Michal Urbaniak's Fusion feat. Urszula Dudziak - Heritage (2016) [Hi-Res]

With singer Urszua Dudziak at his side, this pared-down quintet version of Michal Urbaniak’s Fusion also launched keyboardist Kenny Kirkland’s meteoric career that continued with Wynton Marsalis’ breakthrough first band and Kirkland’s long association with Branford Marsalis and Sting. A traditional folk feel dominates the title track as a series of melodic motifs merge into an expressive violin solo. Prayer comprises a complex communal electronic/vocal mélange underpinned by a solid rhythmic riff, while Vio-Lines projects Urbaniak’s magnificent solo violin. Stick It In conveys passionate upbeat sensuality with outstanding solos by Urbaniak and Kirkland. Cucu’s Nest moves from sylvan settings into funk and Michal’s flashy solo on lyricon. On Gaby’s Mood an unaccompanied Dudziak uses a variety of electronic affects to create a fascinatingly rich ambiance. Storks waltzes into a pulsing up-tempo and Urszula’s powerful vocal, while Urbaniak takes flight on violin followed by Kirkland’s driving solo. With its impressive depth and breadth, Heritage purveys a musical legacy that stands the test of time.

Michal Urbaniak, violin
Kenny Kirkland, keyboards
Tony Bunn, bass
Lurenda Featherstone, drums
Urszula Dudziak, vocals, percussion, Synthesizer

Engineered by Chips Platen
Recorded July-August 1977 Tonstudio Zuckerfabrik Stuttgart, Germany

Digitally remastered