Record Reviews

LACO DECZI / CELLULA NEW YORK ~ GADULA ISLAND ARTA 10102 (Barcode: 8595017410222) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 Released: 2000 This is a great album by the Czech trumpeter / composer / bandleader Laco DecziFind albums by this artist, recorded with his US quartet, which also includes keyboardist Bryan CharetteFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve ClarckFind albums by this artist and drummer Andrea ValentiniFind albums by this artist. Deczi, who´s been active on the local scene since the 1960s, is one of the veterans of Czech Jazz and has recorded many excellent albums over the years. This recording presents ten original compositions, seven by Deczi and three by other band members. The music is fresh and quite superb, performed excellently by the quartet. Deczi´s trumpet still sounds strong and remarkably articulate and he´s losing nothing of his virtuosity over time. His lyricism is especially apparent in the ballads, but even in up-tempo pieces his playing is quite remarkable. There are very few contemporary trumpeters with a tone that comes even close to his. For trumpet lover this album is a true gem, which will give them many unexpected surprises, all for the good of course. Although quite mainstream and conventional, this is excellent intelligent Jazz, of the highest quality, which should gratify every Jazz lover. Recommended!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

RAFI GINAT ~ EYE LEVEL TAV 8 (Barcode: 7290012387944) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 Israeli TV personality Rafi GinatFind albums by this artist, blessed with a deep bass voice, dreamt for many years to record an album with the American band Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist. Fond of the great brass arrangements, for which the band is famous, Ginat finally managed to make his dream come true. He invited current Blood, Sweat & Tears members (bassist Gary FooteFind albums by this artist, drummer Andrea ValentiniFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Steve JankowskiFind albums by this artist, trombonist Jens WendelboeFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Ken GioffreFind albums by this artist) to Israel and the recorded a dozen songs, nine of which are standards sung in English and three are Israeli songs sung in Hebrew. The music is beautifully arranged and preformed by the guest musicians with some help from local musicians: guitarist Avi SingoldaFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Gil FeldmanFind albums by this artist, who is also responsible for the arrangements. Although not a professional vocalist, Ginat tries his best and compensates for the lack of vocal flexibility by his highly developed musicality. The brass arrangements are of course absolutely brilliant and this album should be of interest to the many Blood, Sweat & Tears fans around the world!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend