Record Reviews

JIRI STIVIN ~ ZVEROKRUH (ZODIAC) GALEN 25 264 (Barcode: 8594042902948) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1976 Released: 2025 This is a reissue of an album by Czech saxophonist / flautist / composer / bandleader Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist, recorded with Slovak pianist Gabriel JonasFind albums by this artist, the Kuhn Mixed ChoirFind albums by this artist and the Talich String QuartetFind albums by this artist. The album presents two four part suites, entitled “The Elements” and “Moods” and the piece, which gave the album its title, together nine tracks, all composed by Stivin. Stivin performs on a plethora of instruments, in addition to the usual flutes and saxophones. As usual for the Czechoslovak period, the original album was released in two versions, one for the local market, with texts in Czech language and the other for export, with texts in English, hence the “double” title. The music is a brilliant amalgam of Jazz and contemporary Classical Music elements, which features Stivin’s virtuosic instrumental performances and his highly original, quirky compositions, which are instantly recognizable by music connoisseurs familiar with his work. Stivin used to create cross-genre projects from the very early days of his career, and was always a true Master of minimalism, as this album perfectly demonstrates. Stivin’s performances are multitracked, which allows to create an orchestral effect, despite the fact that he is playing all the instruments, except keyboards. Overall, this is another superb release by the GalenFind albums on this label label, which continues to bring back to life Czech music treasures, which disappeared from the shelves decades ago, but are not forgotten by Czech music lovers, likes yours truly. This is a true gem in every respect and deserves to be heard by every true music lover. 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: 14/03/2026Posted: 14/03/2026

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