Record Reviews

RADEK BABORAK / ORQUESTRINA ~ CUATROCIENTAS ESTACIONES DE ASTOR PIAZZOLLA ANIMAL MUSIC 092 (Barcode: 8594155998807) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Classical Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021 This is an album by Czech French horn player / arranger / bandleader Radek BaborakFind albums by this artist and his OrquestrinaFind albums by this artist ensemble, which consists of French horn, bass clarinet, a string section and a rhythm section (piano, bass, drums) on all tracks (except the fifth), and additionally vibraphone on the first four tracks, and harp, bassoon and French horn quartet on the last remaining three tracks. The fifth track features a quintet of French horn, viola, cello, bass and piano. The album presents eight compositions by the Argentinean composer Astor PiazzollaFind albums by this artist, four of which are collectively known as “Cuatro Estaciones Portenas” (Eng. The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires), composed between 1965 and 1970, and additional four unconnected pieces composed between 1959 and 1982. The music was beautifully recorded at the Sono Records studio and engineered by Milan CimfeFind albums by this artist. Piazzolla remains to me as one of the most misunderstood and misinterpreted 20th Century composers. His commonly known association with the Tango, which was hardly considered as an Art Form by Classically oriented music critics, pushed his musical vision and enormous talent into a “comfort niche” of curiosity, rather than serious musical achievement. But anybody familiar enough with Piazzolla’s music knows, that Tango was his inspiration, but it never limited his compositional skills and soaring imagination and he was able to create not only some of the most expressive and passionate, but also most sophisticated music ever. This beautiful album is a wonderfully aesthetic attempt to transpose Piazzolla’s music into the European territory, taking it closer to “conventional” Classical approach, without losing any of its beauty, passion and uniqueness. Baborak boldly and very cleverly changes the instrumentation, taking completely away the bandoneon and replacing it by the French horn, two instruments so different and yet apparently bridgeable by an open-minded arranger. Piazzolla’s close relationship with Jazz can be also clearly heard here, although more subtly than the Classical flavor. Baborak’s French horn performances and the brilliant idea of using a French horn quartet in the last three pieces are tremendously rewarding, adding a brass presence that is rarely heard in the Tango idiom. But of course all the musicians involved are superb instrumentalist and highly sensitive musicians. This album is another striking example of the brilliant work done by the Czech record label Animal MusicFind albums on this label, under the imaginative direction of its owner Petr OstrouchovFind albums by this artist, who is obviously one of the most open-minded and dedicated music producers in Europe these days. For Tango lovers this is obviously an absolute must have, offering one of the most original interpretations of Piazzolla’s music ever attempted, but every sensitive music lover should find this album highly fulfilling. The superb sound quality turns it into a euphoric listening experience. Hats off!

Updated: 23/04/2021Posted: 23/04/2021

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NIKOL BOKOVA ~ HER COUNTRY SOLEIL ET PLUIE 1006 (Barcode: 788364844064) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Classical Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024 This is the 7th album by Czech pianist / composer Nikol BokovaFind albums by this artist, which takes her back to her Classical Music roots. The album was recorded with the Baborak EnsembleFind albums by this artist, which includes a string section expanded by several additional instruments and mezzo-soprano singer Bella AdamovaFind albums by this artist, conducted by French Horn player / conductor Radek BaborakFind albums by this artist. The music is a six-part cycle / tone poem, composed by Bokova and with lyrics on two of the cycle’s parts by her and her husband Jan Bok ValaFind albums by this artist. The music celebrates the 200th Birthday Anniversary of the Czech national composer Bedrich SmetanaFind albums by this artist, with elements of his compositions being an inspiration to some of the cycle’s parts, but Bokova also mentions other more recent influences behind the music, like the fate of Czech politician Milada HorakovaFind albums by this artist, a victim of a judicial murder by the Communist party and a national hero, as well as Bokova’s family history. The music is an interesting amalgam of typical 19th Century Classical Music elements, like Romanticism and Revolutionary / Nationalistic movements, with more modern elements, especially noticeable in the orchestration and less strict tonal and structural limitations. The overall result is moving and beautifully melodic, which makes it accessible to a wide range of listeners, not necessarily only Classical Music connoisseurs. It is great to see Bokova returning to her musical roots with love and an open mind. It is extremely difficult to be innovative within Classical Music, which has half a Millennium of traditions and rules, which made it more rigid and obstructive than other Art Forms. Bokova proposes here a wonderful balance between the tradition and innovation. Overall, this is quite an unusual piece of music, which might require a while to get acquainted with, but once embraced offers a truly delightful musical experience, assuming the listener is able to “let go” of what he considers as “proper” Classical Music, and just opens his heart. A glass of good wine might be of help. Thank you for the music Milady!

Updated: 28/01/2025Posted: 28/01/2025

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NIKOL BOKOVA ~ PROMETHEUS ANIMAL MUSIC 094 (Barcode: 8594155997206) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021 This is the third album by Czech Jazz pianist / composer Nikol BokovaFind albums by this artist recorded with an impressive team of Czech musicians: French horn player Radek BaborakFind albums by this artist, guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist, Maestro Jaromir HonzakFind albums by this artist on bass and finally drummer Michal WierzgonFind albums by this artist. The album offers ten original compositions, all by the leader. The music was recorded at the excellent SONO Records studio and engineered by Milan CimfeFind albums by this artist, with the usual spectacular sound quality. The music on this album shows another step in Bokova’s artistic development, which seems to have found the necessary focus this time, based on solid melodic themes, which serve as basis for the superb improvisations by the quintet members. The French horn is a link to her Classical Music ties, and adds a nice touch to the entire sound produced by the quintet, supplying a melancholic, almost orchestral layer. Doruzka is the most impressive / intensive soloist, creating some unearthly beautiful phrases, which leaves Bokova to state the melodies and harmonize, soloing rather sparingly. Honzak is in charge of the rhythmic background, safe in his steady hands, masterly filling the blanks, and Wierzgon adds subtle drum parts, which are more coloristic than actually rhythmical. Most of the tracks are rather short and the entire album lasts for only slightly over forty minutes, which reflects the minimalist approach of the complete statement that Bokova wishes to leave the listen with. There are many understatements in the music, leaving the listener to fill the blanks; an approach often used by contemporary young Jazz Artists. Of course the assumption that the listeners will stand up to the challenge is not without its risks. Overall, it is satisfying to see / hear Bokova finding her own aesthetics and direction, following a rather hesitative start of her Jazz adventure. This album is certainly a fruit of maturity and dedication, wonderfully balancing her roots and making a unique statement, which is a joy to listen to from start to finish. With the help of some of the best European musicians, she certainly reached a save harbor this time. Well done!

Updated: 24/02/2023Posted: 02/08/2022

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