Adam Baruch - The Soundtrack Of My Life

Record Reviews

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KAREL RUZICKA ~ KAREL RUZICKA + 9
GALEN 19 144 (Barcode: 8594042901538) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2019

This is a reissue of the superb debut album by the Czech keyboardist / composer / bandleader Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist, recorded with nine additional top Czech musicians active at the time: flautists / saxophonists Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist and Jiri ValekFind albums by this artist, trombonists Svatopluk KosvanecFind albums by this artist and Zdenek PulecFind albums by this artist, French horn player Milos PetrFind albums by this artist, tuba player Petr FleischerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Rudolf DasekFind albums by this artist, bassist Petr KorinekFind albums by this artist and drummer Josef VejvodaFind albums by this artist. Together they play nine original compositions four composed by Ruzicka, two each by Valek and Dasek and one by Vejvoda.

The music is all mainstream Jazz oriented, based on melodic compositions and wonderfully arranged for the large ensemble. It swings brilliantly and showcases the individual musicians soloing extensively. Ruzicka plays piano and organ with the same proficiency and effectiveness. One of the tracks is a beautiful quartet piece (flute / guitar / bass / percussion), which offers a haunting melody line and typical Eastern European melancholy, being one of the highlights of the album.

Ruzicka recorded many wonderful albums which followed this debut and was an important figure on the Czech scene until his death in 2016. This album is an important part of his recorded legacy and reflects the excellent level of Jazz that flourished behind the Iron Curtain. This remastered edition is the first time this album appears on CD and it is great to see it back in circulation.

For the followers of East European Jazz scene this is a highly recommended piece of the puzzle, worth investigating.

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: 09/06/2020Posted: 09/06/2020

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JIRI STIVIN & PIERRE FAVRE ~ VYLETY (EXCURSIONS)
GALEN 19 145 (Barcode: 8594042901545) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2019

This is a reissue of the extraordinary debut album by the Improvised Music duo comprising of Czech flautist / saxophonist / composer Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist and Swiss drummer / composer Pierre FavreFind albums by this artist. Released originally as a double LP set, it finds the two musicians improvising live using a plethora of instruments and producing over eighty minutes of music, based on pre-conceived themes, but mostly spontaneously created on the fly. Vocalist Pavel KuhnFind albums by this artist adds some occasional vocal parts. The music is collected into four suite-like pieces, each split into tracks (9 / 7 / 3 and 5 respectively), but which are basically musical continuums. It is credited partly collectively to the two musicians and partly to Stivin. This remastered edition on a 2CD album, available on CD for the first time, offers wonderful sound quality and clarity, which is crucial for these delicate sonic vistas. The booklet is bi-lingual this time!

It retrospect it is quite astounding to find this kind of music being created and even more so released by a state owned label behind the Iron Curtain, which at the time (late 1970s) was still deeply under the stern censorship of the Socialist regime. Stivin obviously had a very special status on the local scene, but the capricious behavior of the overseers could never be predicted. A participation of a World Class partner obviously was a part of the equation.

The performances portray the incredible abilities of both musicians as well as their telepathic cooperation. Fellow musicians often jokingly told that Stivin could produce a sound from anything that could be blown into and apparently the same can be told about Favre as far as beating on things is concerned. The sounds they are able to produce and combine are simply magical. Astonishingly the music is completely embracing and accessible and as far as Improvised Music is concerned it is not only pioneering but also incredibly contemporary, in spite of the fact that it is over four decades old. It lost absolutely nothing of its fascination and beauty over time and it´s great to have this gem back in circulation!

Overall this is an important piece of the musical puzzle of East European Jazz and a significant historical document of the Czech scene, which is surely worth investigating. For Improvised Music connoisseurs and lovers of East European Jazz this album is an absolute must!

Side Note

Updated: 05/06/2020Posted: 05/06/2020

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JANA KOUBKOVA ~ BOSA
GALEN 19 148 (Barcode: 8594042901576) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1985 Released: 2019

This is a reissue of a wonderful album by Czech Jazz vocalist Jana KoubkovaFind albums by this artist, which is basically a solo vocal recording using multi-tracked voice and a plethora of magnificent vocalese paraphernalia, with a limited instrumental accompaniment supplied mainly by percussion Master Alan VitousFind albums by this artist (yes the brother of Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist) and involving also pianists Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist and Zdenek KalhousFind albums by this artist, bassists Alexej CharvatFind albums by this artist and Vit FialaFind albums by this artist and a few others playing percussion instruments as well as a chorus adding "background noises". The album presents seven original compositions by Koubkova and a medley of songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim, which is the title track. This remastered edition offers superb sound quality.

The music is an absolute revelation, showing the infinite musical potential achievable by using the human voice in an instrumental capacity. Obviously somewhat similar to the work by other Jazz vocalist exploring this direction like Urszula DudziakFind albums by this artist, Lauren NewtonFind albums by this artist and others, Koubkova´s approach is unique in many ways, not only because of the use of percussion accompaniment but also vocally and conceptually. It is perhaps less Avant-Garde oriented than what the a.m. vocalists demonstrated and more melodic, but surely not less challenging or innovative.

This album is an important instructional tool for contemporary young Jazz vocalists, who sadly rarely take a step beyond the beaten tracks of standard vocal approach, repeating the tradition ad nauseam rather than exploring new possibilities. It appears that there is much to be learned from the past.

The album also demonstrates the incredibly high level of musicianship behind the Iron Curtain, which despite the hardships of censorship and political domination of the Socialist regime managed to flourish, often not less impressively then what was happening in the West. Czechoslovakia and Poland led the evolution / revolution of the European Jazz idiom in Eastern Europe and produced a monumental body of recorded music over time, and contained to do so after the liberation from the Socialist shackles, with a vengeance.

Side Note

Updated: 01/06/2020Posted: 01/06/2020

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MIRKA KRIVANKOVA / JIRI STIVIN ~ ZRCADLENI (REFLECTIONS)
GALEN 19 149 (Barcode: 8594042901583) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Avant-Garde Jazz
Recorded: 1982 - 1984 Released: 2019

This is a reissue of the wonderful debut album by the Czech vocalist Mirka KrivankovaFind albums by this artist recorded with a trio led by flautist / saxophonist / composer Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist with bassist Ondrej SoukupFind albums by this artist and drummer Alan VitousFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions, all by Stivin.

The musical approach of this album is completely innovative, treating the vocals as an instrument and finds Krivankova performing wordless vocalese and improvising vis-à-vis Stivin or soloing, supported amicably by the rhythm section. Although based on pre-composed sketches, the music is mostly freely improvised and very open, both harmonically and rhythmically. Each side of the original LP combines five pieces into a two cycles titled "Odrazy (Reflections)" and "Doteky (Contacts)" respectively, which refer to the different moods prevailing on each side.

Krivankova debuted as vocalist with the Fusion group Ch.A.S.A.Find albums by this artist and her vocal performances with that group were already quite extraordinary almost a decade before this album was recorded. With time her vocals became more refined and minimalist, and clearly more Avant-Garde oriented, as this album perfectly reflects. She remains stylistically close to the early work by Polish vocalist Urszula DudziakFind albums by this artist.

Of course Stivin is clearly the musical instigator and anchor of this music, being way more than a faithful companion to Krivankova but rather a fully equal partner behind this album. His wonderful performances on a plethora of instruments, each ideally suited to the mood of every specific piece are masterly worked out. Soukup and Vitous also contribute their individual input with elegance and grace. The overall effect of party composed and partly Improvised Music is absolutely enchanting.

Overall this is an important piece of the musical puzzle of East European Jazz and a significant historical document of the Czech scene, which is surely worth investigating. For Improvised Music connoisseurs and lovers of East European Jazz this album is an absolute must!

Side Note

Updated: 07/06/2020Posted: 07/06/2020

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

GUSTAV BROM ~ JAZZ
GALEN 19 157 (Barcode: 8594042901668) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1963 - 1965 Released: 2019

This is a reissue of the sensational debut album by Czech Jazz arranger / bandleader Gustav BromFind albums by this artist, who headed for five decades one the most renowned and highly regarded Jazz Orchestras / Big Bands in the world. This album, originally released in 1965, presents five (one a three-part suite) original compositions by musicians from his orchestra (two by trumpeter Jaromir HnilickaFind albums by this artist, and one each by saxophonist Josef AudesFind albums by this artist, pianist Oldrich BlachaFind albums by this artist and bassist Milan Rezabek)Find albums by this artist, one composition by the legendary modern Czech composer Pavel BlatnyFind albums by this artist and one arrangement (by saxophonist Zdenek NovakFind albums by this artist) of a standard by Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist. This remastered edition offers a crystal clear sound quality and preserves the specific ambience of the original recording.

It is almost impossible to believe that this music was recorded fifty-five years ago, as the music is so incredibly advanced and sophisticated in comparison to contemporary orchestral Jazz and light years ahead of what other Jazz orchestras around the world were playing at the time this music was recoded behind the Iron Curtain.

The influence of Gunther SchullerFind albums by this artist´s "Third Stream" is especially obvious on the Blatny´s piece, but also resonates in the other pieces, as do Cool Jazz and the entire American West Coast ambience, but again only lurking somewhere in the background rather than being copied or mimicked. Brom manages to create his very own atmosphere, basically his very own unique statement.

The level of the technical proficiency of the orchestra members is no less astounding, and easily matches that of players across the European divide as well as across the pond. The same easily applies to the arrangements and the overall orchestra sound.

Brom and his Orchestra managed to record a string of highly successful albums, all of which are warmly recommended, especially those which feature his cooperation with the Polish composer Jerzy MilianFind albums by this artist, but this iconic album, available here on CD for the first time, is a true gem of special significance.

For connoisseurs of Orchestral / Big Band Jazz this album is an absolute must and a wonderful example of the European Jazz idiosyncrasy.

Side Note

Updated: 02/06/2020Posted: 02/06/2020

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

PRAGUE BIG BAND ~ PODOBIZNA (PORTRAIT)
GALEN 19 158 (Barcode: 8594042901675) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2019

This is a reissue of the superb debut album by the Prague Big BandFind albums by this artist, founded in 1974 and led to this day by Czech pianist / arranger / composer / bandleader Milan SvobodaFind albums by this artist. At the time this album was recorded the Big Band included some of the most prominent Czech Jazz musicians active on the local scene, including flautist / saxophonist Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Michal GeraFind albums by this artist, trombonist Bohuslav VolfFind albums by this artist, pianist Michael KocabFind albums by this artist and many others. The album presents six original compositions (one being a three-part suite), two composed by Svoboda and one each by Volf, Gera, Kocab and Stivin. This remastered edition offers a splendid sound quality and preserves the ambience of the original recording.

Although the Big Band was initially set up according to the mold created by the American Big Band tradition, it soon changed to reflect more of the East European Jazz spirit, reflected best by the original compositions by the leader and other members of the Big Band, as well as the as the impending changes within the Jazz idiom, as reflected on this album.

Before the "Velvet Revolution" Svoboda and his Prague Big Band managed to record two more excellent albums for the state owned SupraphonFind albums on this label label: "ReminiscencesFind albums with this title" and "Poste RestanteFind albums with this title" and the live Big Band album "GeminiFind albums with this title" recorded in the US, as well as the excellent album "InterJazz 5Find albums with this title" recorded with The Czech / Polish Big BandFind albums by this artist, which featured an absolute dreamy lineup. Later on more Big Band recordings followed.

Svoboda and his Prague Big Band managed to record a string of highly successful albums, all of which are warmly recommended, but this iconic album, available here on CD for the first time, is a true gem of special significance.

For connoisseurs of Orchestral / Big Band Jazz this album is an absolute must and a wonderful example of the European Jazz idiosyncrasy.

Side Note

Updated: 04/06/2020Posted: 04/06/2020

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

PRAGUE SUPER QUARTET ~ LIVE
GALEN 20 172 (Barcode: 8594042901842) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2020

This is an archival live album by a quartet comprising of top Czech Jazz musicians, collectively called Prague Super QuartetFind albums by this artist, which includes saxophonist / flautist Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist (born 1942), pianist Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist (born 1948), bassist Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist (born 1950) and drummer Josef VejvodaFind albums by this artist (born 1945). The album presents eight tracks, five of which are Jazz standards and three are arrangements of Czech Folk songs.

The music is all within mainstream Jazz format, and the main reason for the existence of the quartet is to enable the four Godfathers of Czech Jazz to combine forces and display their experience and extraordinary abilities. Therefore, there are few surprises here, just excellent straightforward Jazz performed by top musicians. Of course Stivin’s flute playing is always extraordinary, as is Viklicky’s lyricism, Uhlir’s virtuosity and Vejvoda’s superb sense of rhythm. It goes without saying that these Czech musicians can play as well as any of their counterparts across the pond, which has of course already been proven countless times.

Overall, this is an excellent mainstream Jazz effort, which should satisfy Jazz lovers across the globe, and perhaps convince some listeners, who never came across Czech Jazz earlier, to look for more music originating in that country, including that played by younger generations.

Side Note

Updated: 19/02/2025Posted: 19/02/2025

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

MILAN SVOBODA / PRAGUE BIG BAND ~ SWINGING HAT
GALEN 21 185 (Barcode: 8594042901989) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021

This is the fourteenth album by Czech pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Milan SvobodaFind albums by this artist and his Prague Big BandFind albums by this artist, which he first founded in 1974 and led and conducted ever since. Generations of Czech Jazz musician appeared over the time as members of the Big Band, as well as many guests from abroad. The Big Band plays almost exclusively original compositions by Svoboda. This album presents six original compositions, loosely inspired by the work of Czech composer Jaroslav JezekFind albums by this artist, who was one of the early Czech Jazz precursors in the early 20th Century, and an important composer for theatrical plays.

Although initially based on the American Big Band model, the Prague Big Band soon became one of the most progressive European Big Bands, moving toward more adventurous arrangements and even somewhat Avant-Garde approach, similar to what the Austrian Vienna Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist was doing at the time. Later on the style changed again returning to more “conventional” sound, but always brilliantly fresh and innovative. Svoboda’s compositions for the Big Band are wonderful examples of European Jazz, which incorporates many European cultural influences, including Folklore and Classical Music inspirations. His brilliant arrangements emphasize the Big Band orchestral sound, with less prominence of soloing and more focus on ensemble performance.

For connoisseurs of early Jazz, Svoboda brilliantly incorporates vivid examples of Hot and Swing within the collage of his arrangements, which pay tribute to the original compositions by Jezek, but brings them up to date with Funk and other contemporary musical influences, creating a perfect cross-genre amalgam, which keeps the tradition alive and at the same time shows it timeless / everlasting values.

I have known Milan and his music for the last five decades and he never created music which was not worthy of admiration and respect, and he obviously does not mean to change now. Since we were born only a few days apart, hearing this music makes me feel young and help to forget our age – obviously the creativity is not gone yet.

Thanks for the music and the vision my Friend - Swinging Hat(s) off!

Updated: 29/07/2021Posted: 29/07/2021

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

VIKLICKY / BUKOVSKY / MACKEY ~ WANGARATTA
GALEN 21 186 (Barcode: 8594042902016) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2021

This is an album by a trio consisting of Czech pianist / composer Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist, Czech (living in Australia) trumpeter / composer Miroslav BukovskyFind albums by this artist and Australian saxophonist John MackeyFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live during a festival held in the Australian town of Wangaratta, hence the title. The album presents seven tracks, two originals each by Viklicky and Bukovsky, and two Folk tunes and one Classical piece arranged by Viklicky. Despite being a live recording, the album offers a superb sound quality and separation, which enables the listener to enjoy all the intricate nuances.

The music is all within the modern mainstream Jazz idiom, but the wonderfully melodic compositions and the Folklore / Classical references / influences add multiple layers of complexity and as a result the music offers a highly coherent continuum, which is an uplifting listening experience, beautifully put together and masterly executed.

The highly unusual instrumentation the trio, which is playing without a rhythm section, is obviously challenging and demanding. The three players must work together closely to balance out the delicate structures they create on the fly, which they manage to do splendidly. Viklicky is constantly changing the role form accompanist to soloist, which of course he also manages seamlessly thanks to his enormous experience and great talent behind him.

Overall this is one of those albums that you don’t expect to turn out to be as good as they really are. The minimalism of it and the obvious respect, spontaneity and intimacy between these players manages to do the charm needed to make the music really special. On the other hand, in so many years since I have known Emil, I have never been let down by his musical magic, so I am not really surprised this album is as good as it is. Wholeheartedly recommended and thank you for the music my Friend!

Updated: 01/08/2021Posted: 01/08/2021

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

GERA BAND ~ FATA MORGANA
GALEN 21 190 (Barcode: 8594042902054) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1985 Released: 2021

This is a reissue / remaster of the debut album by the Czechoslovak quartet Gera BandFind albums by this artist, led by trumpeter Michal GeraFind albums by this artist, which also included saxophonist Vaclav BratrychFind albums by this artist, bassist Vit SvecFind albums by this artist and drummer Jaromir HelesicFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, all of which are original compositions by Gera.

Gera was active on the Czechoslovak Jazz scene since the mid-1970s, as a member of the excellent Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble ImpulsFind albums by this artist, the Prague Big BandFind albums by this artist and other formations. He took part in many collaborations with pianist / composer Milan SvobodaFind albums by this artist, which are also documented on albums. Gera Band released two more albums later on. His trumpet was surely one of the most distinctive voices of the local scene.

The music is an excellent example of the versatility and musical excellence of the Czechoslovak scene, which was up to date with the musical developments happening beyond the Iron Curtain and across the pond.

Overall, this is a most welcome reissue of material that tends to get forgotten over time, but is definitely worth being remembered. As usual the GalenFind albums on this label label does an excellent job in preserving the tradition, saving music treasure from oblivion.

Side Note

Updated: 07/03/2025Posted: 07/03/2025

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend