Record Reviews

KRISTINA BARTA ~ ENDLESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS SECOND 0013 (Barcode: 9003829988703) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is the third album by Czech pianist / composer Kristina BartaFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quartet setting with Slovenian saxophonist Jure PuklFind albums by this artist and Czech bassist Peter KormanFind albums by this artist and drummer Marek UrbanekFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all of which are original compositions by Barta. The music is an excellent example of modern European Jazz, which takes the Jazz tradition a step further into exploration, rather than repeat well established paths. Although Barta is an accomplished pianist, her true forte are the fascinating compositions, which offer a seemingly sketchy construct, with uneven rhythmic patterns, but which keep the listener on edge and feature a magnetic melodic element underneath. As a result, the compositions allow a high degree of freedom in every aspect, both harmonically and rhythmically, which are perfect vehicles for the quartet members to show their respective talents. Pukl is obviously the most experienced and best equipped soloist, able to build perfect saxophone sequences time after time. But the younger players get the job done as well as one would expect, despite the obvious challenge the complex musical structures demand. Personally I second the excellent bass parts by Korman, which hold the music together remarkably well. Of course all these players are simply brilliant. It’s great to see that the Czech Jazz scene is blessed with so many talented female players / composers / bandleaders, which seems to be statistically a higher number than the rest of Europe. Well done Ladies! Overall, this is a truly excellent album, which exemplifies the level of contemporary Czech Jazz, which follows the achievements of previous generations with pride and dedication. Full of great music and passionate performances, this music is simply a delight from start to finish, making European Jazz proud.

Updated: 18/03/2024Posted: 18/03/2024

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FRANTISEK UHLIR ~ STORY OF MY LIFE NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 8595017400124) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020 This is an album by Czech Jazz bassist / composer / bandleader Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist, recorded in a septet setting with trumpeter Frantisek TomsicekFind albums by this artist, trombonist Premek TomsicekFind albums by this artist, British (resident in Prague) saxophonists Andy SchofieldFind albums by this artist and Suzanne HigginsFind albums by this artist, pianist Standa MachaFind albums by this artist and drummer Marek UrbanekFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, which are, as the title suggests, a prologue and seven parts of a suite celebrating his seventieth birthday and dedicated to the various chapters in his life, all composed by Uhlir. Schofield arranged the music on three of the tracks. Uhlir has been a prominent figure on the Czech Jazz scene since decades and his extensive recorded legacy, both as a leader and as sidemen, presents a magnificent heritage, full of excellent music. His bass playing is firmly based in the Jazz tradition and he is part of the famous Czech Jazz bass school, along such Jazz luminaries as Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist, George MrazFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Jiri MrazFind albums by this artist) and more recently Jaromir HonzakFind albums by this artist. His brilliant technique and unique touch are often compared to that of the most celebrated bassists like Scott LaFaroFind albums by this artist or Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist. The music is absolutely delightful, from start to finish, modern mainstream Jazz with strongly melodic themes, great arrangements and of course superb performances by all participants. The septet lineup enables an “almost Big Band” feeling and the music swings beautifully. Uhlir’s bass is quite dominant in the mix, which enables the listener to hear his virtuosic parts for the entire duration, during his solo parts but no less importantly when he accompanies the other players, always listening attentively and keeping the music firmly in check. Overall, this is a true classic example of perfect mainstream modern Jazz, based on wonderfully coherent melodic compositions and performed with great feeling and passion. Thank you for the music my Friend, and I hope you can celebrate the next “round” birthday with another album, which does not mean of course that you can’t make albums before that date. Hope to see you again soon!

Updated: 01/09/2025Posted: 01/09/2025

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