Record Reviews

CONCEPT ART ORCHESTRA ~ 100 YEARS ANIMAL MUSIC 091 (Barcode: 8594155998791) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020 This is the fifth album by the Czech Big Band called Concept Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist, founded in 2010 and led by trumpeter / composer Stepanka BalcarovaFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, this is a project commemorating the Centennial of the modern Czech State founded in 1918 following the end of WW I. The album presents a six-part suite, each part dedicated to one of the six periods signifying the development over time of the convoluted history of Czechoslovakia / Czech Republic between 1918 and 2018. Each of the six parts includes short archival recordings of speeches by relevant historic personalities and other sounds. All the music was composed by members of a group of six Czech composers, called collectively The Prague SixFind albums by this artist: Balcarova, saxophonist Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist, pianist Vit KristanFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Martin BrunnerFind albums by this artist, trombonist Jan JiruchaFind albums by this artist and pianist Tomas SykoraFind albums by this artist, all of which also play on the album, two as guests. The Big Band, conducted by Balcarova, includes eighteen players with the obvious saxophone, trumpet, trombone and rhythm sections. Six guests play on selected tracks. The music was beautifully recorded and offers a magnificently rich Big Band sound. As all the earlier albums by the CAO, the music is skillfully and intelligently woven and superbly executed by the Big Band members. It epitomizes the concept and sound of the European Jazz Big Band tradition, which although based on the American Jazz Big Band tradition to some extent, expands the traditional roles of the sections and their mutual relationships and offers more challenging arrangements and aural versatility. The music emphasizes the Big Band sound, which functions like one organic body and even the individual soloing is also kept as naturally solidified with the overall sound as possible. There is no doubt that the CAO is today one of the most ambitious and productive Big Bands active on the European scene, with a strong conceptual base of resident composers, brilliant instrumentalist and dedicated leadership, superbly implemented by Balcarova. This album is a schoolbook example of the intellectual capacity invested into a musical project, which not only works to the full effect, but also educates and sets an incredibly high standard to follow. On a personal note, I was deeply moved by this album since between my Father and myself we took part and observed those hundred years of Czech history up close. My Father studied engineering in Brno in the 1930s, since he was not allowed to study in his native Poland as a Jew. He had many Czech friends during his studies and sadly returned to Czechoslovakia as a prisoner of the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp. After leaving Poland in 1967, I remember the ecstasy of the Prague Spring and the horror of the Invasion, the Velvet Revolution and my meetings with President Vaclav HavelFind albums by this artist during the dark days in prison and the happy days in the Prague Castle. His love of music and Jazz in particular strengthened our bond. Hearing his voice on this album was profoundly poignant. My thanks to all the people involved in creating this wonderful project!

Updated: 25/02/2021Posted: 25/02/2021

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CONCEPT ART ORCHESTRA ~ THE PRAGUE SIX ANIMAL MUSIC 049 (Barcode: 8594155990467) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is the third album by the Czech Big Band / Orchestra called Concept Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist, founded in 2010 and led by trumpeter / composer Stepanka BalcarovaFind albums by this artist. The initial idea of the orchestra was to perform contemporary Czech music by various composers. After releasing a couple of albums the orchestra was dormant for a while, until Balcarova decided in 2014 to re-think the concept and established a group of six Czech composers, called collectively The Prague Six, who composed the original music performed on this album: six compositions, one each, by every member of the group: Balcarova, saxophonist Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist, pianist Vit KristanFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Martin BrunnerFind albums by this artist, trombonist Jan JiruchaFind albums by this artist and pianist Tomas SykoraFind albums by this artist, four of them also play on the album. The orchestra, conducted by Balcarova, includes sixteen players with the obvious saxophone, trumpet, trombone and rhythm sections. The music was recorded at the SONO Records studio and engineered by Milan CimfeFind albums by this artist, with the usual splendid sound quality. The music presents a very diverse compositional palette, with all six pieces being beautifully weaved and arranged for the orchestra. The compositions vary in the degree of melody oriented contents, which in some cases in plainly stated and in others subtly disguised by the layers of sound. There are also different levels of complexity and energy involved, which results in the orchestra sound at one moment calm and minimalist and at other erupt with brawny display of the full power of a Big Bind. Although the compositions are quite different, the album offers a perfectly balanced and coherent excursion into the world of orchestral music, which constantly moves in and out of what the listeners might perceive as "Jazz", depending of their personal inclinations. The album is also a splendid example of the European approach to composing for Jazz Big Band / Orchestra, which dramatically varies from the accepted American approach, which is usually quite straightforward and structured, whereas here we can find a complete lack of any boundaries, except those dictated by aesthetics and lucidity, in addition to the sophistication and elegance of European musical tradition polished over the Centuries. Each of the six pieces offers opportunity for the orchestra members to solo, which they of course do most vividly. The orchestra as a whole performs superbly, showing the entire dynamic range from whisper to roar, which is unique to the Big Band idiom. Overall this is a breathtaking piece of music, not only for Big Band buffs, but also all other connoisseurs of orchestral music, which always amazes with its sheer power of expression. Highly recommended!

Updated: 29/10/2020Posted: 29/10/2020

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CONCEPT ART ORCHESTRA ~ VANOCE DOSPELYCH ANIMAL MUSIC 075 (Barcode: 8594155991617) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Xmas Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is the fourth album by the Czech Big Band called Concept Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist, founded in 2010 and led by trumpeter / composer Stepanka BalcarovaFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests (Eng. "Xmas For The Grownups"), this is a Xmas Jazz project, but it is completely original and different from most such endeavors. The album presents nine pieces, three of which are traditional Xmas Carrols, one is a 17th Century Classical composition and five are original compositions, all composed or arranged by members of a group of six Czech composers, called collectively The Prague SixFind albums by this artist: Balcarova, saxophonist Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist, pianist Vit KristanFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Martin BrunnerFind albums by this artist, trombonist Jan JiruchaFind albums by this artist and pianist Tomas SykoraFind albums by this artist, four of which also play on the album. The Big Band, conducted by Balcarova, includes eighteen players with the obvious saxophone, trumpet, trombone and rhythm sections. Three vocalists perform the lyrics (in Czech) to the five original pieces; written by Czech poets (Jan SkacelFind albums by this artist and Frana SramekFind albums by this artist) and other lyricists or in one case by Soukup, which also place this project in the proximity of the Jazz & Poetry idiom. The music is by far more Jazz oriented than other Xmas Jazz projects, with the full splendor of the Big Band dominating the proceedings. The compositions and the intricate arrangements create a multi-layered aural experience, in which the lyrics are just one aspect of the whole. The arrangements of the traditional Carrols and the Classical piece take them almost completely away from their original / usual environs, and are brilliant displays of the artistry of transposing music between genres, in this case sounding like Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist´s standards rather than European folkloristic themes. And yet the Big Band manages to keep the Xmas Spirit of the music intact due to a highly creative sensibility. The three Carrols are placed in tandem, creating a sort of mini suite, standing somewhat apart from the original compositions, but still being an organic part of the entire project. Throughout the album the Big Band members get plenty of opportunity to solo and the performances as a whole are absolutely superb from start to finish. The Orchestra sounds collectively as one organic body and such level of mutual respect and cooperation is awe inspiring. The vocals are also splendidly executed, with obvious respect to both the text and the music. Even for non Czech speaking listeners these vocals are perfectly communicative, at least on the emotional level. Overall this is a superb piece of music, not only for Big Band buffs, but also all other connoisseurs of orchestral music, which always amazes with its sheer power of expression. For me it is definitely the most well rounded creation by the CAO and as such it is of course highly recommended. My sincere thanks to Stepanka Balcarova for sharing this music with me and I wish her many fruitful musical achievements in the future. Well done Milady and all the people who make Czech Jazz such a wonderful experience!

