Record Reviews

NIKOL BOKOVA ~ EXPEDITION SOLEIL ET PLUIE 1005 (Barcode: 8785260881669) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is the 6th album by Czech pianist / composer / bandleader Nikol BokovaFind albums by this artist, recorded with her quartet, which includes guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, bassist Martin KocianFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal WierzgonFind albums by this artist. Norwegian trumpeter Gunnar HalleFind albums by this artist guests on a couple of tracks and the sound engineer Jan Bok ValaFind albums by this artist adds some electronics. The album presents nine tracks, all original compositions by Bokova. Bokova continues her “expedition” into various musical universes, this time travelling the furthest from her Classical Music sources, into somewhat ambient vistas, with a set of beautiful compositions, which she weaves splendidly. The sound is more electric than on any of her earlier albums, and even some electronic soundscapes are mixed within the fabric of the music, creating a completely new visage of Bokova. Although obviously the leader behind the music, Bokova steps back as far as soloing is concerned, which is put into the capable hands of Doruzka, who proves again to be one of the most versatile and capable European Jazz guitarist around. His resourcefulness and talent are simply amazing and slowly he managed to create a unique sound and style, which is immediately recognizable. Of course the rest of the team is also brilliant, with Bokova’s clever, soulful and delicate piano parts and superbly crafted rhythm section parts, which comply superbly with the music, which results in a final effect way more than just a sum of its parts. Even the trumpet solos on the two tracks suit the music perfectly with their Nordic atmosphere. Overall, this is a beautiful album, full of deeply melodic tunes, perfectly crafted, and brilliantly executed by a well-chosen team of excellent musicians. I can’t imagine any true lover of sophisticated music not falling in love with this music instantly. The only “snag” is that the album lasts only for slightly over half an hour, and when it ends one longs for more… But good things come in small helpings! Congratulations are in order for another brilliant album, and Bokova’s productivity seems to have no limits. Thank you for the music, my Friend!

Updated: 23/08/2024Posted: 23/08/2024

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NIKOL BOKOVA ~ HER COUNTRY SOLEIL ET PLUIE 1006 (Barcode: 788364844064) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Classical Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024 This is the 7th album by Czech pianist / composer Nikol BokovaFind albums by this artist, which takes her back to her Classical Music roots. The album was recorded with the Baborak EnsembleFind albums by this artist, which includes a string section expanded by several additional instruments and mezzo-soprano singer Bella AdamovaFind albums by this artist, conducted by French Horn player / conductor Radek BaborakFind albums by this artist. The music is a six-part cycle / tone poem, composed by Bokova and with lyrics on two of the cycle’s parts by her and her husband Jan Bok ValaFind albums by this artist. The music celebrates the 200th Birthday Anniversary of the Czech national composer Bedrich SmetanaFind albums by this artist, with elements of his compositions being an inspiration to some of the cycle’s parts, but Bokova also mentions other more recent influences behind the music, like the fate of Czech politician Milada HorakovaFind albums by this artist, a victim of a judicial murder by the Communist party and a national hero, as well as Bokova’s family history. The music is an interesting amalgam of typical 19th Century Classical Music elements, like Romanticism and Revolutionary / Nationalistic movements, with more modern elements, especially noticeable in the orchestration and less strict tonal and structural limitations. The overall result is moving and beautifully melodic, which makes it accessible to a wide range of listeners, not necessarily only Classical Music connoisseurs. It is great to see Bokova returning to her musical roots with love and an open mind. It is extremely difficult to be innovative within Classical Music, which has half a Millennium of traditions and rules, which made it more rigid and obstructive than other Art Forms. Bokova proposes here a wonderful balance between the tradition and innovation. Overall, this is quite an unusual piece of music, which might require a while to get acquainted with, but once embraced offers a truly delightful musical experience, assuming the listener is able to “let go” of what he considers as “proper” Classical Music, and just opens his heart. A glass of good wine might be of help. Thank you for the music Milady!

Updated: 28/01/2025Posted: 28/01/2025

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