Record Reviews

MAREK NOVOTNY CROSSOVER SEXTET ~ UPROSTRED CASU GALEN 24 244 (Barcode: 8594042902672) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024 This is an album by Czech pianist / composer / bandleader Marek NovotnyFind albums by this artist, recorded with his CrossOver SextetFind albums by this artist, which also includes vocalist Josefina CermakovaFind albums by this artist, violinist Pavel HralaFind albums by this artist, cellist Anna KalhausovaFind albums by this artist, bassist Max MakagonovFind albums by this artist and drummer Tomas HobzekFind albums by this artist. Larger ensembles were also involved in the recording, like the CrossOver chamber choir, CrossOver chamber wind ensemble and the CrossOver string quintet, as well as guitarist Libor SmoldasFind albums by this artist on two tracks, which sheds light on the scope and complexity of this project. The album presents twelve tracks, all composed by Novotny, with lyrics (in Czech) by Lucie VojtkovaFind albums by this artist, except one track, which is a William ShakespeareFind albums by this artist sonnet and the final track, which is an instrumental. The album offers superb sound quality, despite the density of the vocal and instrumental contents. The entire project is obviously a song cycle, which combines elements of Jazz and Classical Music, as well as Folkloristic influences od Czech / East European lyricism and melancholy, which dominate both the melodic / harmonic framework of his compositions, and the aesthetics of the entire project. The music is exquisitely put together, arranged and performed by the excellent team of musicians and singers, so good in fact, that the Czech lyrics are not an obstacle to listeners not familiar with the language and are able to enjoy the album in full. Although the music is kept closer to the lighter, somewhat Pop oriented outline, it loses nothing of its depth and complexity, which proves the excellent arranging skills of Novotny, who manages to keep the music bouncy and uncluttered, despite its multilayered complexity and depth, and as such acceptable to a large audience. In many respects, the entire concept / production / recording work behind this album are a true school examples of the artistry behind recording industry, which could be studied by people, who intend to work in that area. Hats off! Overall, this is a delightful piece of music and a sublime album, which brings a smile to every listener, who is able to appreciate the talent and professionalism behind the album’s production. Congratulations to all the people involved and to the Czech GalenFind albums on this label Records, who are a true champion of great music originating in the Czech Republic.

Updated: 12/04/2025Posted: 12/04/2025

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