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CZESŁAW NIEMEN

Eclectic Prog • Poland


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CzesŁaw Niemen picture
CzesŁaw Niemen biography
Czesław Juliusz Wydrzycki - February 19, 1939 (Stare Wasiliszki, Byelorussia) - January 17, 2004 (Warsaw, Poland)

In 1958 he has repatriated to Poland. His scenical name is a pseudonym taken after the name of the river Niemen. Debuted as a rock and soul singer in the early 1960's. He recorded "Dziwny jest ten świat" (Strange Is This World) as a major Polish protest song in 1967, and was an early pioneer of psychedelic music in communist Poland in the late 60's. He recorded three albums with the band Akwarele, as well as later works with Enigmatic, Grupa Niemen, and Aerolit. His first self-acclaimed progressive work was entitled "Enigmatic", and was released in 1969. The most notable song from it was "Bema pamięci żałobny - rapsod" (A Mournful Rhapsody, in memory of Jozef Bem, a Polish solider who served as a Polish Army general in the Polish War of Independence (November Uprising).

Like "Rhapsody", many of the other songs from "Enigmatic" were based Polish folk poetry. During his progressive period Niemen played keyboards extensively, including a Hammond, and later a mellotron and finally a Moog synthesizer.

In the early 70's Niemen recorded three albums for CBS International (Schaelplatten), including a 1974 release entitled Mourner's Rhapsody with Jan Hammer and Rick Laird of Mahavishnu Orchestra, electric violin and saxophonist Michal Urbaniak of Fusion, bassist the late Seldon Powell of the Buddy Rich Band, and session pianist the late Don Grolnick. The album featured a fifteen minute version of "A Mournful Rhapsody". In the latter 70's Niemen's musical work tended more toward jazz/fusion, and even electronica. He released seven additional albums and a retrospective collection before he passed of cancer in 2004.

Thanks to Bob (ClemofNazareth) for Biography.

Why this artist must be listed in www.progarchives.com :
His jazz/fusion work connects him with many other artists already featured on the archives, either as individual performers, or as members or session participants in works listed here (see some of these names above). In addition, his presence in the largely underground rock and psychedelic scene in communist Poland in the late 60's makes him by definition a progressive musician. The English-language albums Strange is This World, Ode to Venus, and particularly Mourner's Rhapsody and, to a slightly lesser extent, the Russian-language Russische Lieder all are worthy...
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CZESŁAW NIEMEN Videos (YouTube and more)


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CZESŁAW NIEMEN discography


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CZESŁAW NIEMEN top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.43 | 55 ratings
Niemen & Akwarele: ‎Dziwny Jest Ten Swiat
1967
3.18 | 36 ratings
Niemen & Akwarele: ‎Sukces
1968
3.12 | 34 ratings
Niemen & Akwarele: ‎Czy Mnie Jeszcze Pamiętasz
1969
4.05 | 175 ratings
Enigmatic
1970
4.08 | 87 ratings
Człowiek Jam Niewdzięczny [Aka: Red Album]
1971
4.10 | 111 ratings
Strange Is This World
1972
3.82 | 66 ratings
Ode To Venus
1973
2.51 | 32 ratings
Russische Lieder
1973
4.15 | 103 ratings
Niemen Vol. 1 [Aka: Marionetki]
1973
4.73 | 24 ratings
Niemen Vol. 2 [Aka: Marionetki]
1973
3.64 | 55 ratings
Mourner's Rhapsody
1975
4.19 | 164 ratings
Aerolit
1975
3.70 | 72 ratings
Katharsis
1975
3.88 | 56 ratings
Idée Fixe
1978
3.23 | 39 ratings
Postscriptum
1980
3.23 | 13 ratings
Przeprowadzka
1982
3.23 | 26 ratings
Terra Deflorata
1989
2.43 | 21 ratings
Spodchmurykapelusza
2001

CZESŁAW NIEMEN Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

4.17 | 18 ratings
41 Potencjometrów Pana Jana
2007
4.33 | 9 ratings
Kattorna / Pamflet Na LudzkoŚĆ
2009
3.80 | 5 ratings
Terra Deflorata - Koncert (Official bootleg)
2010

CZESŁAW NIEMEN Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

CZESŁAW NIEMEN Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.75 | 4 ratings
Niemen
1973
3.13 | 7 ratings
Best of Niemen
1978
3.33 | 3 ratings
Gwiazdy mocnego uderzenia
1991
4.15 | 4 ratings
Marionetki
1994
4.43 | 7 ratings
Sen o Warszawie
1995
4.25 | 8 ratings
Od Początku I
2002
4.67 | 9 ratings
Od Początku II
2003
4.00 | 4 ratings
Zlota kolekcja
2005
4.00 | 2 ratings
Spiżowy krzyk
2008
2.14 | 3 ratings
Nasz Niemen
2009

CZESŁAW NIEMEN Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

2.00 | 3 ratings
Jamais / Varsovie / Hey les filles / Peut-ętre
1966
3.00 | 2 ratings
Una luce mai accesa
1969
2.67 | 3 ratings
Io senza lei
1969

CZESŁAW NIEMEN Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 Niemen Vol. 1 [Aka: Marionetki] by NIEMEN, CZESŁAW album cover Studio Album, 1973
4.15 | 103 ratings

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Niemen Vol. 1 [Aka: Marionetki]
CzesŁaw Niemen Eclectic Prog

Review by TheEliteExtremophile

4 stars The second half of Marionetki?Niemen Vol. 1?is more overtly jazzy and experimental than Vol. 2. The 17-minute "Requiem dla Van Gogha" ("Requiem for Van Gogh") opens the disc. A sinister growl of a bowed bass and gently muttered vocals start this song on an ominous note. Much of this track is improvised and borders on free jazz. The focus here is on mood and atmosphere, rather than structure. A move like that is often risky, but the musicians' chemistry is good enough to keep this track tense and engaging. Some of the wailing string instruments and cacophonous keyboard parts remind me of some of the more abstract contemporary post-rock acts. This song might be a bit longer than is necessary, but it remains surprisingly focused.

The brief "Sariusz" has more structure and momentum than the previous track. The song opens on a weirdly peppy, bouncing piano line, complemented by fuzzy guitar and Niemen's oddball vocals. At only a little over three minutes long, it works as a great interlude between this disc's longer pieces.

Vol. 1 ends with the 13-minute "Inicjały" ("Initials"). Much like the opening track, this song is largely improvised, though vocals play a more prominent role here. The song starts off with some noodling before eventually settling into a groove. The drumming does a great job of keeping things moving as bass and trumpet trade licks in the spotlight. The drummer eventually gets his turn in the spotlight with a fun little solo as well, which is just the right length.

Review originally posted here: theeliteextremophile.com/2022/10/31/lesser-known-gem-czeslaw-niemen-niemen-vol-2-niemen-vol-1-marionetki/

 Niemen Vol. 2 [Aka: Marionetki] by NIEMEN, CZESŁAW album cover Studio Album, 1973
4.73 | 24 ratings

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Niemen Vol. 2 [Aka: Marionetki]
CzesŁaw Niemen Eclectic Prog

Review by TheEliteExtremophile

5 stars In 1972 Niemen released a pair of self-titled albums. The fact that they're titled Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, as well as the sonic continuity between them show that they were intended to be one double album. In 1994 this vision was finally realized with the release of Marionetki. Oddly, though, Vol. 2 comprises sides 1 and 2, and Vol. 1 is the second disc.

I don't speak Polish. At best, my two years of Russian in college can allow me to make educated guesses on occasional individual words. Thus, I'm not sure if the lyrics of these twinned records fit the spooky Halloween theme. The tone of the music is often creepy and oppressive, though, and it's always engaging.

"Marionetki" ("Puppets" or "Puppet Men" per the back of the physical copy I own) kicks things off with eerie organ and gongs, topped with some ritualistic-sounding vocals. The mood is immediately dark and dramatic. Elements of soul and gospel music are evident in Niemen's singing. The minimal instrumental makes this an effective introduction that sets the stage for what's to come.

Following this is the 14-minute "Piosenka dla zmarłej" ("A Song for the Deceased"). Icy, warbling, growling keys open the song on a disorienting note. Avant-garde jazz elements are obvious in these first moments as instrumental elements swell and ebb. Chaotic organ runs and guitar lines eventually converge into an ascending riff that leads into a mellower, soulful verse. Niemen's voice is powerful, passionate, and characterful. As the verse ends, the song enters a brief jam. Guitar and bass battle it out over swirling organ, and brass embellishments are brought in for the next verse. The vocal and instrumental sections of this song are fairly distinct, but both are fantastic. They express the versatility both of Niemen as a songwriter and of SBB as musicians.

