Record Reviews

CZECHOSLOVAK RADIO JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ JAZZ FROM STUDIO `A` GAD 057 (Barcode: 5901549197754) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 Released: 2017 This is a reissue of the superb Big Band / Orchestral Jazz album recorded by the Czechoslovak Radio Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which for many years managed to record orchestral Jazz music played by the best Czechoslovak Jazz musicians, such as trumpeter Laco DecziFind albums by this artist, pianist Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist, drummer Josef VojevodaFind albums by this artist and many, many others. The orchestra was directed by Kamil HalaFind albums by this artist, who contributed most of its material, both as a composer and arranger. The album was recorded "live in the studio". This remastered edition expands the album by adding three tracks originating from a radio session to the eight original tracks. The music is a superb example of European Big Band / Orchestral Jazz, which is much more complex and sophisticated than parallel (in time) American recordings. The tunes are much more diverse and often multi-part and the arrangements display the full dynamic of the orchestra, with a wonderful balance between the rhythm section and the rest of the instruments in the band. Rhythmically and stylistically the music is much closer to the then current Jazz-Rock Fusion than to Swing, which dominates most American Big Bands. It is very educational to compare this album to the other Big Band / Orchestral Jazz album "PolymelomodusFind albums with this title" recorded in the same year by the Gustav Brom OrchestraFind albums by this artist, another legendary representative of the Czechoslovak orchestral Jazz. Both albums reissued by the GADFind albums on this label Records label have many similarities and both are brilliant examples of what is possible to achieve with a great orchestra under a direction of an open minded leader. I have had the vinyl version of this album since the day it was originally released and over the years it was always one of my favorite Big Band albums. This new reissue with the improved sound and bonus tracks makes it even more desirable. Absolutely not to be missed by European Jazz connoisseurs, especially of course by fans of the big orchestral sound – nothing compares to this! Phenomenal stuff!

Updated: 19/07/2017Posted: 19/07/2017

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

LACO DECZI / JAZZ CELLULA ~ PIETOSO INDIES HAPPY TRAILS 629 (Barcode: 8595026662926) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2008 This is a wonderful early album by trumpeter Laco DecziFind albums by this artist and his Jazz CellulaFind albums by this artist ensemble, which includes the best Czechoslovak Jazz musicians of that period: saxophonist Petr KralFind albums by this artist, pianist Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist, bassist Pavel GreifonerFind albums by this artist and drummer Laco TroppFind albums by this artist. Deczi, one of the forefathers of modern Czechoslovak Jazz, made a most significant contribution to the local scene over the years and is still active today. The album, which is a classic Jazz quintet setting, presents eight compositions, four of which are originals (by Deczi and Kral) and the other four are Jazz standards. The overall atmosphere, as the title suggests, is deeply lyrical and melancholic, which is hardly surprising as the album was recorded just a few months following the brutal suppression of the Prague Spring movement, culminating with the military occupation of the country by the Warsaw Pact forces in August of 1968, which has shaken the fabric of the Czechoslovak society beyond recognition. The Czech intellectuals and artist bravely continued their activities, often risking personal retributions and even jail sentences, and had to wait for over two more decades to win their freedom from the Socialist regime, reaching some amazing Cultural accomplishment during those dark years. Deczi and his cohorts perform beautifully, delivering some impressive solos and cooperating wonderfully as a unit. Deczi´s trumpet virtuosity is simply astounding, with a modern sound and tonal approach equal to the most advanced parallel output of American and West European trumpeters of the day. The album as a whole is an excellent example of East European Jazz at its best, and similar to many recordings of Polish Jazz made at the same period. This reissue of the album, which has been unavailable for almost forty years, is a celebration of the Czechoslovak Jazz history and a most welcome reminder of how good and the music was at the time. It is an absolute must for all East European Jazz connoisseurs! Side Note Since the 1950s Czechoslovakia had a highly developed Jazz scene, certainly in proportion to its population, which included many successful ensembles and even Big Bands, as well as Jazz clubs, festivals and publications, all this in spite of state censorship and political limitations. The similar situation existed since the 1960s as far as Rock (including Progressive Rock and Jazz-Rock Fusion) was concerned, resulting in many excellent, interesting and innovative ensembles. The music was relatively well documented by the three state owned record labels: SupraphonFind albums on this label (founded in 1927), PantonFind albums on this label (founded in 1968) and OpusFind albums on this label (founded in 1971 and based in Bratislava, created on the base of Slovak division of Supraphon). Following the "Velvet Revolution" in 1989, the state owned record labels were privatized, with Supraphon dominating the local market. However, Supraphon was quite reluctant as far as exploring its vast back catalogue is concerned, and this is where the small independent Indies Happy TrailsFind albums on this label Records, a reissue label dedicated to the preservation of the recorded legacy of Czechoslovak music, owned and run by the devoted enthusiast / historian Jaromir KratochvilFind albums by this artist, founded in 2007, comes in. Over the years the label released a plethora of brilliant music, reissuing long deleted LPs and extensively exploring the archives in search of bonus material. The quest of Indies Happy Trails is similar to what the GADFind albums on this label Records label, run by Michal WilczynskiFind albums by this artist, is doing for Polish music, with similar consistency and praiseworthy dedication.

Updated: 28/02/2020Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

OTTO HEJNIC ~ ONE HEVHETIA 0060 (Barcode: 8588002496899) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 This is the debut album by Czech Jazz drummer / pianist / composer Otto HejnicFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic trio format with pianist Ondrej KrajnakFind albums by this artist and bassist Josef FecoFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Hejnic. Eight of the compositions are performed by the trio and one is a solo piano piece performed by Hejnic. Hejnic continues the fabulous Czech Jazz piano composition tradition, developed by such giants like Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist, Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist and others, which continues to be developed by the younger generation of Czech musicians. The compositions presented here are all mature, beautifully melodic and sophisticated. Both the lyrical ballads and the up tempo pieces show first class compositional skills, characterized by highly aesthetic approach and obvious passion. Hejnic wisely passed the task of playing the piano onto Krajnak, who emerges as one of the most skilled East European pianists, as documented by his other recordings. Feco, who plays with Krajnak on other recordings, is an absolute virtuoso bass player, and his extraordinary skills are plainly evident on this album from start to finish. Hejnic plays the drums set dynamically and always shoulder to shoulder with his cohorts, which being also a pianist probably helps considerably. The trio performance is simply fabulous. The sound quality and the recording are also excellent, which turns this album into a true piano trio gem. Overall this is a most impressive debut album by Hejnic, who emerges primarily as a remarkable composer but also as a first rate performer. The trio performance is simply exemplary. Very highly recommended to all piano trio aficionados and Jazz connoisseurs the world over!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

JAZZ CELLULA ~ LACO DECZI INDIES HAPPY TRAILS 631 (Barcode: 8595026663121) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 1977 Released: 2008 Trumpeter / composer / bandleader Laco DecziFind albums by this artist is one of the founding fathers of Czechoslovak Jazz. He has been active on the local scene since the 1960s, leading many excellent ensembles, which included the best local players and often also guest from abroad. The names of his ensemble changed often, usually being a variation on the Jazz CellulaFind albums by this artist motif (like Jazz CelulaFind albums by this artist, Cellula InternationalFind albums by this artist, etc.). This album presents the ensemble in a septet format, same as the one which recorded their previous album "Ohen Az PozarFind albums with this title", with superb lineup including saxophonist Petr KralFind albums by this artist, trombonist Svatopluk KosvanecFind albums by this artist, pianist Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Zdenek DvorakFind 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. They perform seven original compositions, three of which are by the leader, and all are quite excellent with a slight Fusion / Latin tinge, as appropriate for the period of the recording. The performances are excellent from start to finish and this is a first-rate document of the Jazz behind the Iron Curtain at the time. Wholeheartedly recommended! Side Note Since the 1950s Czechoslovakia had a highly developed Jazz scene, certainly in proportion to its population, which included many successful ensembles and even Big Bands, as well as Jazz clubs, festivals and publications, all this in spite of state censorship and political limitations. The similar situation existed since the 1960s as far as Rock (including Progressive Rock and Jazz-Rock Fusion) was concerned, resulting in many excellent, interesting and innovative ensembles. The music was relatively well documented by the three state owned record labels: SupraphonFind albums on this label (founded in 1927), PantonFind albums on this label (founded in 1968) and OpusFind albums on this label (founded in 1971 and based in Bratislava, created on the base of Slovak division of Supraphon). Following the "Velvet Revolution" in 1989, the state owned record labels were privatized, with Supraphon dominating the local market. However, Supraphon was quite reluctant as far as exploring its vast back catalogue is concerned, and this is where the small independent Indies Happy TrailsFind albums on this label Records, a reissue label dedicated to the preservation of the recorded legacy of Czechoslovak music, owned and run by the devoted enthusiast / historian Jaromir KratochvilFind albums by this artist, founded in 2007, comes in. Over the years the label released a plethora of brilliant music, reissuing long deleted LPs and extensively exploring the archives in search of bonus material. The quest of Indies Happy Trails is similar to what the GADFind albums on this label Records label, run by Michal WilczynskiFind albums by this artist, is doing for Polish music, with similar consistency and praiseworthy dedication.

