Record Reviews

GUSTAV BROM ~ JAZZ GALEN 19 157 (Barcode: 8594042901668) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 1963 - 1965 Released: 2019 This is a reissue of the sensational debut album by Czech Jazz arranger / bandleader Gustav BromFind albums by this artist, who headed for five decades one the most renowned and highly regarded Jazz Orchestras / Big Bands in the world. This album, originally released in 1965, presents five (one a three-part suite) original compositions by musicians from his orchestra (two by trumpeter Jaromir HnilickaFind albums by this artist, and one each by saxophonist Josef AudesFind albums by this artist, pianist Oldrich BlachaFind albums by this artist and bassist Milan Rezabek)Find albums by this artist, one composition by the legendary modern Czech composer Pavel BlatnyFind albums by this artist and one arrangement (by saxophonist Zdenek NovakFind albums by this artist) of a standard by Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist. This remastered edition offers a crystal clear sound quality and preserves the specific ambience of the original recording. It is almost impossible to believe that this music was recorded fifty-five years ago, as the music is so incredibly advanced and sophisticated in comparison to contemporary orchestral Jazz and light years ahead of what other Jazz orchestras around the world were playing at the time this music was recoded behind the Iron Curtain. The influence of Gunther SchullerFind albums by this artist´s "Third Stream" is especially obvious on the Blatny´s piece, but also resonates in the other pieces, as do Cool Jazz and the entire American West Coast ambience, but again only lurking somewhere in the background rather than being copied or mimicked. Brom manages to create his very own atmosphere, basically his very own unique statement. The level of the technical proficiency of the orchestra members is no less astounding, and easily matches that of players across the European divide as well as across the pond. The same easily applies to the arrangements and the overall orchestra sound. Brom and his Orchestra managed to record a string of highly successful albums, all of which are warmly recommended, especially those which feature his cooperation with the Polish composer Jerzy MilianFind albums by this artist, but this iconic album, available here on CD for the first time, is a true gem of special significance. For connoisseurs of Orchestral / Big Band Jazz this album is an absolute must and a wonderful example of the European Jazz idiosyncrasy. Side Note The Czech publishing house and record label GalenFind albums on this label, run by Lubomir HoudekFind albums by this artist, is another player on the local scene, reissuing historical recordings from the deep vaults of the SupraphonFind albums on this label / PantonFind albums on this label labels, supported by the Czech Ministry of Culture. This commendable initiative is a wonderful example of the preservation of Cultural heritage. Hopefully the label's future releases will include information in English in the album's booklets, so that Jazz enthusiasts around the world might be allowed to share the knowledge. For more reissues of Czechoslovak Jazz (and Rock) see also the releases by Indies Happy TrailsFind albums on this label Records.

Updated: 02/06/2020Posted: 02/06/2020

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend