Record Reviews

RATKO ZJACA ~ ARCHTOP AVENUE – SOLO GUITAR IN+OUT 77153 (Barcode: 798747715324) ~ CROATIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 This is a solo guitar album by Croatian (resident in Netherlands) Jazz guitarist / composer Ratko ZjacaFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve tracks, three of which are original compositions by Zjaca and the remaining nine are Jazz standards. Each of the tracks was recorded using a different archtop guitar, each built by a different luthier, and the album is obviously as much a tribute to the Art of archtop luthiery, as to the music itself. The naked solo instrumental albums are always a tremendous challenge to any musician, and the courage needed to attempt such projects is often as bold as the talent and performance skills needed to realize them. Zjaca, who is one of the most prolific and busy European Jazz musicians, certainly has all the ingredients needed to undertake a solo guitar recording, backed by his extensive experience, but no less importantly his love of Jazz and the guitar. All of this is immediately apparent when the music start to play… The selection of tunes is certainly another evidence of the fact that this album is a true labor of love. There are no easy pieces here, and the highly individual and non-trivial treatment they receive here is a reflection of Zjaca’s passion. The music often moves away from the familiar melody line and the improvisations float freely, but the music stays coherent and an attentive listener is always able to follow the Artist’s intentions, smiling gently when the music finally returns to the familiar phrases. It will take several repeated listening sessions to discover all the layers of this album, as it is rich in ideas and clever arrangements; a delightful musical experience for sure, for anybody who truly loves Jazz, improvisation and the sweet sound of guitar in the hands of a Master musician. Overall, this is a deeply rewarding listening experience, for all Jazz lovers and certainly for guitar connoisseurs, who will find here a whole world of music, that never stops to amaze. Once you are through with digesting the tunes, you are welcome to compare the intricate sound subtleties between the twelve instruments Zjaca utilizes here. Enjoy the trip!

Updated: 23/10/2023Posted: 23/10/2023

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RATKO ZJACA / NOCTURNAL FOUR ~ LIGHT IN THE WORLD IN+OUT 77143 (Barcode: 798747714327) ~ CROATIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is an album by Croatian guitarist / composer Ratko ZjacaFind albums by this artist and his Nocturnal FourFind albums by this artist quartet, which also features Italian saxophonist Stefano BedettiFind albums by this artist, Slovenian organist Renato ChiccoFind albums by this artist and American drummer John RileyFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Zjaca. The music is melodic mainstream Jazz with a touch of Fusion, very relaxed, laid back and ideal for showcasing the guitar playing abilities of the leader. Bedetti and Chicco add occasional solo parts as well and Riley offers the rhythmic backbone, staying mostly modestly in the background but doing his job perfectly. The compositions are all well structured and interesting, providing the musicians with ample opportunity to show their chops. The arrangements carefully utilize the quartet´s instrumental range, creating a coherent continuity for the entire duration of the album. The guitar / organ collaboration creates a unique and distinctly retro sound, which is very effective and enjoyable and brings fond memories of similar lineups active in the hay days of American Jazz in the 1960s. Overall the album is a feast for guitar oriented mainstream Jazz lovers, which offers highly professional performances, solid compositions and nice atmosphere. This music is accessible to a wide range of Jazz fans and as such should find many supportive listeners among Jazz connoisseurs of all ages. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 31/05/2020Posted: 31/05/2020

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ZZ QUARTET ~ MIDNIGHT IN EUROPE IN+OUT 77145 (Barcode: 798747714525) ~ CROATIA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2019 Released: 2021 This is the third album by the European Jazz ensemble called ZZ QuartetFind albums by this artist, co-led by Croatian guitarist Ratko ZjacaFind albums by this artist and Italian accordionist Simone ZanchiniFind albums by this artist with Macedonian (resident in Germany) bassist Martin GjakonovskiFind albums by this artist and American drummer Adam NussbaumFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live and the album presents nine original compositions, four by Zjaca and five by Zanchini. The music is a wonderful amalgam of Jazz and European Folkloristic themes, excellently put together and brilliantly performed by the quartet. Accordion is of course a very dominant instrument and Zanchini takes the center stage most of the time, which is perfectly fine as his virtuosic delivery is worth every minute of attention. He is full of the Italian lyricism and incredible feel of melody, which many Italian musicians are blessed with. The fourteen minutes long ballad “Frida Is Vanished” is alone worth the price of the album and epitomizes the soulful atmosphere of the music perfectly. Zjaca adds the Jazz element to the music, soloing skillfully and accompanying the accordion amicably in the background. His music is more Blues oriented, adding different accents to the album as a whole and making it more diverse. The rhythm section is also playing impressively, with veteran Nussbaum, who needs no introduction, adding the perfect accents but playing delicately and sparingly. Gjakonovski, one of the rising young European bass stars, delivers everything expected of him. Overall this is an excellent album, full of great music and exciting performances, with a unique sound and atmosphere, which consolidates Jazz with many European cultural elements, mostly of Mediterranean origin. A delightful listening experience!

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

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