Updated: 06/11/2020Posted: 05/11/2020

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DORUZKA / FISCHMANN / NOVAK ~ GILGUL ANIMAL MUSIC 119 (Barcode: 8594211850261) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is an album by the Czech Jazz trio comprising of guitarist / composer David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, flautist / vocalist / composer Robert FischmannFind albums by this artist and drummer / percussionist Martin NovakFind albums by this artist. Three additional players participate on selected tracks: clarinetist / saxophonist Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist, bass clarinetist / saxophonist Marcel BartaFind albums by this artist and trombonist Stepan JanousekFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen tracks, which include a four-part suite and a three-part suite, six of which are traditional Jewish / Hassidic melodies arranged by Fischmann, four are original compositions by Fischmann, two are by Doruzka and one is co-composed by all three trio members. Jewish music has been an important source of inspiration in contemporary Jazz, which I had an opportunity to witness closely as the Musical Director of the Singer Jazz Festival hold in Warsaw during the last decade. Some of those attempts to combine the genres were truly inspirational and impressive, others often suffered from opportunism and chalturism due to complete lack of understanding of the Cultural background and spirituality of the Jewish and Hassidic traditions. I an extremely happy to see that this beautiful album belongs to the former category. The music offers an intimate, completely acoustic and delicate treatments of traditional material, intertwined with original compositions, which match the overall atmosphere and spirit of the entire project. Most of the tracks are performed by the trio, but five offer an extended sextet arrangement, which is somewhat more Jazz oriented than the rest of the pieces, but again stay within the intimate and highly lyrical mood. There is definitely a strong dose of Easter European lyricism and melancholy involved as well. Although there are plenty of individual solos, the music is definitely more about the concept and overall message than about display of instrumental virtuosity. Fischmann’s flute work dominates the proceedings, as the leading melodic compass, with Doruzka supplying the harmonic layers and soloing occasionally, and the wonderfully sensitive drumming by Novak keeps the music flowing gently but firmly from one tune to another. The album offers a written essay by Fischmann, which explains the sources and inspirations for the individual songs, as well as the religious concept of transmigration of souls, which gives the album its title, and which is not unique to the Jewish tradition, but plays an important role in some of the Hassidic streams. On a personal note, I’d like to mention that this music is somewhat in the same spiritual sphere as the music by the excellent Polish Jazz trio BastardaFind albums by this artist, which I wholeheartedly recommend. Overall, this is beautiful and deeply moving album, which deserves to be heard by all music lovers, also those beyond the strict Jazz circles. As usual, the superb sound quality and production by the Animal MusicFind albums on this label label is as perfect as one might hope for, for which I am, as usual, grateful. Grab a copy as soon as possible!

Updated: 18/10/2023Posted: 18/10/2023

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JAROMIR HONZAK ~ HARD TO UNDERSTAND ANIMAL MUSIC 085 (Barcode: 8594155998715) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019 This is the tenth album as a leader by Czech Jazz bassist / composer Jaromir HonzakFind albums by this artist recorded by an all-Czech quintet comprising of some of the top Jazz players in the country: guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, clarinetist / saxophonist Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Vit KristanFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin NovakFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions by Honzak and a couple of adaptations of a medieval theme. The music was splendidly recorded at the SONO Records studio and engineered by Milan CimfeFind albums by this artist, offering a spectacular sound quality. Listeners familiar with Honzak´s numerous recordings should be able to immediately recognize the two idiosyncratic qualities that are eminently present in his music: first and foremost the quality and depth of his compositions and then his unique way of playing the bass, both acoustic and electric. These qualities have ensured a certain seal of quality present in all his recordings in the last quarter of a Century, which not surprisingly has steadily strengthened over time. The sonority of the music and its somewhat mythical atmosphere is deeply European in nature, and offers a sublime amalgam of European music, which could be considered as Classical or folkloristic in its nature, with the Jazz idiom. It is hard to distinguish how much if this aesthetics is created subconsciously and how much is cleverly conceived, but regardless of the thought processes behind it, the result is simply overwhelming. This music could have never happened the way it does, touching on every string of the listener´s musical consciousness, if not the formidable team of musicians performing it. The strangely wonderful harmony achieved by Doruzka, Soukup and Kristan, which mixes acoustic and electric sounds into new sound vistas one could never imagine possible, is the heart of the magic that happens on this album. The use of the electronics by Kristan is simply masterly and his way of balancing the quantity of synthesized sounds with the acoustic ones is brilliant. Honzak is, as always, the spine of the entire complex structures created by the team and Novak keeps the time code wonderfully present, without being obtrusive. All these musicians are great masters of their relative instruments, which combined with their impeccable taste and talent results in music that is pure nectar to the ears. This album is a remarkable piece of music, which perhaps might demand certain intellectual as well as emotional involvement form the listener in order to be able to comprehend its depth and aesthetic beauty. Repeated listening sessions are highly recommended, since peeling layer after layer from this strange fruit is a delightful experience; "hard to understand"? not really if you approach this music with the same amount of love it was created with. Thank you Jaromir and co. for this beautiful gift of music!

Updated: 17/09/2020Posted: 17/09/2020

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JAROMIR HONZAK ~ THE BLUES OF A STRING HANGING IN THE WIND ANIMAL MUSIC 127 (Barcode: 8594211850452) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is the 12th album by Czech Jazz bassist / composer / bandleader Jaromir HonzakFind albums by this artist, recorded with his regular quintet, with includes saxophonist Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist, guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, pianist Vit KristanFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin NovakFind albums by this artist, and the Prague Radio Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist, conducted by Bastien StilFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, which are in fact parts of a suite for Jazz quintet and Symphonic Orchestra, all composed by Honzak. The music was recorded live and offers an exceptional sound quality, as all Animal MusicFind albums on this label releases. Life is full of surprises, sometimes very pleasant ones, and writing about this album is one of them, as only a couple of days ago I wrote about another album, which is not only of very similar nature but also features almost identical lineup, both originating from the Czech Republic (see the “Scandinavian ImpressionsFind albums with this title” album by Soukup). Despite the obvious similarities, these two albums are also very different musically, which is even more wonderful. It is not a secret that Honzak is one of my favorite European bass players, but even more so composers. His music is always absolutely breathtaking, and despite its complexity, it manages to be superbly coherent and melodic. Here, with the additional layer of orchestral arrangements (by Tomas SykoraFind albums by this artist) on top of the Jazz quintet performances, the music is even more dense and intricate than usual, and yet, as usual, it is almost clairvoyant in its intellectual verity and emotional strength. The two layers, Jazz and orchestral, complement one another perfectly, but rather oddly, whereas Honzak uses the orchestra to expand the rhythmic and even improvisational nature of the music, rather than only support the harmonic / melodic elements, which is the usual modus operandi applied in most Jazz-Classical Fusion ventures, and as such this album stands out in its originality. It goes without saying that the quintet’s performances are nothing short of stellar, as expected. Soukup is in charge of the melody lines, leading the proceedings like the pied piper of Hamelin, Doruzka spices the mixture with his tasteful chords and strings of notes, Kristan sets the harmonic base and Novak tastefully sets the paste of things. And Honzak, like always, stands firmly, like the ship’s mast, in the epicenter of the music at all times, making sure everything works, as it is supposed to. Overall, Honzak delivers again a sublime piece of music, which offers a fascinating emotional journey, and which swipes the listener off his feet the minute the music starts, and never lets go. I can’t imagine anybody who loves music not to like this album, even if it sounds somewhat strange at the first moment. This is some of the finest music one can come across these days, and it should not be missed by whatever excuse. And yes, if you listen carefully, the Blues is there…

Updated: 12/08/2024Posted: 12/08/2024

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JAROMIR HONZAK ~ TWENTIES ANIMAL MUSIC 111 (Barcode: 8594211850131) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is the eleventh album as a leader by Czech Jazz bassist / composer / bandleader Jaromir HonzakFind albums by this artist, recorded with his stable quintet, which includes also saxophonist Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist, guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Vit KristanFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin NovakFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Honzak. The music was recorded at the fabulous SONO Records studio, engineered by Adam KarlikFind albums by this artist and mixed by Milan CimfeFind albums by this artist, with the usual spectacular sound quality. I waited through the entire Covid period for this album with great anticipation, as Honzak’s music has a magic effect on me with its intrinsic tranquility and almost stoic unobtrusive peacefulness, which all of us desperately lacked when the world was going mad. Well, the world is still very much insane, but at least now the music is here to console. Honzak is a great songweaver and his melodies go always straight to one’s heart. Although the music is brilliantly performed by the quintet members, it just wouldn’t be enough to achieve its full effect without those melancholic themes underlying everything, leading the listeners subconsciously on the emotional plane. Even when the music is highly improvised and less melodic per se, it still is able to bond the listener to the flow, almost involuntarily. This album is perhaps the most Ambient / Electronic in its character, more than all Honzak’s earlier recordings, possibly an echo of his innermost fears and insecurities, that we all share. The musicians playing here are amongst the finest European instrumentalist out there. Doruzka (or the “young” Doruzka, as I call him) is absolutely phenomenal, growing and developing with every new album he plays on, being most probably one of the finest guitar players today. His role on this album is central and his playing sublime, which makes me very happy as he worked extremely hard to get where he is now. Soukup, Kristian and Novak create layers upon layers of sound, which fill the entire sonic space with dense, but not obtrusive contents, and concentrate less on soloing, which of course does not diminish their contribution. The leader’s bass playing is as expressive, imaginative and virtuosic as always. It is extremely difficult to comprehend how Honzak manages to consistently create such exquisite albums, one after another, but it is simply an undeniable reality. Overall, this is another masterpiece by the Czech Giant, who unwaveringly amazes with his quiet, humble and seemingly simple music, which is able to move proverbial mountains. This music penetrates deeper with every listening session, enabling the attentive listener to discover new hidden treasures time after time. I can do nothing but to raise the proverbial hat in deep respect for these eloquent, wonderful musicians and their fearless leader. Thank you for the music, my Friends!

Updated: 19/02/2023Posted: 19/02/2023

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INNER SPACES ~ INNER SPACES JAZZ FORUM ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010 This is the debut album by Czech / Polish quintet Inner SpacesFind albums by this artist which comprises of Czech trumpeter Stepanka BalcarovaFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist and pianist Vit KristanFind albums by this artist and Polish bassist Max MuchaFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz MaslowskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, three composed by Balcarova and two each by Soukup and Kristan. It took me a while to get hold of a copy of this album (a mere decade – thank you Stepanka!), but it was definitely worth waiting for. The music is absolutely beautiful from start to finish, presenting wonderfully woven melodic themes, which serve as basis for impressive improvisations. Despite of the young age of the musicians (at the time of the recording) and their lack of experience, this is a most impressive debut in every respect. It is also great to see that the potential present on this album proved to be fully justified considering the achievements of these musicians during the decade that followed. The music, which is strictly within the modern European Jazz mainstream idiom, offers a lot of space for the instrumentalist to develop their individual statements without any conceptual limitations, including the rhythm section, which also displays a remarkable flexibility. The melodies display typical Eastern European melancholy and Romanticism, which are often inseparable from the very inner soul of musicians originating from Eastern Europe, regardless of their education and musical influences, which of course is a part of their collective charm. Many debut albums prove to be rather naïve in retrospect, but I am happy to say that this one lost absolutely nothing of its original magic and is completely immune to time. I had a delightful time listening to the album a few times in a row, which in my case happens rather rarely. Thanks to everybody involved and if anybody is able to find a copy of this little gem, don’t you dare to miss it!

Updated: 01/02/2021Posted: 01/02/2021

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INNER SPACES ~ JARNI / VERNAL AMPLION 172001 (Barcode: 8594179225576) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the third album by Czech / Polish quintet Inner SpacesFind albums by this artist which comprises of Czech trumpeter Stepanka BalcarovaFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist and pianist Vit KristanFind albums by this artist and Polish bassist Max MuchaFind albums by this artist and drummer Grzegorz MaslowskiFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, three composed by Balcarova and two each by Soukup and Kristan. The music was recorded live during a concert at the Czech Radio. The music is typical modern Eastern European Jazz, with excellent compositions full of melancholy and lyricism and a rather foggy atmosphere of contemplation and anticipation, personally for me evoking fond memories of Czechoslovak New Wave cinema, with the film noir influences and characteristic black and white imagery, also present in Polish cinema at the time. I don´t know why, but this music sounds to me like something that might have been recorded in the 1960s rather than 2010s, which is of course meant as a compliment. All the members of the quintet are seasoned players with considerable recording legacy behind them, and their performances on this album attest to their technical proficiency and artistic depth. The music is performed with a certain modesty and reserve, with the soloing being far from flashy displays of abilities and more a matter of elegance and good taste. Considering the fact that this music was recorded live, the final result is truly impressive. Although this music seems perhaps not very innovative or far reaching, it manages ideally to preserve the qualities of the Eastern European Jazz tradition, and by creating the retro atmosphere, also pay tribute to the decades during which Jazz functioned under an oppressive regime where it managed not only to prevail but also break the glass ceiling (or the Iron Curtain). As a result this album is not only a superb piece of Jazz music, but also a time of reflection and remembrance of an era, that happened before any of these wonderful musicians were born, but which they inherited in their cultural genetic code. God bless for the music and for invoking the memories!

Updated: 08/11/2020Posted: 08/11/2020

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MACHINA MUNDI ~ MACHINA MUNDI ANIMAL MUSIC 112 (Barcode: 8594211850117) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is the debut album by the Machina MundiFind albums by this artist quartet, led by Czech saxophonist / clarinetist / composer Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist, who has been living in Copenhagen in the last decade. He teamed up with Swedish keyboardist William LarssonFind albums by this artist and drummer Daniel JohanssonFind albums by this artist and Canadian bassist Graig EarleFind albums by this artist, former schoolmates from the local Rhythmic Music Conservatory, one of the most popular Jazz schools in Europe. The album presents seven original compositions, all by Soukup. The music is wonderful example of modern European Jazz, which offers splendid atmospheric compositions and superb performances by the quartet members. Soukup is an excellent melody weaver and his lyrical, almost nostalgic themes are truly irresistible. The compositional layer of this album is fascinating all the way through. The quartet performances are extremely delicate, masterly balanced between the leading clarinet / saxophone statements, the layers of electric piano / synthesizer effects, which provide the ideal binding matter for the music and the highly dynamic, almost Funky rhythm section. The music often changes the dynamics within one tune, which keeps the listener on edge for the entire duration. The album manages to create a unique, almost mysterious atmosphere, suitable for cinematic enhancement, which goes directly to the innermost emotional center of the listener, while tickling his intellectual / cerebral sensors at the same time. Overall, this is a wonderful album, full of great music and beautiful playing, which offers a fascinating listening experience with no dull moments. It offers a highly aesthetic listening experience, at times intriguing and at time soothing, which leaves the listener wishing for more, when the music is over. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 27/02/2023Posted: 27/02/2023

