Record Reviews

FRANTISEK UHLIR ~ BASS DEVOTION / BASSSAGA MULTISONIC 310808 (Barcode: 741941080828) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 1984 - 2010 Released: 2010 This 2CD set presents two quite different recordings by Czech bassist / composer Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist, one of the veterans of the local scene with a splendid career behind him. From his early days as a member of the legendary SHQFind albums by this artist ensemble, led by the Godfather of Czech Jazz vibraphonist Karel VelebnyFind albums by this artist, and consistently over the years, Uhlir established his position as the perfect bass player suitable to support any ensemble, take part in any recording, as well as lead his own groups. His incredible technique, superb feel for melody, perfect timing and beautiful tone place him among the world’s top Jazz bassists, stylistically comparable to Scott LaFaroFind albums by this artist and Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist. Needless to say he has been one of my favorite bass players ever since I heard him first in the 1970s and I followed his career as much as I could. Uhlir performed with the best players on the local scene, such as pianists Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist and Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Laco DecziFind albums by this artist, guitarist Rudolf DasekFind albums by this artist and many others. He also accompanied many visiting Jazz luminaries at their Prague concerts as well as toured abroad. The first album in this set presents is a live recording of Uhlir with his recent ensemble, called Frantisek Uhlir TeamFind albums by this artist, which also includes saxophonist David VrobelFind albums by this artist, guitarist Adam TvrdyFind albums by this artist and veteran drummer Jaromir HelesicFind albums by this artist. They perform seven compositions, five of which are Uhlir’s originals and two are standards. The performances are excellent and highly spirited, with the leader soloing frequently, sometimes also playing arco (using the bow), which is rarely heard today. Uhlir’s compositions are great vehicles for the players to show their skills and are examples of great modern Jazz, which is not trying to be over pretentious. The second album is a most welcome reissue of Uhlir’s debut album as a leader, recorded in 1984, which presents seven of his original compositions performed by an all-star lineup with vibraphonist Karel Velebny, pianist Emil Viklicky, drummer Tony NaharFind albums by this artist, guitarist Zdenek DvorakFind albums by this artist, percussionist Josef VejvodaFind albums by this artist and a string quartet. Beautifully arranged and exquisitely performed, this is a dream of an album, which every bass lover on this planet should listen to, given the opportunity. It’s delightful to have this music finally available on CD. Overall this set is a sizeable portion of superb modern mainstream Jazz with virtuosic bass performances, which are exciting, elegant and highly intelligent. Charming stuff!

Updated: 16/03/2022Posted:

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FRANTISEK UHLIR ~ COMING HOME NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 8595017400155) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2025 Released: 2025 This is a wonderful album by Czech bassist / composer / bandleader Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist, which celebrates his 75th Birthday. The album was recorded by the quartet called Frantisek Uhlir TeamFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. F.U.T.Find albums by this artist), which includes British (resident in Prague) saxophonist Andy SchofieldFind albums by this artist, pianist Standa MachaFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin SulcFind albums by this artist. On two tracks the quartet is joined by a string quartet, on one track the quartet is expanded to a quintet with the addition of trumpeter Mira HloucalFind albums by this artist, on another track the quartet is expanded to a septet and finally on one track the quartet is accompanied by the Czech Symphonic OrchestraFind albums by this artist. One of the tracks is dedicated to the legendary Czech musician Karel VelebnyFind albums by this artist, leader of SHQFind albums by this artist. All the music was composed by Uhlir. The music is a delightful modern mainstream Jazz offering, which offers excellent compositions and brilliant performances by the team of musicians. The elegant string arrangements, the Jazz quartet, quintet and septet lineups and the final orchestral piece offer a splendid continuity, which is diverse sonically, but keeps the Jazz spirit afloat at all times. As usual on Uhlir’s albums, there are plenty of exquisite bass solos, which are the proverbial cherries on top and emphasize Uhlir’s incredible virtuosity, which shows no signs of aging, which I also had an opportunity to witness during my recent visit in Prague. Schofield plays some incredible saxophone and flute parts and has been a faithful companion to Uhlir’s music making since many years. His arrangement of the septet is masterful, as always. Overall, this is an elegant album, which offers pleasant mainstream Jazz of the highest quality, without compromising any Artistic or Aesthetic values. Uhlir’s vigorous and enthusiastic attitude towards Jazz suffered from no age related snags and his productivity and lightheartedness is still in full bloom. This is a wonderful present to celebrate your age (which I almost share), and I thank you my Friend for all that wonderful music you give us over the years and I am looking forward to enjoy many more such happy occasions!

Updated: 11/10/2025Posted: 10/10/2025

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend