Record Reviews

HANA SEBESTOVA ~ UTAJENA MUSIC FUND SLOVAKIA 8588006417036 (Barcode: 8588006417036) ~ SLOVAKIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is the debut album by Slovak vocalist / songwriter Hana SebestovaFind albums by this artist, on which she presents ten of her original songs (music and lyrics) and one standard, sung, except for the standard and the opening and closing songs, in her native Slovak language. She is accompanied by an excellent team of musicians, which includes brass and string sections in addition to the core group which features keyboardist Lubos SramekFind albums by this artist, who was also in charge of the arrangements, guitarist Matus JakabcicFind albums by this artist, flautist Barbora KolarovaFind albums by this artist, bassists Tomas BarosFind albums by this artist or Juraj GriglakFind albums by this artist and drummer Marian SevcikFind albums by this artist. American pianist Kevin HaysFind albums by this artist appears as a guest star singing on the last track. The album is nothing short of a double triumph for Sebestova, as she shines both as a songwriter and a vocalist. The music is a great collection of superbly crafted new original songs, which are all as good as anything on the standards list. Diverse stylistically (Blues / Soul / Jazz) and wonderfully melodic, these songs are simply irresistible. Sebestova´s decision to stick to her native tongue saved her from the embarrassment caused by non-native English speakers singing in English, which sadly are almost always catastrophic. The three songs she does sing in English find her definitely up to the task, but thankfully they are a minority. Although her vocal range is not exceptional, she uses her voice wisely and intelligently, inserting vocalese and other vocal theatrics occasionally, which turn this album into a most entertaining affair. She was also extremely lucky to assemble such a stellar team of musicians to accompany her. Sramek´s piano playing and his arrangements are absolutely brilliant and have a major influence on the overall result of this album. But all the other musicians are also beyond reproach and contribute amicably. Overall this is a stunning and most impressive debut and a vocal Jazz album I have personally enjoyed like nothing similar in a very long time. In many respects this album should be studied by the aspiring young Jazz vocalist, who are about to record their debut albums. Well done Milady!

Updated: 24/02/2017Posted: 24/02/2017

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

FRANTISEK UHLIR ~ DOUBLE BASS SESSION MULTISONIC 310737 (Barcode: 741941073721) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009 This album presents a live recording by a one time octet led by the great veteran Czech bassist Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist, which includes five double bass players playing simultaneously, definitely a completely innovative concept. Apart from Uhlir, who has been the country´s modern jazz pillar for several decades, the other bassist include the veteran German bassist Ali HaurandFind albums by this artist, known for his involvement on the European Jazz scene both in the mainstream and more experimental directions, and three younger Czech bassists: Peter DvorskyFind albums by this artist, Vit SvecFind albums by this artist and Tomas BarosFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist David VrobelFind albums by this artist, guitarist Adam TvrdyFind albums by this artist and drummer Jan LinhartFind albums by this artist are the remaining octet members. The octet performs seven pieces, four of which were composed by Uhlir, one by Haurand and the remaining two are standards, including the wonderful "Rosemary´s Baby" by legendary Polish composer Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist. Obviously the bass is the center of attention here, with many superb solos and ensemble performances. Uhlir manages to arrange the music in such a way that each bass performance can be heard perfectly clearly, which is quite difficult. It will take some effort from a less experienced listener to follow five basses simultaneously, in addition to the other three instruments, but the effort is definitely worth it. In addition to being a great tribute to the bass, this album also presents the next generation of Czech bass players, who follow in the footsteps of their great predecessors, like Uhlir, George MrazFind albums by this artist (originally Jiri Mraz) and Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist. There is so much love, care and intelligent playing here, that every Jazz connoisseur, and of course double bass aficionados in particular, should be delighted with the music herein. Hats off to Uhlir for putting this project together and of course a big thank you. Warmly recommended! Side Note This album is a part of the “Jazz Na Hrade (Jazz At Prague Castle)” series, released by the Czech MultisonicFind albums on this label label, which presents live recordings performed at various locations inside the charming Prague Castle, now the residence of the President of the Czech Republic. The series was initiated in 2004 by President Vaclav KlausFind albums by this artist, who often introduces the players himself on these albums, and symbolizes the respect and love of all things Cultural by the Czech People, including Jazz of course.

Updated: 16/03/2022Posted:

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