Record Reviews

EMIL VIKLICKY ~ ZA HORAMA, ZA LESAMA… (BEYOND THE MOUNTAINS, BEYOND THE WOODS) SUPRAPHONE 6909 (Barcode: 099925690922) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1989 Released: 2023 This is a reissue / remaster of a wonderful album by the Czech pianist / composer / bandleader Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with bassist Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist and Slovak drummer Cyril ZelenakFind albums by this artist. Several guest musicians participate on selected tracks, including violinist Jiri PavlicaFind albums by this artist, who co-arranged three of the tracks and a couple of vocalists. The album presents ten tracks, one of which is an original composition by Viklicky and the rest are arrangements of Czech Folk songs. The album was recorded during the dramatic period shortly before the Velvet Revolution, which freed Czechoslovakia from the iron grip of Soviet domination. In these troubled days playing Jazz, and even more so getting Jazz recorded, was not something that could be achieved easily. One of the cunning ways to do so was using a disguise, often hiding Jazz behind Folk music – a “trick” used countless times by Jazz musicians living behind the Iron Curtain. Some of such Jazz-Folk Fusions produced often absolutely brilliant music, as this album beautifully demonstrates. It was Viklicky’s 5th album for the state owned (at the time) SupraphonFind albums on this label label. The ingenious arrangements Viklicky applies to the beautiful Folk melodies turn them into heartwrenching, melancholic masterpieces, and the spotless trio performances are classic examples of his virtuosity, fully developed already by that time. Uhlir’s brilliant bass lines offer perfect balance to the magic mixture, and Zelenak’s graceful swing carries the music forward with elegance. This is an enchanted piece of classic Jazz piano trio performance. Just a few days ago I had the immense pleasure of meeting Viklicky and Uhlir together in a Prague Jazz club, where they signed a copy of this album for me. They both released many albums, most of which I proudly own, and our friendship goes many years back. Both seem to be in great form, so I wish them many more years of health and playing as wonderfully as always. Overall, this is a marvelous piece of Czech Jazz, which combines modern Jazz and Czech Folklore in a most satisfactory way imaginable. Great to see this album finally reissued, so grab it if you can.

Updated: 18/08/2025Posted: 18/08/2025

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