Record Reviews

FRANCO AMBROSETTI / EMIL VIKLICKY ~ FRANCO AMBROSETTI & EMIL VIKLICKY TRIO MULTISONIC 310644 (Barcode: 741941064422) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005 This album presents a live recording by the Swiss trumpeter Franco AmbrosettiFind albums by this artist supported by the wonderful trio led by Czech pianist / composer Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist with veteran bassist Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist and drummer Laco TroppFind albums by this artist. Ambrosetti has been a prominent member of the European Jazz community since the 1960s when the new, emancipated scene was emerging. His incredible phrasing, warmth and tone awarded him a position amongst the world´s top trumpet players. The quartet together performs seven pieces, two of which are Viklicky´s originals, one is Uhlir´s original and the remaining four are standards. The performances are absolutely brilliant with Ambrosetti´s virtuosity flawlessly supported by the sublime playing of the trio. In many respects this is a perfect example of European Jazz with all its elegance and sophistication. They compliment each other to the fullest extent creating outstanding Jazz music in the process. Uhlir´s powerful and always divinely melodic bass lines and especially his spectacular solos are a delight. I van hardly imagine any true Jazz lover not enjoying this music immensely. Highly 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:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

FRANTISEK UHLIR ~ FRANTISEK UHLIR TRIO MULTISONIC 310694 (Barcode: 741941069427) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 This album presents a live recording by a trio led by the great Czech bassist / composer Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist, which also includes the Croatian guitarist Darko JurkovicFind albums by this artist and veteran Czech drummer Jaromir HelesicFind albums by this artist. The trio performs four original compositions, two each by Uhlir and Jurkovic. On four additional tracks the trio is expanded into a quartet with the addition of the veteran Serbian trumpeter Dusko GoykovichFind albums by this artist and plays standards. The trio is an intimate opportunity to develop high level of dialogue between the players and this is exactly what the first four tracks emphasize. Jurkovic has a brilliant technique and superb sense of melody, with his notes cascading and sparkling brilliantly. Uhlir, as usual, provides the perfect canvas, which holds the music together. His tone and precision are second to none. Helesic is ideal for this setting, with his delicate yet firm grip of the often complex rhythmic structures. Once the trumpeter joins the trio, the mood changes and becomes more vibrant and swinging. In spite of his advanced age Goykovich still manages to produce a perfect delivery, as if untouched by time. Decades of experience gained by playing with the best Jazz bands around the world are clearly evident. Overall this is a perfect Jazz album, which should keep any Jazz lover anywhere on this planet happy. 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:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MARCUS PRINTUP / EMIL VIKLICKY ~ MARCUS PRINTUP & EMIL VIKLICKY TRIO MULTISONIC 310708 (Barcode: 741941070829) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007 This album presents a live recording by the US trumpeter Marcus PrintupFind albums by this artist supported by the wonderful trio led by Czech pianist / composer Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist with veteran bassist Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist and drummer Laco TroppFind albums by this artist. Printup is primarily known from his work as a member of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra led by Wynton MarsalisFind albums by this artist. He and Viklicky met when the orchestra was performing a piece composed by Viklicky, which included a solo spot Printup was assigned to perform. The quartet together performs six pieces, three of which are Viklicky´s originals, one is a traditional Czech song arranged by Viklicky and two are standards. The performances are absolutely brilliant with Printup´s virtuosity fiercely supported by the sublime playing of the trio. In many respects this is a perfect marriage of the American Jazz tradition and the European elegance and sophistication. They compliment each other to the fullest extent creating outstanding Jazz music in the process. Uhlir´s powerful and always divinely melodic bass lines are a delight. I van hardly imagine any true Jazz lover not enjoying this music immensely. Highly 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:

CD 1 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:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

EMIL VIKLICKY ~ EMIL VIKLICKY 60 MULTISONIC 310756 (Barcode: 741941075626) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009 This album presents a live recording celebrating the 60th birthday of the great Czech pianist / composer Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist and paying tribute to his enormous contribution to the local and international Jazz scene. It features the Viklicky trio with the superb bassist Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist and drummer Laco TroppFind albums by this artist (he plays on just one track), both veterans of the Czech scene and Viklicky´s cohorts since many years, and a host of guests invited especially for the occasion. These guests are Jazz musicians who played with Viklicky in the past and share his passion for music: Belgian flautist / saxophonist Steve HoubenFind albums by this artist, British saxophonist Julian NicholasFind albums by this artist, US drummer Dick WellerFind albums by this artist and German harmonica player Hendrik MeurkensFind albums by this artist. Together they play nine pieces, three of which are standards and the rest are originals composed by Viklicky and his guests. The obvious rapport and mutual respect, as well as the festive occasion all contribute to the relaxed atmosphere present herein, which works in favor of the music. There are of course many exceptional solos by the host and his guests. The music is mainstream Jazz, kept well within the tradition, which emphasizes melody and harmony, fabulously and elegantly executed by all the participants. A must for all piano lovers! 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:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

