Record Reviews
2 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | KRISTINA BARTA ~ ENDLESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS SECOND 0013 (Barcode: 9003829988703) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023
This is the third album by Czech pianist / composer Kristina BartaFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quartet setting with Slovenian saxophonist Jure PuklFind albums by this artist and Czech bassist Peter KormanFind albums by this artist and drummer Marek UrbanekFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all of which are original compositions by Barta.
The music is an excellent example of modern European Jazz, which takes the Jazz tradition a step further into exploration, rather than repeat well established paths. Although Barta is an accomplished pianist, her true forte are the fascinating compositions, which offer a seemingly sketchy construct, with uneven rhythmic patterns, but which keep the listener on edge and feature a magnetic melodic element underneath. As a result, the compositions allow a high degree of freedom in every aspect, both harmonically and rhythmically, which are perfect vehicles for the quartet members to show their respective talents.
Pukl is obviously the most experienced and best equipped soloist, able to build perfect saxophone sequences time after time. But the younger players get the job done as well as one would expect, despite the obvious challenge the complex musical structures demand. Personally I second the excellent bass parts by Korman, which hold the music together remarkably well. Of course all these players are simply brilliant.
It’s great to see that the Czech Jazz scene is blessed with so many talented female players / composers / bandleaders, which seems to be statistically a higher number than the rest of Europe. Well done Ladies!
Overall, this is a truly excellent album, which exemplifies the level of contemporary Czech Jazz, which follows the achievements of previous generations with pride and dedication. Full of great music and passionate performances, this music is simply a delight from start to finish, making European Jazz proud.
| Updated: 18/03/2024Posted: 18/03/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALF CARLSSON / JIRI KOTACA QUARTET ~ OUR STORIES ANIMAL MUSIC 123 (Barcode: 8594211850377) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024
This is the 2nd album by the quartet co-led by Swedish guitarist Alf CarlssonFind albums by this artist and Czech trumpeter Jiri KotacaFind albums by this artist, with bassist Peter KormanFind albums by this artist and drummer Kristian KurucFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, four by Carlsson, three by Kotaca, one co-composed by them both and finally one improvised by Korman. The music was beautifully recorded at the Sono Records studio by Milan CimfeFind albums by this artist.
The music is a splendid collection of modern Jazz pieces, which combine deep Nordic melancholy and East European lyricysm, performed with finesse and obvious talent by all four musicians. The rather unusual guitar – trumpet front line works beautifully together, and the rhythm section is fully integrated in the common creative process, providing smooth quidelines for the two soloist to fill them with their improvisations.
Carlson offers a wonderfully diverse stylistics, switching intelligently between playing chords and individual notes, as well as between soloing and accompanying, with remarkable dexterity and skill. His guitar playing is subtle and non-aggressive, and yet very well-articulated at all times, and I wish more guitar players would adopt this attitude. He is definitely a player worth keeping an eye (ear) on.
Kotaca also offers outstanding trumpet performances, with brilliant technique and precise, clear peach, all full of romanticism and melodic fluidity. His sound is somewhat different from most Jazz trumpeters, which is quite rare these days, and he is, as well, definitely worth following. From what I see on the web, he also leads a Big Band, but I have not heard any of that stuff!
Overall, this is an excellent Jazz album, which should satisfy even the most demanding listeners, which offers great compositions, highly elegant performances and truly breathtaking sound quality, i.e. everything one might desire in a piece of music. Not to be missed!
| Updated: 26/05/2024Posted: 26/05/2024 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
|