Record Reviews

KORJEN ~ SABUR NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 8595026641853) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 2014 - 2018 Released: 2019 This is the delightful debut album by the international (based in the Czech Republic) ensemble KorjenFind albums by this artist (root in English, what else), which is a sextet comprised of three female vocalist: Aida MujacicFind albums by this artist from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ewa ZurakowskaFind albums by this artist from Poland and Svetlana SarkisjanFind albums by this artist from Slovakia (they also play keyboards and Jew´s harp), who are accompanied by a Czech instrumental trio: guitarist Marek NovotnyFind albums by this artist, bassist Milan MiksicekFind albums by this artist and drummer Jan SiklFind albums by this artist. Polish multi-instrumentalist Lukasz SabatFind albums by this artist guests on the record adding his ornamentations. The album presents highly unique and innovative arrangements of fifteen Folk songs originating from many different countries / regions, such as Poland, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Armenia, Kosovo and many others, which are sung in many languages. The original Folklore roots of these songs are preserved in the vocal parts but the instrumental accompaniment transforms them into completely contemporary environment mixing the Folk with highly energetic Rock and Jazz, which results in a wonderful musical tapestry. The delicate and tricky balance between the two seemingly separate worlds is perfectly achieved here, creating a piece of acoustic Art of rare quality. The three vocalists use their individual voices and complex vocal harmonies to create a "wall of sound" effect, which stand shoulder to shoulder with the heavier Rocky instrumental parts, but sound as effective when delicate balladry and melancholic misery of wounded hearts is in the epicenter of the subject matter. The instrumentalists act in perfect harmony with the vocal parts, challenging but not dominating the proceedings. This album is a superb example of how music can cross language barriers and cultural roots differences, forming a perfect unity. It shows that love´s heartbreaks are wrenching regardless of what language or rhythmic pattern they are expressed in. Happiness and suffering are universal human expressions, and they find their way into music ignoring geography and nationality. It also offers a treasure chest of cultural / musical delights, exquisitely put together, and perfectly performed, which should delight every true music connoisseur. One can only hope that the next album will take less time to put together, and not keep us in suspense. This album is surely just a taste what these wonderfully talented musicians are capable of, so please give us more! Well done Ladies and Gentlemen – way beyond the call of duty and right into the heart!

Updated: 17/11/2019Posted: 17/11/2019

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

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

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend