Record Reviews

MILAN SVOBODA ~ JAZZ AT PRAGUE CASTLE MULTISONIC 310835 (Barcode: 741941083522) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 This is an album by Czech pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Milan SvobodaFind albums by this artist, recorded live at the Prague Castle with his sextet, which also includes some of the best local Jazz musicians: trumpeter Michal GeraFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Milan KrajicFind albums by this artist, trombonist Premek TomsicekFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Filip SpalenyFind albums by this artist and drummer Ivan AudesFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, two of which are original compositions by Svoboda and six are Jazz standards. As usual the music is preceded by a spoken introduction delivered by Czech President (at the time) Vaclav KlausFind albums by this artist. The music is all strictly within mainstream Jazz tradition, emphasizing the love of the genre by Czech Jazz musicians, and their masterly playing technique, which is every bit as sparkling as what can be heard across the pond. Svoboda, mostly recognized by his activity with Big Bands and orchestras, is also a Master of the small ensembles, but this recording portrays him as an excellent pianist and arranger. In the truly amicable atmosphere at the Prague Castle, the sextet is able to unwind and play a great set, with the joy of music making at the helm. Everybody has plenty of opportunity to solo and the sextet sound is absolutely perfect. The great sound quality of the recording is also an asset, which turns the music into e perfectly enjoyable listening experience, from start to finish. Overall, this is another great addition to the series of albums recorded at the Prague Castle and a nice showcase of Svoboda’s many talents, which are always worth following. Side Note This album is a part of the “Jazz Na Hrade (Jazz At Prague Castle)” series, released by the Czech MultisonicFind albums on this label label, which presents live recordings performed at various locations inside the charming Prague Castle, now the residence of the President of the Czech Republic. The series was initiated in 2004 by President Vaclav KlausFind albums by this artist, who often introduces the players himself on these albums, and symbolizes the respect and love of all things Cultural by the Czech People, including Jazz of course.

Updated: 18/03/2022Posted: 18/03/2022

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

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

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend