Silky Denims: Vivian Buczek

Showing posts with label Vivian Buczek. Show all posts

Friday, November 22, 2024

Artistry Jazz Group - Tribute!

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz

Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:31
Size: 162,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:50) 1. Palo Alto
(4:04) 2. Shirley Steps Out
(5:14) 3. Last Night When We Were Young
(4:08) 4. Bijou
(3:02) 5. Up an' Atom
(6:08) 6. Lost in a Summer Night
(2:55) 7. The Bad and the Beautiful
(2:44) 8. Undercurrent Blues
(5:13) 9. The Man that Got Away
(3:57) 10. Fantasy
(6:34) 11. As You Are
(6:58) 12. The St. Vitus' Dance
(5:31) 13. Changing My Tune
(6:00) 14. Lotus Blossom
(4:06) 15. Boplicity

An absolute gem, featuring some of the best players in Scandinavia in an extremely well thought-out program of music, paying tribute to "musicians and artists who shaped new sounds and ideas." It's the brainchild of independent record producer Torgil Rosenberg and pianist Jan Lundgren. Three top Swedish musicians, Peter Asplund on trumpet, Klas Lindqvist on alto sax and clarinet, and Janne Bengtsson on flute, join Lundgren's already all-star Artistry group, filling out the sound on selected numbers. The choice of musicians and composers receiving tribute is highly eclectic, ranging from alto saxophonist Lee Konitz, pianist Horace Silver, trumpeter Miles Davis and big band leader Stan Kenton to singer June Christy, Swedish composer/pianist Nils Lindberg (paired with US bassist Red Mitchell, who lived in Sweden for many years) and composers George Gershwin and Billy Strayhorn. The album opens with reed multi-instrumentalist Jimmy Giuffre's arrangement of Lee Konitz's marvelous post bop piece, "Palo Alto," on which Lundgren solos superbly. It continues with Mel Powell's quirky "Shirley Steps Out," with reed man Klas Lindqvist taking solo honors.

Vocalist Vivian Buczek is a revelation, displaying full-fledged confidence and a maturity only hinted at in her previous recordings with the group. She performs great versions of Harold Arlen's bittersweet "Last Night When We Were Young" and George Gershwin's "Changing My Tune," switches with consummate ease from Queen of Cool June Christy to Judy Garland, albeit singing the best, bluesiest song in Garland's book, "The Man That Got Away," written by Harold Arlen and Ira Gershwin for the 1954 film A Star Is Born. Buczek does her best with the rather dated "back to nature" lyrics of Lindberg and Mitchell's "As You Are" and turns in a fine wordless vocal on "Undercurrent Blues," by Chico O'Farrill whose arrangements ushered King of Swing Benny Goodman, somewhat unwillingly, into the bebop era.

She also chooses the closer, going for Miles Davis' "Boplicity" and handling Ray Passman and Holli Ross' high-speed "Bebop Lives" lyrics with great aplomb. Hollywood composer David Raskin's "The Bad And The Beautiful" is one of two outstanding solo outings by Lundgren. The other is a lovely, lingering interpretation of Billy Strayhorn's "Lotus Blossom." Guitarist Jacob Fischer's solo does wonders for "Fantasy" by Prince of Pretension Stan Kenton (based on a piece by classical composer Maurice Ravel), while Hans Backenroth plays some terrific bass on Horace Silver's "The St. Vitus' Dance." Only rarely do albums come any better than this.By Chris Mosey http://www.allaboutjazz.com/tribute-jan-lundgren-volenza-review-by-chris-mosey.php

Personnel: Jan Lundgren: piano; Vivian Buczek: vocal; Jacob Fischer: guitar; Hans Backenroth: bass; Johan Löfcrantz Ramsay: drums; Peter Asplund: trumpet, flugelhorn; Klas Lindqvist: alto sax, clarinet; Janne Bengtsson: flute.

Tribute!

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Artistry Jazz Group - Too Darn Hot: Together With Cole Porter

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:24
Size: 168,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:00) 1. Anything Goes
(5:05) 2. You Do Something To Me
(4:42) 3. What Is This Thing Called Love?
(4:25) 4. You're The Top
(5:02) 5. In the Still Of The Night
(4:19) 6. At Long Last Love
(4:39) 7. Down In The Depths of The Ninetieth Floor
(5:30) 8. Dream Dancing
(4:13) 9. Too Darn Hot
(4:40) 10. After You, Who?
(4:48) 11. All Through The Night
(4:39) 12. It's All Right With Me
(4:28) 13. I Concentrate On You
(4:42) 14. From This Moment On
(6:07) 15. I Happen To Be in Love

Laid back, elegante and personal, Cole Porter is celebrated by the pianist Jan Lundgren together with musicians from the Swedish jazz elite. A comprehensive booklet is included, with images and stories of Cole Porter and the 15 songs. Timelessness is about the hardest thing to accomplish. As well as creating something new and unique out of music and worldfamous artists that already have been played, celebrated and interpreted in a numerous of ways. That does not stop the Artistry Jazz Group from undertaking Cole Porter, in a pearl gallery of songs from Porter's great treasury. Count on a virtous jazz experience thanks to renowned musicians such as the pianist Jan Lundgren, the bass player Hans Backenroth, the guitarist Jacob Fischer, the drummer Johan Löfcrantz Ramsay and the big discovery; vocalist Vivian Buczek.

The album is a sequel to last years success album We Like Previn, where the same constellation, at that time under the name of The Swedish Connection, interpreted André Previn with excellent reviews both in Sweden and abroad. As with the previous album, Too Darn Hot comes with a ambitious and comprehensive booklet with stories about the composer, the selected songs and the musicians. Information that brings the listening and enjoyment to an extra dimension. http://www.volenza.se/en/music/ajg/too-darn-hot

Personnel: Jacob Fischer (guitar); Jan Lundgren (piano); Johan Löfcrantz Ramsay (drums); Vivian Buczek (Vocal);Hans Backenroth (bass).

Too Darn Hot: Together With Cole Porter

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Vivian Buczek & Claes Crona Trio - Dedication to My Giants

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:04
Size: 124,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:27) 1. Joyspring
(5:45) 2. What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?
(4:50) 3. All the Way
(3:49) 4. Whisper Not
(4:40) 5. Nica's Dream
(4:43) 6. How Do You Keep the Music Playing?
(2:57) 7. My Shining Hour
(3:25) 8. Once You Love
(4:32) 9. I Got a Woman
(4:47) 10. Didima
(3:01) 11. Stockholm Sweetning
(4:00) 12. Very Early
(4:03) 13. Four

Dedication To My Giants, is Vivian Buczek's tribute to those giants of jazz who have inspired the Swedish vocalist's own work. While Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles get a mention, Buczek's giants for are predominantly instrumentalists John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Clifford Brown included and as a result her song selection for this, her third album, avoids the most obvious vocal standards and gathers up some more unusual numbers. It's an impressive and enjoyable album. The first five songs are bona fide jazz classics, and Buczek's interpretations are worthy additions to the canon. On Brown's "Joy Spring," with lyrics by Jezra Kaye, Buczek summons up the spirit of Annie Ross. Her version of Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman and Michel Legrand's "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?" is beautifully performed, with only Claes Crona's piano for company. Horace Silver's "Nica's Dream" swings gently, with Crona on electric keyboard and guest guitarist Andreas Oberg adding a warm toned solo.

"Once You Love," written by Buczek and her father Bruno, also stands out. There's another fine vocal from Buczek, and more of Crona's percussive yet graceful piano. Charles' "I Got A Woman," a vocal duet with Roger Pontare, is less successful: Pontare's voice is ideal for interpreting Charles' vocals, but Buczek's lighter, smoother, style isn't as suited to the demands of this bluesy song. Buczek sings "Very Early" by Bill Evans and lyricist Carol Hall, accompanied by Kenji Rabson's sparse but sympathetic double-bass. Her phrasing and tone are excellent. As with her version of "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?" such a stripped-down musical backing is potentially risky, but both songs show Buczek's strength as a vocalist, as well as highlighting the talents of her accompanists. Dedication To My Giants was recorded in 2009 but has not been readily available outside Sweden. Buczek establishes herself as a talented jazz singer, and a strong interpreter of ballads, with an ear for an intriguing mix of songs. Her work deserves to be known more widely.By Bruce Lindsay http://www.allaboutjazz.com/dedication-to-my-giants-vivian-buczek-crown-jewels-review-by-bruce-lindsay.php

Personnel: Vivian Buczek: vocals; Claes Crona: piano; Kenji Rabson: bass; Robert Ikiz: drums; Roger Pontare: vocals (6, 9); Andreas Öberg: guitar (5, 7, 9, 13).

Dedication to My Giants

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Vivian Buczek - Roots

Styles: Vocal
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:54
Size: 147,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:41) 1. Visions
(4:40) 2. Who Are You
(5:05) 3. Devil May Care
(4:54) 4. Fly Away
(6:04) 5. Always and Forever
(4:04) 6. The Jody Grind
(7:12) 7. Waltz for Debbie - Monicas Vals
(7:05) 8. The Meaning of the Blues
(3:52) 9. What Now?
(5:58) 10. Nature Boy
(3:15) 11. Better Days Ahead
(3:00) 12. Jej Portret

Since 2003, Vivian Buczek has established herself as a powerful force in the contemporary jazz scene. Her voice is soulful and powerful. She can be sensitive and emotional on a ballad, but then turn around and sing blues songs as if she's been doing it all her life, which she actually has been. With Roots, she brings the listener into her musical world and offers, what she calls, "the most personal album I've ever made." On Roots, Buczek teams up with saxophonist Seamus Blake, Martin Lundgren on trumpet and flugelhorn, Martin Sjöstedt on piano, Jasper Bodilsen on bass, and Morten Lund on drums. All of the musicians offer impressive performances here, and there is quite a variety of jazz styles featured, which is not surprising considering Buczek's background.

She was born in Sweden, and both her parents were Polish-born jazz musicians. Buczek grew up immersed in both Polish and Swedish culture along with a healthy dose of jazz. Being an only child, music was always, as she describes, her closest friend. She began singing as a child, and her passion for music eventually led her onto the global stage. From listening to Roots it is easy to see how different musicians have influenced her, and she loves a wide variety of jazz music. There are hints of singers such as Annie Ross and Sarah Vaughan here, but her own sound is certainly not derivative. Buczek has her own unique voice, which is certainly impressive.

While there are original compositions included, she also features classics such as "Nature Boy" and a vocalese version of Bill Evans' "Waltz for Debby/Monicas Vals" sung in both English and Swedish. She also features more contemporary compositions by artists such as Stevie Wonder and Pat Metheny. One of Buczeck's major influences, however, is Ella Fitzgerald. She even recorded a tribute album called Ella Lives (Prophone 2017). Although Roots is not another tribute, it is easy to see elements of Ella here. Fitzgerald frequently used her voice not only to carry a song's melody but also to improvise lines as well. In a similar fashion, Buckzek uses her voice much as another instrument in the ensemble, creating improvised lines which weave melodically along with the other players.

The music on Roots is satisfying throughout. From beautiful ballads such as "Who Are You?" and "Always And Forever" to all-out swinging songs such as "The Jody Grind" or "What Now?" this is an album which has plenty to offer. While this is her most personal album, it will probably be a personal favorite for many listeners.~ Kyle Simpler https://www.allaboutjazz.com/roots-vivian-buczek-prophone-records

Personnel: Vivian Buczek: voice / vocals; Seamus Blake: saxophone, tenor; Mårten Lundgren: trumpet.

