Record Reviews

EMIL VIKLICKY ~ `ROUND MIDNIGHT ARTA 10020 ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 1991 Released: 1991 This delightful album presents a meeting between two generations of Czech Jazz musicians - the veterans: leader / pianist / composer Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist and drummer Josef VejvodaFind albums by this artist and the upcoming younger players: trumpeter Juraj BartosFind albums by this artist and bassist Robert BalzarFind albums by this artist. Despite the age / experience differences, the quartet functions splendidly as a unit and the music it produces is absolutely enchanting from start to finish. Viklicky and Vejvoda share common background as cohorts of the Karel VelebnyFind albums by this artist stable, playing in the past in his legendary SHQFind albums by this artist ensemble. Velebny, who served in the role of the legendary Godfather of post-WWII Czechoslovak Jazz, was almost singlehandedly responsible for creating the Jazz scene and educating the first generation of players. By the time this album was recorded, Viklicky already established his position as a pillar of the Czech Jazz scene, winning international acclaim both as a player and a composer. His unique lyricism and unusually delicate touch make him one of the top world players, a fact which becomes evident immediately upon listening to any music he creates. In this relatively unusual quartet setting (sax-less quartet) he shares the solo duties with the young trumpeter, who is up to the challenge on every front. Both his tone and articulation are heartwarming and beautiful, eschewing any kitschy excursion, which so often plague trumpet players. The rhythm section is also perfect for the job, with elegant bass lines and just the right emphasis from the drums, when needed. These four players are simply in a perfect unison all the way through. The material includes three standards, two of which are beautiful readings of Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist compositions, and seven originals, three of which are by Viklicky. Overall this is a perfect Jazz album, well within the tradition and yet interesting and challenging enough to keep the listener enchanted at all times. Brilliant stuff!

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