OD WSCHODU DO ZACHODU SłOńCA

Well, in my opinion the Polish progheads could use a boost after the shameful 1-3 home defeat against Finland (my wife was very pleased with the Jari Litmanen performance). And I am pleased that Tuzvihar has added this fine band to the site! This review is a huge dive into the progrock history, the LP was released in 1970 and I got the CD release as a promo for Dutch progrock paper SI Magazine in june 1993, mainly because they knew I am a Hammond freak. And there is a lot of Hammond work on this album, it is very omnipresent on most of the 10 compositions (including two renditions of classical works), especially in the track Katastrofa we can enjoy the powerful and distinctive sound of the Hammond organ by Andrzey Zielinkski in all its splendor. Another remarkable member is Jacek Zielinsk as a singer and trumpet playe. There is not very much guitar on this album, I had hoped for a bit more interplay with the organ. The sound of Skaldowie is a warm and energetic blend of rock and classical, the digital remastering has been done perfectly!

Many feel this was the first real good album by SKALDOWIE and a little taste of greater things to come in "Krywan, Krywan". Hard not to agree with these sentiments. In fact I quite like this album a lot. It's pretty straight forward sounding but there's something very charming and appealing about it. I like the prominant Hammond organ and vocals on this one.The songs are well crafted and commercial sounding. At times i'm reminded of the sixties in a good way. This is a talented group of musicians no doubt about it.

"Sarabanda (Intrada)" is a short intro track with vocal melodies and orchestral sounds. "Od Wschodu Do Zachodu Storica" has a laid back sound as reserved vocals join in. It starts to pick up with trumpet. I like it ! It settles back again as contrasts continue.This moves me. "Katastrofa" features organ, vocals, drums and percussion. It gets fuller then settles back as contrasts continue. Spoken words 2 1/2 minutes in. Drums, bass and organ then lead. "Czasem Kochac Chcesz" is another good track with trumpet, organ and drums standing out. Vocals too of course. I like when it kicks in after 1 1/2 minutes. Again contrasts continue.

"Zawiesa" is poppy with backing vocals and trumpet. The brass reminds of CHICAGO. "Mateusz IV" opens with the sound of birds, spoken words and someone walking around. Organ comes in then the music. Great sound here. It calms right down with floating organ and spoken words before kicking in again. Nice. Contrasts continue. "Prawo Izaaka Newtona" has a mellow intro with vocals. A change before a minute as piano, bass and drums with vocals take over. Much better and kind of jazzy. Trumpet joins in. "Nabejoziesz Od tromy Morz" opens with organ as reserved vocals join in. It builds quickly. Nice bass. It settles again then picks back up. Good song. Vocal melodies and organ end it. "Cisza Krzyczy" has lots of organ, bass and drums and the vocals sound great. I like the instrumental ending. A reminder of what was to come. "Sarabanda (Final)" is short epic outro piece.

Some really good songs here and well worth checking out.