Record Reviews

MARCEL BARTA ~ EPISODES FROM THE SPINNING BALL ANIMAL MUSIC 142 (Barcode: 8594211850636) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2025 Released: 2025 This is an album by Czech Jazz saxophonist / composer Marcel BartaFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quintet, which includes trombonist Stepan JanousekFind albums by this artist, pianist Vojtech ProchazkaFind albums by this artist, bassist Milos KlapsteFind albums by this artist and drummer Jan ChalupaFind albums by this artist and the Prague Radio Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Bastien StilFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks, which are parts of a suite composed, arranged and orchestrated by Barta. The album was recorded live during the premiere concert performance of the music. It offers exceptional sound quality, which seems to be always the case by Animal MusicFind albums on this label releases. Barta has been active on the local Jazz scene since several years as a member of a number of leading Czech Jazz ensembles, like VertigoFind albums by this artist and recorded with Stepanka BalcarovaFind albums by this artist, David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, Jaromir HonzakFind albums by this artist and others. This is his debut album as a leader. The music is quite a unique amalgam of Jazz and Symphonic music, which is completely integrated with the quintet’s performances, often creating a “wall of sound” effect and acting as imaginary gigantic instrument, which turns the quintet into a “virtual sextet”. This level and sophistication of the integration between the orchestra and the quintet is truly exceptional. The music is based on strictly melodic themes, but there is plenty of instrumental improvisation by the quintet members, all of which are highly skilled and potent musicians. The music flows much like a cinematic score, which might have been an illustration to imaginary scenes, which inspired the musical stream. Overall, this is a highly successful Fusion of Jazz and Orchestral music, which is aesthetically coherent and adventurous at the same time. The music keeps the listener completely enthralled, unable to guess what will come next, which of course is exactly what every composer wishes for. A remarkable debut indeed!

Updated: 29/12/2025Posted: 29/12/2025

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend