Record Reviews

JIRI STIVIN & RUDOLF DASEK ~ SYSTEM TANDEM - KONCERT V LUBLANI BONTON 71 0389 (Barcode: 8596972103891) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1974 Released: 1996 This is a reissue / remaster of the live album by the Czech Jazz duo comprising of saxophonist / flautist / composer Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist and guitarist Rudolf DasekFind albums by this artist, which appeared under the TandemFind albums by this artist or System TandemFind albums by this artist monikers, recorded during the duo’s concert at the 15th International Jazz Festival in Ljubljana / Yugoslavia in June 1974. The album presents five lengthy tracks, four of which were composed by Dasek and one by Stivin. The album includes bilingual liner notes for both the original release and the reissue, by my late Friend Lubomir DoruzkaFind albums by this artist. Although this was the duo’s debut album in their homeland, it was in fact their 3rd release, preceded by an album recorded in Finland in 1974, which includes studio versions of the material performed live during the concert in Ljubljana. Their 2nd album was recorded and released in Germany in 1975 on the JapoFind albums on this label label, which was a sister label of the famous ECMFind albums on this label. As to this album, it was originally released in two versions, which was the standard modus operandi for the SupraphonFind albums on this label label; one version had the texts in Czech language, and the other version had texts in English, and was intended for the international market. These versions often had different titles, like in this case, the international version was called “TandemFind albums with this title” and the local version “Koncert V LublaniFind albums with this title”. All this can be truly confusing for collectors of Czechoslovak Jazz albums :) The music is of course absolutely sensational, beyond description. Both musicians are absolute virtuosi and are able to produce an array of sounds, which is completely incomprehensible – in this case hearing is believing. This album is probably one of the greatest examples of the “Art of the Duo” phenomenon. Overall, this is an absolute must to every Jazz music lover, and one of the best East European Jazz live albums ever recorded. Believe me, I am nor exaggerating! Do yourself a favor and get a copy ASAP, although this is not going to be easy.

Updated: 23/08/2025Posted: 23/08/2025

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend