Record Reviews
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  | BEREZA & KOTLAR PROJECT ~ PERSONAL PREFERENCES
HLAVA XXII ~ SLOVAKIA ~ Smooth Jazz
Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024
This is a debut album by Slovak quartet Bereza & Kotlar ProjectFind albums by this artist, co-led by guitarist Pavol BerezaFind albums by this artist and pianist Ludovit KotlarFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Ludo KotlarFind albums by this artist), with bass guitarist Robert VizvariFind albums by this artist and drummer Juraj RasiFind albums by this artist. A couple of guest musicians and a string quartet guest on selected tracks. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which are original compositions, four by Bereza and three by Kotlar, and one is an arrangement of a Slovak Folk song.
The music is highly melodic, based on solid composed themes, which are often melancholic and somewhat sentimental. The compositions are delicately arranged and include some World Music and Classic Music influences, but also some Fusiony and Bluesy tendencies.
Both Bereza and Kotlar are experienced musicians and their instrumental abilities are beyond reproach, as are those by the guest artists, which ensures that the music is a very pleasant and highly entertaining listening experience. There is, however, limited effort to take risks or innovate.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable affair, bordering on high-class Smooth Jazz, which should be suitable for a wide range of music lovers, not necessarily from the strict Jazz circles. It seems to be ideal for relaxation and good time, and I certainly had fun listening to this album.
| | Updated: 17/11/2025Posted: 17/11/2025 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | LUDO KOTLAR ~ HANGIN`
HUDOBNY FOND 8588006417197 (Barcode: 8588006417197) ~ SLOVAKIA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017
This is the debut album by young Slovak pianist / composer Ludo KotlarFind albums by this artist, recorded with his trio: Polish bassist Tymon TrabczynskiFind albums by this artist and already established Slovak drummer Marian SevcikFind albums by this artist. Slovak trumpeter Lukas OravecFind albums by this artist and American (Born in London) saxophonist Wayne EscofferyFind albums by this artist guest on four tracks, transforming the classic trio into a classic quintet. The album presents eight compositions, five of which are original compositions by Kotlar, two are by Oravec and one is a standard.
The music is all melodic mainstream Jazz, with solid compositions but very little challenge as far innovation and contribution to the idiom is concerned. The way the music is performed is also very conventional and although highly professional, it lacks inspiration or flair. The album is very similar to thousands of American mainstream Jazz albums, which were all made as if from one mold. The music lacks any European aesthetic or Folkloristic influences, and is therefore just a copy of the American tradition, which stopped developing since the days of Bebop.
The individual statements by the musicians are all flawless of course and Kotlar plays very well technically, but lacks originality. Of course this is just my opinion and many mainstream Jazz lovers could probably enjoy this album immensely. For me it is all just déjà vu.
| | Updated: 10/04/2018Posted: 10/04/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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