Record Reviews

CONCEPT ART ORCHESTRA ~ 100 YEARS ANIMAL MUSIC 091 (Barcode: 8594155998791) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020 This is the fifth album by the Czech Big Band called Concept Art OrchestraFind albums by this artist, founded in 2010 and led by trumpeter / composer Stepanka BalcarovaFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, this is a project commemorating the Centennial of the modern Czech State founded in 1918 following the end of WW I. The album presents a six-part suite, each part dedicated to one of the six periods signifying the development over time of the convoluted history of Czechoslovakia / Czech Republic between 1918 and 2018. Each of the six parts includes short archival recordings of speeches by relevant historic personalities and other sounds. All the music was composed by members of a group of six Czech composers, called collectively The Prague SixFind albums by this artist: Balcarova, saxophonist Lubos SoukupFind albums by this artist, pianist Vit KristanFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Martin BrunnerFind albums by this artist, trombonist Jan JiruchaFind albums by this artist and pianist Tomas SykoraFind albums by this artist, all of which also play on the album, two as guests. The Big Band, conducted by Balcarova, includes eighteen players with the obvious saxophone, trumpet, trombone and rhythm sections. Six guests play on selected tracks. The music was beautifully recorded and offers a magnificently rich Big Band sound. As all the earlier albums by the CAO, the music is skillfully and intelligently woven and superbly executed by the Big Band members. It epitomizes the concept and sound of the European Jazz Big Band tradition, which although based on the American Jazz Big Band tradition to some extent, expands the traditional roles of the sections and their mutual relationships and offers more challenging arrangements and aural versatility. The music emphasizes the Big Band sound, which functions like one organic body and even the individual soloing is also kept as naturally solidified with the overall sound as possible. There is no doubt that the CAO is today one of the most ambitious and productive Big Bands active on the European scene, with a strong conceptual base of resident composers, brilliant instrumentalist and dedicated leadership, superbly implemented by Balcarova. This album is a schoolbook example of the intellectual capacity invested into a musical project, which not only works to the full effect, but also educates and sets an incredibly high standard to follow. On a personal note, I was deeply moved by this album since between my Father and myself we took part and observed those hundred years of Czech history up close. My Father studied engineering in Brno in the 1930s, since he was not allowed to study in his native Poland as a Jew. He had many Czech friends during his studies and sadly returned to Czechoslovakia as a prisoner of the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp. After leaving Poland in 1967, I remember the ecstasy of the Prague Spring and the horror of the Invasion, the Velvet Revolution and my meetings with President Vaclav HavelFind albums by this artist during the dark days in prison and the happy days in the Prague Castle. His love of music and Jazz in particular strengthened our bond. Hearing his voice on this album was profoundly poignant. My thanks to all the people involved in creating this wonderful project!

Updated: 25/02/2021Posted: 25/02/2021

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