Post-Punk Pop Rock from Poland

by Bob Powers

G21 Music Writer

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Bob Powers

Americans tend to believe that rock can be good only if it's created in one of the 50 states. But a new album from a Polish group called Happy Pills (are you smiling yet?) demonstrates conclusively that rock need not suffer from exclusivity to the U.S.A.

According to the publicity packet that came with this release, "Happy Pills use the past as launch-pad to shine a revitalizing new light on indie rock." The band, together since 1993, has won every award known to the Polish nation. The group isn't impressed with awards, with singer Agi Morawska commenting, "We are doing what we like and if people like it, that's great. If journalists like it, who gives a f---!"

The band has been visiting the U.S., seeking to make an impression. The new album, "Smile" (Tamizdat) offers a satisfying taste of the group. The music is happy and should be enticing to today's rockers.

This is solid material, played with a welcome air of soul and fun. One can imagine wide smiles on the faces of these enchanting musicians.

Tidy Trio Sounds Fine

The new album "Triologue" (Imaginary Records) could have possibly made the jazz trio a major discovery for the new century. The group's fourth album contains material that's enticing and vastly entertaining. With the simple assembly of piano, bass and drums, Stevens, Siegel & Ferguson shows that they're ready for the big time.

The cooperative group has no leader; they equally share the billing and the money, I would assume. Pianist Michael Jefry Stevens has worked with such name entertainers as Dakota Staton, Cecil Bridgewater and Blood, Sweat and Tears. Stevens also works in a quintet, the Fonda/Stevens Group.

Bassist Tim Ferguson has worked with varied performers, including the George Cables Trio, Mel Lewis, and Eddie Harris. He also toured as part of the Tommy Dorsey orchestra, led by Buddy Morrow.

Rounding out the trio is Jeff "Siege" Siegel on drums. He's been playing with the Roland Hanna Trio since 1994. Many of the biggest names in jazz have given Siegel a chance to perform.

"Triologue" contains a varied and enticing list of songs. The album opens with the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, "Some Enchanted Evening." Ferguson's composition, "Vernazza," receives a spectacular rendition. Billy Strayhorn's "Bloodcount" comes as a welcome surprise for discerning jazz ears.

Listeners who go for the trio sound should love every minute of "Triologue."

Burnin' Blues

Guitarist Scott Ellison, who deserves a spot in the line of the top blues performers of the present, has a mighty new CD that will tickle blues fans worldwide. "Cold Hard Cash" (Burnside Records) gives Ellison a group of solid songs and a backing band that just doesn't stop.

Ellison, born in 1964, has been on the road for a long time. He began touring with Jessica James (Conway Twitty's daughter) way back in 1977. Later he hooked up with Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and toured extensively.

"Cold Hard Cash" finds Ellison teamed up with producer Dennis Walker, who co-wrote all but one of the new album's tunes. Ellison's raw vocals create a heap of excitement, with Mike Thompson adding to the fire with some great work on the revered Hammond B3 organ. Keep an ear attuned to Ellison's guitar, which demands comparison with the big names of the blues industry. Wow!

Patitucci Rides Again

Master of the jazz basses both acoustic and electric, John Patitucci now has out his tenth release as a leader. "Communion" (Concord Records) shows that Patitucci can easily become part of a musical fellowship. Concord calls the album a "post bop" release, and that moniker will do as well as any other.

This music challenges, and the musicians backing Patitucci change for nearly every track. "Communion" challenges the listener; it's not your average ho-hum album. You're got to listen and do that carefully. No reading a book or leafing through the latest copy of Oprah's magazine. You're got to listen.

My wife, for instance, heard "Communion" only while walking past my office. She issued a request. "Please play that CD only when I'm not within hearing distance."

Chris Potter's rough-hewn tenor is just one of the many delights. Branford Marsalis and Joe Lovano also appear on "Communion."

An Apology

If you missed seeing "Powerssound" the past couple of weeks, blame an errant PC. The motherboard (whatever that is) failed and wasn't discovered until a full check had transpired with the hard drive. I know essentially nothing about computers, but my No. 1 son, Bob Jr., is an expert. He works for Ohio University as a technology specialist and he made the magic happen for my computer, which had failed days after its warranty expired.

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