Record Reviews

PETER HERBOLZHEIMER ~ SUNSHINE AND BOSSA NOVA HGBS 20017 (Barcode: 4050486049877) ~ GERMANY ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1970 - 2006 Released: 2011 This is an expanded reissue / remaster of the live 2LP album by the German (born in Romania) trombonist / arranger / bandleader / composer Peter HerbolzheimerFind albums by this artist and his Big Band called Rhythm Combination & BrassFind albums by this artist, called “My Kind Of SunshineFind albums with this title”, recorded in 1970 and 1971 and originally released on the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label in 1972. The Big Band included many top European Jazz players and Americans resident in Europe at the time, such as Dusko GoykovichFind albums by this artist, Ack van RooyenFind albums by this artist, Palle MikkelborgFind albums by this artist, Art FarmerFind albums by this artist, Herb GellerFind albums by this artist, Niels-Henning Orsted PedersenFind albums by this artist and many others. The original album presented nine lengthy tracks, mostly composed by Herbolzheimer. This album adds nine additional tracks recorded in 2005 and 2006 by the BuJazzOFind albums by this artist (German Youth Jazz Orchestra, founded and led for many years by Herbolzheimer), presenting their program “40 Years Bossa Nova”. Herbolzheimer’s arrangements are absolutely brilliant and offer a superb amalgam of Jazz, Rock and Latin rhythms, with excellent soloing by the band’s members. It is one of the best examples of the diverse Big Band / Orchestral Jazz European scene. The German tradition of Jazz Big Bands is splendidly continued by the BuJazzO, which produced next generations of local Jazz musicians. Overall, this is a wonderful album of European Big Band Jazz, presenting both a reissue of a superb and very rare album from the 1970s and a showcase of the new generation playing Big Band Jazz in the same tradition.

Updated: 25/08/2025Posted: 25/08/2025

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FRANTISEK UHLIR ~ FRANTISEK UHLIR TRIO MULTISONIC 310694 (Barcode: 741941069427) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 This album presents a live recording by a trio led by the great Czech bassist / composer Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist, which also includes the Croatian guitarist Darko JurkovicFind albums by this artist and veteran Czech drummer Jaromir HelesicFind albums by this artist. The trio performs four original compositions, two each by Uhlir and Jurkovic. On four additional tracks the trio is expanded into a quartet with the addition of the veteran Serbian trumpeter Dusko GoykovichFind albums by this artist and plays standards. The trio is an intimate opportunity to develop high level of dialogue between the players and this is exactly what the first four tracks emphasize. Jurkovic has a brilliant technique and superb sense of melody, with his notes cascading and sparkling brilliantly. Uhlir, as usual, provides the perfect canvas, which holds the music together. His tone and precision are second to none. Helesic is ideal for this setting, with his delicate yet firm grip of the often complex rhythmic structures. Once the trumpeter joins the trio, the mood changes and becomes more vibrant and swinging. In spite of his advanced age Goykovich still manages to produce a perfect delivery, as if untouched by time. Decades of experience gained by playing with the best Jazz bands around the world are clearly evident. Overall this is a perfect Jazz album, which should keep any Jazz lover anywhere on this planet happy. Recommended! Side Note This album is a part of the “Jazz Na Hrade (Jazz At Prague Castle)” series, released by the Czech MultisonicFind albums on this label label, which presents live recordings performed at various locations inside the charming Prague Castle, now the residence of the President of the Czech Republic. The series was initiated in 2004 by President Vaclav KlausFind albums by this artist, who often introduces the players himself on these albums, and symbolizes the respect and love of all things Cultural by the Czech People, including Jazz of course.

Updated: 16/03/2022Posted:

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