Record Reviews

ZLATKO KAUCIC ~ EMOTIONAL PLAYGROUNDS IKTIUS 519 (Barcode: 8016540051923) ~ SLOVENIA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1997 Released: 1998 This is an album by Slovenian Jazz drummer / composer Zlatko KaucicFind albums by this artist, recorded with a British / Italian team, which includes trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Gianluigi TrovesiFind albums by this artist and bassist Paolino Dalla PortaFind albums by this artist. Pianist Bruno CesselliFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The Mixed Choir of Slovenian Radio and TVFind albums by this artist also takes part in the recording. The album presents seven tracks, three of which are arrangements of traditional Folk songs and four are original compositions by Kaucic. The music is a beautiful amalgam of modern European Jazz and Folklore (mostly Balkan), splendidly put together and arranged by Kaucic, and superbly played by this excellent team. The extended compositions develop slowly and offer emotional swings and tempi changes, as well as open improvisations and dramatic statements by the choir, in short quite an eventful journey. The two quintet tracks are more mainstream oriented and the excellent piano playing by Cesselli sets an almost romantic mood. For the many Wheeler followers, he can be heard playing some marvelous trumpet parts here, easily comparable to his best work on more renowned albums. Sadly, this gem is almost completely obscure and does not appear in most of his discographies. I was very lucky to get it from Kenny’s private collection. Overall, this is an excellent Jazz-World Fusion album, performed by some of the best European Jazz improvisers. Released by a small Italian record label this album disappeared from the surface, but is absolutely worth digging for, not only for the great contributions by Kenny Wheeler, but no less importantly for the splendid musical concept and superb performances by the entire team.

Updated: 26/03/2023Posted: 26/03/2023

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