Record Reviews

RATKO ZJACA / NOCTURNAL FOUR ~ LIGHT IN THE WORLD IN+OUT 77143 (Barcode: 798747714327) ~ CROATIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is an album by Croatian guitarist / composer Ratko ZjacaFind albums by this artist and his Nocturnal FourFind albums by this artist quartet, which also features Italian saxophonist Stefano BedettiFind albums by this artist, Slovenian organist Renato ChiccoFind albums by this artist and American drummer John RileyFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Zjaca. The music is melodic mainstream Jazz with a touch of Fusion, very relaxed, laid back and ideal for showcasing the guitar playing abilities of the leader. Bedetti and Chicco add occasional solo parts as well and Riley offers the rhythmic backbone, staying mostly modestly in the background but doing his job perfectly. The compositions are all well structured and interesting, providing the musicians with ample opportunity to show their chops. The arrangements carefully utilize the quartet´s instrumental range, creating a coherent continuity for the entire duration of the album. The guitar / organ collaboration creates a unique and distinctly retro sound, which is very effective and enjoyable and brings fond memories of similar lineups active in the hay days of American Jazz in the 1960s. Overall the album is a feast for guitar oriented mainstream Jazz lovers, which offers highly professional performances, solid compositions and nice atmosphere. This music is accessible to a wide range of Jazz fans and as such should find many supportive listeners among Jazz connoisseurs of all ages. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 31/05/2020Posted: 31/05/2020

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