Record Reviews

MILAN SVOBODA / PRAGUE BIG BAND ~ SWINGING HAT GALEN 21 185 (Barcode: 8594042901989) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This is the fourteenth album by Czech pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Milan SvobodaFind albums by this artist and his Prague Big BandFind albums by this artist, which he first founded in 1974 and led and conducted ever since. Generations of Czech Jazz musician appeared over the time as members of the Big Band, as well as many guests from abroad. The Big Band plays almost exclusively original compositions by Svoboda. This album presents six original compositions, loosely inspired by the work of Czech composer Jaroslav JezekFind albums by this artist, who was one of the early Czech Jazz precursors in the early 20th Century, and an important composer for theatrical plays. Although initially based on the American Big Band model, the Prague Big Band soon became one of the most progressive European Big Bands, moving toward more adventurous arrangements and even somewhat Avant-Garde approach, similar to what the Austrian Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist was doing at the time. Later on the style changed again returning to more “conventional” sound, but always brilliantly fresh and innovative. Svoboda’s compositions for the Big Band are wonderful examples of European Jazz, which incorporates many European cultural influences, including Folklore and Classical Music inspirations. His brilliant arrangements emphasize the Big Band orchestral sound, with less prominence of soloing and more focus on ensemble performance. For connoisseurs of early Jazz, Svoboda brilliantly incorporates vivid examples of Hot and Swing within the collage of his arrangements, which pay tribute to the original compositions by Jezek, but brings them up to date with Funk and other contemporary musical influences, creating a perfect cross-genre amalgam, which keeps the tradition alive and at the same time shows it timeless / everlasting values. I have known Milan and his music for the last five decades and he never created music which was not worthy of admiration and respect, and he obviously does not mean to change now. Since we were born only a few days apart, hearing this music makes me feel young and help to forget our age – obviously the creativity is not gone yet. Thanks for the music and the vision my Friend - Swinging Hat(s) off!

Updated: 29/07/2021Posted: 29/07/2021

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend