Press reviews
(Translated by google)
There are albums that don't need to be analyzed when they are released. This is the case with the exceptionally pure jazz album by the excellent Polish jazz guitarist Tomas Kaczmarczyk. The album was released in the fall of 2025, but right now, on this New Year's Holy Snowfall, is the most appropriate time for the dear Reader to get to know it! The recording, recorded live and in front of an audience in the Lutheran church in Weisswasser, Germany, brings us music with an extremely high quality of jazz notes, with an ethereal delicacy. (...)
On this recording, the music takes us to more peaceful, yet constantly expanding heights. He does this in such a way that when listening to the album, time stops for us. We find ourselves in a sacred space in a sacred time. This kind of interpretation of his own compositions audibly captivated the author-performer himself. Both the rhythm section: Tomasz Grabowy on bass and Łukasz Sobolak on drums, and the other soloist, saxophonist Leszek Szczerba, are present with infinite humility and devotion. The solos are beautifully precise, at times more contemplative and thus more extensive - they leisurely guide the soloists through their unique thoughts. The venue has completely inspired the musicians, and their performance is characterized by intimacy and beauty, reverence and respect. The music flows before us as intimately as snow falls: covering everything, wrapping the world in a soft, clean, festive blanket. And the blanket of snow dresses our souls in celebration, the whiteness of the snow covers all the ugliness, beneath it lie the seeds, peacefully waiting to sprout. In these difficult times, this album is a blessing. Divine grace.
Zsuzsana Hegedius / Jazzma.hu: https://www.jazzma.hu/lemezpolc/kulfoldi-eloadok/slow-the-band/quartet-live/kritika/slow-the-band-quartet-live#cikk (Jan, 7th, 2026)
There are albums that don't need to be analyzed when they are released. This is the case with the exceptionally pure jazz album by the excellent Polish jazz guitarist Tomas Kaczmarczyk. The album was released in the fall of 2025, but right now, on this New Year's Holy Snowfall, is the most appropriate time for the dear Reader to get to know it! The recording, recorded live and in front of an audience in the Lutheran church in Weisswasser, Germany, brings us music with an extremely high quality of jazz notes, with an ethereal delicacy. (...)
On this recording, the music takes us to more peaceful, yet constantly expanding heights. He does this in such a way that when listening to the album, time stops for us. We find ourselves in a sacred space in a sacred time. This kind of interpretation of his own compositions audibly captivated the author-performer himself. Both the rhythm section: Tomasz Grabowy on bass and Łukasz Sobolak on drums, and the other soloist, saxophonist Leszek Szczerba, are present with infinite humility and devotion. The solos are beautifully precise, at times more contemplative and thus more extensive - they leisurely guide the soloists through their unique thoughts. The venue has completely inspired the musicians, and their performance is characterized by intimacy and beauty, reverence and respect. The music flows before us as intimately as snow falls: covering everything, wrapping the world in a soft, clean, festive blanket. And the blanket of snow dresses our souls in celebration, the whiteness of the snow covers all the ugliness, beneath it lie the seeds, peacefully waiting to sprout. In these difficult times, this album is a blessing. Divine grace.
Zsuzsana Hegedius / Jazzma.hu: https://www.jazzma.hu/lemezpolc/kulfoldi-eloadok/slow-the-band/quartet-live/kritika/slow-the-band-quartet-live#cikk (Jan, 7th, 2026)
The music continues the same attitude the ensemble assumed from its very early stage, which is playing highly melodic, solidly composed, almost danceable and entertaining music, which does not pretend to be anything beyond what’s out there: a high quality entertainment, without compromising artistic values and avoiding pretentious assumptions. These are all excellent, professional and dedicated musicians, who want to bring to the audience some fun, relaxed music, which is a true pleasure to listen to.
All three soloists offer first-rate soloing, and the guitar parts are certainly as good as those produced by some of the most famous international names. The rhythm section is also absolutely perfect for the job and Berny shows his amazing percussion technique, which is always breathtaking.
Overall, this is an excellent piece of Jazz music from the easier side of the spectrum, which is surely accessible to a wide audience, and which is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy some great tunes without too much brain-hacking. Perhaps some Jazz snobs will, as usual, turn their long noses, but it’s them who are missing all the fun. In these depressing time, this is a true ray of sunshine!
Adam Baruch - The Soundtrack of My Life: http://www.adambaruch.com/reviews_item.asp?item=107848 (Jun, 22nd, 2024)
All three soloists offer first-rate soloing, and the guitar parts are certainly as good as those produced by some of the most famous international names. The rhythm section is also absolutely perfect for the job and Berny shows his amazing percussion technique, which is always breathtaking.
Overall, this is an excellent piece of Jazz music from the easier side of the spectrum, which is surely accessible to a wide audience, and which is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy some great tunes without too much brain-hacking. Perhaps some Jazz snobs will, as usual, turn their long noses, but it’s them who are missing all the fun. In these depressing time, this is a true ray of sunshine!
Adam Baruch - The Soundtrack of My Life: http://www.adambaruch.com/reviews_item.asp?item=107848 (Jun, 22nd, 2024)
(...) Combining the vintage soul jazz feel of George Benson and Grover Washington with a modern flavor all their own. The result is an album that makes you wish you were there taking in the vibes.
George W. Harris - JAZZ WEEKLY - www.jazzweekly.com/2024/06/slow-the-band-live-in-dresden/ Jun, 6th, 2024
George W. Harris - JAZZ WEEKLY - www.jazzweekly.com/2024/06/slow-the-band-live-in-dresden/ Jun, 6th, 2024
(Translated by google)
(...) Well-played, easily catchy and has a soothing therapeutic effect on the listener - it's hard to tear yourself away from it. A broad genre where all songs are basically planted in the same formula. Of course, with different nuances and flavors (...)
JAZZRYTMIT Finland - Osku Rajala (July, 18th, 2022)
(...) Well-played, easily catchy and has a soothing therapeutic effect on the listener - it's hard to tear yourself away from it. A broad genre where all songs are basically planted in the same formula. Of course, with different nuances and flavors (...)
JAZZRYTMIT Finland - Osku Rajala (July, 18th, 2022)
(...) Slow cover an ungrateful territory on the Polish Jazz scene, as the kind of music they play is often trivialized by critics and social media, who are unable to distinguish between schmaltz and genuine Smooth Jazz, which is a legitimate sub-genre and often produces more rewarding music that other sub-genres preferred by the Jazz snobs. It takes real talent to compose a beautiful tune, and play it with taste and skill.
(...)
Adam Baruch - The Soundtrack Of My Life (2022)
(...)
Adam Baruch - The Soundtrack Of My Life (2022)
(...) The album opens with Grashopper which is a beautiful example of the interaction between saxophonist Leszek Szczerba and guitarist Tomasz. Obviously this formation has grown together and recommends itself also as a live event.(...)"
Hans-Bernd Huelsmann - FIRST VIEW (2022)
Hans-Bernd Huelsmann - FIRST VIEW (2022)
"The music, as appropriate for the Smooth Jazz milieu, is based on catchy melodic tunes, perfectly executed by the crew, quite jazzy and yet not complicated enough to bring on a headache, in short music that, as the title suggests, can and should be enjoyed by everyone. The only "problem" with this album is that it is probably too "good" for the average Smooth Jazz listener.
There is plenty of great musicianship on this album; the nice but not cheesy compositions, the elegant instrumental parts, the vocals and the jazzy arrangements; in short it is obvious that these people are good musicians who know exactly what they are doing. It is definitely a great example of how the easy side of the Jazz spectrum can offer quality entertainment and how unjustly Smooth Jazz is often belittled by critics with narrow horizons and closed minds.
This music is meant to entertain people who like music but approach it on a less intellectual plane. There is absolutely nothing wrong with such attitude. I must admit that I had a great fun listening to this album, which is also superbly recorded and can be used as a great test device for your stereo system."
Adam Baruch - The Soundtrack Of My Life" (2015)
There is plenty of great musicianship on this album; the nice but not cheesy compositions, the elegant instrumental parts, the vocals and the jazzy arrangements; in short it is obvious that these people are good musicians who know exactly what they are doing. It is definitely a great example of how the easy side of the Jazz spectrum can offer quality entertainment and how unjustly Smooth Jazz is often belittled by critics with narrow horizons and closed minds.
This music is meant to entertain people who like music but approach it on a less intellectual plane. There is absolutely nothing wrong with such attitude. I must admit that I had a great fun listening to this album, which is also superbly recorded and can be used as a great test device for your stereo system."
Adam Baruch - The Soundtrack Of My Life" (2015)
"(...) The jazz is fresh, the concept is innovative, and the vibe is smooth European. (...) SONGS FOR EVERYONE, indeed has a little something for all kinds of music lovers... Smooth Jazz, electronic flavors, even a chamber string quartet and gorgeous female vocals including Jagoda Jahga on the dreamy title track! At your leisure, but make it quick, check out SLOW!
~SANDY SHORE - Smoothjazz.com Global Radio review (Sept. 1st, 2015)
~SANDY SHORE - Smoothjazz.com Global Radio review (Sept. 1st, 2015)
"The starting track of an album is always the most important, because this is the First Impression. Gentle guitar chords meet jazzy saxophone introducing Krzysztof's piano magic. (...) Certainly you will remember the avant-garde synth-pop group Art of Noise. Art Of Silence is the Polish smooth jazz counterpart. While the mellow acoustic guitar is often in the foreground, Slow consider themselves as community work. (...) Attention for Polish smooth jazz would support the world wide community. Doesn't need this genre fresh input? More European influence is certainly an appropriate way.
- Hans-Bernd Huelssmann, Smoothjazz.de - Furst View (Jan 16, 2012)
- Hans-Bernd Huelssmann, Smoothjazz.de - Furst View (Jan 16, 2012)
"Debut recording by smooth jazz duo of guitarist Tomek Kaczmarczyk and keyboardist Krzysiek Wermiński. Diversified selection of guests, catchy melodies and high quality of recording all contribute to make this CD one not-to-be-missed for all smooth jazz lovers. Check sample of this music"
- Maciej Nowotny, polish-jazz (Dec 05, 2011)
- Maciej Nowotny, polish-jazz (Dec 05, 2011)
“I love the idea that all the best contemporary jazz doesn't come out of the USA. Therefore, 'Art of Silence' from Polish band Slow is a real treat. They show, with songs like 'First Impression', Payola' and 'Iguana Party' that they have got the groove aspect of contemporary jazz well and truly down. Instrumentally, well, I'm hearing some astonishing soprano sax, some subtle acoustic guitar and edgy electric guitar. The juicy bass solo on 'Gender Blender' made me smile almost as much as the song title. (...).”
- Chris Mann, live365.com radio review (Mar 16, 2012)
- Chris Mann, live365.com radio review (Mar 16, 2012)
“Slow, is a bountiful, melodic Smooth Jazz duo that has released a remarkable debut album, ART OF SILENCE. (...) We were delighted to discover such sophisticated, intriguing new music in a part of Europe that is seemingly abuzz with new excitement for Smooth Jazz. Fresh, innovative musical ideas is exactly what the genre needs and ART OF SILENCE is filled with intelligent, heartfelt new music (...) Relax your world with tasty new music from Slow!”
- SANDY SHORE, Smoothjazz.com review notw (Feb 01, 2012)
- SANDY SHORE, Smoothjazz.com review notw (Feb 01, 2012)
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