Record Reviews

JIRI STIVIN ~ ABRAHAMOVINY LOTOS 0010 (Barcode: 8594002280222) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 1992 Released: 1993 This is a live album by Czech flautist / saxophonist / composer / bandleader Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1992 at the legendary Reduta club in Prague, documenting his 50th Birthday (that’s what Abrahamoviny means in Czech), featuring keyboardist Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jaroslav SindlerFind albums by this artist, bassist Ales DusaFind albums by this artist, drummer Jiri Stivin Jr.Find albums by this artist (his son) and others. The album presents seven tracks, which are a mixture of Stivin originals and standards. The music showcases Stivin’s brilliant technique, but also his great feeling and sense of humor, leading the band through a series of performances, which are obviously enthusiastically received by the club’s audience. Stivin emerged at the epicenter of the Jazz scene during the Czechoslovak era and stayed active and highly productive to this very day, recording dozens of albums and leading ensembles varying between a duo and a Big Band, always with the same zest and creativity. Overall, this is a nice reminder of the Czech scene in the early 1990s, shortly after the country gained its independence from the Soviet grip, and a great showcase of Stivin’s talents, especially those as a flautist, which are still unparalleled to this very day. I had no luck to meet with Jiri during my recent visit in Prague, but hope to catch him next time. At least I managed to get a copy of this album there, which closes a gap in my record collection.

Updated: 05/09/2025Posted: 05/09/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

JIRI STIVIN ~ INSPIRATION BY FOLKLORE ARTA 10004 (Barcode: 8595017400421) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1991 Released: 1991 This is a delightful album by the Czech flautist / saxophonist / composer / bandleader Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quartet, which also includes guitarist Jaroslav SindlerFind albums by this artist, bassist Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist and drummer Josef VejvodaFind albums by this artist. Stivin, who´s been active on the local scene since the 1960s, is undisputedly one of the Godfathers of Czech Jazz and his many recordings are all examples of musical excellence. This project reflects his connection to Czech and Slovak Folklore, which serves as a source of inspiration to the music recorded on this album. Eight folk songs are given a Jazz treatment by Stivin and his cohorts; one Stivin original and ten short transition pieces (lasting under a minute each) and one piece by Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist are also used. The performances are brilliant from start to finish, as expected from such refined players. Stivin excels on flute, sounding quite similar to Ian Anderson at his best. His sense of humor is also well reflected on this album, which overall is a most pleasurable listening experience. This album should be very interesting not only to Jazz fans, but also to most Prog fans! Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

JIRI STIVIN ~ SO WHAT ARTA 10134 (Barcode: 8595017413421) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2003 Released: 2004 This is a nice album by the Czech flautist / saxophonist / composer / bandleader Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quartet, which also includes guitarist Jaroslav SindlerFind albums by this artist, bassist Zdenek TichotaFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal HejnaFind albums by this artist. Stivin, who´s been active on the local scene since the 1960s, is undisputedly one of the Godfathers of Czech Jazz and his many recordings are all examples of musical excellence. This recording presents a relaxed atmosphere and almost acoustic performances, which are melodic, delicate and mostly low-key. Five well known standards, two Stivin originals and two folk songs arranged by him present a diverse repertoire, which allows Stivin to use an entire array of flutes and wind instruments, which he does beautifully as always. The guitar provides a perfect companion to the solos and plays some great solos itself and the rhythm section of Funky bass guitar and swinging drums keeps everything solid and right on time. This album is overall a pleasurable listening experience, which covers no new ground but allows the listener to relax and have fun, without lowering the standard.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend