8,308 Reviews
1,320 Visits Today
16,316,368 Visits So Far
This site uses
HTML5 & CSS3
We support
Mozilla Firefox
 

Record Reviews

Search

1 Review Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.

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: 01/09/2025CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

This site was designed and developed by Adam Baruch. All content (texts, photographs, graphics, sound files, etc.) on this web site © 2001-2025 Adam Baruch / Jazzis Ltd.