Record Reviews

NOCZ & IVA BITTOVA ~ NOCZ & IVA BITTOVA HEVHETIA 0086 (Barcode: 8588005257275) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the second album by the NoczFind albums by this artist quartet, which comprises of Norwegian trumpeter Didrik IngvaldsenFind albums by this artist and Czech musicians: saxophonist Radim HanousekFind albums by this artist, bassist Marian FriedlFind albums by this artist and drummer Vaclav PalkaFind albums by this artist. On this album they are joined by Czech violinist / vocalist Iva BittovaFind albums by this artist, who participates on nine of the fourteen tracks present herein. All the music is original; Ingvaldsen composed eleven compositions, Hanousek two and one is a collective composition by the ensemble. The music is a fiery version of modern Jazz mixed with free improvised passages and World Music influences. Some of the pieces are distinctly more melodic than others, but overall the music stays pretty well organized and structured while at the same time it is freely spirited and very imaginative. The level of the individual performances is superb from start to finish and the album truly presents unconventional contemporary Jazz at its best. The trumpet / saxophone front end of the quartet brings on fond memories of the early days of Avant-Garde Jazz, especially Don CherryFind albums by this artist´s contributions, but the ambiance is undoubtedly updated to some extent. The rhythm section is also absolutely first class, keeping the pulse of the music flowing and at the same time contribution also some incredible solo parts. The presence of Bittova adds a wonderful new dimension to the quartet´s sound and her vocalese passages are among the album´s highlights, although the entire proceedings deserve only the highest praise. This album is a great example of the maturity of European Jazz, which keeps evolving more dramatically than ever thanks to the removal of national borders, enabling the emergence of international ensembles, such as this one. Overall this is an excellent modern Jazz album in every respect, surprising, moving and engaging, which will make every fan of nontrivial, advanced, open-minded Jazz extremely happy. Listening to this music is a true delight from start to finish!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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ZJEDNOCZONE SILY NATURY MECH ~ ZJEDNOCZONE SILY NATURY MECH GAD 040 (Barcode: 5901549197518) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1979 - 1980 Released: 2016 This is a collection of archival radio and live recordings by Polish Rock group Zjednoczone Sily Natury MechFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. MechFind albums by this artist), which covers the early period of the group´s activity, when it played mostly solid Progressive Rock. Since almost all of these recordings were previously unreleased, except for two songs which appeared on the group´s debut single, this album uncovers an important historical period of the Polish Prog-Rock history. The lineup that recorded the music presented on this album includes keyboardist / vocalist Robert MillordFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Robert MilewskiFind albums by this artist), guitarists Maciej JanuszkoFind albums by this artist and Janusz LakomiecFind albums by this artist, bassist Andrzej NowickiFind albums by this artist and drummer Janusz DomanskiFind albums by this artist. All the seven compositions appearing on this album were composed by the group´s members and their magnum opus "Atlantis Suite" appears twice in two different versions. Following some personnel changes the group switched to Hard Rock and recorded two albums in 1983 before disbanding in 1987, only to be reactivated in 2004, and exists to this very day. The music is a classic example of Symphonic Prog-Rock, not very innovative considering it was recorded quite late on the Prog´s time scale, but nevertheless excellently composed and executed. The Polish vocals make it of course more unique, especially in view of the pure English accent attempts by other East European Rock groups. Instrumentally the keyboards and guitars work is excellent and the rhythm section kicks ass, which means that Prog fans, especially those interested in the East European variety of the idiom, should have a field day with this splendid album. As usual, kudos to GADFind albums on this label Records for unearthing this forgotten material and bringing it back to life. This tiny family owned label emerges as a Giant as far as reissues of highly interesting treasures of Polish music of all genres are concerned. This is another gem in their splendid collection. In short a must to all East European Prog buffs!

Updated: 04/05/2016Posted: 04/05/2016

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