Record Reviews

JAZZ Q ~ ZIVI SE DIVI GAD 010 (Barcode: 5901549197105) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1975 Released: 2013 This is a real treat! The Czechoslovak band Jazz QFind albums by this artist was always one of my favorites since the time they first arrived on the scene in the early 1970 and I loved their albums to bits. The band epitomized the Eastern European Jazz-Rock Fusion better than any other singular band of their time and had absolutely no competition, neither in their own country nor in any other Eastern European countries, although the competition was very fierce with some excellent Polish, Hungarian and other local bands. A few years ago the Czech SupraphonFind albums on this label label (which was a State monopoly during the Socialist regime when the group was active) released a wonderful Box Set, which included all the albums and some additional material Jazz Q recorded for the label. Those eight CDs spun on my player for weeks on end and I was blissfully happy to have the "complete" Jazz Q legacy at my disposal. But as we all know, nothing is ever truly "complete" as this CD proves and a beautiful piece of the puzzle was missing for all these years, now available at last. Jazz Q were unique in every respect; the founder and principal composer keyboardist Martin KratochvilFind albums by this artist was an absolute genius, light-years ahead of everything that what was happening on the East European Fusion scene at the time and a musician that could easily stand shoulder to shoulder with the top movers and shakers of the worldwide Fusion scene, including the John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist´s Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which was the model for his band. Kratochvil skillfully surrounded himself with other brilliant players, such as the ones appearing on this album: guitarist Frantisek FranclFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / violinist Jan MartinecFind albums by this artist, bassist Premysl FauknerFind albums by this artist and drummer Libor LaunFind albums by this artist. The band also featured the female vocalist (and Francl´s wife at the time) Joan DugganFind albums by this artist. All these musicians were virtuosi players, as is plainly evident to anyone listening to this album, and they were an ideal vehicle to present Kratochvil´s extraordinary music, which was often devilishly clever and complex. This live recording presents Jazz Q performing nine pieces, five of which are Kratochvil´s original composition, one is credited to the entire band and the remaining ones are composed by Eddie HarrisFind albums by this artist, Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist and John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist respectively, which is hardly surprising again as these the names associated with Fusion at the time. All these composition receive as extended treatment, which allow lengthy improvisations by the principal soloists (guitar, keyboards and violin), which are all breathtaking. The music lost absolutely nothing of its vitality, sophistication and honesty over the years and emphasizes the fact that music of such quality is almost never played today, a sad reflection of our times. If it was in my power, I´d make this album an obligatory part of every musical curriculum, hoping that it would open some people´s eyes and make them see the difference between senseless doodling and real music. Although criminally overdue, this is nevertheless a wonderful breath of fresh (albeit actually only well preserved) air, which makes life worth living.

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

GUSTAV BROM ~ POLYMELOMODUS GAD 032 (Barcode: 5901549197402) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1976 Released: 2015 This is a reissue of the cult album by the Czech arranger / bandleader Gustav BromFind albums by this artist and his Orchestra, released originally in Czechoslovakia in 1977 by the state owned SupraphonFind albums on this label label. During the post-WWII Socialist Era, the Gustav Brom OrchestraFind albums by this artist was the only Big Band from behind the Iron Curtain, which was known in the West and was considered to be one of the top Big Bands in the world. One of the characteristics of the Brom leadership was the fact that the orchestra performed mainly original compositions by the orchestra members. This album includes six pieces, five of which are original compositions by the orchestra members and one is an arrangement of a Steely DanFind albums by this artist song. This is the first time this album is available on CD and it includes one alternate take as a bonus track. The music is a remarkable amalgam of the Big Band sound with Jazz-Rock and Funk genres, which were popular at the time. Very few traditional Big Bands attempted to tackle the influx of new musical directions and therefore this album is so unique in its openness and forward thinking. The original music played by the orchestra is absolutely stunning, combining high-quality melodic themes with brilliant Big Band arrangements and superb execution by the orchestra members, which were all top Czechoslovak Jazz musicians active at the time. It´s remarkable how fresh and contemporary this album sounds today, losing absolutely nothing of its original charm and quality. Some of the Jazz-Rock arrangements present here are supreme classics of the Brass-Rock idiom. Considering the fact that Big Bands are a dying breed today, it´s so great to be able to listen to this marvel again and perhaps learn from it. This is another superb project by the excellent GADFind albums on this label Records label, which consistently earns a reputation of one of the most important reissue specialist labels in the world, under the leadership of the label owner Michal WilczynskiFind albums by this artist. Absolutely wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 23/02/2016Posted: 23/02/2016

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

JIRI STIVIN ~ FIVE HITS IN A ROW GAD 080 (Barcode: 5903068120060) ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1971 - 1972 Released: 2018 This is a long overdue reissue of the legendary album by the Czech Jazz flautist / saxophonist / composer / bandleader Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist, recorded with an international quintet which included Polish violinist Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, American (living in Europe) bassist Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist and Czech guitarist Rudolf DasekFind albums by this artist and drummers Josef VejvodaFind albums by this artist or Milan VitochFind albums by this artist. The original album presented five original compositions, with the title track being a five part suite. All the music was composed by Stivin, except one piece composed by Phillips. This remastered and expanded edition adds four bonus tracks, which originate from an earlier album by Stivin (only side A of an LP), recorded a year earlier and featuring a trio with bassist Petr MarcolFind albums by this artist and drummer Milan Vitoch. The music is a pinnacle of early Easter European Free Jazz, which flourished behind the Iron Curtain, mostly in Poland but also in Czechoslovakia and GDR (East Germany). Stylistically the music is very similar to the British Free Jazz scene at the time; ferocious, uncompromising and totally committed. All the participants were great pioneers of modern European Jazz and their contribution to the genre is of course invaluable. The fact that such advanced and free spirited music was recorded and released by the Czechoslovak state record label SupraphonFind albums on this label is one of the many miracles that characterize the Jazz scene behind the Iron Curtain and can be understand only by the cognoscenti of that subject. The fact remains that Free Jazz flourished under the Socialist Regime and the albums recorded at the time are some of the best representations of the genre ever created. As usual, kudos to the Polish GADFind albums on this label Records label for bringing this wonderful music back into circulation. Eastern European Jazz connoisseurs will find this album truly amazing and the younger generations are able to test the phrase "nihil sub sole novum" when they approach Free Jazz and Improvised Music recordings. Overall this is a must have for all collectors and fans of East European Jazz recorded behind the Iron Curtain, as well as connoisseurs of Free Jazz, who wish to study the sources of the genre!

Updated: 07/08/2018Posted: 07/08/2018

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SBB ~ SBB (WOLANIE O BRZEK SZKLA) GAD 096 (Barcode: 5903068120367) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1977 Released: 2019 This is a reissue of the album recorded by the iconic Polish Prog / Fusion group SBBFind albums by this artist (bassist / keyboardist / composer / leader Jozef SkrzekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy PiotrowskiFind albums by this artist) in Czechoslovakia and released on Czechoslovak market in 1978. The group´s fame and following easily crossed the border between Poland and the neighboring Czechoslovakia and the local state owned SupraphonFind albums on this label Records label was keen to have their albums released on the local market. Initially licensing Polish releases was planned, buy eventually an original product won over and was released in 1978. The original LP presented just two extended tracks, both being almost 20 minutes long suites composed by Skrzek and including lyrics by Julian MatejFind albums by this artist. This reissue adds as bonus tracks both sides of a single (with two short tracks) released before the album was released. The music is a continuation of the concepts that clarified during the creation of the first four quintessential albums recorded by the group in Poland. They were successfully merging several quite distinct musical directions: Progressive Rock epic compositions including several discrete themes, Fusion based instrumental improvisations and Ambient explorations emphasized by the growing interest in electronic music by their leader. To a careful listener the entire approach was running slightly out of steam and the patterns started to repeat themselves, and as a result the group was unable to achieve the same amount of excitement and exhilarating intensity on studio albums as those existing during their live performances. The basic power trio format was being replaced by a myriad of synthesizers and the wonderful talent of Anthimos was being pushed aside. Although SBB were enjoying an enormous peak of popularity, their music was slowly becoming stagnant, a phenomenon that sadly was the curse of most Prog and Fusion bands over time. Having said that, this is still a great album and an enjoyable, even exciting listening experience, which did not loose much of its impact in the decades that followed. It was certainly every inch as advanced musically as anything created west of the Iron Curtain, and in many cases probably more exciting overall. Although this album was already reissued several times before, those reissues tend to sell out rather rapidly and it´s good to see it available again, at least for a while. Classic Prog / Fusion stuff indeed!

