Customer Reviews

London Warsaw New York

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Basia's debut CD, warm and witty and engaging as it is, didn't adequately answer the burning question: is there life after Matt Bianco? From the opening bars of the CD, all doubt is eliminated, and Basia's musical horizon is unmistakably clear. The CD cover helps express the tone of this work. Basia looks sexy, soft, and breezy, while Danny White's gaze is smouldering and pensive. The cover makes it clear this is a partnership, not just a showcase for the Polish superstar. The first track, the classic "Cruising for Bruising," is soft, subtle, and with just the right hint of wistful sadness. Basia's sound is a harmonious blending of pop, jazz, samba, bossa nova, and electronic genres, and her voice soars over Danny White's beautifully-crafted electronic and acoustic soundscapes. Basia's music is also touched with a bittersweet worldliness, as in the lyrics for "Cruising for Bruising": "I know it's not easy / Your heart is aching / But so is mine." The next track, "Best Friends," adds fiery horns and congas and picks up the pace for the moment. Then it's time for one of Basia's great ballads, "Brave New Hope." It recalls "From Now on" from the previous CD but is much more musically spare and lyrically sophisticated. In fact, the whole CD is very elegant, urbane, and sophisticated. Many critics use "tasteful" as a disparaging description, but I think it is an apt description of Basia's music. The last verse of "Brave New Hope" is especially powerful, as the lead and backing vocals build in intensity. The fourth track is the Brasilian-inflected "Baby You're Mine." Brasil is evoked both in the instruments used (berimbau and shaker, gorgeous acoustic guitar) as well as in Basia's exotic phrasing. "Ordinary People" is a long, dark, syncopated number, evoking the best of Matt Bianco's pieces. It is a rare stab at topicality for Basia, but she manages to also make it very personal. The keyboard work and overlapping layers of vocals make this song into a musical experience. The instrumental/percussion/scatting break which follows the second chorus is very loose and jazzy, and it perfectly demonstrates Basia's confidence in and comfort with the material. The sixth song, "Reward," begins with a gentle piano solo before the insistent rhythm grabs hold. The Polish verse at the end is a lovely touch by "a stranger in this land." The seventh song is Basia's ass-kicking remake of the old Stevie Wonder/Paul/Broadnax song "Until You Come Back to me." Basia has said she copied Aretha Franklin's phrasing for the song, yet she manages to make the song her own. Next is the fun, frantic, frenetic "Copernicus," one of my favourite Basia songs. The lyrics are very warm and humourous, and you can almost believe that "Chopin too / Would dig samba if he had a chance to groove." Chopin might have adored the baritone saxophone solo in this song. The Polish language is heard once again, perhaps to demonstrate how hip and cosmopolitan it can sound when added to a samba/jazz groove. Basia sounds like she's having a lot of fun, and she imparts that feeling to her lucky audience. "Not an Angel" follows, and it surprises in its sensuality and playfulness. The trumpets and bass saxophone give the piece a more earthy feel, as befits the lyrics. Danny's keyboard solo adds to the festive, light-hearted mood of the piece. The CD closes with another piece rich in Braslian influences, "Take Him Back Rachel." The notion of friendly/sisterly advice is underlined by the more sinister notion that that narrator now "has" the guy Rachel is reconsidering. As in "Ordinary People," so in this track this is a fluidity, almost an unravelling, after the second chorus. The darkness of the song fits in well with the fatalism of Brasilian music and art. This CD is Basia's tribute to her three "homes": Poland, Brasil, and the entire musical globe. What a wonderful work!

Basia Trzetrzelewska (who wisely goes by only her simple first name) put out "London Warsaw New York" in 1989, but it remains today one of the all-time great dance albums. It's up there with Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and anything by Prince in terms of great, propulsively rhythmic dance music with a driving drumbeat.

Basia and her longtime collaborator, Danny White, wrote, produced and arranged every single song on the album except for the Stevie Wonder 1960s classic "Until You Come Back To Me." The standouts here are "Cruising for Bruising," on which Basia cuts loose and angry with her lover for being unfaithful; "Reward," on which she praises her lover for being her reward for good behavior; and "Baby You're Mine," on which she sounds a possessive note. My two all-time favorites are "Not An Angel," where Basia seductively convinces us that behind her serene and lovely good looks is a little devilment waiting to come out, and "Take Him Back, Rachel," where she realizes that her lover is still in love with his former girlfriend."

The lyrics are surprisingly literate, the arrangements absolutely infectious, and the music joyful. It's all-around great stuff, but don't put it on to sit and do some work or reading--you won't be able to stop yourself from leaping up out of the chair and dancing!

Basia possesses a three octave voice that is simply wonderful. She can take a song and make it all her own with her creative interpretations; and she never once misses a beat on this fine album. Great!

The CD track set begins with "Cruising For Bruising." Basia sings with great sensitivity about a situation in which two people shared love but they need a break from each other--at least for now. Basia's excellent diction bolsters her performance; and the musical arrangement marks the beat well. The chorus haunts me with its beauty; and Basia handles subtle tempo and key changes like a pro! Danny White does his usual excellent work on keyboards and drum programming. All this makes "Cruising For Bruising" a strong start for this album. "Best Friends" is an electric song that explores how a man and woman will always be there for each other either as friends or more. The dance beat is pretty awesome; and Basia sings this flawlessly! Listen for Kevin Robinson on the trumpet, too.

"Baby You're Mine" celebrates the joy a woman feels when her one true love also loves her just as much. The lyrics reflect a touching sensitivity; and Basia sings this with all her heart and soul. Listen for an incredibly beautiful chorus during which Basia really lets it all hang out! "Baby You're Mine" sports a melody that's part dance music and part Latin; "Baby You're Mine" is easily a highlight of this excellent album.

"Reward" again explores the joy a woman feels when she is truly loved for who she is; "Reward" has a good musical intro and when Basia comes in this number really takes flight! I predict that you will enjoy "Reward" very, very much. In addition, another great highlight of this album is "Until You Come Back To Me." "Until You Come Back To Me" features Basia's vocals in the spotlight as she sings of how she wants her man to take her back as his girlfriend once again. Basia's rendition of "Until You Come Back To Me" displays just how elegant she can make a song. Of course, Danny White stays strong on keyboards and drum programming. The backup vocalists on "Until You Come Back To Me" enhance the natural beauty of this exceptional number; and Kevin Robinson returns again on the trumpet for a great effect.

"Take Him Back, Rachel" provides a strong ending for this album; Basia sings of how she knows her boyfriend really should return to his former girlfriend Rachel. The Latin beat impresses me greatly; and Basia delivers this ballad with heart, soul and panache.

The liner notes have nice artwork; and we get the song credits along with the lyrics. Great!

Basia may have released this album with help from Danny White as long as eighteen years ago; but London Warsaw New York remains the same excellent, timely and electric album it was on its release date. I highly recommend this for fans of dance music mixed occasionally with a jazzy Latin twist. People who like contemporary pop vocals will also enjoy this CD.

Basia is one of those singers that we still hear, once in a while, but definitely not nearly enough. She could be thrown into the category of smooth jazz, adult contemporary or "easy listening." She is so much more than that though. Those categories don't even begin to do her justice as an artist or a musician. You really need to hear this to fully comprehend the depth, style and musicality of this beautiful, talented Polish singer.

Basia has a flair for blending the sounds of samba, pop, jazz and contemporary flavors, with her haunting vocals and tender lyrics. "Cruising For Bruising" is an cautionary, up-tempo ballad that looks at the potential for pleasure and pain in romantic relationships. It is a great first track, to get you set for more love-themed, thoughtful songs. Whether Basia is pondering her future, post-love affair ("Brand New Hope"), or falling into the arms of someone new (the wonderful, samba-inspired "Baby Your Mine"), she has us at the first note, and doesn't give us up until the last beat.

This is one of those timeless albums you have got to have. It's perfect for any occasion.

Thanks Steve for introducing me to this music. I still like this CD 15 years later. Basia has wonderful energy. Good dance music!

This album should be called London - Rio de Janeiro - New York, because the soul of BOSSA NOVA is inside it and Basia knows it. London because Caetano Veloso lived there, Rio because is the land of Bossa Nova and New York because Tom Jobim lived and died there. Basia is a Bossa Nova singer. I love the way she does it in English. I hope she can sing it one day in Portuguese. I love Cruising for Bruising and the other song from her first CD Time and Tide. Could be great see Basia and Zizi Possi from Brazil as duet. This CD is great!!!!

Here comes the second album from Basia Trzetrzelewska. London Warsaw New York is a great success. Here, I want to make a review on the songs in it. Enjoy!

Cruising for Bruising
Nice song. Still has the 80's atmosphere but also has 90's atmosphere as well. This song teaches us to be a good lover. Before we get the best, there always, and will be a 'bruising' time, to make us become more mature. We have to know when to start and when to stop. There will be a second chance and true love will last forever.

Best Friends
Breaking up again and again? Well, don't hate your ex lovers then. They have fulfilled our past days with unforgettable, sometimes silly, memories and made us fly to the moon, so, it is unfair if you hate them just because you have different ways. If not lovers, we are still remain best friends!

Brave New Hope
This state-of-the-art song is magnificent. Basia's voice is unbelievable! Strong and clear from the low to the high. This song has made a great unforgettable pattern. Several years later, many female singers tried to imitate this song but they failed to reach Basia's quality. Well, I believe you know the singers that I mean.

Baby You're Mine
This is the song when I first knew Basia, somewhere in 1990. Soon I forgot it because I was still searching 'my kind of music' at that time. Years passed by, but I never met what I looked for until in 1996, I accidentally watched the video clip of 'Baby You're Mine' on TV. This event made my memory flew back to the sweetest tune I've ever heard in 1990. So I keep in my mind her name, the title, and her face just in case I found it in a music store. Lucky for me, until now, Basia's face is always aired once a week on a TV station in Indonesia without realizing that it is Basia. So, every time I see her face on TV, I say, "Hello Basia! How are you today."

Ordinary People
Nice blend between Jazz and Latin. One thing that I really like is the sound of the accordion in this song. Well, Peter White has done a great job. In this song, we can see that ordinary people are often considered as nothing and nobody although they have power to make a better world.

Reward
Another birthday song from Basia. You can dedicate this song to your father, mother, brothers, sisters, family, lover, or whomever you really love. In my opinion, this song is universal, not just limited to some certain persons. Just make sure that your love to him, her, or them is true, not just a lip service.

Until You Come Back to Me
No comment for this song. I believe you are familiar with this song and you know better than me.

Copernicus
A dangerous song for the drivers and riders. This song is very energetic and encouraging. The attractive dance beat makes you dance. Don't listen to this song when you're driving, or even worse, riding. I have tried it on my motorbike and I was almost involved in an accident!

Not an Angel
For everybody who has listened to this song, what is your impression about it? I think, this song has a seductive or persuasive tone. Is my opinion too vulgar? I dont know. If it is so, please, forgive my open talk, Im not an angel after all.

Take Him Back Rachel
Shoo bee doob, doob, doob.... An interesting opening in this song by blending a Latin style and 'Basia-Nova'. Frankly, I dont really understand the reason why Basia wrote this song; is it her own experience or just an imagination? What is this woman named Rachels feeling when she hears this song, if it is based on a real event? Would somebody please tell me? Anyway, it is a really good song that you also have to listen to.

Well, that's all. If there is somebody thinking that my opinions are not appropriate, I do apologize for them. After all, those are my own opinions that I express them freely, just like you and anybody else can express your, his, or her opinions freely. If you're new to Basia, I suggest you to start from this album, or Clear Horizon, which one is easier to get. For Basia lovers, this album is a must!

I knew her since she joint Matt Bianco. When Matt Bianco Split up from the formation with Basia and Dany White, I leave Matt and search for Basia. I'm very glad that she made her solo album titled "Time and Tide". After that I could not wait for her next album. Then she released this album. Since I got it, I play it all the time including at works. All my friends like it and want to borrow, definitely I won't do that. I suggest them to listen together at the office. One day when I find the cassete not at the place anymore, I get panic. I furious, I accused my frieds that they took it. But, then when I colled down, I applologized to them all. But I still sad to remember that lost moment.

I've had this CD for years and never, ever get sick of it. Thank heaven for Amazon.com which will let me buy more of Basia's CDs! This is happy music with Basia's great voice and happy samba beat. If you've never listened to Basia before then this is a good one to get.

You are on a midnight flight from New York to London. Basia captures a new level of peace and relaxation as you are in flight. When you are on holiday in Europe as you gaze over the wonderful landscape Europe offers. Listen to "Reward" and think of the one you love. This CD captures the spirit of Europe. 5 stars!