Record Reviews

POINT OF FEW ~ OPEN TO CLOSENESS BIVAK 003 ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is an album by Czech Jazz quartet Point Of FewFind albums by this artist, comprising of saxophonist Petr SmekalFind albums by this artist, guitarist Radim PridalFind albums by this artist, bassist Vlastimil SkodaFind albums by this artist and drummer Marek AntonuFind albums by this artist. American keyboardist Jason LindnerFind albums by this artist guests on three tracks. The album presents nine tracks, all original compositions, four by Pridal and the rest co-composed by the quartet members. The music is wonderful modern Jazz, strongly influenced by Ambient synthesizer / electronics sounds on the first three tracks, where Lindner adds his parts, and much more relaxed and open-spaced on the rest of the album. There is also some Nordic Jazz inspiration, with a slow development and silence incorporated within the fabric of the compositions, mixed with the Slavic romanticism and lyricism, which often characterizes Czech Jazz. The two leading instruments (sax and guitar) play unisono parts, which creates a very unusual sound, and the interplay between the two soloist is quite remarkable. The rhythm section is also quite unusual, often playing complex rhythm patterns, which somehow miraculously fit together with the melodic flow. In short, this is definitely a highly absorbing piece of music, which requires open-minded approach and patience in order to be fully enjoyed. Personally, I think that the group made a tactical mistake in placing the three tracks with Lindner at the start of the album, rather than leaving them at the end as a closing, sort of separate chapter, but that is of course an artistic decision not for me to take. Overall, this is an excellent album, full of beautiful music and very unusual approach to Jazz composition, superbly executed by the musicians involved and offering an unusual sound, which is even further expanded into the Jazz-Ambient Fusion idiom by the participation of their guest. Highly recommended and definitely worth adding to one’s record collection!

Updated: 18/05/2024Posted: 18/05/2024

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POINT OF FEW ~ PERIPHERAL PEOPLE BIVAK 012 (Barcode: 8590233092191) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Ambient Fusion Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024 This is the 2nd album by Czech ensemble Point Of FewFind albums by this artist, led by guitarist / composer Radim PridalFind albums by this artist, and includes also saxophonist / keyboardist Petr SmekalFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Vlastimil SkodaFind albums by this artist and drummer Marek AntonuFind albums by this artist. American vocalist Allison WheelerFind albums by this artist guests of a couple of tracks and electronics Artists Aid KidFind albums by this artist guests on one tracks. The album presents nine tracks, six of which were composed by Pridal and three are credited to the ensemble members. Wheeler wrote the lyrics to one of the tracks. The music is mostly very melodic and somewhat sentimental, characterized by a murky (obviously purposely) sound, which is often the case by contemporary Jazz albums, which flirt with Pop and Electronic / Ambient music. The guitar, which is the leading voice, is recorded clearly and without distortion, which offers a contrast to the background accompaniment. The music develops slowly, almost sluggishly, which might be a challenge to the less patient listeners, but keeps a consistent atmospheric ambience. The saxophone parts, which are the jazziest element of the album, are also quite enjoyable. Wheeler adds some nice vocalese parts, which might have significantly enhanced the album, if present on all tracks. Overall, this is an interesting and very well-conceived album, flirting between Jazz, Pop and Ambient music, an ideal companion to dark, rainy days. I had a great time listening to the music, but it might to be for the Jazz purists.

Updated: 15/11/2025Posted: 15/11/2025

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