RICHIE COLE / EMIL VIKLICKY ~ RICHIE COLE / EMIL VIKLICKY QUINTET MULTISONIC 310799 (Barcode: 741941079921) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 This album presents a live recording by the US / Czech quintet comprising of Chicago based saxophonist Richie ColeFind albums by this artist, baritone saxophonist Ted HogarthFind albums by this artist and drummer Ernie AdamsFind albums by this artist and two Czech players: veteran pianist / composer Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist and young bassist Josef FecFind albums by this artist. Together they perform nine pieces, three of which are Cole originals, one Viklicky original and five standards. Cole is mostly associated with the post-Bebop tradition, keeping alive the music initiated by the legendary Charlie ParkerFind albums by this artist. Hogarth continues the baritone saxophone tradition first developed by Gerry MulliganFind albums by this artist. Fec continues the great tradition of the Czech bass school of George MrazFind albums by this artist, Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist and Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist. Viklicky is of course well versed in the Bebop ways, as this was after all the music that he played extensively in the early days of his Jazz career. He performed with Cole in Chicago, earning respect and appreciation from the audiences there, which eventually led to this beautiful concert in Prague. The music is absolutely superb from start to finish and the performances stellar. Everybody seems to have a great time and the individual solos simply soar chasing one another. This is mainstream Jazz of the highest caliber and every connoisseur of the music will be absolutely delighted listening to this display of virtuosity and class. 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:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

FRANTISEK UHLIR ~ BASS DEVOTION / BASSSAGA MULTISONIC 310808 (Barcode: 741941080828) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 1984 - 2010 Released: 2010 This 2CD set presents two quite different recordings by Czech bassist / composer Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist, one of the veterans of the local scene with a splendid career behind him. From his early days as a member of the legendary SHQFind albums by this artist ensemble, led by the Godfather of Czech Jazz vibraphonist Karel VelebnyFind albums by this artist, and consistently over the years, Uhlir established his position as the perfect bass player suitable to support any ensemble, take part in any recording, as well as lead his own groups. His incredible technique, superb feel for melody, perfect timing and beautiful tone place him among the world’s top Jazz bassists, stylistically comparable to Scott LaFaroFind albums by this artist and Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist. Needless to say he has been one of my favorite bass players ever since I heard him first in the 1970s and I followed his career as much as I could. Uhlir performed with the best players on the local scene, such as pianists Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist and Karel RuzickaFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Laco DecziFind albums by this artist, guitarist Rudolf DasekFind albums by this artist and many others. He also accompanied many visiting Jazz luminaries at their Prague concerts as well as toured abroad. The first album in this set presents is a live recording of Uhlir with his recent ensemble, called Frantisek Uhlir TeamFind albums by this artist, which also includes saxophonist David VrobelFind albums by this artist, guitarist Adam TvrdyFind albums by this artist and veteran drummer Jaromir HelesicFind albums by this artist. They perform seven compositions, five of which are Uhlir’s originals and two are standards. The performances are excellent and highly spirited, with the leader soloing frequently, sometimes also playing arco (using the bow), which is rarely heard today. Uhlir’s compositions are great vehicles for the players to show their skills and are examples of great modern Jazz, which is not trying to be over pretentious. The second album is a most welcome reissue of Uhlir’s debut album as a leader, recorded in 1984, which presents seven of his original compositions performed by an all-star lineup with vibraphonist Karel Velebny, pianist Emil Viklicky, drummer Tony NaharFind albums by this artist, guitarist Zdenek DvorakFind albums by this artist, percussionist Josef VejvodaFind albums by this artist and a string quartet. Beautifully arranged and exquisitely performed, this is a dream of an album, which every bass lover on this planet should listen to, given the opportunity. It’s delightful to have this music finally available on CD. Overall this set is a sizeable portion of superb modern mainstream Jazz with virtuosic bass performances, which are exciting, elegant and highly intelligent. Charming stuff!

Updated: 16/03/2022Posted:

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

FRANTISEK UHLIR ~ FRANTISEK UHLIR 60 MULTISONIC 310822 (Barcode: 741941082228) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 This album presents the concert organized to celebrate the sixtieth birthday of the great Czech bassist / composer Frantisek UhlirFind albums by this artist, who is one of the pillars of the local Jazz scene. The band constitutes of excellent players from different countries, creating a first-class nonet, which performs ten pieces, six of which are Uhlir’s original compositions, two are composed by other band members and the remaining two are standards. The music and the performances are highly spirited and excellent from start to finish, with extended solo spots and great interplay between the participants. Stylistically this is modern mainstream Jazz, which relies on the skills of the musicians and the strength of the compositions to keep things interesting, rather than flashy exhibitionism. Uhlir, as usual, keeps the music swinging and in check, like a chronometer, with his beautiful tone and imaginative solos highlighting the evening. Overall, this is an ample tribute to his immense talent and continuous contribution to the Czech and European Jazz heritage. He joins the proud ranks of his colleagues George MrazFind albums by this artist and Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist as a representative of the great Czech bass school, which is universally acknowledged as exceptional. Great fun! 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:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MILAN SVOBODA ~ JAZZ AT PRAGUE CASTLE MULTISONIC 310835 (Barcode: 741941083522) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 This is an album by Czech pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Milan SvobodaFind albums by this artist, recorded live at the Prague Castle with his sextet, which also includes some of the best local Jazz musicians: trumpeter Michal GeraFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Milan KrajicFind albums by this artist, trombonist Premek TomsicekFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Filip SpalenyFind albums by this artist and drummer Ivan AudesFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, two of which are original compositions by Svoboda and six are Jazz standards. As usual the music is preceded by a spoken introduction delivered by Czech President (at the time) Vaclav KlausFind albums by this artist. The music is all strictly within mainstream Jazz tradition, emphasizing the love of the genre by Czech Jazz musicians, and their masterly playing technique, which is every bit as sparkling as what can be heard across the pond. Svoboda, mostly recognized by his activity with Big Bands and orchestras, is also a Master of the small ensembles, but this recording portrays him as an excellent pianist and arranger. In the truly amicable atmosphere at the Prague Castle, the sextet is able to unwind and play a great set, with the joy of music making at the helm. Everybody has plenty of opportunity to solo and the sextet sound is absolutely perfect. The great sound quality of the recording is also an asset, which turns the music into e perfectly enjoyable listening experience, from start to finish. Overall, this is another great addition to the series of albums recorded at the Prague Castle and a nice showcase of Svoboda’s many talents, which are always worth following. 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: 18/03/2022Posted: 18/03/2022

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

PIOTR BARON ~ JAZZ AT PRAGUE CASTLE MULTISONIC 310839 (Barcode: 741941083928) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012 This album presents a live recording by the great Polish Jazz saxophonist / composer Piotr BaronFind albums by this artist and his quintet, which also includes trumpeter Adam Milwiw-BaronFind albums by this artist (his son), pianist Dominik WaniaFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej AdamczakFind albums by this artist and drummer Przemyslaw JaroszFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded at the beautiful Prague Castle, which holds Jazz concerts of the highest standard, which are also recorded and released on CD by the Czech MultisonicFind albums on this label label. The album includes only three expanded performances, two composed by Baron (both appeared on his superb last album "KaddishFind albums with this title") and one is an arrangement of a 14th century Polish Easter song. Two of the tracks are almost 30 minutes long and the third is almost 20 minutes long. The concert in introduced by the Czech President Vaclav KlausFind albums by this artist, who personally opens all the Jazz venues at the Castle – a lesson to be studied by all Presidents - in which he talks about the meeting between him and Piotr Baron, which led to the invitation to play at the Castle, and the special relationship between the Czech and Polish Jazz scenes over the years – a subject worthy of a book by itself. The music is deeply spiritual, as is all music made by Baron, reflecting his profoundly personal relation with belief (and not religion, as Baron surely demonstrates a cross-religion / one God approach). Accepting the model (spiritually and musically) of the great Godfather of spiritual Jazz, John Coltrane, Baron develops his music very much in the same direction, but uses his very own language and cultural affiliations, with his Polish roots being openly noticeable. This is Jazz with a true capital J, music of the highest caliber, which penetrates the listener´s heart and shakes his soul. It is absorbing and captivating, breathtakingly beautiful and intellectually intriguing, all at once. There is very little music of such quality being made these days, so this is even more impressive. Pianist Dominik Wania, who is definitely one of the best Polish Jazz pianists of the young generation, plays some amazing music here and I´m glad that Baron recognized his qualities and allowed him so much space and opportunity to express his amazing talent. But of course all these musicians play divinely, with the leader magically applying his charm, even when not playing. This music is way beyond recommendation – it is simply a crying shame that every true Jazz lover will probably not have an opportunity to immerse in its magic. If you can, count yourself lucky and blessed! 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:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend