Record Reviews

NIKOL BOKOVA ~ ELEMENTS SOLEIL ET PLUIE 1001 (Barcode: 8785260877662) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is the fourth album by Czech Jazz pianist / composer Nikol BokovaFind albums by this artist, recorded with a quartet, which includes also guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, bassist Martin KocianFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal WierzgonFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, all by Bokova. The music was recorded at the fabulous SONO Records studio, engineered by Jan ValaFind albums by this artist and Milan CimfeFind albums by this artist, with the usual spectacular sound quality. Coming from Classical Music, Bokova slowly developed her own unique musical universe over a period of just a few years, which offers a fascinating journey in the time / sound continuum. With her proceeding third album her stylistic preferences were crystalized, embracing the broadly defined Jazz idiom, but still very intensely rooted in Classical conventions. The meeting with Doruzka seems to be the decisive turning point, as he is probably the ideal interpreter of her melodic / harmonic approach, and his sublime guitar phrasing embodies her compositions perfectly. The music is deeply melancholic, almost mournful at times, bringing associations of black and white cinematic vistas, but not depressing, only deeply reflective. As such, the music demands attentive and intensive listening, which is ultimately very rewarding. Overall, this is a very distinctive musical experience, which despite its restrained nature is deeply penetrating and absorbing. The music is beautifully performed by the quartet and offers a truly spiritual encounter. It is great to see Bokova make such a rapid progress and, as always, to encounter Doruzka’s guitar magic. Thanks for the music Milady and good luck with your own label!

Updated: 24/02/2023Posted: 23/02/2023

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