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LUBOS SOUKUP ~ SCANDINAVIAN IMPRESSIONS CESKY ROZHLAS 1216 (Barcode: 8590236121621) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is an album by Czech Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist, recorded with a Jazz quartet comprising of guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, pianist Vit KristanFind albums by this artist, Danish bassist Thommy AnderssonFind albums by this artist and drummer Kamil SlezakFind albums by this artist, the Prague Radio Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Bastein StilFind albums by this artist and the brass section of the Concept Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist (which includes my Friend trumpeter Stepanka BalcarovaFind albums by this artist). The album presents six tracks, which are in fact parts of a suite for Jazz ensemble and Symphonic orchestra, based on Soukup’s experiences during his stay in Scandinavia. The album was recorded live and offers an excellent sound quality. The music is absolutely delightful, a perfect amalgam of Jazz and the Classical vocabulary, tastefully and cleverly put together and brilliantly performed by all the musicians involved in this complex project. The music is a marriage of Slavic / East European melodic melancholy and Scandinavian ambience, which flows gently throughout the duration, constantly switching between the Jazz and the Classical facets, producing a superb example of European elegance and aesthetics. Individually, these are some of the finest Czech Jazz musicians, which in many respects are a class of their own judging by the incredible influx of Czech Jazz recordings released during the last decade or so, which often are surprisingly imaginative, innovative and original, despite the fact that they are all well within the “conventional” Jazz idiom, without moving into extreme Avant Garde in order to show something original. Although, as already stated, all the musicians involved in making of this album are highly professional and talented, the soling by Doruzka is the out-and-out highlight of the album, again emphasizing his undisputed position as one of the best guitar players in the world at present. Of course Soukup has to be congratulated for his brilliant composing / arranging work on this album, which is truly exceptional, making this album one of the most “natural” and coherent amalgamations between Jazz and Classical music, which I had the pleasure to enjoy and experience in a very long time. Overall, this is a superb Jazz-Classical Fusion album in every respect, full of exciting, moving and conceptually brilliant music, which should satisfy even the most capricious music connoisseurs. It is a gem in every respect, and it goes without saying that it deserves an honorable place in every serious Jazz records collection. Well done, my Friend!

Updated: 12/08/2024Posted: 10/08/2024

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LUBOS SOUKUP ~ THROUGH THE MIRROR ANIMAL MUSIC 038 (Barcode: 8594155997022) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 - 2013 Released: 2013 This is the second album as a leader by Czech saxophonist / composer Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quartet, which also includes German pianist Christian PabstFind albums by this artist, Swedish bassist Joel IllerhagFind albums by this artist and Danish drummer Morten HaesumFind albums by this artist. The lineup is expanded by the addition of a not less international six-piece horn section and a Czech string quartet. The album presents ten original compositions, all by Soukup. The music is a wonderful example of modern European Jazz, based on excellent compositions, which amalgamate some glimpses of European Classical Music influences and Jazz ensemble music, brilliantly arranged and perfectly executed by these, mostly young but already very experienced and well educated musicians. Soukup demonstrates his highly unusual melody weaving skills, which have been amply reflected by his work in the years since this album was released, both on his own recordings and albums with other people. He is a member of the Prague SixFind albums by this artist composers’ collective, whose work was wonderfully recorded by the Czech Concept Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist (of which he is also a member), the Inner SpacesFind albums by this artist quintet and other ensembles and in the last few years he is definitely one of the most active and prolific figures on the Czech Jazz scene. The scope of the music is pretty amazing, elegantly floating between the more Jazz oriented pieces, performed by the ensemble and the more somber Classical oriented compositions, performed by the string quartet, but always keeping the listener mesmerized by the depth of the music and the intricate / multi-level arrangements, which become an intrinsic part of the concept that Soukup is trying to create on this album. Considering the fact that he was only twenty-seven at the time this music was recorded, the achievement is even more impressive. Overall this is a very striking piece of European Music, which exemplifies not only the incredible powers of these individuals but also their unprecedented ability to join forces in international projects, like this one, which are very common in the last decade in the borderless Europe. Soukup is definitely a musician / composer worthy of being followed by lovers of European Jazz and all his recordings deserve attention. Hats off!

Updated: 07/05/2021Posted: 07/05/2021

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