DZIEKUJE BARDZO - VIELEN DANK

Farscape had Schulze & Gerrard improvising over the course of 2 CDs. On Rheingold it was stretched through 2CD's and a DVD and now on Dziekuje Bardzo, the full option release will add 3CD's and a DVD to your bulgy CD cabinet.

I can't say I was waiting for that and judging from the general enthusiasm here, I'm not alone. So, first conclusion, necessary = no.

But is it any good? Well also for that I have to give a mixed answer. The album contains a new set of improvisations that stick close to the known formula. Some of them sure have their moments. I'd even dare to say that Shoreless One (Schulze alone) is downright excellent and sits close to the opening track from Kontinuum. Shoreless Two is an alternative version that is less successful.

Next I need to mention the first ten minutes of Ocean of Innocence and Bazylika NSJ, where Gerrard joins Schulze in building a petrifying and sacred atmosphere. On the short and almost catchy Spanish Ballerina we hear Schulze playing some flamenco guitar samples which is quite fun.

Just those 4 tracks amount to a bit more then 90 minutes. With some minimal editing, this would have made up one excellent 4-star CD. It is up to you to decide whether you feel a 3 CD format with every improvisation they played in Poland is preferable to just the best 80 minutes. I tend to say no.