Record Reviews

CZECHOSLOVAK RADIO JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ JAZZ FROM STUDIO `A` GAD 057 (Barcode: 5901549197754) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 Released: 2017 This is a reissue of the superb Big Band / Orchestral Jazz album recorded by the Czechoslovak Radio Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which for many years managed to record orchestral Jazz music played by the best Czechoslovak Jazz musicians, such as trumpeter Laco DecziFind albums by this artist, pianist Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist, drummer Josef VojevodaFind albums by this artist and many, many others. The orchestra was directed by Kamil HalaFind albums by this artist, who contributed most of its material, both as a composer and arranger. The album was recorded "live in the studio". This remastered edition expands the album by adding three tracks originating from a radio session to the eight original tracks. The music is a superb example of European Big Band / Orchestral Jazz, which is much more complex and sophisticated than parallel (in time) American recordings. The tunes are much more diverse and often multi-part and the arrangements display the full dynamic of the orchestra, with a wonderful balance between the rhythm section and the rest of the instruments in the band. Rhythmically and stylistically the music is much closer to the then current Jazz-Rock Fusion than to Swing, which dominates most American Big Bands. It is very educational to compare this album to the other Big Band / Orchestral Jazz album "PolymelomodusFind albums with this title" recorded in the same year by the Gustav Brom OrchestraFind albums by this artist, another legendary representative of the Czechoslovak orchestral Jazz. Both albums reissued by the GADFind albums on this label Records label have many similarities and both are brilliant examples of what is possible to achieve with a great orchestra under a direction of an open minded leader. I have had the vinyl version of this album since the day it was originally released and over the years it was always one of my favorite Big Band albums. This new reissue with the improved sound and bonus tracks makes it even more desirable. Absolutely not to be missed by European Jazz connoisseurs, especially of course by fans of the big orchestral sound – nothing compares to this! Phenomenal stuff!

Updated: 19/07/2017Posted: 19/07/2017

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend