Jerzy Milian - Penguin Bids (2021)

Hot, hot and even hotter! Thrilling big-band recordings from the 1960s, made with the Polish Radio Dance Orchestra… The music is full of energy and swing, and is an evidence of Jerzy Milian’s artistry as an arranger, and above all, as a great vibraphone player.

After Edward Czerny took over the leadership of the Polish Radio Dance Orchestra in 1959, he took it to a level unattainable to his predecessors. Until 1974 he regularly performed with the Orchestra in Poland and in other Eastern Bloc countries, and for the needs of radio shows he recorded songs and instrumental works which first went in dozens, next in hundreds to finally reach nearly two thousand (!) recordings. Among them you can find items made with Jerzy Milian who would often show up in Warsaw with new music scores. This is how a collection of swinging, colorful compositions based on melodic saxophone riffs and interesting vibraphone and marimba solo performances was born. Under Czerny’s baton musicians played really hot, with a true feel and energy.

“Penguin Bids” is the tenth part of “Jerzy Milian Tapes” series. All items were recorded at the Polish Radio in Warsaw, between 1963 and 1966. The material has been released on the album for the first time, remastered from the original tapes kept at the radio vaults. The album includes the booklet with unpublished photos and an short liner notes.