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Vivian Buczek: Roots

By Kyle Simpler
April 24, 2022
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Since 2003,

Vivian Buczek

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Vivian Buczek has established herself as a powerful force in the contemporary jazz scene. Her voice is soulful and powerful. She can be sensitive and emotional on a ballad, but then turn around and sing blues songs as if she's been doing it all her life, which she actually has been. With Roots, she brings the listener into her musical world and offers, what she calls, "the most personal album I've ever made."

On Roots, Buczek teams up with saxophonist

Seamus Blake

saxophone
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Seamus Blake, Martin Lundgren on trumpet and flugelhorn, Martin Sj?stedt on piano,

Jasper Bodilsen

" data-original-title="" title="">Jasper Bodilsen on bass, and

Morten Lund

drums
b.1972

" data-original-title="" title="">Morten Lund on drums. All of the musicians offer impressive performances here, and there is quite a variety of jazz styles featured, which is not surprising considering Buczek's background.

She was born in Sweden, and both her parents were Polish-born jazz musicians. Buczek grew up immersed in both Polish and Swedish culture along with a healthy dose of jazz. Being an only child, music was always, as she describes, her closest friend. She began singing as a child, and her passion for music eventually led her onto the global stage.

From listening to Roots it is easy to see how different musicians have influenced her, and she loves a wide variety of jazz music. There are hints of singers such as

Annie Ross

vocals
1930 - 2020

" data-original-title="" title="">Annie Ross and

Sarah Vaughan

vocals
1924 - 1990

" data-original-title="" title="">Sarah Vaughan here, but her own sound is certainly not derivative. Buczek has her own unique voice, which is certainly impressive.

While there are original compositions included, she also features classics such as "Nature Boy" and a vocalese version of Bill Evans' "Waltz for Debby/Monicas Vals" sung in both English and Swedish. She also features more contemporary compositions by artists such as

Stevie Wonder

vocals
b.1950

" data-original-title="" title="">Stevie Wonder and

Pat Metheny

guitar
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">Pat Metheny.

One of Buczeck's major influences, however, is

Ella Fitzgerald

vocals
1917 - 1996

" data-original-title="" title="">Ella Fitzgerald. She even recorded a tribute album called Ella Lives (Prophone 2017). Although Roots is not another tribute, it is easy to see elements of Ella here. Fitzgerald frequently used her voice not only to carry a song's melody but also to improvise lines as well. In a similar fashion, Buckzek uses her voice much as another instrument in the ensemble, creating improvised lines which weave melodically along with the other players.

The music on Roots is satisfying throughout. From beautiful ballads such as "Who Are You?" and "Always And Forever" to all-out swinging songs such as "The Jody Grind" or "What Now?" this is an album which has plenty to offer. While this is her most personal album, it will probably be a personal favorite for many listeners.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Visions; Who Are You?; Devil May Care; Fly Away; Always And Forever; The Jody Grind; Waltz For Debby / Monicas Vals; The Meaning Of The Blues; What Now?; Nature Boy; Better Days Ahead; Jej Portret (Her Portrait)

Personnel

Vivian Buczek

vocals

Seamus Blake

saxophone

M?rten Lundgren

trumpet

Additional Instrumentation

Martin Sj?stedt: piano; Morten Lund: drums.

Album information

Title: Roots | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Prophone Records

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