Record Reviews

JAZZ Q ~ AMULET STUDIO BUDIKOV 038 (Barcode: 8594159980389) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020 This is an album by Czech Fusion ensemble Jazz QFind albums by this artist founded in 1964 (yes you are reading correctly) and led by veteran keyboardist / composer Martin KratochvilFind albums by this artist and here including guitarist Zdenek FiserFind albums by this artist (another veteran ex ImpulsFind albums by this artist), bass guitarist Premysl FauknerFind albums by this artist (yet another veteran and member of early versions of Jazz Q) and drummer Filip JenicekFind albums by this artist (a representative of the young generation). The album presents thirteen original compositions, ten of which were composed by Kratochvil and one each by the other three members of the ensemble. The music is a typical Jazz-Rock Fusion, based on the excellent compositions of the "forever young" Kratochvil, which offers splendidly weaved melodic themes, which serve as basis for extensive soloing by keyboards and guitar, supported amicably by the rhythm section, with occasional soli by bass and drums. There is not much innovation of course, but Fusion has been pretty stable in the last five decades, so the genre´s lovers prefer to stay on the safe side. Kratochvil seems to be completely time defiant and his music sounds as fresh and full of his idiosyncratic tricky melodies as he was half a Century ago and it is a true joy to see (and hear) a veteran musician to be so stable and productive over the years. Fusion and guitar freaks should love this album to bits and are encouraged to find a copy, since they don´t make music like this anymore these days, and it still makes you ass swing impatiently, which is the greatest thing any music can do, especially if played by musician in the eighth decade of his life. Hats off Maestro!

Updated: 22/01/2021Posted: 22/01/2021

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JAZZ Q ~ RITUAL STUDIO BUDIKOV 040 (Barcode: 8594159980402) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 This is an album by the Czech Fusion ensemble Jazz QFind albums by this artist, which functions almost sixty years since it was established in 1964 by keyboardist / composer / bandleader Martin KratochvilFind albums by this artist. The current lineup of the group includes also guitarist Zdenek FiserFind albums by this artist, bassist Premysl FauknerFind albums by this artist and drummer Filip JenicekFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Kratochvil, and was recorded in his own studio, which functions since many years. The music offers a wonderful collection of melodic themes, deeply soaked in Blues and offering a genuine Fusion tradition, with extensive guitar and keyboards soloing and dynamic, highly supportive rhythm section, which is a true heaven for lovers of the genre. Despite his advanced age (approaching eighty), Kratochvil remains forever young, and his heart-wrenching melodies and virtuosic keyboard solos are completely ageless. He sticks to his own formula since many years, and the “don’t fix it if it ain’t broke” rule serves him perfectly well. Although the music has a distinct nostalgic tinge, the result is way more effective than what Fusion music has to offer these days. Overall, this is an excellent Fusion album, which sounds as if it was recorded in the 1970s, but still sounds fresh and exciting, especially to listeners who grew up listening to Fusion at that time. The guitar and keyboards licks are right on the money and it should be a no-brainer to grab a copy ASAP. I wish you health and happiness my Friend and hope to hear more of your music again soon!

Updated: 13/03/2023Posted: 13/03/2023

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JAZZ Q ~ TALISMAN STUDIO BUDIKOV 030 (Barcode: 8594159980303) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is an album by Czech Fusion ensemble Jazz QFind albums by this artist founded in 1964 (yes you are reading correctly) and led by veteran keyboardist / composer Martin KratochvilFind albums by this artist and here including guitarist Zdenek FiserFind albums by this artist (another veteran ex ImpulsFind albums by this artist), bass guitarist Premysl FauknerFind albums by this artist (yet another veteran and member of early versions of Jazz Q) and drummer Filip JenicekFind albums by this artist (a representative of the young generation). The album presents twelve original compositions, all of which were composed by Kratochvil. This album follows the album “ZnovuFind albums with this title” (Eng. Again), released three years earlier, which was the first Jazz Q release in over two decades. The music is a typical Eastern European Jazz-Rock Fusion, based on the excellent compositions of the "forever young" Kratochvil, which offers splendidly weaved melodic themes, full of melancholy and lyricism, which serve as basis for extensive soloing by keyboards and guitar, supported amicably by the rhythm section, with occasional soli by bass and drums. There is not much innovation of course, but Fusion has been pretty stable in the last five decades, since the genre´s lovers prefer to stay on the safe side. This music combines highly melodic approach with Funk and Groove, which is quite unique. The fretless bass guitar parts work brilliantly within this idiom and provide a perfect background layer for the synthesizer and guitar parts. Kratochvil seems to be completely time defiant and his music sounds as fresh and full of his idiosyncratic tricky melodies as he was half a Century ago and it is a true joy to see (and hear) a veteran musician to be so stable and productive over the years. Fusion and guitar freaks should love this album to bits and are encouraged to find a copy, since they don´t make music like this anymore these days. It is hard to believe that this music was created and played by a musician in the eighth decade of his life. Hats off Maestro!

Updated: 03/02/2021Posted: 03/02/2021

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