Record Reviews

MILAN SVOBODA / PRAGUE BIG BAND ~ POSTE RESTANTE GALEN 21 191 (Barcode: 8594042902061) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1981 Released: 2021 This is a reissue / remaster of the 3rd album by the Czechoslovak pianist / composer / arranger / Big Band leader Milan SvobodaFind albums by this artist. The Big Band, which Svoboda founded in 1974, recorded over the years many fabulous albums, which are brilliant examples of the European Big Band approach, characterized by complex compositions and superb ensemble work. The members of the Big Band were always the crème de la crème of the Czechoslovak and later Czech Jazz scene. On this album they include such distinguished players like trumpeter Michal GeraFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Emil ViklickyFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Ondrej SoukupFind albums by this artist, drummer Jaromir HelesicFind albums by this artist and others. Saxophonist / composer Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist appears as a guest. The album presents nine tracks, all original compositions by the Big Band members, including three compositions by Svoboda, two by Viklicky and one each by Soukup and Stivin. The music, recorded in 1981, is superbly Funky and Groovy, quite different from most other Big Band recordings both in Europe and the US, and was warmly received at the time by Jazz fans on both sides of the pond. Naturally it was also a great “hit” behind the Iron Curtain, where such novel approach to the Big Band idiom was quite revolutionary. Overall, this is a true East European gem, which highly deserves to be remembered and still can teach today’s Jazz musicians a thing or two. Fifty-five years later Svoboda is still around and kicking, so keep your ears and eyes open for his contemporary releases. For Big Band lovers this album is an absolute must! Side Note The Czech publishing house and record label GalenFind albums on this label, run by Lubomir HoudekFind albums by this artist, is another player on the local scene, reissuing historical recordings from the deep vaults of the SupraphonFind albums on this label / PantonFind albums on this label labels, supported by the Czech Ministry of Culture. This commendable initiative is a wonderful example of the preservation of Cultural heritage. Hopefully the label's future releases will include information in English in the album's booklets, so that Jazz enthusiasts around the world might be allowed to share the knowledge. For more reissues of Czechoslovak Jazz (and Rock) see also the releases by Indies Happy TrailsFind albums on this label Records.

Updated: 21/04/2025Posted: 21/04/2025

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