Record Reviews

KAREL RUZICKA JR. ~ GRACE & GRATITUDE ANIMAL MUSIC 072 (Barcode: 8594155991389) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is the fourth album as a leader by Czech (resident in US) Jazz saxophonist / composer Karel Ruzicka Jr.Find albums by this artist recorded in NY with American musicians: pianist Jon CowherdFind albums by this artist, bassist John PatitucciFind albums by this artist and drummer Nate SmithFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by the leader. Ruzicka is the son of pianist / composer / bandleader Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist, one of the Godfathers of modern Czech Jazz and a notable teacher of generations of Czech Jazz musicians, whom I was lucky to know in person. The two managed to record a couple of father & son led albums before the untimely death of Ruzicka Sr. in 2016. The music is all straightforward mainstream American Jazz, based on the excellent compositions by the leader, superbly performed by these highly professional musicians. The compositions offer solid melody lines and perfect harmony, showing strong Blues and Bebop roots, like most American mainstream albums. Ruzicka is a wonderful saxophonist, sleek and soulful, and his performances throughout this album are absolutely ideal for his music. The album is in many respects a "perfect" example of contemporary mainstream American Jazz. Having said that, however, personally I keep wondering why would Ruzicka Jr. create music that is a perfect replica of virtually thousands of similar albums recorded by American Jazz musicians during the last five decades, ignoring his European cultural legacy on one side and give up any attempt to emancipate his music from the constrains that keep American Jazz frozen for so long, on the other side. Of course he can do anything he sees fit, and even do it perfectly, but the question still stands… Overall this is a "classic" American mainstream Jazz album, flawlessly performed, but completely conventional and devoid of any attempt to innovate. Having said that, this album might certainly be a perfect listening companion for many Jazz listeners, who prefer this risk-free facet of the Jazz idiom.

Updated: 02/10/2020Posted: 02/10/2020

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CASSANDRA WILSON ~ COMING FORTH BY DAY SONY 888750636225 (Barcode: 888750636225) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 Celebrating the 100th Birthday of Billie HolidayFind albums by this artist, American vocalist / composer Cassandra WilsonFind albums by this artist dedicates this album to her memory, performing some of the songs forever associated with Lady Day´s career. Of the twelve songs on this album two were written by Holiday and the rest are standards she used to perform often, except for the last song which is an original by Wilson. Wilson is performing these song accompanied by a basic piano trio, which comprises of pianist Jon CowherdFind albums by this artist, bassist Martyn CaseyFind albums by this artist and drummer Thomas WydlerFind albums by this artist. Several guest musicians add their input on selected tracks and lush orchestral arrangements are present on most tracks. The overall atmosphere is rather distant from the Jazz / Blues setting which surrounded the original interpretations of these songs, but sounds more like a cabaret / musical performance. Wilson´s throaty contralto sounds as good as ever of course, but sadly the passion and fire, which are present in Holiday´s performances, are lost in the process of wrapping these songs in cellophane. The album is beautifully overproduced, which means that a lot of listeners will love it to bits, but somehow it is like a meal in a fancy restaurant; you leave hungry but you can´t even think about food any more. Reading the liner notes I realize that there was a lot of good intensions invested in this album…

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