
Wladyslaw Sendecki - piano, el. piano, synthesizer
Jan Cichy - bass
Benedykt Radecki - drums
About:
EXTRA BALL is a recent discovery in the field of Polish jazz. Although its
young members used to appear as still half- amateurs, the group started openly
at festival jazz on the Oder-River'' in 1974 at this most important Polish jazz
competition the Extra Ball won the second and a year later first prize. Also the
musicians who make it up won awards at that same Wroclaw competition: Jan Cichy
in 1974, Jaroslaw Smietana in 1974 and 1975, Wladyslaw Sendecki in 1975, and
Andrzej Olejniczak in 1978. Their concerts were received very warmly by the
critics, one of whom wrote: This is the only group in this country which can
rank just behind the Namyslowski’s group (JAZZ, No 5/1 97.6). These opinions of
the critics have coincided with the feelings of the audiences with whom the
Extra Ball have become recently very popular.
Their first record includes eight pieces by J. Smietana and W. Sendecki. Each of
them recorded themes attracts attention to some qualities of the group and of
its particular members. The title piece ''Birthday'' is probably the most
perfect as regards the composition. A lyrical tone of the saxophone is
''painting'' here the theme, while the guitar of the group's leader, J. Smietana
organizes the piece harmonically and rhythmically. In its middle section the
piece includes a beautiful quotation of a Silesian folk-song which fuses into
the whole. . .
''Maryna's Dance'' reminds us that this is Polish jazz. And the both exotic and
familiar sounding kujaviak of the 1 1/8 meter indicates that contemporary jazz
can draw its inspiration not only from the Balkan folklore (Ellis!) In "Without
Return" on the other hand, the group shows us how deeply it is rooted in the
jazz tradition. The classically constructed theme indicates that Parker's music
remains to the young jazzmen still most attractive.
Of special interest here is the tenorist A. Olejniczak who in solo parts, too,
inspires his partners to a group creation.
''A Journey to the Mountains'' - probably the most popular of their themes so
for - presents the group, offers a lyrical introduction, in a dynamic jazz-rock.
It was just this music which won the ''E-B'' most enthusiastic fans, especially
among the devotees of ''Return to forever'' . . .
''The Seven'' also belongs to the Group's earlier achievements (it was played at
the “Jazz on the Oder-River'' competition). One can notice in it a ''Hendersonion''
tone of the tenor and, above all admire a virtuoso solo a capella of the
electric piano, concluded by a beautiful, lyrical motive.
''The Lucky Unlucky-Man'' framed by joyful sounds of nature, gives us a sample
of W. Sendecki's talent.
''Blues for Everybody'' takes us back again into the past. Without limitations
of time and arrangement, W. Sendecki (this time playing the classical piano) and
J. Smietana are enjoying a free and joyous improvisation. Both the instruments
used in it and the virtuosity of the performers are reminiscent of the J. Pass
O. Peterson duet.
The theme "Hengelo Almelo Deventer'' concludes the record and although one must
stress in it the solo parts of J. Smietana and J. Cichy, one cannot fail to
admire the accomplished collective playing as well. One may be surprised of the
diversity of numbers on this record - a summary of the group's output so far -
and yet this is, throughout and most consistently, the music of ''Extra Ball".
(All text by Jan Poprawa from original line notes from the album's back cover,
translation by L. Wewiorkowski)
Review:
This is an album of good, juicy electric jazz fusion with occasional
references to Polish folk music. A debute effort by the band, it was recorded at
the time when Polish jazz scene was - in my humble opinion - at its acme, so the
album somehow captures the elevated spirit of its era. I don't know much about
the band in excess of what is written on the LP cover (which is enclosed in case
anyone is curious). Extra Ball issued 3 more LPs in late 70s which are just as
good as 'Birthday'. (prognotfrog blogspot)
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