Record Reviews

JIRI STIVIN ~ ZVEROKRUH (ZODIAC) GALEN 25 264 (Barcode: 8594042902948) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1976 Released: 2025 This is a reissue of an album by Czech saxophonist / flautist / composer / bandleader Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist, recorded with Slovak pianist Gabriel JonasFind albums by this artist, the Kuhn Mixed ChoirFind albums by this artist and the Talich String QuartetFind albums by this artist. The album presents two four part suites, entitled “The Elements” and “Moods” and the piece, which gave the album its title, together nine tracks, all composed by Stivin. Stivin performs on a plethora of instruments, in addition to the usual flutes and saxophones. As usual for the Czechoslovak period, the original album was released in two versions, one for the local market, with texts in Czech language and the other for export, with texts in English, hence the “double” title. The music is a brilliant amalgam of Jazz and contemporary Classical Music elements, which features Stivin’s virtuosic instrumental performances and his highly original, quirky compositions, which are instantly recognizable by music connoisseurs familiar with his work. Stivin used to create cross-genre projects from the very early days of his career, and was always a true Master of minimalism, as this album perfectly demonstrates. Stivin’s performances are multitracked, which allows to create an orchestral effect, despite the fact that he is playing all the instruments, except keyboards. Overall, this is another superb release by the GalenFind albums on this label label, which continues to bring back to life Czech music treasures, which disappeared from the shelves decades ago, but are not forgotten by Czech music lovers, likes yours truly. This is a true gem in every respect and deserves to be heard by every true music lover. Side Note The Czech publishing house and record label GalenFind albums on this label, run by Lubomir HoudekFind albums by this artist, is another player on the local scene, reissuing historical recordings from the deep vaults of the SupraphonFind albums on this label / PantonFind albums on this label labels, supported by the Czech Ministry of Culture. This commendable initiative is a wonderful example of the preservation of Cultural heritage. Hopefully the label's future releases will include information in English in the album's booklets, so that Jazz enthusiasts around the world might be allowed to share the knowledge. For more reissues of Czechoslovak Jazz (and Rock) see also the releases by Indies Happy TrailsFind albums on this label Records.

Updated: 14/03/2026Posted: 14/03/2026

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EMIL VIKLICKY ~ HOMAGE TO JOAN MIRO SUPRAPHON 11 0763 (Barcode: 8596911076323) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Pop-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1987 Released: 1989 This is a beautiful album by the Czech pianist / composer / bandleader Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet format with saxophonist Frantisek KopFind albums by this artist, bassist Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist and Slovak drummer Cyril ZelenakFind albums by this artist. The Talich String QuartetFind albums by this artist accompanies the quartet on the three-part suite, dedicated to the great Spanish / Catalan painter / sculptor Joan MiroFind albums by this artist. In addition to the suite, the album presents five tracks of quartet performances. All the music was composed by Viklicky, except one track composed by Uhlir and another by Czech bassist / composer Petr KorinekFind albums by this artist. It was Viklicky’s 4th album for the state owned (at the time) SupraphonFind albums on this label label. It was produced by my Friend Antonin MatznerFind albums by this artist, now sadly departed. In addition to the obvious Classical elements involved in the music presented here, there are also many references to Czech Folklore, which is almost an omnipresent component of Viklicky’s music over time. The wonderful amalgam of all these influences and the modern Jazz approach produce a powerful impression on the listener and results in a timeless masterpiece, which sounds today as fresh as it did when first released. I have not heard this album since it was first released and managed to find a copy in a Prague second hand CD shop during my recent visit in town, which makes me very happy. In retrospect, the album is a great document of Eastern European Jazz in the late 1980s, which were a troubled time, but also full of hope for a great change, which was forthcoming. I recall my visit in Czechoslovakia and the meeting with future President Vaclav HavelFind albums by this artist, during his 1989 imprisonment, which made a great impression on me at the time. Those were certainly interesting times and the Czech music scene was bubbling with invention and new discoveries, which is perfectly reflected in the music on this album and many other albums recorded around this period. Of course the musicianship and the quality of the compositions are all superb, and as already mentioned, lost nothing of its great vigor and intellectual quality. Although seemingly quite “tamed”, the music is full of surprises, twists and turns and farsighted innovation, which spark with talent and a great love of the Jazz idiom. Overall, this is a beautiful album in every respect, a true classic full of great melodies, perfect swing and aesthetic, innovative Jazz Classical Fusion, all wrapped in an irresistible package. It is definitely worthy of an honorable place in any serious Jazz albums collection and a must for East European Jazz enthusiasts.

Updated: 22/08/2025Posted: 22/08/2025

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