Roots

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Vivian Buczek, Norrbotten Big Band - A Womans's Voice

Styles: Vocal, Big Band
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:11
Size: 147,6 MB
Art: Front

( 8:56) 1. Throw It Away
( 9:20) 2. Infant Eyes
( 6:54) 3. Lighthouse
( 7:00) 4. Imorron (Estate)
(11:33) 5. Tales
( 6:13) 6. Here's to Life
( 7:53) 7. Yesterdays
( 6:20) 8. I Think It's Gonna Rain Today

An ambitious project from Sweden: vocalist Vivian Buczek joining forces with the Norrbotten Big Band using song to illustrate life from a woman's perspective. Buczek says: "It's about taking the step from a girl to a woman, looking back in time and then to the future, finding my place in the world and daring to go my own way." With this album she celebrates some of her main sources of inspiration, artists who have made a lasting impression over the years: Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Abbey Lincoln, Carmen McRae, Wayne Shorter, Sarah Vaughan, Shirley Horn and Sweden's own Monica Zetterlund. She starts with Abbey Lincoln's "Throw it Away," a defiant "no regrets" anthem with a solid, catchy melody, about a woman rummaging through her belongings and trying to make sense of her life. It was by penning such songs that Lincoln celebrated her release from the marital clutches of Max Roach. "Infant Eyes" switches the mood, joyfully celebrating maternity, with lyrics by Jean Carm added to a tune by Wayne Shorter, which amply demonstrates the saxophonist's gift for melody. Buczek draws on her considerable scatting abilities to get the song going, and the big band kicks it into touch with a powerful but sympathetic accompaniment. Next up, "Lighthouse" examines the course of true love from an adult perspective. The imagery is a trifle forced, at times downright pedantic, but its heart is in the right place. "I Morron (Tomorrow)" is about longing for a new start with a new day. It contradicts the nostalgia of Jerome Kern's "Yesterdays" which crops up two numbers further on. "Tales," about an innocent abroad, is musically reminiscent of that awful old chestnut "Nature Boy" and contains some strained imagery concerning "the trenches of your mind." With "Here's to Life" Buczek pays tribute to the late, great Shirley Horn who made the song her own. The closing number, Randy Newman's lachrymose little masterpiece "I Think It's Gonna Rain Today" is unsuited to its big band arrangement. With this Buczek alas! goes out with a rather sad and messy whimper, which is a shame because much of what went before was very good indeed. ~ Chris Mosey https://www.allaboutjazz.com/a-womans-voice-vivian-buczek-prophone-records-review-by-chris-mosey.php

Personnel: Bo Strandberg: trumpet; Jacek Onuszkiewicz, Magnus Ekholm, Dan Johansson: trumpet, flugelhorn; Hakan Broström, Janne Thelin, Mats Garberg, Robert Nordmark, Per Moberg: reeds; Michal Tomaszczyk, Anders Larsson, Christine Carlsson: trombone; Martin Sjöstedt: piano, Fender Rhodes; Petter Olofsson: bass; Johan Löfcrantz Ramsay: drums.

A Womans´s Voice

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Vivian Buczek & Peter Asplund - Songs Of Our Lives

Size: 149,7 MB
Time: 64:00
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. The Songbook Of Our Lives (4:54)
02. The End Of A Love Affair (5:31)
03. Love Gets Stronger With Each Year (6:39)
04. Songs And Lullabies (6:24)
05. It's You Or No One (4:12)
06. Love Made A Fool Out Of Me (5:05)
07. The Lady Is A Tramp (2:57)
08. Love Came On Stealthy Fingers (6:10)
09. Just One Of These Things (3:18)
10. Mr C.C. (6:33)
11. Coisa Feita (7:52)
12. The Shining Sea (4:20)

Vivian Buczek was born in Malmoe, Sweden with Polish roots. She studied at Malmoe Academy of Music where she graduated in 2003. She already started performing and recording during her studies and has developed into one of Sweden’s foremost jazz singers today. She has a remarkable range and feeling for the jazz idiom and has made a number of appearances with both international and Swedish celebrities.