Updated: 28/02/2020Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JAZZ CELULA ~ OHEN AZ POZAR INDIES HAPPY TRAILS 630 (Barcode: 8595026663022) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 1975 - 1976 Released: 2008 Trumpeter / composer / bandleader Laco DecziFind albums by this artist is one of the founding fathers of Czechoslovak Jazz. He has been active on the local scene since the 1960s, leading many excellent ensembles, which included the best local players and often also guest from abroad. The names of his ensemble changed often, usually being a variation on the Jazz CellulaFind albums by this artist motif (like Jazz CelulaFind albums by this artist, Cellula InternationalFind albums by this artist, etc.). This album presents the ensemble in a septet format, with superb lineup including saxophonist Petr KralFind albums by this artist, trombonist Svatopluk KosvanecFind albums by this artist, pianist Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Zdenek DvorakFind 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. They perform eight original compositions, three of which are by the leader, and all are quite excellent with a slight Fusion tinge, as appropriate for the period of the recording. The performances are excellent from start to finish and this is a first-rate document of the Jazz behind the Iron Curtain at the time. Wholeheartedly recommended! Side Note Since the 1950s Czechoslovakia had a highly developed Jazz scene, certainly in proportion to its population, which included many successful ensembles and even Big Bands, as well as Jazz clubs, festivals and publications, all this in spite of state censorship and political limitations. The similar situation existed since the 1960s as far as Rock (including Progressive Rock and Jazz-Rock Fusion) was concerned, resulting in many excellent, interesting and innovative ensembles. The music was relatively well documented by the three state owned record labels: SupraphonFind albums on this label (founded in 1927), PantonFind albums on this label (founded in 1968) and OpusFind albums on this label (founded in 1971 and based in Bratislava, created on the base of Slovak division of Supraphon). Following the "Velvet Revolution" in 1989, the state owned record labels were privatized, with Supraphon dominating the local market. However, Supraphon was quite reluctant as far as exploring its vast back catalogue is concerned, and this is where the small independent Indies Happy TrailsFind albums on this label Records, a reissue label dedicated to the preservation of the recorded legacy of Czechoslovak music, owned and run by the devoted enthusiast / historian Jaromir KratochvilFind albums by this artist, founded in 2007, comes in. Over the years the label released a plethora of brilliant music, reissuing long deleted LPs and extensively exploring the archives in search of bonus material. The quest of Indies Happy Trails is similar to what the GADFind albums on this label Records label, run by Michal WilczynskiFind albums by this artist, is doing for Polish music, with similar consistency and praiseworthy dedication.

Updated: 28/02/2020Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JANA KOUBKOVA ~ BOSA GALEN 19 148 (Barcode: 8594042901576) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 1985 Released: 2019 This is a reissue of a wonderful album by Czech Jazz vocalist Jana KoubkovaFind albums by this artist, which is basically a solo vocal recording using multi-tracked voice and a plethora of magnificent vocalese paraphernalia, with a limited instrumental accompaniment supplied mainly by percussion Master Alan VitousFind albums by this artist (yes the brother of Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist) and involving also pianists Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist and Zdenek KalhousFind albums by this artist, bassists Alexej CharvatFind albums by this artist and Vit FialaFind albums by this artist and a few others playing percussion instruments as well as a chorus adding "background noises". The album presents seven original compositions by Koubkova and a medley of songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim, which is the title track. This remastered edition offers superb sound quality. The music is an absolute revelation, showing the infinite musical potential achievable by using the human voice in an instrumental capacity. Obviously somewhat similar to the work by other Jazz vocalist exploring this direction like Urszula DudziakFind albums by this artist, Lauren NewtonFind albums by this artist and others, Koubkova´s approach is unique in many ways, not only because of the use of percussion accompaniment but also vocally and conceptually. It is perhaps less Avant-Garde oriented than what the a.m. vocalists demonstrated and more melodic, but surely not less challenging or innovative. This album is an important instructional tool for contemporary young Jazz vocalists, who sadly rarely take a step beyond the beaten tracks of standard vocal approach, repeating the tradition ad nauseam rather than exploring new possibilities. It appears that there is much to be learned from the past. The album also demonstrates the incredibly high level of musicianship behind the Iron Curtain, which despite the hardships of censorship and political domination of the Socialist regime managed to flourish, often not less impressively then what was happening in the West. Czechoslovakia and Poland led the evolution / revolution of the European Jazz idiom in Eastern Europe and produced a monumental body of recorded music over time, and contained to do so after the liberation from the Socialist shackles, with a vengeance. 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: 01/06/2020Posted: 01/06/2020

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

KAREL RUZICKA ~ GARDEN OF SILENCE ANIMAL MUSIC 086 (Barcode: 8594155998739) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2020 This is a solo piano album by Czech pianist / composer / educator Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist, which sadly is the last recorded evidence of his career, recorded six years before his untimely passing in 2016 and released posthumously ten years after the recording. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Ruzicka. Ruzicka was one of the Godfathers of the Czech Jazz scene, active for over five decades first during the early days of the modern Czechoslovak Jazz, as member of the Karel VelebnyFind albums by this artist´s SHQFind albums by this artist, Laco DecziFind albums by this artist´s Jazz CellulaFind albums by this artist and many others. He debuted in 1972 with the excellent "Karel Ruzicka + 9Find albums with this title" album and followed with several notable recordings over the years, the most relevant in this context being his debut solo piano album "Pleasure Garden" from 1981. These two albums, recorded almost three decades apart, form a beautiful continuance that portrays Ruzicka´s career and the most significant characteristics of his music: incredible sense of melody, typical elegance and great respect of European Classical tradition, which were always the "pillar of fire" of his approach to composing music. In many respects this album is a superb closure to his career, offering some of his deepest and most profound compositions, a serenity that comes only with age, and his deep love of the European musical aesthetics. Although the compositions on the albums offer stylistic diversity, the music is unified by the composer´s coherency and idiosyncratic vocabulary. Combined with the superb execution the music soars and vibrates the listener´s soul strings. I have been fortunate to meat Karel Ruzicka several times over the years and listen to his performances live, which was always a profoundly moving experience. Ruzicka was one of the most important Jazz educators in the Czech Republic in the last decades of his life and he is definitely "responsible" for the incredible flux of greatly talented young Czech musicians, who are truly "making waves" on the European scene in the last decade or so. This album is a beautiful tribute to this great Master! For solo piano Jazz music lovers this album is a true revelation and obviously a wholehearted recommendation. European Jazz connoisseurs in general are also in for a rare treat!

Updated: 19/10/2020Posted: 19/10/2020

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

KAREL RUZICKA ~ KAREL RUZICKA + 9 GALEN 19 144 (Barcode: 8594042901538) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 1972 Released: 2019 This is a reissue of the superb debut album by the Czech keyboardist / composer / bandleader Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist, recorded with nine additional top Czech musicians active at the time: flautists / saxophonists Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist and Jiri ValekFind albums by this artist, trombonists Svatopluk KosvanecFind albums by this artist and Zdenek PulecFind albums by this artist, French horn player Milos PetrFind albums by this artist, tuba player Petr FleischerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Rudolf DasekFind albums by this artist, bassist Petr KorinekFind albums by this artist and drummer Josef VejvodaFind albums by this artist. Together they play nine original compositions four composed by Ruzicka, two each by Valek and Dasek and one by Vejvoda. The music is all mainstream Jazz oriented, based on melodic compositions and wonderfully arranged for the large ensemble. It swings brilliantly and showcases the individual musicians soloing extensively. Ruzicka plays piano and organ with the same proficiency and effectiveness. One of the tracks is a beautiful quartet piece (flute / guitar / bass / percussion), which offers a haunting melody line and typical Eastern European melancholy, being one of the highlights of the album. Ruzicka recorded many wonderful albums which followed this debut and was an important figure on the Czech scene until his death in 2016. This album is an important part of his recorded legacy and reflects the excellent level of Jazz that flourished behind the Iron Curtain. This remastered edition is the first time this album appears on CD and it is great to see it back in circulation. For the followers of East European Jazz scene this is a highly recommended piece of the puzzle, worth investigating. 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: 09/06/2020Posted: 09/06/2020

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

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

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

SHQ ~ JAZZ NON-FABLES INDIES HAPPY TRAILS 735 (Barcode: 8595026673526) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 1972 Released: 2016 This is the last of a series of eight reissue / archival albums presenting the recorded legacy of one of the Godfathers of Czechoslovak modern Jazz, vibraphonist / pianist / saxophonist / composer / bandleader Karel VelebnyFind albums by this artist and his SHQFind albums by this artist ensemble. All the music is beautifully remastered and the album comes with extensive liner notes, extremely well researched and full of discographical information, sadly only in Czech language (which works fine for me, but probably less so for other enthusiasts who also might be interested). This album presents material captured during recording sessions in June 1972 by a quintet version of SHQ, which included Velebny playing vibraphone and saxophone, saxophonist Rudolf TichacekFind albums by this artist (future member of the legendary Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble EnergitFind albums by this artist), keyboardist Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist, bassist Petr KorinekFind albums by this artist and drummer Josef VejvodaFind albums by this artist. The ten tracks that were recorded during these sessions were released as a LP and included only original compositions, two each by the quintet members. The music is stunningly beautiful, full of great melodic themes and a rather mystic atmosphere, The sound of the ensemble is clearly influenced by the Jazz-Rock Fusion, which was a very strong influence on the East European Jazz at the time, although the instruments, except for the electric piano and bass, are still acoustic. It is the somewhat Rocky rhythmic direction that takes this music towards Fusion. In retrospect this album is often mentioned as one of the most important recordings of Czechoslovak Jazz and remains a milestone recording of the Eastern European Jazz in the 1970, firmly belonging to the same holy grail category as the best albums released at the time in Poland, as part of the "Polish Jazz" series. The fact that this music remained unreleased on CD for so long was a Cultural crime. His later recordings from the 1980s are rather incidental or compilations of archival material. This is also sadly the last important album recorded by Velebny and his SHQ, since he gradually retired from recording and concentrated on Jazz pedagogy, of which he was a great pioneer, and work with theatre as writer, actor and activist. He died in 1989, sadly before the "Velvet Revolution" freed the country from the Socialist regime, a freedom he was not allowed to enjoy. For fans of European Jazz and its history, the entire series is an absolute must, and the fact that most of this music is available on CD for the first time makes it an absolute treasure. Absolutely brilliant! My personal thanks to Jaromir KratochvilFind albums by this artist, the owner of Indies Happy TrailsFind albums on this label, for his friendship and the incredible job he is doing to keep this music alive! Side Note Since the 1950s Czechoslovakia had a highly developed Jazz scene, certainly in proportion to its population, which included many successful ensembles and even Big Bands, as well as Jazz clubs, festivals and publications, all this in spite of state censorship and political limitations. The similar situation existed since the 1960s as far as Rock (including Progressive Rock and Jazz-Rock Fusion) was concerned, resulting in many excellent, interesting and innovative ensembles. The music was relatively well documented by the three state owned record labels: SupraphonFind albums on this label (founded in 1927), PantonFind albums on this label (founded in 1968) and OpusFind albums on this label (founded in 1971 and based in Bratislava, created on the base of Slovak division of Supraphon). Following the "Velvet Revolution" in 1989, the state owned record labels were privatized, with Supraphon dominating the local market. However, Supraphon was quite reluctant as far as exploring its vast back catalogue is concerned, and this is where the small independent Indies Happy TrailsFind albums on this label Records, a reissue label dedicated to the preservation of the recorded legacy of Czechoslovak music, owned and run by the devoted enthusiast / historian Jaromir KratochvilFind albums by this artist, founded in 2007, comes in. Over the years the label released a plethora of brilliant music, reissuing long deleted LPs and extensively exploring the archives in search of bonus material. The quest of Indies Happy Trails is similar to what the GADFind albums on this label Records label, run by Michal WilczynskiFind albums by this artist, is doing for Polish music, with similar consistency and praiseworthy dedication.

Updated: 28/02/2020Posted: 28/02/2020

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

SHQ ~ KAREL VELEBNY & COMPANY RADIOSERVIS 0398 (Barcode: 8590236039827) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1963 - 1976 Released: 2008 The legendary multi-instrumentalist / composer / bandleader Karel VelebnyFind albums by this artist is universally recognized as the Godfather of post-WWII Czechoslovak Jazz. His ceaseless activity as a player, bandleader and educator resulted in raising generations of Jazz players in the country, many of which continued to become leaders of their own later on. His ensembles, usually called SHQFind albums by this artist, incorporated over the years the absolute who´s who of the Czechoslovak (and later Czech) scene. His contributions as a teacher and educator were also invaluable. This compilation by the Czech Broadcasting Corporation presents a series of radio recordings by Velebny´s SHQ ensemble in the 1960s and 1970s, all previously unreleased, which of course is a great treat to lovers of Czechoslovak Jazz. The names of the participating musicians include flautist / saxophonist Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Rudolf TichacekFind albums by this artist and Petr KralFind albums by this artist, pianists Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist and Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist, bassists Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist, Petr KorinekFind albums by this artist and Karel VejvodaFind albums by this artist, drummer Josef VejvodaFind albums by this artist and many more. Most of the music is original with just four standards out of the thirteen tracks on this album. This is a Jazz history treasure and any fan of Czechoslovak Jazz will find this album as indispensable. A must!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TOMAS SYKORA ~ SONGS FOR ORCHESTRA ANIMAL MUSIC 093 (Barcode: 8594155997213) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Pop-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This is an album by Czech pianist / composer Tomas SykoraFind albums by this artist, a member of The Prague SixFind albums by this artist composers group. It presents a live concert recording of a Jazz quartet with Sykora, saxophonist David FranekFind albums by this artist, bassist Tomas LiskaFind albums by this artist and drummer Roman VichaFind albums by this artist with the Prague Radio Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Stepanka BalcarovaFind albums by this artist. The music includes Jazz-Classical Fusion arrangements of three pieces: a composition by veteran Czech Jazz pianist / composer Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist, a five-part suite composed by Sykora and a suite composed by saxophonist / composer Karel Ruzicka Jr.Find albums by this artist, the son of Ruzicka Senior, based on his compositions for the album “Grace & GratitudeFind albums with this title”, compiled and arranged by Sykora. The music is beautifully melodic and full of Eastern European melancholy, which of course is hardly surprising. Although composed by three very different composers, the amalgam with the orchestral arrangements and the spirit driving the music manages to create a coherent, well-structured musical experience, which is aesthetically pleasing. Despite the fact that many symphonic Jazz projects end up as complete failures, this project is perfectly able to defend the very idea that such joint ventures can be both viable and rewarding. Sykora manages to create a very delicate balance between the quartet parts and the orchestral parts, which is very tricky. The transitions between the Jazz quartet performances and the Classical orchestra ones are smooth and logical and offer a natural development. Personally I admire Balcarova, who manages to make the symphonic orchestra to sound at times much closer to a Jazz Big Band than a Classical orchestra, which is very rarely achieved – beautifully done indeed. Even the “Grace & Gratitude” material sounds way more attractive than the original album version, which sadly lacked any originality. With the new arrangements the music feels alive and comes back to its Cultural home, where it belongs. Overall this is a wonderful album, which manages to create a consistent bridge between Jazz and Classical Music, avoiding all the kitschy traps that often imperil such efforts. It offers beautiful music, superbly arranged and splendidly executed, which should keep all lovers of such cross-genre explorations totally satisfied. Despite the fact that the music was recorded live, it offers wonderful sound quality and separation, as usual with Animal MusicFind albums on this label releases, which are an epitome of European elegance and grace, made the Czech way – hats off!