"Z pierwszych ważniejszych odkryć" ("Of the First Major Discoveries") opens with an oddly-metered guitar line, followed by an ominous, wailing, doom-y passage. The verse is pared down and gentle, with hints of folk and jazz floating in the background. Tension builds as Niemen shouts his words and the guitar nervously wobbles. After a flashy, bluesy guitar solo, the song moves into a strange, drum-forward section punctuated with the occasional yelp or guitar lick. At closing, the song revisits an earlier calm and jazzy theme. The interlude "Ptaszek" ("Little Bird") follows, and it's a minutelong vocals-and-guitar piece that draws from Slavic folk traditions.

Closing out Vol. 2 is "Com uczynił?" ("What Have I Done?"). The opening guitar chords are jazzy; the tone is warm, though the notes themselves are full of anxiety. Niemen's powerful, expressive voice is again the focus over this minimal backing. When organ and percussion eventually enter, it only adds weight to the track. Moving past the verse, the music takes an evil-sounding turn. Organ and guitar work in tandem as a squealing trumpet bleats a plaintive line. This movement is followed by an organ solo full of rapid runs and jazzy flourishes. Following this instrumental passage, the track ends on a quiet, mournful note.

Review originally posted here: theeliteextremophile.com/2022/10/31/lesser-known-gem-czeslaw-niemen-niemen-vol-2-niemen-vol-1-marionetki/

 Marionetki by NIEMEN, CZESŁAW album cover Boxset/Compilation, 1994
4.15 | 4 ratings

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Marionetki
CzesŁaw Niemen Eclectic Prog

Review by TheEliteExtremophile

4 stars In 1972 Niemen released a pair of self-titled albums. The fact that they're titled Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, as well as the sonic continuity between them show that they were intended to be one double album. In 1994 this vision was finally realized with the release of Marionetki. Oddly, though, Vol. 2 comprises sides 1 and 2, and Vol. 1 is the second disc.

I don't speak Polish. At best, my two years of Russian in college can allow me to make educated guesses on occasional individual words. Thus, I'm not sure if the lyrics of these twinned records fit the spooky Halloween theme. The tone of the music is often creepy and oppressive, though, and it's always engaging.

"Marionetki" ("Puppets" or "Puppet Men" per the back of the physical copy I own) kicks things off with eerie organ and gongs, topped with some ritualistic-sounding vocals. The mood is immediately dark and dramatic. Elements of soul and gospel music are evident in Niemen's singing. The minimal instrumental makes this an effective introduction that sets the stage for what's to come.

Following this is the 14-minute "Piosenka dla zmarłej" ("A Song for the Deceased"). Icy, warbling, growling keys open the song on a disorienting note. Avant-garde jazz elements are obvious in these first moments as instrumental elements swell and ebb. Chaotic organ runs and guitar lines eventually converge into an ascending riff that leads into a mellower, soulful verse. Niemen's voice is powerful, passionate, and characterful. As the verse ends, the song enters a brief jam. Guitar and bass battle it out over swirling organ, and brass embellishments are brought in for the next verse. The vocal and instrumental sections of this song are fairly distinct, but both are fantastic. They express the versatility both of Niemen as a songwriter and of SBB as musicians.

"Z pierwszych ważniejszych odkryć" ("Of the First Major Discoveries") opens with an oddly-metered guitar line, followed by an ominous, wailing, doom-y passage. The verse is pared down and gentle, with hints of folk and jazz floating in the background. Tension builds as Niemen shouts his words and the guitar nervously wobbles. After a flashy, bluesy guitar solo, the song moves into a strange, drum-forward section punctuated with the occasional yelp or guitar lick. At closing, the song revisits an earlier calm and jazzy theme. The interlude "Ptaszek" ("Little Bird") follows, and it's a minutelong vocals-and-guitar piece that draws from Slavic folk traditions.

Closing out Vol. 2 is "Com uczynił?" ("What Have I Done?"). The opening guitar chords are jazzy; the tone is warm, though the notes themselves are full of anxiety. Niemen's powerful, expressive voice is again the focus over this minimal backing. When organ and percussion eventually enter, it only adds weight to the track. Moving past the verse, the music takes an evil-sounding turn. Organ and guitar work in tandem as a squealing trumpet bleats a plaintive line. This movement is followed by an organ solo full of rapid runs and jazzy flourishes. Following this instrumental passage, the track ends on a quiet, mournful note.

The second half of Marionetki?Niemen Vol. 1?is more overtly jazzy and experimental than Vol. 2. The 17-minute "Requiem dla Van Gogha" ("Requiem for Van Gogh") opens the disc. A sinister growl of a bowed bass and gently muttered vocals start this song on an ominous note. Much of this track is improvised and borders on free jazz. The focus here is on mood and atmosphere, rather than structure. A move like that is often risky, but the musicians' chemistry is good enough to keep this track tense and engaging. Some of the wailing string instruments and cacophonous keyboard parts remind me of some of the more abstract contemporary post-rock acts. This song might be a bit longer than is necessary, but it remains surprisingly focused.

The brief "Sariusz" has more structure and momentum than the previous track. The song opens on a weirdly peppy, bouncing piano line, complemented by fuzzy guitar and Niemen's oddball vocals. At only a little over three minutes long, it works as a great interlude between this disc's longer pieces.

Vol. 1 ends with the 13-minute "Inicjały" ("Initials"). Much like the opening track, this song is largely improvised, though vocals play a more prominent role here. The song starts off with some noodling before eventually settling into a groove. The drumming does a great job of keeping things moving as bass and trumpet trade licks in the spotlight. The drummer eventually gets his turn in the spotlight with a fun little solo as well, which is just the right length.

Niemen vol. 1 and Niemen vol. 2 comprise the two halves of a moody, creepy double album. The music is expressive and draws heavily from avant-garde jazz. Parts of this duology can be a challenging listen (most of Vol. 1, especially if you're averse to experimental jazz), but it's definitely worth your time. And until an artist rearranges "The Monster Mash" as a 20-minute suite, this is one of the better examples of spooky prog I could have posted today.

Review originally posted here: theeliteextremophile.com/2022/10/31/lesser-known-gem-czeslaw-niemen-niemen-vol-2-niemen-vol-1-marionetki/

 Niemen & Akwarele: ‎Dziwny Jest Ten Swiat by NIEMEN, CZESŁAW album cover Studio Album, 1967
3.43 | 55 ratings

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Niemen & Akwarele: ‎Dziwny Jest Ten Swiat
CzesŁaw Niemen Eclectic Prog

Review by siLLy puPPy
Special Collaborator PSIKE, JRF/Canterbury, P Metal, Eclectic

3 stars CZESŁAW NIEMEN was one of Poland's most celebrated musicians of the 20th century having released dozens of albums ranging from rock and roll, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, folk, avant-garde jazz and even electronic music. Primarily known for his soulful vocal abilities with a wide range and interesting intonation, NIEMEN was a national phenomenon as a rock balladeer who was one of the most successful singer / songwriter acts to emerge on the Polish scene. NIEMEN was born in Stare Wasiliszki in 1939 which then was still a part of Poland but was annexed to the Belarusian areas of the Soviet Union after the second World War but NIEMEN was ethnically Polish so he relocated within the newly establish Polish borders before engaging in his fruitful career.

While in the Western world he is primarily known for his more adventurous musical offerings in the world of progressive rock and jazz, NIEMEN started off sounding like the Polish version of Motown on his debut DZIWNY JEST TEN ŚWIAT which translates into "This World Is A Strange Place," a phrase that never seems to be untrue. At this point in NIEMEN's career he was inspired by 60s soul acts such as James Brown and Percy Sledge and after winning the 5th Song Festive in Opole in June 1967 with the title song from this debut album which was considered a protest song, his career was launched and would stay on the scene until his death in 2004 at the age of 67.

This album is basically a fun pop record of soulful beat music with a touch of blues rock and psychedelia in the Motown style that dominated the 60s and 70s. This was very much a product of Poland and all lyrics were exclusively in the Polish language but at this stage NIEMEN was already quite adept at adapting his emotive vocal style into the Western pop music paradigm. DZIWNY is a fun little romp through 12 tracks that sounded exactly like what was popular in the West in the year 1967 when this was released. In addition to vocals, NIEMEN also played piano and organ accompanied by a backing band of four members who handled guitar, bass, drums, percussion, sax as well as an additional backing vocal group. All tracks are quite catchy and instantly addictive although the Polish language adds a very exotic flavor to a somewhat familiar style of music.

For fans of progressive rock and NIEMEN's more adventurous musical explorations you can skip the first three albums and begin with the 1970 release "Enigmatic" but if you are at all interested in NIEMEN's earliest offerings based in catchy Motown inspired soul music then i have to highly recommend these early albums because they give you a sense of what the Polish music world was like in the 60s before the more diverse sounds began to emerge in the 70s. While this one is hardly an essential album in any sense of the world, it's really a great display of NIEMEN's ability to craft soulful addictive pop hooks augmented by his charismatic singing style and poetic songwriting skills but given that the lyrics are exclusively in Polish, that aspect of the music will be absent. Still though, great 60s beat album for sure.

3.5 rounded down

 Aerolit by NIEMEN, CZESŁAW album cover Studio Album, 1975
4.19 | 164 ratings

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Aerolit
CzesŁaw Niemen Eclectic Prog

Review by Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer

4 stars 4.5 stars. I knew nothing of this man until he was added here but the bio says he moved from Russia to Poland when he was around 19 years old. He became a singer in Poland in the early sixties before becoming a pioneer in that country with his Psychedelic music in the latter half of the sixties. "Aerolit" is an incredible album filled with Czeslaw's emotive vocals and his amazing synth and mellotron work. Add to that a very talented drummer, upfront bass and electric piano and you have a classic. He sings in Polish and it's pretty cool that members of SBB were in his band prior to this album. Great album cover too apparently painted by his wife.

"Cztery Sciany Swiata" is the 10 1/2 minute opener and the longest track on here. Drums are joined by bass before the synths and a melody kick in. I'm not big on the melody and it will return a few more times during this song. The song pretty much stops after 1 1/2 minutes as drums then passionate vocals take over. Some nice bass too and it's fairly dark and brooding here. Mellotron 3 minutes in then it kicks in to an uptempo synth/ drum led section. Bass to the fore after 3 1/2 minutes as that melody returns from earlier. Man this changes often. Electric piano after 4 minutes with drums, synths and bass although the synths dominate the sound. I like this a lot. Guitar joins in replacing the synths but they will continue to trade off. There's that earlier melody again before it changes as the vocals and that dark sound return after 7 1/2 minutes. Mellotron too and man can this guy sing!

"Pielgrzym" opens with mournful synths as almost spoken vocals join in but they are rich and full of character. Percussion and bass join in around 5 minutes then the vocals stop as it continues to trip along. Vocals are back with about a minute left. Great track. "Kamyk" starts with electronics which sounds pretty cool as the drums shuffle. Mellotron follows then the synths start to growl as the vocals join in before 1 1/2 minutes. He's singing in a laid back manner here. The tempo picks up before 3 minutes as it turns jazzy. Then high pitched, bouncy synths start to dominate before giving way to some great sounding electric piano. It turns darker with deeper sounds before 5 minutes and the vocals return. Those bouncy synths are back after 6 minutes.

"Daj Mi Wstazkl Btekitna" features picked guitar, cymbals and sweeping mellotron to start as reserved vocals and a beat take over. Picked guitar and bass also help out as well. Mellow. The mellotron is back! Electric piano arrives when the vocals stop after 2 minutes. The vocals return around 3 minutes. "Smutny Ktos-I Biedny Nikt" hits the ground running and vocals join in quickly. When the vocals stop we get an impressive instrumental section, especially the electric piano and drums. Vocals are back but again when they stop the instrumental work just kills. It settles with electric piano and a beat before 5 minutes then the synths return late.

In my opinion this stands up very well with the best from 1975 and that's saying something.

 Enigmatic by NIEMEN, CZESŁAW album cover Studio Album, 1970
4.05 | 175 ratings

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Enigmatic
CzesŁaw Niemen Eclectic Prog

Review by ALotOfBottle
Prog Reviewer

4 stars "Enigmatic" is indeed enigmatic!

With progressive rock still not being fully developed as a genre in its homeland, the United Kingdom, Czesław Niemen in Poland was creating very innovative and advanced music. What's more, he was doing it behind the Iron Cutrain. Consider that Poland was than a poor country ruled by a communist regime of USSR and it was definitely no fun being a progressive musician at the time.

Niemen's musical extract consists of elements of Polish folk music fused with soul and jazz sensibilities. "Bema Pamięci Żałobny Rapsod" is a side-long epic, which applies these influences. It starts out driven by church-like organ, which brings some of Focus' later sounds to mind, and is supported by a pastoral choir and tubular bells. Then comes Niemen's deep voice, similar to that of Joe Cocker, and the piece completely changes its flow with Hammond organ being put into a more soul-inspired scenario. Later on, we encounter an incredibly emotional bluesy guitar solo. The lyrics are a musical interpretation of a rhapsody by a national 19th century Polish poet Cyprian Kamil Norwid. A piece is really moving and expressive in every part and is definitely the highlight of the album. Side two offers more jazz-oriented pieces with superb bass-lines, a competent horn section and Niemen's great voice.

"Enigmatic" is a highly ambitious work of a proficient and inspired musician. It's without a doubt one-of-a-kind work and will make a great addition to every progressive rock fan's collection. I have had a little bit of dilemma whether it deserves four or five stars. A five star rating might be a bit missleading, this album having a few minor flaws, that some might find more bothering than I. In the end, four stars are more adequate. Add another imaginary half-star to that. Recommended!

 Strange Is This World by NIEMEN, CZESŁAW album cover Studio Album, 1972
4.10 | 111 ratings

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Strange Is This World
CzesŁaw Niemen Eclectic Prog

Review by ProgShine
Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars Czesław Niemen is a musician that always amazes me, everytime I hear a 'new' album. Not different with Strange Is The World (1972), his first album in English.

As a band Niemen had the guys that later would record by themselves under the name SBB. They were, indeed, the best band in Poland, no doubt about it.

He was one of the first guys in Poland to actually go further with his music, since the very beginning, and even being succesful he wasn't afraid to venture himself into strange lands. That's what Strange Is The World (1972) is.

Niemen's music is highly Progressive and Experimental with lots of organ and keyboards, very Prog. But what is interesting is how he was able to sing even love songs ('I've Been Loving You Too Long') or break up songs ('Why Did You Stop Loving Me') with such passio and 'progness'.

Now, the passion is something to talk about. You'll not find a better singer in the Prog world. His voice is strong and full of emotion, he sings with his heart.

Unfortunatelly Niemen passed away in 2004 in consequence of a cancer, but his music will live forever!

 Człowiek Jam Niewdzięczny [Aka: Red Album] by NIEMEN, CZESŁAW album cover Studio Album, 1971
4.08 | 87 ratings

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Człowiek Jam Niewdzięczny [Aka: Red Album]
CzesŁaw Niemen Eclectic Prog

Review by ProgShine
Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars I discovered Czesław Niemen a little while ago when I came to live in Poland. Even if I am a music digger I never heard about this guy's music in the past.

So, I started with Enigmatic (1969) and discovered a powerful voice and a sound that reminded me of the old Deep Purple (mark I). I decided to keep listening his music.

Niemen (1971) - also known as Red Niemen - is a wonderful double album (back on the release date) that has many of the great Progressive Rock 70's sound. And it was ahead of his own time, cause was recorded on early 1971.

'Człowiek Jam Niewdzięczny' opens the album with its 20:32 and it's a delight to the ears.Czesław Niemen's voices never been so strong and his band is sharp as the best English bands.

With this album Niemen was ahead of his own time and it was just a small sign of what we would have with his next albums Strange Is This World (1972) with its 4 tracks and pretty much everything he did after that.

A must listen album if you're not a thick head when it comes to the language!

 Enigmatic by NIEMEN, CZESŁAW album cover Studio Album, 1970
4.05 | 175 ratings

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Enigmatic
CzesŁaw Niemen Eclectic Prog

Review by Warthur
Prog Reviewer

3 stars Niemen might be striking a Vincent Price pose on the front cover, but there isn't very much of the Gothic or horrific about this four-track collection of organ-dominated progressive compositions. Drawing on the Polish folk music tradition for material and motifs that set this one apart from most organ-centric late 1960s proto-prog, and Niemen's arrangements also slip in a choir here and there to add a little gravitas to proceedings. Slow and stately for most of its running time, this isn't an album which offers up fast-paced Emersonian keyboard wizardry - rather, it aims for the Enigmatic tone its title suggests and more or less attains it.
 Strange Is This World by NIEMEN, CZESŁAW album cover Studio Album, 1972
4.10 | 111 ratings

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Strange Is This World
CzesŁaw Niemen Eclectic Prog

Review by Warthur
Prog Reviewer

4 stars With a backing band including the members of SBB, Czesław Niemen's first English-language album is a wild trip through spacey, psychedelic territory. Nieman's vocal performance brings to mind the mighty lungs of old-time psychedelic greats like Arthur Brown, whilst the musical backing warps these songs - including the Otis Redding I've Been Loving You Too Long and the title track, which is a mutation of a track from significantly earlier in Nieman's career - into weird, not-quite-ambient atmospheric jams. The end result is a fascinatingly original collaboration between some of the great names of 70s-era Polish prog which will be of interest to all fans of the trippier end of prog.
Thanks to Snow Dog for the artist addition. and to Quinino for the last updates

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