The press says:
”If nothing unexpected happens she will be foremost among our Swedish jazz singers for a long time. She has everything; phrasing, articulation, timing and great humor on stage”.

Vivian also appears as one of the members of the renowned vocal quartet Jazz Vocal Unit that consists of four Swedish top jazz artists, Svante Thuresson, Viktoria Tolstoy Vivian Buczek and Peter Asplund. The group presents a versatile show with new arrangements in the form of vocal quartets, duets and solo performances accompanied by a pianotrio with Claes Crona, Mattias Svensson and Rasmus Kihlberg.

Songs Of Our Lives

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Vivian Buczek - Ella Lives

Size: 156,1 MB
Time: 67:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (6:02)
02. Yesterdays (5:06)
03. Prelude To A Kiss (8:08)
04. The Man I Love (6:01)
05. It's Alright With Me (5:28)
06. The Very Thought Of You (6:37)
07. Caravan (6:03)
08. Lady Be Good (4:34)
09. Tenderly (7:33)
10. Misty (5:52)
11. Things Ain't What They Used To Be (5:52)

Sweden's Vivian Buczek, fast approaching her 40th birthday, comes across more as a schoolgirl with a crush on her teacher on this, her seventh solo album, which pays tribute to The First Lady Of Song. Ella Fitzgerald—had she not died in 1996—would be 100 this year.

"Ella Fitzgerald has always been my greatest inspiration and the main reason that I have become a jazz singer," Buczek explains in the sleeve note. Her father Bruno, who played trombone, introduced her to Fitzgerald: "I had never heard such honest and joyful singing before. The way she used her voice in so many different ways was astonishing to me."

Along with obligatory dollops of Ella-style scat, Buczek delivers 10 numbers from the Great American Songbook closely associated with her idol. Then, in case anyone should doubt her devotion, she closes with Mercer Ellington's "Things Ain't What They Used To Be," abandoning Ted Persons' lyric at one point to moan ecstatically, "Oh, Lady Ella... sweet Ella."

Mind, nearly everyone involved seems to be affected by the awesome subject matter. Pianist Martin Sjöstedt's arrangements—particularly on Jerome Kern's "Yesterdays"—try just that little bit too hard, hemming in soloists like Peter Asplund (trumpet) and Karl-Martin Almqvist (saxophone), rather than giving them space to breathe new life into these—let's face it—sometimes rather tired, old songs.

Despite being used as a pretext for a ghastly 1992 Meg Ryan movie of the same name, Duke Ellington's "Prelude To A Kiss" from 1938 should surely now be definitively laid to rest as a vocal number. The schlocky, cocktail bar lyrics were only tacked onto Ellington's lovely tune by Irving Mills, his money-grubbing manager, in a bid to garner more royalties. Though Duke wouldn't have complained. The cash helped to keep his band on the road.

Cole Porter's "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," written in 1943, holds up reasonably well in the present day, though best sung in a room with an open fireplace. It gets a stellar, straight-ahead outing here and is blessed with a fine bass solo by Niklas Fernqvist.

Asplund and Almqvist vie for solo honours on "Lady Be Good" and there's a rollicking, if somewhat incongruous vocal from Buczek. Incongruous? Perhaps not. When it comes to declarations of love, gender seems of increasingly little consequence these days. If Cole Porter were still around, he'd no doubt write a song about it.

Buczek seems to be following Fitzgerald's example in staying, specifically a jazz singer. She displays a good feel for her material and is generally careful not to let style triumph over substance. She is, understandably, big in Sweden. Elsewhere? The jury is still out on that one. ~Chris Mosey

Personnel: Vivian Buczek: vocals; Martin Sjöstedt: piano; Mattias Ståhl: vibraphone; Fredrik Lindborg, Karl-Martin Almqvist: reeds; Peter Asplund: trumpet, flugelhorn; Niklas Fernqvist: bass; Johan Löfkrantz Ramsay: drums.