Updated: 05/08/2021Posted: 05/08/2021

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

FRANTISEK UHLIR ~ BASS DEVOTION / BASSSAGA MULTISONIC 310808 (Barcode: 741941080828) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 1984 - 2010 Released: 2010 This 2CD set presents two quite different recordings by Czech bassist / composer Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist, one of the veterans of the local scene with a splendid career behind him. From his early days as a member of the legendary SHQFind albums by this artist ensemble, led by the Godfather of Czech Jazz vibraphonist Karel VelebnyFind albums by this artist, and consistently over the years, Uhlir established his position as the perfect bass player suitable to support any ensemble, take part in any recording, as well as lead his own groups. His incredible technique, superb feel for melody, perfect timing and beautiful tone place him among the world’s top Jazz bassists, stylistically comparable to Scott LaFaroFind albums by this artist and Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist. Needless to say he has been one of my favorite bass players ever since I heard him first in the 1970s and I followed his career as much as I could. Uhlir performed with the best players on the local scene, such as pianists Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist and Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Laco DecziFind albums by this artist, guitarist Rudolf DasekFind albums by this artist and many others. He also accompanied many visiting Jazz luminaries at their Prague concerts as well as toured abroad. The first album in this set presents is a live recording of Uhlir with his recent ensemble, called Frantisek Uhlir TeamFind albums by this artist, which also includes saxophonist David VrobelFind albums by this artist, guitarist Adam TvrdyFind albums by this artist and veteran drummer Jaromir HelesicFind albums by this artist. They perform seven compositions, five of which are Uhlir’s originals and two are standards. The performances are excellent and highly spirited, with the leader soloing frequently, sometimes also playing arco (using the bow), which is rarely heard today. Uhlir’s compositions are great vehicles for the players to show their skills and are examples of great modern Jazz, which is not trying to be over pretentious. The second album is a most welcome reissue of Uhlir’s debut album as a leader, recorded in 1984, which presents seven of his original compositions performed by an all-star lineup with vibraphonist Karel Velebny, pianist Emil Viklicky, drummer Tony NaharFind albums by this artist, guitarist Zdenek DvorakFind albums by this artist, percussionist Josef VejvodaFind albums by this artist and a string quartet. Beautifully arranged and exquisitely performed, this is a dream of an album, which every bass lover on this planet should listen to, given the opportunity. It’s delightful to have this music finally available on CD. Overall this set is a sizeable portion of superb modern mainstream Jazz with virtuosic bass performances, which are exciting, elegant and highly intelligent. Charming stuff!

Updated: 16/03/2022Posted:

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ PIANO JAZZ IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA JAZZHUS 7643 (Barcode: 4714816786435) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 - 1967 Released: 2012 This is a reissue / remaster of an album originally released by the Czechoslovak SupraphonFind albums on this label label in 1968. It presents six Czech and Slovak pianists, who shaped the Czechoslovak Jazz scene in the 1960s: Jan HammerFind albums by this artist (before he left for the US), Ladislav GerhardtFind albums by this artist, Rudolf RoklFind albums by this artist, Josef BlahaFind albums by this artist, Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist and Ludek SvabenskyFind albums by this artist. Each of them presents two tracks, recorded in a classic piano trio format, except Rokl, who presents just one track (together eleven tracks). The Ruzicka tracks are recorded in a quartet setting. The music is a mixture of original compositions and Jazz standards. All the tracks were recorded in 1967, except the Rokl track, recorded in 1965. The original album was produced and includes liner notes by my dear late Friend Antonin MatznerFind albums by this artist. The remastered edition offers brilliant sound quality, considering the music was recorded almost sixty years ago. The music is a splendid document of the incredibly high level of the Eastern European Jazz scene behind the Iron Curtain, at that time. Czechoslovak Jazz musicians were producing brilliant albums, which still sound incredible today and every bit as advanced musically as anything happening on the Western side of Europe, being an integral part of the exploding European Jazz emancipation. The musicians featured here were to produce many more excellent recordings in the future as leaders or members of other ensembles. Overall, this is a brilliant time capsule, which offers a unique glimpse on the Czechoslovak Jazz scene at the time. Considering that these tracks were recorded spatially for this compilation, this album is a must for collectors of East European Jazz albums and of course Jazz piano trio lovers :)

