Record Reviews

RICHIE COLE / EMIL VIKLICKY ~ RICHIE COLE / EMIL VIKLICKY QUINTET MULTISONIC 310799 (Barcode: 741941079921) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 This album presents a live recording by the US / Czech quintet comprising of Chicago based saxophonist Richie ColeFind albums by this artist, baritone saxophonist Ted HogarthFind albums by this artist and drummer Ernie AdamsFind albums by this artist and two Czech players: veteran pianist / composer Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist and young bassist Josef FecFind albums by this artist. Together they perform nine pieces, three of which are Cole originals, one Viklicky original and five standards. Cole is mostly associated with the post-Bebop tradition, keeping alive the music initiated by the legendary Charlie ParkerFind albums by this artist. Hogarth continues the baritone saxophone tradition first developed by Gerry MulliganFind albums by this artist. Fec continues the great tradition of the Czech bass school of George MrazFind albums by this artist, Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist and Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist. Viklicky is of course well versed in the Bebop ways, as this was after all the music that he played extensively in the early days of his Jazz career. He performed with Cole in Chicago, earning respect and appreciation from the audiences there, which eventually led to this beautiful concert in Prague. The music is absolutely superb from start to finish and the performances stellar. Everybody seems to have a great time and the individual solos simply soar chasing one another. This is mainstream Jazz of the highest caliber and every connoisseur of the music will be absolutely delighted listening to this display of virtuosity and class. Side Note This album is a part of the “Jazz Na Hrade (Jazz At Prague Castle)” series, released by the Czech MultisonicFind albums on this label label, which presents live recordings performed at various locations inside the charming Prague Castle, now the residence of the President of the Czech Republic. The series was initiated in 2004 by President Vaclav KlausFind albums by this artist, who often introduces the players himself on these albums, and symbolizes the respect and love of all things Cultural by the Czech People, including Jazz of course.

Updated: 16/03/2022Posted:

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EMIL VIKLICKY / PETR DVORSKY / ERNIE ADAMS ~ HUMORESQUE NOT ON LABEL 003 ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is a live album by Czech Jazz pianist / composer Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist and bassist Petr DvorskyFind albums by this artist with American drummer Ernie AdamsFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, three of which are original compositions by Viklicky, two are traditional Czech melodies arranged by him, another two are Classical Czech pieces arranged by him and finally two are Jazz standards. The music was recorded at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA. As the selection of the tracks shows, the music represents mostly the Czech musical tradition, wonderfully transferred into the Jazz domain by Viklicky. The classic Jazz piano trio format is an ideal environment to present Viklicky’s virtuosic capabilities as pianist, superbly supported by the highly talented Dvorsky, who continues the great Czech tradition of bass players, and the highly precise and dynamic drumming by Adams. The music is all within the modern Jazz mainstream genre, but offers many of the European Jazz characteristics, which showcase a significant difference between European and American Mainstream Jazz, by being more unpredictable, unconstrained and daring. The flow and wonderful camaraderie present herein make this album a truly brilliant adventure, which enhanced by the superb sound quality, makes this album a real treat. Overall, this is a classic Jazz piano trio album, which offers excellent level of musicianship and brilliant flow, which is irresistible to every true Jazz lover. Viklicky offers here the essence of his refinement and finesse, which are the reason why he is amongst my favorite piano players ever. Pure delight!

Updated: 13/09/2025Posted: 13/09/2025

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