Record Reviews

JIRI STIVIN ~ FIVE HITS IN A ROW GAD 080 (Barcode: 5903068120060) ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1971 - 1972 Released: 2018 This is a long overdue reissue of the legendary album by the Czech Jazz flautist / saxophonist / composer / bandleader Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist, recorded with an international quintet which included Polish violinist Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist, American (living in Europe) bassist Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist and Czech guitarist Rudolf DasekFind albums by this artist and drummers Josef VejvodaFind albums by this artist or Milan VitochFind albums by this artist. The original album presented five original compositions, with the title track being a five part suite. All the music was composed by Stivin, except one piece composed by Phillips. This remastered and expanded edition adds four bonus tracks, which originate from an earlier album by Stivin (only side A of an LP), recorded a year earlier and featuring a trio with bassist Petr MarcolFind albums by this artist and drummer Milan Vitoch. The music is a pinnacle of early Easter European Free Jazz, which flourished behind the Iron Curtain, mostly in Poland but also in Czechoslovakia and GDR (East Germany). Stylistically the music is very similar to the British Free Jazz scene at the time; ferocious, uncompromising and totally committed. All the participants were great pioneers of modern European Jazz and their contribution to the genre is of course invaluable. The fact that such advanced and free spirited music was recorded and released by the Czechoslovak state record label SupraphonFind albums on this label is one of the many miracles that characterize the Jazz scene behind the Iron Curtain and can be understand only by the cognoscenti of that subject. The fact remains that Free Jazz flourished under the Socialist Regime and the albums recorded at the time are some of the best representations of the genre ever created. As usual, kudos to the Polish GADFind albums on this label Records label for bringing this wonderful music back into circulation. Eastern European Jazz connoisseurs will find this album truly amazing and the younger generations are able to test the phrase "nihil sub sole novum" when they approach Free Jazz and Improvised Music recordings. Overall this is a must have for all collectors and fans of East European Jazz recorded behind the Iron Curtain, as well as connoisseurs of Free Jazz, who wish to study the sources of the genre!

Updated: 07/08/2018Posted: 07/08/2018

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

EMIL VIKLICKY ~ IN HOLOMOC TOWN (EXPANDED EDITION) SUPRAPHON 6089 (Barcode: 099925608927) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 1977 - 1984 Released: 2012 This long overdue reissue presents the debut album recorded by the Czech pianist / composer Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist, who in time became one of the leading Jazz (and not only) musicians in his country. It includes nine original compositions by Viklicky and is performed by a splendid quintet, which also includes violinist Jan BeranekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Lubos AndrstFind albums by this artist, bassist Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist and drummer Milan VitochFind albums by this artist, who played with Viklicky previously in such groups like the Fusion ensemble EnergitFind albums by this artist or the legendary SHQFind albums by this artist ensemble led by Karel VelebnyFind albums by this artist. The music is truly remarkable and beautifully crafted, combining many different influences but being predominantly Viklicky´s own creation. Although incorporating the Jazz tradition, it is very European in every respect: the melodic lyricism, the usage of Folk motifs and Classical harmonies and the sophisticated chord changes. In retrospect it is even more remarkable considering fresh it sounds today, 35 years later, losing nothing of its charm and elegance. The performances are also extraordinary: Viklicky´s virtuosity as a pianist was already an established fact by the time this album was recorded, but his partners, and especially the brilliant Uhlir, match his abilities perfectly. I distinctly remember listening to this album when it was first released, which was quite a revelation. Both Viklicky and Uhlir remain among my favorite musicians to this very day, and I owe them many happy musical moments. The album was released at the time in two versions; one for the local Czechoslovak market (with the original title) and one for export with an alternative title: "The Folk-Inspired Jazz PianoFind albums with this title". The State-owned Supraphon label, which at the time was a controlled and censored monopoly, emphasized the Folk influence (in this case Moravian Folk music), which was a very old trick used in all East European countries during the Socialist regime, to enable Jazz albums to be recorded under the pretext of preserving National cultural heritage. In retrospect (again) whatever the excuse, the music was recorded for posterity and music lovers are able to enjoy it again. This expanded edition adds to the original contents of the album five solo piano pieces recorded in 1984, which constitute a Suite for piano, originally released as the B-side of the LP "DoorFind albums with this title" (see also the recently reissued album "Window & DoorFind albums with this title"). This is a beautiful, sensitive, delightful album, which should be enjoyed by as many Jazz connoisseurs as possible. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend