Record Reviews

JANA GAVACOVA ~ BIELE NOCI HEVHETIA 0162 (Barcode: 8588005258258) ~ SLOVAKIA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2016 - 2017 Released: 2018 This is the debut album by Slovak vocalist Jana GavacovaFind albums by this artist, recorded with an impressive group of Jazz players. The core rhythm section includes bassist Martin KapusnikFind albums by this artist and drummer Marian SevcikFind albums by this artist. Two excellent Slovak pianists / arrangers: Ondrej KrajnakFind albums by this artist and Lubos SramekFind albums by this artist, Hungarian pianist / arranger Kalman OlahFind albums by this artist and Polish pianist / arranger Nikola KolodziejczykFind albums by this artist take part, as well as guitarist Lubos BrtanFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Miroslav HloucalFind albums by this artist and others, including the Mucha String QuartetFind albums by this artist. Gavacova contributed to six of the songs on the album (music and / or lyrics) and the other songs are mostly Jazz arrangements of folklore material. Although most of the lyrics are sung in Slovak, Gavacova also sings in Polish, French, English, Roma and Hungarian, which is pretty impressive. The recording quality of the album is absolutely wonderful! The music, including the original compositions, is strongly influenced by East European folklore, even if the rhythmic background dictates Bossa Nova. The album is definitely a showcase of Jazz arrangements, which are as important as all the wonderful performances the album offers. The album, although recorded by several different lineups, offers a refined and coherent musical continuity, in spite of the linguistic, ethnic and rhythmic diversity, thanks to the excellent rhythm section and the general concept Gavacova intelligently formulated. Overall this is a very impressive debut, which shows plenty of ambition and chutzpah, fully justified by the result. Gavacova demonstrates a lot of experience and self confidence, as well as obvious talent and sensitivity. Her vocals range from expressive and highly dynamic delivery to delicate, soft and almost timid balladry, always perfectly carried out. The entire album is a showcase of superb vocal delivery, excellent musicianship, masterful arrangements and a wise selection of material, which all come together to create an excellent piece of music, from start to finish. Well done Milady and Friends; hats off!

Updated: 16/08/2018Posted: 16/08/2018

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HANKA GREGUSOVA ~ ESSENCE HEVHETIA 0082 (Barcode: 8588005257237) ~ SLOVAKIA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the second album by the Slovak vocalist Hanka GregusovaFind albums by this artist, which presents a beautiful tribute to Slovak Folklore. It features eleven folk songs, sung in Slovak and wonderfully arranged by pianist Ondrej KrajnakFind albums by this artist, who leads a Jazz quartet with bassist Josef FecoFind albums by this artist, drummer Marian SevcikFind albums by this artist and percussionist Stefan BugalaFind albums by this artist, which accompanies Gregusova on several tracks. On other tracks she is accompanied by a Folklore quartet, led by violinist Ivan HerakFind albums by this artist and featuring Josef Feco on cymbalon (also spelled cimbalom), Robert BoldiFind albums by this artist on viola and Marek BoldiFind albums by this artist on bass. One track features the combined forces of the Jazz and Folklore ensembles and the remaining tracks are more intimate trio, duet and solo vocal pieces. Several guest musicians also participate in the recording. This album is a classic example of what Jazz-World Fusion is all about and how it can be achieved successfully. Both the World music and Jazz idioms are given a respectful and graceful treatment, and are mixed with elegance and charm. The Jazz arrangements are of course further distanced from the original folk songs than the Folklore treatment, but the overall atmosphere and continuity of the album achieve a wonderful journey based on the Slovak Folklore transposed into contemporary musical language. Gregusova has a warm, well rounded voice which works both in the Jazz and the Folklore environment. Her phrasing on the Jazzy interpretations is simply superb and the solo vocal piece is deeply moving. Krajnak is a superb pianist and a most skillful arranger, which is obvious from what he achieved on this album, but all the musicians involved are also top notch. The recording quality and the sound of the album are also excellent. Overall this is an aesthetically pleasing and musically successful cross genre project, which manages to be original, while respectfully presenting traditional folkloristic heritage. Definitely a model to be followed and enjoyed!

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HANKA GREGUSOVA / ONDREJ KRAJNAK ~ TWIN FLAME NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 8588006797015) ~ SLOVAKIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the third album by Slovak vocalist Hanka GregusovaFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Hanka GFind albums by this artist), recorded in an intimate duo setting with pianist Ondrej KrajnakFind albums by this artist, who also arranged the music. It presents eight songs, six of which are classic Jazz standards, one is a composition by Slovak composer Ernest OlahFind albums by this artist and one is an original composition by Krajnak. Gregusova wrote original lyrics in English to three of the standards (which are originally instrumentals) and to the Olah and Krajnak compositions. The album, recorded following her move to NY, finds Gregusova returning to her Gospel / Blues / Jazz roots, away from the direction of her previous album, which was dedicated to Slovak Folklore. The intimate vocals / piano setting inspires a unique atmosphere of a smoke filled Jazz club sometime in the 1950s, where a vocalist delivers her heartbreaking vocals to mesmerized listeners holding a glass of whiskey in their hands. The piano provides a wonderful accompaniment to her vocals, somewhat back in the background, carefully trying not to veil the velvety vocals. Most of the songs are very low key, slow tempo ballads, which of course are the most difficult to be performed by a vocalist. Gregusova shows no signs of hesitation or shyness and moves through the material with ease and elegance. Amicably supported by Krajnak, who plays a few wonderfully lyrical solos, the vocalist delivers her sensuous phrases with theatrical dramatics and highly musical approach. Although English is not Gregusova´s mother tongue, her delivery of the English lyrics is completely acceptable, in contrast to the attempts by other Eastern European vocalist, who usually fail pathetically in this department. Overall this is a wonderful intimate vocal album, which is best listened to with a glass of wine in one´s hand and a dimmed room, which is the next best thing to hearing Gregusova live. The album offers excellent music beautifully performed, which is simply everything one can ask for. A must for Jazz vocals connoisseurs!

Updated: 31/05/2017Posted: 31/05/2017

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OTTO HEJNIC ~ ONE HEVHETIA 0060 (Barcode: 8588002496899) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 This is the debut album by Czech Jazz drummer / pianist / composer Otto HejnicFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic trio format with pianist Ondrej KrajnakFind albums by this artist and bassist Josef FecoFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Hejnic. Eight of the compositions are performed by the trio and one is a solo piano piece performed by Hejnic. Hejnic continues the fabulous Czech Jazz piano composition tradition, developed by such giants like Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist, Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist and others, which continues to be developed by the younger generation of Czech musicians. The compositions presented here are all mature, beautifully melodic and sophisticated. Both the lyrical ballads and the up tempo pieces show first class compositional skills, characterized by highly aesthetic approach and obvious passion. Hejnic wisely passed the task of playing the piano onto Krajnak, who emerges as one of the most skilled East European pianists, as documented by his other recordings. Feco, who plays with Krajnak on other recordings, is an absolute virtuoso bass player, and his extraordinary skills are plainly evident on this album from start to finish. Hejnic plays the drums set dynamically and always shoulder to shoulder with his cohorts, which being also a pianist probably helps considerably. The trio performance is simply fabulous. The sound quality and the recording are also excellent, which turns this album into a true piano trio gem. Overall this is a most impressive debut album by Hejnic, who emerges primarily as a remarkable composer but also as a first rate performer. The trio performance is simply exemplary. Very highly recommended to all piano trio aficionados and Jazz connoisseurs the world over!

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OTTO HEJNIC ~ STANDARDS ONE HEVHETIA 0087 (Barcode: 8588005257282) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the second album by Czech Jazz drummer / pianist / composer Otto HejnicFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic Jazz piano trio format with pianist Ondrej KrajnakFind albums by this artist and bassist Josef FecoFind albums by this artist. In contrast to the debut, which presented solely original compositions by Hejnic, this album features the trio´s interpretations of six classic standards, and in addition three short interludes, credited to the trio, are also included. Playing standards becomes increasingly more and more challenging with the passing of time, as these melodies have been performed already immeasurable number of times by countless musicians the world over. Therefore albums presenting standards must be judged more rigorously than albums with original music and using different criteria. There is no doubt that this album is beautifully played by very talented musicians, and can be counted as a first rate effort. Krajnak has a unique touch and his sense of melody and timing are impeccable. Feco is a superb, virtuoso bassist, who always demonstrates elegance and sensitivity. Hejnic provides a steady and reliable rhythmic support. Together the trio presents a graceful, intelligent and classy act, which makes this album a pleasant listening experience and for classic Jazz piano trio fans is a must have. However the interpretations of these standards remain within the mainstream tradition, with no attempt to introduce any novelty or adventure. Obviously this is the way the trio wanted this music to sound, which I respect of course, but personally I´m always in a lookout for unexpected twists and turns, which are simply not present here. Summa summarum this is a classic Jazz piano trio album, which should make the lovers of the genre ecstatically happy, full of grace and intrinsic joy of music, even if it breaks no new ground. Definitely worth checking out!

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OTTO HEJNIC ~ THIS IS HOW IT IS HEVHETIA 233 (Barcode: 8588005259293) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is the fifth album by Czech drummer / composer Otto HejnicFind albums by this artist, recorded with his trio which includes pianist Ondrej KrajnakFind albums by this artist and bassist Josef FecoFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, all by the leader. With Krajnak switching to the Fender Rhodes electric piano, the sound of the trio is metamorphosed away from the classic Jazz piano trio I was accustomed to and offers a refreshing experience, although of course takes the listener some five decades back, to the time the electric piano reached the peak of its popularity in the early 1970s. Whichever way one wats to look at this, the change definitely is most welcome. The music is still very melodic, as usual with Hejnic’s compositions, somewhat melancholic but always perfectly rounded. The trio members have obvious fan with this music, performing splendidly, as expected, with an excellent interplay between them and the resulting music flows smoothly from one tune to another, taking the listener on a most pleasant ride along. Hejnic is a living proof to the fact, that some of the best Jazz composers are drummers, which for some reason is not usually expected, but in his case, and numerous others, is definitely true. So beware of the stereotype of the drummer being just the guy with the sticks :) Overall, this is another excellent offering by this excellent trio, fresh and unexpected but definitely up to par with their previous recordings. The electric piano sound, one of my favorite instruments, is magic and personally I loved every moment of this music, which most probably many other Jazz listeners will also experience. Warmly recommended and thank you my Friends for the music!

Updated: 18/10/2022Posted: 18/10/2022

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ONDREJ KRAJNAK ~ FOREVERNEST HEVHETIA 0067 (Barcode: 8588005257046) ~ SLOVAKIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is a wonderful solo piano album by Slovak Jazz pianist / composer / arranger Ondrej KrajnakFind albums by this artist. It is a loving and beautiful tribute to the music of Slovak pianist / composer Ernest OlahFind albums by this artist, an outstanding figure of the first post WWII generation, who never truly achieved the recognition and fame he deserved, and who died prematurely in 2002 at the age of sixty, never releasing even a singular album as a leader during his lifetime. This album presents six original compositions by Olah and one original composition by Krajnak, dedicated to him. The album was produced by Ernest Olah´s son Roman OlahFind albums by this artist. Olah was not only a great pianist but also a wonderful composer of Jazz and contemporary Classical music and it is sad that his work is almost unknown. This album remedies the situation slightly, but hopefully more of Olah´s music will be rediscovered in the future. Olah admired Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist and was able to imitate his playing very reliably, but of course his most important contributions were his original works. Krajnak emerges as an ideal choice of a pianist, who was trusted with the responsibility to present Olah´s music as perhaps he would have done himself. A pianist of virtuosic ability but more importantly exceptional feeling Krajnak is able to expose all the wonderful Eastern European lyricism of Olah´s compositions. Delicate, sophisticated and aesthetically challenging, every touch of the keyboard is simply right there exactly where is fits the music in the best way possible. This album is like a string of pearls with the individual notes sitting next to each other, gleaming in the light of a flickering candlelight, building the overwhelming effect of the whole string, which is after all much more than a collection of the individual pearls. A true gem in every respect, it is timeless, beyond classification and comparison; it simply is…

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