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  | BEATA HLAVENKOVA ~ JOY FOR JOEL
ANIMAL MUSIC 011 (Barcode: 8594155997930) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009
This is the 3rd album by Czech Jazz pianist / vocalist / composer Beata HlavenkovaFind albums by this artist, which she recorded in the US with Canadian trumpeter Ingrid JensenFind albums by this artist and American musicians: saxophonist Rich PerryFind albums by this artist, pedal steel guitarist Dave EasleyFind albums by this artist, Australian (resident in US) bassist Matt ClohesyFind albums by this artist and drummer Jon WikanFind albums by this artist. Czech vocalist Lenka DusilovaFind albums by this artist adds vocalese on two tracks. The album presents nine tracks, all of which are original compositions by Hlavenkova, arranged by her. The album was mixed by Milan CimfeFind albums by this artist, and offers, as always, a splendid sound quality.
The music is wonderfully melodic and lyrical, and the arrangements make a perfect use of the small ensemble, which offers excellent soli and coherent performances all the way through. The vocal parts, or more correctly vocalese, are treated as another instrument and enhance the aural effect in a most appropriate way.
Despite the presence of American musicians, the album offers a distinctly European ambience and feel, which of course is one of its many charms. I have been quite taken by surprise by the fact that I completely missed Hlavenkova’s presence on the Czech Jazz scene up until now, and I am happy this has been now remedied by her, by sending me some of her albums.
Overall, this is a truly beautiful and musically perfectly balanced and refined album, which I have missed at the time of its release. Elegantly packaged and released on my favorite Czech records label, Animal MusicFind albums on this label, run by Petr OstrouchovFind albums by this artist, it is now a proud part of my collection. Thank you Beata, for the initiative to contact me and of course for the wonderful music!
| | Updated: 21/03/2026Posted: 21/03/2026 | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
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