QUIDAM – ‘SurREvival’ – the definitive 2CD super jewel editionWhen Emila Derkowska left the band in 2003 and the rhythm section, Rafał Jermakow and Damian Sikorski, decided to concentrate on their new band, some people thought it was the end of Quidam. However, after a 12-month break, the remaining members – Zbyszek Florek, Maciek Meller and Jacek Zasada decided to carry on as Quidam. They started searching for new musicians and new artistic identity. The first one to join them was Maciek Wróblewski, the drummer known from his cooperation with Polish avant-musician Mariusz Lubomski; Mariusz Ziółkowski from the band AFTER from Włocławek was recruited as a new bass player and, after many auditions, Bartek Kossowicz (ex-NEO) became the new frontman.
In that way a new chapter in the history of Quidam began. They survived and revived, and hence the title of their comeback album, "SurREvival". The album is very mature, coherent and moving. It talks about "quidam" (Latin for "somebody"), an every man who has everyday problems, who is striving to be a better person and trying to get rid of bad thoughts, as this is the only way he can revive. Bartek Kossowicz wonderfully interprets the lyrics – his voice is clean and very convincing emotionally. Quidam's sound has become somewhat heavier than on their previous releases. Maciek Meller plays a lot of wonderful riffs which are tastefully balanced with acoustic guitars. Zbyszek Florek's keyboard lines are expressive and experimental, with a multitude of sound samples, including jazz, electronic and ambient. The subtle drumming and lush sound of bass guitar complement the new incarnation of the band, and the unique style of Jacek Zasada, the flautist, gives Quidam extra originality.
Second disc of this double edition contains recording of "halfplugged" gig in Inowroclaw in 2006. Quidam were invited to play an acoustic concert at the closing of the annual "Best Product Of The Year" show. "Well... that invitation seemed quite alluring to us and and so we took up the challenge. And thus, during the first three rehearsals, we came up with new versions of several compositions from our "surREvival" album, acoustic version of "Sanktuarium" ("Sanctuary"), as well as... something else - our own interpretations of the "Blackbird" (a real masterpiece created by The Beatles on their famous "White Album"), "Nights In White Satin" (the most beautiful ballad by The Moody Blues) and last but not least, Pink Floyd's classic "Wish You Were Here". Playing these songs was quite emotional and gave us tremendous pleasure."
CD 1 [surREvival]:
1. airing 2:25
2. hands off 9:25
3. not so close 6:22
4. the fifth season 9:45
5. surREvival 5:13
6. queen of moulin rouge 8:24
7. everything's ended 13:14
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CD 2 [bez półPRĄDU... halfPLUGGED]:
1. surREvival 6:07
2. queen of moulin rouge 6:42
3. sanktuarium (sanctuary) 5:49
4. blackbird 2:06
5. wish you were here 4:16
6. the fifth season 9:18
7. nights in white satin 5:25
8. not so close (including excerpts form 'hush") 11:37
*
prośba (rehearsal) [bonus video] 2:11
surREvival (live) [bonus video] 6:00
wish you were here (live) [bonus video] 4:16
surREvival credits:
music by Zbyszek Florek, Maciek Meller, Bartek Kossowicz, Mariusz Ziółkowski, Maciek Wróblewski
lyrics by Bartek Kossowicz, except "Not So Close" by Bartek Kossowicz and Mariusz Ziółkowski
QUIDAM are:
Zbyszek Florek - keyboards
Maciek Meller - guitars, backing vocals on "surREvival"
Bartek Kossowicz - vocals, backing vocals
Mariusz Ziółkowski - bass guitar
Maciek Wróblewski - drums, percussion
Jacek Zasada - flutes
guests:
Robert "Myca" Kowalski - backing vocals on "Hands Off", "Not So Close" and "The Fifth Season"
Grzegorz Nadolny - double bass on "The Fifth Season"
Paweł "DJ Paulo" Molenda - scratch on "Queen Of Moulin Rouge"
***
... halfPLUGGED credits:
Zbyszek Florek - keyboards, backing vocals
Maciek Meller - acoustic guitars, backing vocals
Bartek Kossowicz - vocals, tambourine
Mariusz Ziółkowski - bass guitar, acoustic guitar
Maciek Wróblewski - drums, percussion
Jacek Zasada - flutes, bass guitar
surREvival
music by Zbyszek Florek, Maciek Meller, Bartek Kossowicz, Mariusz Ziółkowski, Maciek Wróblewski / lyrics by Bartek Kossowicz
queen of moulin rouge
music by Zbyszek Florek, Maciek Meller, Bartek Kossowicz, Mariusz Ziółkowski, Maciek Wróblewski / lyrics by Bartek Kossowicz
sanktuarium (sanctuary)
music by Zbyszek Florek, Maciek Meller, Jarek Szajerski / lyrics by Emila Derkowska, Jarek Szajerski
blackbird
music and lyrics by John Lennon and Paul McCartney / published by Northern Songs Ltd.
wish you were here
music and lyrics by Roger Waters and David Gilmour / published by Pink Floyd Music Publishing Ltd.
the fifth season
music by Zbyszek Florek, Maciek Meller, Bartek Kossowicz, Mariusz Ziółkowski, Maciek Wróblewski / lyrics by Bartek Kossowicz
nights in white satin
music and lyrics by Justin Hayward / published by Tyler Music Ltd.
not so close (including excerpts form 'hush")
music by Zbyszek Florek, Maciek Meller, Bartek Kossowicz, Mariusz Ziółkowski, Maciek Wróblewski / lyrics by by Bartek Kossowicz and Mariusz Ziółkowski
