Record Reviews

LUBOS ANDRST ~ CAPRICORNUS GALEN 16 089 (Barcode: 8594042900937) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1980 Released: 2016 This is a reissue / remaster of the debut solo album by the Czech Jazz / Fusion guitarist / composer Lubos AndrstFind albums by this artist, recorded with a splendid team of musicians, including violinist Jan HrubyFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Gabriel JonasFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Jiri VeselyFind albums by this artist and drummer Alan VitousFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all composed by Andrst. Andrst was a self-taught guitar virtuoso, who appeared on the local scene in late 1960s and by the 1970s became one of the leading guitar players in Czechoslovakia. He was a member of the legendary Jazz QFind albums by this artist ensemble and later formed the EnergitFind albums by this artist group (with keyboardist Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist), which soon became one of the leading Jazz-Rock Fusion ensembles behind the Iron Curtain. From the early 1980s on, following the recording of this debut album, which was still strongly Fusion oriented, Andrst’s musical orientation shifted toward Blues-Rock, which was his main interest until his death in 2021. The music on this album is absolutely exceptional, strongly rooted in Fusion, but offering a highly melodic / dreamy atmosphere, lengthy improvisations by both guitar and violin, and a superb musicianship by all the participants. It remains a classic of the era and sounds today every bit as impressive as it did at the time it was recorded. Overall, this is one of the most remarkable Czechoslovak Jazz / Fusion albums, unique due to its violin sound, which resembles early Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist recordings, and brilliant guitar work by Andrst. In many respects it is a hidden jewel and this reissue a godsend, although by now it is quite difficult to find. It is an absolute must to East European Jazz / Fusion fans and a timeless gem of an album. Unfortunately, the extensive liner notes of this reissue are in Czech language only. Side Note The Czech publishing house and record label GalenFind albums on this label, run by Lubomir HoudekFind albums by this artist, is another player on the local scene, reissuing historical recordings from the deep vaults of the SupraphonFind albums on this label / PantonFind albums on this label labels, supported by the Czech Ministry of Culture. This commendable initiative is a wonderful example of the preservation of Cultural heritage. Hopefully the label's future releases will include information in English in the album's booklets, so that Jazz enthusiasts around the world might be allowed to share the knowledge. For more reissues of Czechoslovak Jazz (and Rock) see also the releases by Indies Happy TrailsFind albums on this label Records.

Updated: 27/08/2025Posted: 27/08/2025

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

GABRIEL JONAS ~ IMPRESIE / GENTLE RAIN OPUS 91 0125 (Barcode: 8584019012527) ~ SLOVAKIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 - 1990 Released: 2010 This wonderful reissue brings back to life two albums by the excellent Slovak pianist / composer Gabriel JonasFind albums by this artist. Jonas was active on the Czechoslovak scene and recorded his debut album with top Czech players at the time: saxophonist Petr KralFind albums by this artist, bassist Petr KorinekFind albums by this artist, drummer Josef VejvodaFind albums by this artist and percussionist Jiri TomekFind albums by this artist. The album, which contains all (but one, which is by the bass player) original compositions is most impressive and truly beautiful and ranks among the best Jazz albums recorded in Czechoslovakia in the 1970s. The second album, recorded twelve years later, is a solo piano recording, but uses also two overdubbed pianos, creating a piano duet effect. On that album Jonas plays mostly standards, except for two original compositions. His virtuosity and highly melodic approach are also clearly evident on this recordings. Together this set contains truly wonderful piano playing, which should delight Jazz connoisseurs all over the world.

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JIRI STIVIN ~ ZVEROKRUH (ZODIAC) GALEN 25 264 (Barcode: 8594042902948) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1976 Released: 2025 This is a reissue of an album by Czech saxophonist / flautist / composer / bandleader Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist, recorded with Slovak pianist Gabriel JonasFind albums by this artist, the Kuhn Mixed ChoirFind albums by this artist and the Talich String QuartetFind albums by this artist. The album presents two four part suites, entitled “The Elements” and “Moods” and the piece, which gave the album its title, together nine tracks, all composed by Stivin. Stivin performs on a plethora of instruments, in addition to the usual flutes and saxophones. As usual for the Czechoslovak period, the original album was released in two versions, one for the local market, with texts in Czech language and the other for export, with texts in English, hence the “double” title. The music is a brilliant amalgam of Jazz and contemporary Classical Music elements, which features Stivin’s virtuosic instrumental performances and his highly original, quirky compositions, which are instantly recognizable by music connoisseurs familiar with his work. Stivin used to create cross-genre projects from the very early days of his career, and was always a true Master of minimalism, as this album perfectly demonstrates. Stivin’s performances are multitracked, which allows to create an orchestral effect, despite the fact that he is playing all the instruments, except keyboards. Overall, this is another superb release by the GalenFind albums on this label label, which continues to bring back to life Czech music treasures, which disappeared from the shelves decades ago, but are not forgotten by Czech music lovers, likes yours truly. This is a true gem in every respect and deserves to be heard by every true music lover. Side Note The Czech publishing house and record label GalenFind albums on this label, run by Lubomir HoudekFind albums by this artist, is another player on the local scene, reissuing historical recordings from the deep vaults of the SupraphonFind albums on this label / PantonFind albums on this label labels, supported by the Czech Ministry of Culture. This commendable initiative is a wonderful example of the preservation of Cultural heritage. Hopefully the label's future releases will include information in English in the album's booklets, so that Jazz enthusiasts around the world might be allowed to share the knowledge. For more reissues of Czechoslovak Jazz (and Rock) see also the releases by Indies Happy TrailsFind albums on this label Records.

Updated: 14/03/2026Posted: 14/03/2026

CD 1 Digisleeve Recommend To A Friend