Updated: 08/03/2020Posted: 07/03/2020

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

JAZZ Q ~ HVEZDON (ASTEROID) (EXPANDED EDITION) GAD 119 (Barcode: 5903068120756) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1979 - 1982 Released: 2020 This is a reissue of the 7th and last album by the original incarnation of the seminal Jazz QFind albums by this artist ensemble, founded and led by keyboardist / composer Martin KratochvilFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded by a quartet version of the ensemble, which also included guitarist Frantisek FranclFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Vit MusilFind albums by this artist and drummer Pavol KozmaFind albums by this artist. Three additional musicians took part on selected tracks. All the music was composed by Kratochvil, with one track co-credited to all four members of the ensemble. The music was recorded in 1981 but released on LP by SupraphonFind albums on this label only three years later, in 1984. This remastered and expanded version of the album includes an entire second CD of bonus material, presenting twenty-one tracks of alternate versions and other recordings made between 1979 and 1982 by the same lineup. It will take over three decades of waiting for the next Jazz Q album to be recorded. Kratochvil, who was also heavily involved in composing and recording music for the Czechoslovak film industry, was recording the music in his own studio and managed to produce vast amounts of material, which he used "interchangeably" between his Jazz Q activities and his cinematic creations, which resulted in versions of the same compositions appearing in both idioms, which is reflected on this album. The music is, as always with Kratochvil´s work, absolutely brilliant. Although dominated by his keyboards, there is plenty of space left for some blood-curdling guitar work by Francl and superb bass playing by Musil, who left Czechoslovakia for Western Europe and was accordingly omitted from the artwork´s credits on the original release. The Jazz Q material firmly belongs to the finest Eastern European Jazz-Rock Fusion material ever recorded, which sounds today every bit as brilliant as it did at the time it was created. The incredible reissues by GADFind albums on this label Records bring this legacy back to life and give an opportunity to younger generation of music lovers to get familiar with these treasures. Overall this is an absolute must for all Fusion lovers the world over, but lovers of Jazz created behind the iron curtain should find this especially interesting. Not to be missed!

Updated: 13/01/2025Posted: 15/09/2020

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

JAZZ Q ~ HODOKVAS (FEAST) (EXPANDED EDITION) GAD 198 (Barcode: 5903068122972) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1978 - 1980 Released: 2022 This is a reissue of the 6th album by the original incarnation of the seminal Czechoslovak Jazz QFind albums by this artist ensemble, founded and led by keyboardist / composer Martin KratochvilFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded by a quartet version of the ensemble, which also included guitarist Frantisek FranclFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Vladimir PadrunekFind albums by this artist and drummer Pavel TrnavskyFind albums by this artist. Two additional musicians took part on selected tracks. All the music was composed by Kratochvil. The music was recorded in 1979 and released on LP by SupraphonFind albums on this label the following year, in 1980. This remastered and expanded version of the album includes an entire second CD of bonus material, presenting twenty tracks of studio and live recordings made between 1978 and early 1980s, mostly by the same lineup and all but two previously unreleased. As usual with GADFind albums on this label releases, the album includes informative in-depth (bi-lingual) liner notes, photographs and detailed information about dates and places of recording. The music is, as always with Kratochvil´s work, absolutely brilliant. Although dominated by his keyboards, there is plenty of space left for some blood-curdling guitar work by Francl and superb rhythm section work by Padrunek, and the new drummer Trnavsky, which gave the group a much sharper / Rocky feel and sound than ever before. Francl and Padrunek both rejoined the group, having earlier played on the album “SymbiosisFind albums with this title”. The compositions are amongst the finest ever of all Kratochvil’s legacy, realized after crystalizing his experiences as the leader / composer of the group’s material since its inception, and he is one the greatest musical tension builders, as reflected by his hypnotic compositions, which the group performs exquisitely. The Jazz Q material firmly belongs to the finest Eastern European Jazz-Rock Fusion material ever recorded, which sounds today every bit as brilliant as it did at the time it was created. The incredible reissues by GAD Records bring this legacy back to life and give an opportunity to younger generation of music lovers to get familiar with these treasures. Overall this is an absolute must for all Fusion lovers the world over, but lovers of Jazz created behind the iron curtain should find this especially interesting. Not to be missed!

Updated: 13/01/2025Posted: 02/05/2022

CD 2 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

JAZZ Q ~ ZVESTI (TIDINGS) (EXPANDED EDITION) GAD 283 (Barcode: 5903068125218) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1974 - 1978 Released: 2024 This is a reissue of the 5th album by the original incarnation of the seminal Czechoslovak Jazz QFind albums by this artist ensemble, founded and led by keyboardist / composer Martin KratochvilFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded by a quartet version of the ensemble, which also included guitarist Lubos AndrstFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Premysl FauknerFind albums by this artist and drummer Jaromir HelesicFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Jan MartinecFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The album presents eight tracks, all original compositions by Kratochvil. The music was recorded in 1977 and released on LP by SupraphonFind albums on this label in 1979. This remastered and expanded edition of the album includes an entire second CD of bonus material, presenting nineteen tracks of studio recordings made between 1974 and 1978, by various lineups, all but two previously unreleased, including two lengthy suites, eleven-part and four-part respectively. As usual with GADFind albums on this label releases, the album includes informative in-depth (bi-lingual) liner notes, photographs and detailed information about dates and places of recording. The music is, as always with Kratochvil´s work, absolutely brilliant. Although dominated by his keyboards, which include newly available synthesizers, there is plenty of space left for some blood-curdling guitar work by Andrst and superb rhythm section work by Faukner, and the new drummer Helesic. The compositions are amongst the finest ever of all Kratochvil’s legacy, realized after crystalizing his experiences as the leader / composer of the group’s material since its inception, and he is one the greatest musical tension builders, as reflected by his hypnotic compositions, which the group performs exquisitely. The music was strongly influenced by Kratochvil’s stay at the Berklee Collage of Music in Boston, where he was exposed to the then current American Fusion influences. The Jazz Q material firmly belongs to the finest Eastern European Jazz-Rock Fusion material ever recorded, which sounds today every bit as brilliant as it did at the time it was created. The incredible reissues by GAD Records bring this legacy back to life and give an opportunity to younger generation of music lovers to get familiar with these treasures. Overall, this is an absolute must for all Fusion lovers the world over, but lovers of Jazz created behind the iron curtain should find this especially interesting. Not to be missed!

Updated: 13/01/2025Posted: 13/01/2025

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential 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 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: 04/06/2020Posted: 04/06/2020

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ADAM MAKOWICZ ~ WINTER FLOWERS GOWI 02 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1977 Released: 1993 This is a reissue of a solo piano album by the brilliant Polish Jazz pianist / composer Adam MakowiczFind albums by this artist, which was originally recorded in Czechoslovakia and released on the SupraphonFind albums on this label label. It was the third solo piano album by Makowicz (see "Live EmbersFind albums with this title" and "Piano Vistas UnlimitedFind albums with this title" recorded earlier), recorded shortly before he left for the US, where he recorded his first American album, also solo piano, and entitled simply "AdamFind albums with this title". Both these albums were released more or less in parallel. This album presents ten original compositions by Makowicz. Several tunes on this album were also recorded for the US album, some under different names, which included in addition to Makowicz originals also five standards. Makowicz was one of the very few Polish Jazz musicians that managed to establish a solid career in the US and lived there for many years, before moving to Canada. His technical brilliance and extensive Classical Music background allowed him to establish a concert pianist career. He was banned in Poland after moving to the US and the ban was lifted only after the fall of the Socialist regime, but this Czechoslovak album was available during that dark period. Makowicz is known for his love and interpretation of the music of Frederic ChopinFind albums by this artist and his original music bears Chopin´s influence almost in every aspect: melodically, harmonically and lyrically. One might speculate that if Chopin would have lived in our times, his music might have sounded very similar to that of Makowicz. In the US Makowicz was often compared to Art TatumFind albums by this artist and Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist, but honestly these comparisons are quite inappropriate, as Tatum and Peterson might have been symbols of piano playing technique but did not possess the European idiosyncrasies that only European born musicians are blessed with. In retrospect this album lost nothing of its charm and elegance and personally is still my favorite Makowicz album, perhaps because it is entirely based on his original music. A classic Jazz piano album and a must for all fans of Polish Jazz of course!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ PIANO JAZZ IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA JAZZHUS 7643 (Barcode: 4714816786435) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 - 1967 Released: 2012 This is a reissue / remaster of an album originally released by the Czechoslovak SupraphonFind albums on this label label in 1968. It presents six Czech and Slovak pianists, who shaped the Czechoslovak Jazz scene in the 1960s: Jan HammerFind albums by this artist (before he left for the US), Ladislav GerhardtFind albums by this artist, Rudolf RoklFind albums by this artist, Josef BlahaFind albums by this artist, Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist and Ludek SvabenskyFind albums by this artist. Each of them presents two tracks, recorded in a classic piano trio format, except Rokl, who presents just one track (together eleven tracks). The Ruzicka tracks are recorded in a quartet setting. The music is a mixture of original compositions and Jazz standards. All the tracks were recorded in 1967, except the Rokl track, recorded in 1965. The original album was produced and includes liner notes by my dear late Friend Antonin MatznerFind albums by this artist. The remastered edition offers brilliant sound quality, considering the music was recorded almost sixty years ago. The music is a splendid document of the incredibly high level of the Eastern European Jazz scene behind the Iron Curtain, at that time. Czechoslovak Jazz musicians were producing brilliant albums, which still sound incredible today and every bit as advanced musically as anything happening on the Western side of Europe, being an integral part of the exploding European Jazz emancipation. The musicians featured here were to produce many more excellent recordings in the future as leaders or members of other ensembles. Overall, this is a brilliant time capsule, which offers a unique glimpse on the Czechoslovak Jazz scene at the time. Considering that these tracks were recorded spatially for this compilation, this album is a must for collectors of East European Jazz albums and of course Jazz piano trio lovers :)

Updated: 14/12/2024Posted: 14/12/2024

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

LACO DECZI / ZDENEK DVORAK ~ DUO SUPRAPHON 5450 (Barcode: 099925545024) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1080 - 1981 Released: 2003 This is the only album recorded by the wonderful Czechoslovak duo of trumpeter / composer Laco DecziFind albums by this artist and guitarist / composer Zdenek DvorakFind albums by this artist. This remarkably bold statement by such an unusual pairing of instruments is one of my favorite East European Jazz recordings and a superb example of how advanced and pioneering Jazz often was there. This reissue comprises of the LP the duo recorded in 1981 (seven tracks) and an earlier EP (four tracks), all beautifully remastered and sounding just spectacular. Of all the tracks only two are standards and all the others are original by Deczi and Dvorak. The music is simply outstanding, contemplative and full of wonderful spaces and incredible soloing as well as two-way playing. Deczi has an incredible tone, rarely paralleled by others and Dvorak´s highly complex phrasing is simply astounding. Together they achieve an overall effect, which is much more impressive that the sum of its parts. This music requires attentive listening as there is so much happening herein that it takes a very skilled listener to grasp all the details of the performance. Although basically melodic, there is a lot of freedom and unusual ventures in this music to make it fascinating from start to finish. It is quite possible that for most Jazz listeners this will be one of the most unusual and pleasantly surprising albums they ever came across. This album is a splendid piece of Czechoslovak Jazz history and a most welcome reissue effort, which enables listeners worldwide to get familiar with this obscure treasure. A must to all East European Jazz connoisseurs!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

JAZZ Q ~ JAZZ Q (EXPANDED EDITION BOX SET) SUPRAPHON 5872 (Barcode: 099925587222) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1973 - 1986 Released: 2007 This wonderful reissue Box Set collects all the recordings by the Czechoslovak ensemble Jazz QFind albums by this artist. It is a brilliant document of the music scene, which thrived in Czechoslovakia (and other so-called "Socialist" Eastern European countries behind the Iron Curtain) following the 1968 Prague Spring, cut short by the brutal invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Warsaw Pact armies. Although the liberalization and reform that the Czechoslovak People yearned for was crushed by force and had to wait for two more decades to be finally achieved, the spirit of the Prague Spring lived on in People´s hearts and Arts were one of the areas where these feelings could be manifested, albeit carefully in view of the censorship and persecution. Jazz was an escape route to many Eastern European musicians, as it was tolerated and even supported by the Socialist regime (for reasons, which are beyond the scope of this review) and by the early 1970s many Rock musicians collaborated with their Jazz colleagues in order to avoid the scrutiny, which "decadent" Rock suffered from, in contrast to the relative liberal approach to Jazz. This strengthened the Jazz-Rock movement, which at the time was gaining worldwide popularity, with many Jazz-Rock Fusion ensembles active on the Czech music scene from the early 1970s to mid 1980s, with Jazz Q being the best and most important representative of that phenomenon. It was formed by the legendary keyboardist / composer Martin KratochvilFind albums by this artist and during the decade of its activity included in its ranks a long list of superb Czech musicians, like guitarists Lubos AndrstFind albums by this artist and Frantisek FranclFind albums by this artist, bassists Vladimir PadrunekFind albums by this artist and Premysl FauknerFind albums by this artist, drummers Jaromir HelesicFind albums by this artist and Pavol KozmaFind albums by this artist and many others. The British vocalist Joan DugganFind albums by this artist (wife of Frantisek Francl), who lived in Czechoslovakia at the time was also a member of the group as was the Czech vocalist Jana KoubkovaFind albums by this artist. Kratochvil wrote most of the fantastic music played by Jazz Q, although some of the material came from various band members. In their live performances the ensemble also included standards. This Box Set includes all six studio albums recorded by Jazz Q, an archival live album released only in the 1990s and a whole CD of bonus material. In retrospect this is some of the best Eastern European Jazz-Rock, which should not be missed by any connoisseur of the genre. An essential piece of music history!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

BLUE EFFECT ~ 1969-1989 (EXPANDED EDITION BOX SET) SUPRAPHON 5990 (Barcode: 099925599027) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 - 1989 Released: 2009 This wonderful reissue Box Set collects all the recordings by the legendary Czechoslovak ensemble Blue EffectFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Modry EffectFind albums by this artist). It is a brilliant document of the music scene, which thrived in Czechoslovakia (and other so-called "Socialist" Eastern European countries behind the Iron Curtain) following the 1968 Prague Spring, cut short by the brutal invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Warsaw Pack armies. Although the liberalization and reform that the Czechoslovak People yearned for was crushed by force and had to wait for two more decades to be finally achieved, the spirit of the Prague Spring lived on in People´s hearts and Arts were one of the areas where these feelings could be manifested, albeit carefully in view of the censorship and persecution. Jazz was an escape route to many Eastern European musicians, as it was tolerated and even supported by the Socialist regime (for reasons, which are beyond the scope of this review) and by the early 1970s many Rock musicians collaborated with their Jazz colleagues in order to avoid the scrutiny, which "decadent" Rock suffered from, in contrast to the relative liberal approach to Jazz. This strengthened the Jazz-Rock movement, which at the time was gaining worldwide popularity, with many Jazz-Rock Fusion ensembles active on the Czech music scene from the early 1970s to mid 1980s, with Blue Effect being the best and most important representative of that phenomenon as well as the first Czechoslovak Progressive Rock act. It was formed by guitarist / composer Radim HladikFind albums by this artist, bassist Jiri KozelFind albums by this artist and drummer Vlado CechFind albums by this artist. Both Hladik and Cech remained as the group´s core founding members for the entire duration of their activity. The group was basically a Progressive Rock outfit, but its innovative approach and cooperation with Jazz musicians, like the ensemble Jazz QFind albums by this artist and the Jazz Orchestra Of Czechoslovak Broadcasting CorporationFind albums by this artist were revolutionary at the time and way ahead of their time. This Box Set includes all eight studio albums recorded by Blue Effect and a whole CD of bonus material, which includes an EP, singles and other bonus tracks. In retrospect this is some of the best Eastern European Jazz-Rock / Prog, which should not be missed by any connoisseur of the genre. An essential piece of music history!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 9 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

EMIL VIKLICKY ~ WINDOW & DOOR SUPRAPHON 6064 (Barcode: 099925606428) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1979 Released: 2012 This long overdue reissue finally brings back to life the sessions recorded by the Czech pianist / composer Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist with three American musicians: guitarist Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist, bassist Kermit DriscollFind albums by this artist and drummer Vinton JohnsonFind albums by this artist. Czech violinist Jan BeranekFind albums by this artist guests on one track. Viklicky got to know these musicians during his stint at the Berklee Collage of music in Boston and invited them over for the June 1979 session, which was quite an extraordinary event on the Czechoslovak scene during the Socialist times. Of the fourteen tracks recorded during these sessions, eight were released as the LP "WindowFind albums with this title" a year later, five as the A-side of the LP "DoorFind albums with this title" in 1985 and the last remained unreleased until 1997. Twelve of the tracks were composed by Viklicky and one each by Driscoll and Frisell. The music is a Jazz-Rock-Funk Fusion voyage, with Viklicky playing electric keyboards. The rapport between these musicians is truly extraordinary and the resulting music still keeps the listener twitching involuntarily in his shoes. Viklicky´s compositions are brilliant as always, and the Funky rhythms don´t conceal his unusual melodic approach. Frisell fans will find this early recording also very interesting, as he was still in the stage of developing his unique playing technique. This music remains as relevant, as it was at the time of the recording and in retrospect it was remarkably advanced and quite ahead of its time. Of the countless Fusion recordings made in the 1970s and since, this music is one of the few examples of unique identity, which did not blend into the background. It should be quite a revelation for a new generation of listeners exposed to it for the first time, over three decades after it was recorded, as well as those Fusion lovers who think they have already heard it all. I enjoy it now as much as I did the first time around, hoping more people will discover it themselves. A must for every Fusion connoisseur!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

EMIL VIKLICKY ~ IN HOLOMOC TOWN (EXPANDED EDITION) SUPRAPHON 6089 (Barcode: 099925608927) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 1977 - 1984 Released: 2012 This long overdue reissue presents the debut album recorded by the Czech pianist / composer Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist, who in time became one of the leading Jazz (and not only) musicians in his country. It includes nine original compositions by Viklicky and is performed by a splendid quintet, which also includes violinist Jan BeranekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Lubos AndrstFind albums by this artist, bassist Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist and drummer Milan VitochFind albums by this artist, who played with Viklicky previously in such groups like the Fusion ensemble EnergitFind albums by this artist or the legendary SHQFind albums by this artist ensemble led by Karel VelebnyFind albums by this artist. The music is truly remarkable and beautifully crafted, combining many different influences but being predominantly Viklicky´s own creation. Although incorporating the Jazz tradition, it is very European in every respect: the melodic lyricism, the usage of Folk motifs and Classical harmonies and the sophisticated chord changes. In retrospect it is even more remarkable considering fresh it sounds today, 35 years later, losing nothing of its charm and elegance. The performances are also extraordinary: Viklicky´s virtuosity as a pianist was already an established fact by the time this album was recorded, but his partners, and especially the brilliant Uhlir, match his abilities perfectly. I distinctly remember listening to this album when it was first released, which was quite a revelation. Both Viklicky and Uhlir remain among my favorite musicians to this very day, and I owe them many happy musical moments. The album was released at the time in two versions; one for the local Czechoslovak market (with the original title) and one for export with an alternative title: "The Folk-Inspired Jazz PianoFind albums with this title". The State-owned Supraphon label, which at the time was a controlled and censored monopoly, emphasized the Folk influence (in this case Moravian Folk music), which was a very old trick used in all East European countries during the Socialist regime, to enable Jazz albums to be recorded under the pretext of preserving National cultural heritage. In retrospect (again) whatever the excuse, the music was recorded for posterity and music lovers are able to enjoy it again. This expanded edition adds to the original contents of the album five solo piano pieces recorded in 1984, which constitute a Suite for piano, originally released as the B-side of the LP "DoorFind albums with this title" (see also the recently reissued album "Window & DoorFind albums with this title"). This is a beautiful, sensitive, delightful album, which should be enjoyed by as many Jazz connoisseurs as possible. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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