Record Reviews

JANA GAVACOVA ~ BIELE NOCI HEVHETIA 0162 (Barcode: 8588005258258) ~ SLOVAKIA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2016 - 2017 Released: 2018 This is the debut album by Slovak vocalist Jana GavacovaFind albums by this artist, recorded with an impressive group of Jazz players. The core rhythm section includes bassist Martin KapusnikFind albums by this artist and drummer Marian SevcikFind albums by this artist. Two excellent Slovak pianists / arrangers: Ondrej KrajnakFind albums by this artist and Lubos SramekFind albums by this artist, Hungarian pianist / arranger Kalman OlahFind albums by this artist and Polish pianist / arranger Nikola KolodziejczykFind albums by this artist take part, as well as guitarist Lubos BrtanFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Miroslav HloucalFind albums by this artist and others, including the Mucha String QuartetFind albums by this artist. Gavacova contributed to six of the songs on the album (music and / or lyrics) and the other songs are mostly Jazz arrangements of folklore material. Although most of the lyrics are sung in Slovak, Gavacova also sings in Polish, French, English, Roma and Hungarian, which is pretty impressive. The recording quality of the album is absolutely wonderful! The music, including the original compositions, is strongly influenced by East European folklore, even if the rhythmic background dictates Bossa Nova. The album is definitely a showcase of Jazz arrangements, which are as important as all the wonderful performances the album offers. The album, although recorded by several different lineups, offers a refined and coherent musical continuity, in spite of the linguistic, ethnic and rhythmic diversity, thanks to the excellent rhythm section and the general concept Gavacova intelligently formulated. Overall this is a very impressive debut, which shows plenty of ambition and chutzpah, fully justified by the result. Gavacova demonstrates a lot of experience and self confidence, as well as obvious talent and sensitivity. Her vocals range from expressive and highly dynamic delivery to delicate, soft and almost timid balladry, always perfectly carried out. The entire album is a showcase of superb vocal delivery, excellent musicianship, masterful arrangements and a wise selection of material, which all come together to create an excellent piece of music, from start to finish. Well done Milady and Friends; hats off!

Updated: 16/08/2018Posted: 16/08/2018

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HANKA GREGUSOVA ~ ESSENCE HEVHETIA 0082 (Barcode: 8588005257237) ~ SLOVAKIA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the second album by the Slovak vocalist Hanka GregusovaFind albums by this artist, which presents a beautiful tribute to Slovak Folklore. It features eleven folk songs, sung in Slovak and wonderfully arranged by pianist Ondrej KrajnakFind albums by this artist, who leads a Jazz quartet with bassist Josef FecoFind albums by this artist, drummer Marian SevcikFind albums by this artist and percussionist Stefan BugalaFind albums by this artist, which accompanies Gregusova on several tracks. On other tracks she is accompanied by a Folklore quartet, led by violinist Ivan HerakFind albums by this artist and featuring Josef Feco on cymbalon (also spelled cimbalom), Robert BoldiFind albums by this artist on viola and Marek BoldiFind albums by this artist on bass. One track features the combined forces of the Jazz and Folklore ensembles and the remaining tracks are more intimate trio, duet and solo vocal pieces. Several guest musicians also participate in the recording. This album is a classic example of what Jazz-World Fusion is all about and how it can be achieved successfully. Both the World music and Jazz idioms are given a respectful and graceful treatment, and are mixed with elegance and charm. The Jazz arrangements are of course further distanced from the original folk songs than the Folklore treatment, but the overall atmosphere and continuity of the album achieve a wonderful journey based on the Slovak Folklore transposed into contemporary musical language. Gregusova has a warm, well rounded voice which works both in the Jazz and the Folklore environment. Her phrasing on the Jazzy interpretations is simply superb and the solo vocal piece is deeply moving. Krajnak is a superb pianist and a most skillful arranger, which is obvious from what he achieved on this album, but all the musicians involved are also top notch. The recording quality and the sound of the album are also excellent. Overall this is an aesthetically pleasing and musically successful cross genre project, which manages to be original, while respectfully presenting traditional folkloristic heritage. Definitely a model to be followed and enjoyed!

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LUDO KOTLAR ~ HANGIN` HUDOBNY FOND 8588006417197 (Barcode: 8588006417197) ~ SLOVAKIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is the debut album by young Slovak pianist / composer Ludo KotlarFind albums by this artist, recorded with his trio: Polish bassist Tymon TrabczynskiFind albums by this artist and already established Slovak drummer Marian SevcikFind albums by this artist. Slovak trumpeter Lukas OravecFind albums by this artist and American (Born in London) saxophonist Wayne EscofferyFind albums by this artist guest on four tracks, transforming the classic trio into a classic quintet. The album presents eight compositions, five of which are original compositions by Kotlar, two are by Oravec and one is a standard. The music is all melodic mainstream Jazz, with solid compositions but very little challenge as far innovation and contribution to the idiom is concerned. The way the music is performed is also very conventional and although highly professional, it lacks inspiration or flair. The album is very similar to thousands of American mainstream Jazz albums, which were all made as if from one mold. The music lacks any European aesthetic or Folkloristic influences, and is therefore just a copy of the American tradition, which stopped developing since the days of Bebop. The individual statements by the musicians are all flawless of course and Kotlar plays very well technically, but lacks originality. Of course this is just my opinion and many mainstream Jazz lovers could probably enjoy this album immensely. For me it is all just déjà vu.

Updated: 10/04/2018Posted: 10/04/2018

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HANA SEBESTOVA ~ UTAJENA MUSIC FUND SLOVAKIA 8588006417036 (Barcode: 8588006417036) ~ SLOVAKIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is the debut album by Slovak vocalist / songwriter Hana SebestovaFind albums by this artist, on which she presents ten of her original songs (music and lyrics) and one standard, sung, except for the standard and the opening and closing songs, in her native Slovak language. She is accompanied by an excellent team of musicians, which includes brass and string sections in addition to the core group which features keyboardist Lubos SramekFind albums by this artist, who was also in charge of the arrangements, guitarist Matus JakabcicFind albums by this artist, flautist Barbora KolarovaFind albums by this artist, bassists Tomas BarosFind albums by this artist or Juraj GriglakFind albums by this artist and drummer Marian SevcikFind albums by this artist. American pianist Kevin HaysFind albums by this artist appears as a guest star singing on the last track. The album is nothing short of a double triumph for Sebestova, as she shines both as a songwriter and a vocalist. The music is a great collection of superbly crafted new original songs, which are all as good as anything on the standards list. Diverse stylistically (Blues / Soul / Jazz) and wonderfully melodic, these songs are simply irresistible. Sebestova´s decision to stick to her native tongue saved her from the embarrassment caused by non-native English speakers singing in English, which sadly are almost always catastrophic. The three songs she does sing in English find her definitely up to the task, but thankfully they are a minority. Although her vocal range is not exceptional, she uses her voice wisely and intelligently, inserting vocalese and other vocal theatrics occasionally, which turn this album into a most entertaining affair. She was also extremely lucky to assemble such a stellar team of musicians to accompany her. Sramek´s piano playing and his arrangements are absolutely brilliant and have a major influence on the overall result of this album. But all the other musicians are also beyond reproach and contribute amicably. Overall this is a stunning and most impressive debut and a vocal Jazz album I have personally enjoyed like nothing similar in a very long time. In many respects this album should be studied by the aspiring young Jazz vocalist, who are about to record their debut albums. Well done Milady!

Updated: 24/02/2017Posted: 24/02/2017

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