Ella Lives

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Vivian Buczek - Straight from My Heart

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:47
Size: 127,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:38) 1. Too close for comfort
(6:25) 2. Meditação
(4:11) 3. Feel like making love
(4:31) 4. Filthy McNasty
(4:59) 5. So Many Stars
(5:28) 6. Fly away
(4:40) 7. You're driving me crazy
(6:06) 8. We'll be together again
(3:10) 9. The jodi grind
(4:15) 10. Blues for Laila / Lullaby blues
(3:29) 11. Sakta vi ga
(4:49) 12. Szeptem

Claes Crona is one of our foremost jazz icons in Sweden, his personality and his musical abilities are extremely nuanced, full of energy and truth. Full of heart, playfulness and enthusiasm. Together with guitarist Elias Källvik, drummer Zoltan Csörsz and bass player Mattias Hjorth, we have tried to create an atmosphere that exudes swing, happiness and energy in jazzmusic. As the icing on the cake, the Danish tenor saxophonist Jesper Thilo. This is an eclectic collection of tracks with one thing in common, they all come straight from my heart. http://www.vivianbuczek.com/straight_from_my_heart.html

Straight from My Heart

Monday, February 29, 2016

Artistry Jazz Group - We Like Previn

Styles: Vocal and Piano Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:44
Size: 146,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:03) 1. Blues for Georgia
(4:33) 2. I Like Myself
(5:28) 3. Second Chance
(4:16) 4. Like Young
(4:12) 5. Coco
(3:59) 6. Saturday
(4:25) 7. You're Gonna Hear From Me
(4:29) 8. Hi Blondie
(4:36) 9. Far Away Part Of Town
(4:31) 10. The Pleasure Of Your Compagny
(4:04) 11. Theme From Valley Of The Dolls
(4:02) 12. If I Should Find You
(3:43) 13. Why Are You Afraid?
(4:12) 14. More In Love With You
(4:05) 15. Guiding Light

Previn was just 17 when he wrote the opener, "Blues for Georgia." Lundgren's arrangement provides short solo opportunities for himself, guitarist Jacob Fischer and Hans Backenroth on bass, and the number serves as an excellent introduction for what's to come, starting with "I Like Myself" from the 1955 musical It's Always Fair Weather. Unlike the brilliant and innovative Porter, Previn until he escaped to the world of classical music was very much a Hollywood hack, adapting other people's music and writing scores for a string of undistinguished movies. He penned "A Second Chance" for the 1962 film Two For The Seesaw, summed up on Rotten Tomatoes as "one for the cinematic dustbin." There follows what is still probably Previn's best known jazz composition, "Like Young," with vocalist Vivian Buczek bravely tackling the dated lyrics like a true hep cat. Then comes the number that Previn should be remembered for: his hauntingly lovely "Coco," the title track of the 1969 musical based on the life of French fashion designer Coco Chanel. An adventurous arrangement by Lundgren allows bassist Backenroth to state the theme.

"Saturday" is a 44-bar Previn salute to his first influence, Art Tatum. Like Tatum, in jazz Previn often made the mistake of valuing technique over feeling. There follow a mix of film songs and numbers written by Previn for his jazz trio before we come to "Why Are We Afraid?" written for the movie The Subterraneans, based on a Jack Kerouac novella. Today it's best remembered for appearances by horn players Gerry Mulligan, Art Farmer and Art Pepper, bassist Red Mitchell, drummer Shelly Manne and would you believe? André Previn. The album concludes with a novelty, Torgil Rosenberg's own composition, "Guiding Light," dedicated to Previn and featuring a scat vocal by Buczek. ~ Chris Mosey http://www.allaboutjazz.com/jan-lundgren-celebrates-andre-previn-and-cole-porter-by-chris-mosey.php

Personnel: Jan Lundgren: piano; Jacob Fischer: piano; Hans Backenroth: bass; Johan Löfcrantz Ramsay: drums; Vivian Buczek: vocals.

We Like Previn

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Vivian Buczek With Claes Crona Trio - Live At The Palladium

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:58
Size: 135,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:46) 1. Tea For Two
(8:14) 2. Caravan
(6:48) 3. Dearly Beloved
(5:06) 4. It's Alright With Me
(4:56) 5. Lush Life
(4:36) 6. Social Call
(5:54) 7. O Bêbado e a Equilibrista
(9:37) 8. A Time For Love
(6:57) 9. A Night In Tunisia

Swedish vocalist Vivian Buczek has been on the Scandinavian jazz scene for over a decade, releasing her first album, Can't We Be Friends (Skandia Music) in 2003. Live At The Palladium is her fourth solo album, though she's also recorded with the Artistry Jazz Group. The Palladium in question isn't the world- renowned London theatre, it's the one in Buczek's home town of Malmö, but this concert sparkles with such energy and vivacity that it could readily have graced the venue's more famous British counterpart. The Claes Crona Trio Crona on piano, Hans Backenroth on double bass and Johan Löfcrantz Ramsay on drums provides empathetic backing throughout the album. Guitarist Elias Källvik makes two appearances and impresses with a warm-toned and fluid solo on "Bêbado E A Equilibrista" and his gently swinging rhythm which, in company with Ramsay's brush work, adds drive and groove to "Dearly Beloved."

Trumpeter Peter Asplund joins Buczek for a vocal duet on an up-tempo arrangement of Cole Porter's "It's Alright With Me" but, although he has a pleasant voice, he's not in Buczek's class. As a trumpeter, however, he's on great form, whether playing a boppish muted solo on "Tea For Two," a slinky lead line on "Caravan" which also features a punchy bass solo from Backenroth or a romantic slow tempo solo on "A Time For Love." Buczek's a joy to hear; lively, energetic and in tune with the stories these songs are telling, she also shows a willingness to test her own abilities, even in this live setting, with some tricky tempos and changes. Her talent shines brightest on her version of Billy Strayhorn's glorious "Lush Life." Her performance shows a superb combination of technical skill, range and a sensibility that brings the lyric to life all with spare, sensitive accompaniment from the excellent Crona. Buczek and Asplund's ambitious arrangement of Johnny Mandel and Paul Francis Webster's "A Time For Love" runs a close second; the singer and musicians meet its challenges with great success, from Backenroth and Buczek's interplay to Asplund's trumpet solo. Buczek has grown in confidence and skill from album to album over the past decade. Live At The Palladium is her most mature and vibrant recording so far, its live atmosphere capturing the intimacy and spontaneity of the performance. A stylish collection of songs, a great band and a terrific singer-all captured live in the heart of Malmö. ~ Bruce Lindsay http://www.allaboutjazz.com/live-at-the-palladium-vivian-buczek-crown-jewels-review-by-bruce-lindsay.php

Personnel: Vivian Buczek: vocals; Peter Asplund: flugelhorn, trumpet, vocals; Claes Crona: piano; Hans Backenroth: double bass; Johan Löfcrantz Ramsay: drums; Elias Källvik: guitar (3, 7).

Live At The Palladium

Monday, January 26, 2015

Vivian Buczek - Curiosity

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:25
Size: 137,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:04) 1. Lighthouse
(5:05) 2. I'm Strong
(4:05) 3. Indian Love Song (Cherokee)
(6:19) 4. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
(5:11) 5. It Might as Well Be Spring
(6:09) 6. Once You Love
(5:13) 7. Curiosity
(5:59) 8. How Deep Is the Ocean?
(5:46) 9. You're Everything
(5:08) 10. Nica's Dream
(5:21) 11. For All We Know

Vivian Buczek is blessed with a glorious voice warm, emotional, engaging and a talent for sophisticated interpretations of established but not over-worked songs. Curiosity, the Swedish singer's fifth album, places her in the company of a piano trio led by the excellent pianist and arranger Martin Sjöstedt. It's company she clearly relishes and in which she shines brightly.Buczek has put together a group of songs that draw on the American Songbook ("How Deep Is The Ocean," "For All We Know"), bop and post-bop standards ("Goodbye Pork Pie Hat," "Nica's Dream") and a few numbers from Scandinavian writers including her own "Once You Love," co-written with her father Bruno. Mostly these are songs of love, but it's not always the romantic kind and the lyrics tell many different stories. Whatever emotion or image the words aim to evoke, Buczek delivers. She captures the self-deprecation of "It Might As Well Be Spring," gives the romance of "How Deep Is The Ocean" an added touch of sensuality and lets her voice float over Sjöstedt's lovely arrangement of "For All We Know" with a perfect combination of longing and wistfulness.

On "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" Charles Mingus and Rahsaan Roland Kirk's eulogy for Lester Young she celebrates the saxophonist's legacy just as much as she mourns his passing. The tune's impact is itself heightened by a bluesy solo from guest guitarist Elias Källvik. Johan Björk's "Lighthouse" celebrates a relationship, the trio at its punchiest and most upbeat. Claudia Campagnol's "I'm Strong" reflects on the loss of a relationship: the album's most poignant song, backing vocals from the composer and Källvik's understated guitar help to create a smooth '80s soul vibe. Alongside these numbers the arrangement for Ray Noble's "Cherokee" sounds fresh, but Noble's lyrics seem archaic and clichéd although Buczek's performance is once again impeccable. Curiosity is delightful, thanks to the song choice, the arrangements, the instrumentalists and, of course, Buczek's vocals. ~ Bruce Lindsay http://www.allaboutjazz.com/curiosity-vivian-buczek-volenza-review-by-bruce-lindsay.php

Personnel: Vivian Buczek: vocals; Martin Sjöstedt: piano, Fender Rhodes, organ; Niklas Fernqvist: bass; Johan Löfcrantz Ramsay: drums, percussion, backing vocals; Elias Källvik: guitar (2, 4, 7); Claudia Campagnol: backing vocals (2).

Curiosity

Friday, November 22, 2013

Artistry Jazz Group - Vivianity: The Favourite Song Collection Feat Vivian Buczek

Size: 150,3 MB
Time: 64:56
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Vocal Jazz
Art: Front

01. It's Alright With Me (4:35)
02. You're Gonna Hear From Me (4:26)
03. Changing My Tune (5:27)
04. Lost In A Summer Night (6:04)
05. I Happen To Be In Love (6:04)
06. Like Young (4:17)
07. The Man That Got Away (5:09)
08. At Long Last Love (4:16)
09. Too Darn Hot (4:09)
10. Last Night When We Were Young (5:10)
11. What Is That Thing Called Love (4:38)
12. As You Are (6:30)
13. Boplicity (4:04)

After three highly praised albums it’s time for Artistry Jazz Group’s first compilation cd Vivianity – with all the best vocal songs from the group’s previous productions. A highlight for everyone who loves jazz enriched by song.

Artistry Jazz Group, with pianist Jan Lundgren, guitarist Jacob Fischer, Hans Backenroth on double bass, Johan Löfcrantz Ramsay, drums, and vocalist Vivian Buczek, is certainly part of the Swedish “jazz wonder” that continues to deliver high quality jazz and strong profiles giving echo around the world. Now Artistry Jazz Group release their forth album Vivianity with all vocal numbers from their previous productions.

The new album is yet another gem for everyone who appreciates virtuous jazz, and at the same time it adds an extra dimension for music lovers who prefer when text and song enhance the musical experience. Not least through Vivian Buczek, who with her exceptional breadth and feeling for the jazz idiom masters the whole range from ballads to scat singing. After acclaimed performances on the previous albums We Like Previn, Too Darn Hot and Tribute! Vivian here gets to make her beautiful voice heard on each song – Vivianity.

Vivianity