Updated: 14/12/2024Posted: 14/12/2024

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

KAREL VELEBNY ~ ZTRATA NALEZENEHO SYNA INDIES HAPPY TRAILS 732 (Barcode: 8595026673229) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 1966 - 1967 Released: 2016 This is the fifth of a series of eight reissue / archival albums presenting the recorded legacy of one of the Godfathers of Czechoslovak modern Jazz, vibraphonist / pianist / saxophonist / composer / bandleader Karel VelebnyFind albums by this artist and his SHQFind albums by this artist ensemble. All the music is beautifully remastered and the album comes with extensive liner notes, extremely well researched and full of discographical information, sadly only in Czech language (which works fine for me, but probably less so for other enthusiasts who also might be interested). This album presents material captured during two recording sessions from April and September 1966. The seven tracks that were recorded during these sessions were released as a Various Artist compilation LP, with the two lineups that recorded this music enigmatically named "All Stars" and "Jazz Soloists" respectively, with the SHQ moniker being omitted, but with Velebny present. The different lineups on these sessions included Velebny, who played vibraphone, saxophone and piano, trumpeters Jaromir HnilickaFind albums by this artist and Laco DecziFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Jaromir HonzakFind albums by this artist, Milan UlrichFind albums by this artist and Evzen JegorovFind albums by this artist, trombonist Zdenek PulecFind albums by this artist, clarinetist Karel KrautgartnerFind albums by this artist, flautist Zdenek ZikaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Rudolf DasekFind albums by this artist, pianists Karel VejvodaFind albums by this artist and Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist, bassist Jiri MrazFind albums by this artist and drummer Milan MaderFind albums by this artist, altogether a gathering definitely deserving the "All Stars" description. All the music is original with Velebny contributing three compositions and Krautgartner, Hnilicka, Mraz and Ruzicka each contributing one composition. Additionally this album also includes one side (ten tracks) of a LP dedicated to a Jazz & Poetry project, which features SHQ (Velebny, saxophonist Miroslav KryslFind albums by this artist, Pulec, Dasek, bassist Petr MarcolFind albums by this artist and Mader) accompanying actor Jan TriskaFind albums by this artist who recites fables by Vaclav HrabeFind albums by this artist, the most important representative of the Czech Beat Generation, who died tragically at the ridiculous age of twenty four. All the music was composed by Velebny. The music is all original and a giant step forward as far as Modern European Jazz is concerned, very advanced and complex, already using elements close to Free Jazz, multi-theme extended compositions, rapidly changing tempi and eschewing conventions, which dominated American Bebop. Although recorded just over a year of so after the second SHQ album was recorded, this music sounds as if coming from a different planet, being very similar to the revolutionary Polish Jazz, which was also exploding at the time in the "neighborhood". All the performances are simply stellar and this music sounds absolutely as fresh as it did at the time it was recorded and in retrospect one can but wonder how such a revolutionary music was allowed to be performed and recorded during some of the darkest hours of the Socialist regime and the Prague Spring and Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia being just around the corner. For fans of European Jazz and its history, the entire series is an absolute must, and the fact that most of this music is available on CD for the first time makes it an absolute treasure. Absolutely brilliant! My personal thanks to Jaromir KratochvilFind albums by this artist, the owner of Indies Happy TrailsFind albums on this label, for his friendship and the incredible job he is doing to keep this music alive! Side Note Since the 1950s Czechoslovakia had a highly developed Jazz scene, certainly in proportion to its population, which included many successful ensembles and even Big Bands, as well as Jazz clubs, festivals and publications, all this in spite of state censorship and political limitations. The similar situation existed since the 1960s as far as Rock (including Progressive Rock and Jazz-Rock Fusion) was concerned, resulting in many excellent, interesting and innovative ensembles. The music was relatively well documented by the three state owned record labels: SupraphonFind albums on this label (founded in 1927), PantonFind albums on this label (founded in 1968) and OpusFind albums on this label (founded in 1971 and based in Bratislava, created on the base of Slovak division of Supraphon). Following the "Velvet Revolution" in 1989, the state owned record labels were privatized, with Supraphon dominating the local market. However, Supraphon was quite reluctant as far as exploring its vast back catalogue is concerned, and this is where the small independent Indies Happy TrailsFind albums on this label Records, a reissue label dedicated to the preservation of the recorded legacy of Czechoslovak music, owned and run by the devoted enthusiast / historian Jaromir KratochvilFind albums by this artist, founded in 2007, comes in. Over the years the label released a plethora of brilliant music, reissuing long deleted LPs and extensively exploring the archives in search of bonus material. The quest of Indies Happy Trails is similar to what the GADFind albums on this label Records label, run by Michal WilczynskiFind albums by this artist, is doing for Polish music, with similar consistency and praiseworthy dedication.

Updated: 28/02/2020Posted: 27/02/2020

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend