tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15920664395751585872024-03-14T18:12:45.463+01:00Prague Jazz"The best and most complex overview of the Czech jazz scene." - USP Jazz LoungeTony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.comBlogger237125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-52491374719052918102013-12-08T13:35:00.000+01:002013-12-08T13:55:29.998+01:00Jazzová KLAUSura Continues...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrSk1aVnFo-U3MhLZAhr47dRb22XFW47xzA6ZhIrDpCJ5TJfYeuVcdBen2wBc9ZSvNzqG5RgI-y_Ltshw3qPxNE8ln63LT27mgldijYxWT9cba2LLYpL1OA6_KOwSjZW68HgzuOs4w2w/s1600/20131204_211924_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrSk1aVnFo-U3MhLZAhr47dRb22XFW47xzA6ZhIrDpCJ5TJfYeuVcdBen2wBc9ZSvNzqG5RgI-y_Ltshw3qPxNE8ln63LT27mgldijYxWT9cba2LLYpL1OA6_KOwSjZW68HgzuOs4w2w/s200/20131204_211924_resized.jpg" width="136" /></a>The fifth JK concert, featuring American singer Deborah Davis, completed the 2013 programme of the former President's concert series.<br />
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Having written the <a href="http://praguejazz.blogspot.cz/2013/11/jazzova-klausura-5-deborah-davis.html" target="_blank">programme notes</a> for concert there is little to add in the way of a review, other than to say it was a a thoroughly professional and accomplished performance by the well-travelled singer and her Czech and Slovak band for the night. Presenting herself with flamboyance and glamour she showcased her interpretations and arrangements of classic tunes, including a seasonal encore, and was a commanding presence in the intimate auditorium that is the Autoklub.<br />
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The band, led by pianist Tomáš Jochmann, maintained that delicate balance of being sensitive to the singer's needs while at the same time keeping their own playing interesting and attractive in its own right. Young saxophonist Jan Fečo was a revelation, and is definitely a star in the making.<br />
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Bringing together musicians from around the world for one-night-only collaborations has been one of the most exciting aspects of the Jazzová KLAUSura concerts, and hopefully 2014 will bring more excellent entertainment for fans of sophisticated and unique jazz concerts in Prague.Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-31970366817134730702013-11-24T13:21:00.000+01:002013-11-24T13:22:00.080+01:00Jazzová KLAUSura 5 - Deborah Davis<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BYKgzVvbuFRNPuGyFpuwCbuatiib4MwbZvSE26Uymy9r0tp3UPsLT-NF3kgVtG6Bl-nhUgCENS-7ZNd0HP19JfkPB5FMukcma2nheV1cm4r-5xf0G7K3_4wbjl4uSoa5xKmrUqMtris/s1600/Deborah_Davis_e-letak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BYKgzVvbuFRNPuGyFpuwCbuatiib4MwbZvSE26Uymy9r0tp3UPsLT-NF3kgVtG6Bl-nhUgCENS-7ZNd0HP19JfkPB5FMukcma2nheV1cm4r-5xf0G7K3_4wbjl4uSoa5xKmrUqMtris/s200/Deborah_Davis_e-letak.jpg" width="141" /></a><i>The next Jazzová KLAUSura concert takes place on December 4th. I was given the honour of writing the programme notes for this event, but because the printed form will be translated into Czech I am making the original English text available here. </i><br />
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December’s Jazzová KLAUSura brings together one of America’s hottest vocal jazz talents and several young stars of the Czech and Slovak jazz scene, performing together for the first time in what is going to be an intimate and elegant evening of music.<br />
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Born in 1956, Deborah moved from her home of Dallas, Texas to New York City in 1986, where she became a leading name in the vibrant Big Apple club scene. She is no stranger to large audiences either, opening for the likes of Eric Clapton, Jamie Cullum and Santana in Monte Carlo. She travels the globe extensively, frequently performing in Russia where she ventures away from the traditional tourist trails and has even toured Siberia. In her own words, music is the Universal Language and she relishes the fun and challenge of playing in new places and with new people, communicating with the band and audience through emotion as much as through the words of the songs she sings.<br />
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Following in the footsteps of powerful and charismatic American female vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, Deborah has led bands featuring some of the great jazz players of her generation, including Benny Green, Delfeayo Marsalis, Cyrus Chestnut and James Williams, and has been called to the stage to jam by artists of the calibre of Art Blakey and Freddie Hubbard. In 2004 she and her band were chosen by the U.S. State Department and the Kennedy Centre in Washington DC as Jazz Ambassadors travelling to Latin America with a mission of goodwill and jazz awareness.<br />
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Deborah has never been to Prague before, but its reputation as a beautiful place in a country that appreciates music has spread far and wide, and she is looking forward experiencing the city as much as we are looking forward to experiencing her performance. With a wide and varied repertoire to draw from, the one thing we can be sure of is that the music will be honest. "I don't sing many songs that have nothing to do with me, how I feel or who I am. I have to be able to relate, because I'm not acting. I'm singing my story. It doesn't matter if it's Europe, Asia, the U.S., a village of mud huts, a concert, a tour, a wedding, private event or party . I'm singing because I'm happy. I'm singing because I'm free.".<br />
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Deborah has recorded and produced three albums under her own name, “No Ways Tired”, “Only Part of Me” and “Compilation”, releasing them on her own label and presenting her interpretations of classic tunes such as “Secret Love” and “The Very Thought of You.” Her current plans involve more extensive touring to bring her music to new places and new audiences, playing both clubs and festivals. One day she hopes to have her own music club, but if that is going to keep her off the road then all fans of good vocal jazz should hope that the dream comes true later rather than sooner.<br />
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Sharing the stage with her tonight are some young men who are familiar faces on the European club and festival festival circuit as well as the Prague scene. Slovak pianist Tomáš Jochmann studied at the Jaroslav Ježek Conservatory, developing an interest in Afro-Cuban and Brazilian music. Versatile and creative, he specialises in providing skilled and sensitive accompaniment for singers, and has recently performed with Justin Echols, Sarah Tolar and Romina Capitani. Bassist Tomáš "Kaštan" Baroš studied at the Prague College of Music, and in 2004 received one of the prized and prestigious Berklee scholarships. With over 15 years of performances under his belt he is one of the most in-demand Czech bassists of his generation. His partner-in-rhythm is another Slovak, Majo Ševcik. He has recorded and performed with small groups and big bands across Europe, as well as working alongside Baroš with Ida Kelarova and her band Jazz Famelija. He has performed at jazz festivals all over Europe and taken part in Leroy Lowe’s workshops and Juraj Bartos’ Hot House projects. In 2008, he received the “Jazzman of the Year” award,from the Music Fund of Slovakia. Also joining the band is Jan Fečo, the young saxophonist who is rapidly making a name for himself and who is definitely someone to watch in the future.<br />
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Deborah Davis has performed for a President before (American-born Reduta sax legend William J Clinton) but tonight we offer a her special welcome to the Autoklub and the unique concert experience of Jazzová KLAUSura. Sit back, relax and enjoy, because this is her story...<br />
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<i>Tickets for the concert are available at <a href="http://www.ticketstream.cz/">www.ticketstream.cz</a></i>Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-75168623118308196392013-11-16T16:06:00.000+01:002013-11-16T16:09:21.906+01:00Jazzová KLAUSura 4 - Deczi & DePino<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The fourth concert in this new series under the patronage of former President Václav Klaus featured Slovak-born trumpet maestro Laco Deczi and the latest formation of his Cellula New York band, bringing their electric mix of jazz, Latin funk and blues to the ordinarily more genteel surroundings of Prague's Autoklub. Just to make sure they got the place really rocking they also brought along Chris DePino - a chromatic harmonica player, singer and larger-than-life character - who would effectively front the band on this unique night of Deczi's extensive homeland tour.<br />
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It was encouraging to see the Autoklub floor packed and rows of faces peering down from the balcony on a night when competition came not only from the usual jazz clubs but also Wayne Shorter, who was playing down the road. With the lights down, audience seated and Mr Klaus occupying his usual front row centre position, Cellula New York (minus dePino) opened with "Plostica", a live favourite and typical of Deczi's writing and arranging; fast and intricate with flowing lines and Latin beats and the band very, very together. Michael Krásný's mastery of the six-string bass is one of the defining features of this current Cellula formation. A phenomenal young (and loud) player, his speedy fingers allow him to lead from the back and push the band through countless changes of direction.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtrQONrOsSFqh72c6XA7V6QhCSlnfnXD1A5GLo7y0ZPSzKgNeCMC1RGVyws1L0J0OCMw-8rRfFgXOODHYGxO7WKzMqdN-IqqbQnC5DBkwkn0QdSaziLtCMEtSOFOgXMSnog92pcCLTj0/s1600/20131106_210310_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtrQONrOsSFqh72c6XA7V6QhCSlnfnXD1A5GLo7y0ZPSzKgNeCMC1RGVyws1L0J0OCMw-8rRfFgXOODHYGxO7WKzMqdN-IqqbQnC5DBkwkn0QdSaziLtCMEtSOFOgXMSnog92pcCLTj0/s200/20131106_210310_resized.jpg" width="150" /></a>It was starting to seem like the Krásný show when the second song opened with his new-agey played and sung solo, until it merged into the slower "Atlantic" and DePino joined the band. In an evening of frenzied instrumentals it was pleasing to hear Cellula occasionally playing a moody ballad rather than just setting off the fireworks, and they also dug out the jazz standard "Lover Man" for a few minutes of aesthetically immaculate reflection.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncFMt4z8A0bR6k_aqP-84oqfA7yXUMjH3ZvEsKWsio46wLl1mM1sdEwwC_z9i_CO0P0vnBZ8LGnzKU0KSC46UiaHBsiC-QYjUeUK2AeFYvSrkHVTRzj0utel6zAEM09Oa6L-kO8kyG_M/s1600/20131106_211351_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncFMt4z8A0bR6k_aqP-84oqfA7yXUMjH3ZvEsKWsio46wLl1mM1sdEwwC_z9i_CO0P0vnBZ8LGnzKU0KSC46UiaHBsiC-QYjUeUK2AeFYvSrkHVTRzj0utel6zAEM09Oa6L-kO8kyG_M/s200/20131106_211351_resized.jpg" width="150" /></a>DePino brought with him not only his chromatic harmonica but also the showmanship and stage presence of an American performer, interacting with the audience and paying as much attention to balcony as the front rows. As a singer he delivered the meaty "American Blues" convincingly as well as showing his instrumental agility; it is no small achievement for a harmonica player to handle the lines required by this demanding music and this demanding musician, Deczi.<br />
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Drummer Vaico Deczi (Laco's eldest son) was working overtime for most of the night, maintaining perfect precision while rattling through his father's high-speed originals, including the test of physical and mental stamina that is "Poison Bird". Together with Krásný and keyboardist Jan Aleš he created the pulsating Latin sound that got some of the ladies of the balcony dancing and rattled the windows of this intimate hall.<br />
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At first glance you'd expect 75 year old Laco Deczi to be knocking on the door asking for the noise to be turned down rather than being the key noisemaker himself. Showing little regard for the calendar he's still an excellent trumpeter, capable of playing big, fast music without a stumble. His new incarnation of Cellula, packed with young talent, has settled in and buzzes with energy. Received with loud applause from the full house, this popular Jazzová KLAUSura concert proved this is a series that can bring electric entrainment as well as more traditional acoustic-oriented jazz to the refined music fans of Prague.<br />
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<i>Many thanks to Chris DePino for his insight and thoughts on the concert and their setlist. </i><br />
<br />Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-26034977366720139902013-11-09T11:24:00.000+01:002013-11-09T11:24:35.786+01:00Brian Charette in Prague<br />
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NYC-based and Grammy Nominated organist and pianist Brian Charette will be visiting Prague in November. He has a full and exciting schedule, including playing at 2 CD launches and a big birthday gig at Jazz Dock. Go and see him if you can.<br />
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<li>Nov 18 Jazz Dock (Praha) <b>CD release w/ Ondřej Štveráček;</b></li>
<li>Nov 19 Jazz Dock (Praha) <b>w/ Steve Walsh </b></li>
<li>Nov 23 Jazz Dock (Praha) <b>w/ Otto Hejnic</b></li>
<li>Nov 24 Jazz Dock (Praha) <b>Music For Organ Sextette Birthday Show</b></li>
<li>Nov 25 Agharta (Praha) w/ <b>Adam Tvrdý</b></li>
<li>Nov 26&27 Reduta (Praha) <b>CD Release w/ Soul Mates</b></li>
<li>Nov 28-30 U Maleho Glenna (Praha) in <b>Piano Trio w/ Martin Šulc</b></li>
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Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-71832626984550352162013-08-26T15:30:00.001+02:002013-08-26T15:30:49.212+02:00Jazzová KLAUSura 3 is comingThe third jazz concert hosted by the former president is on September 4th at the Autoklub. There is now an official website with details of past and future concerts, and a link to buy tickets - take a look at <a href="http://jazz.klausura.cz/" target="_blank">http://jazz.klausura.cz/</a><div>
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Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-30673406224571459452013-07-12T11:50:00.002+02:002013-07-12T11:50:55.893+02:00Soul Singer Coming to Prague <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<br />Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-75556630883059362972013-07-08T16:13:00.001+02:002013-07-08T16:56:18.881+02:00Intuition: Libor Šmoldas Quartet & Bobby Watson<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqv_ZaKgeyOO2895DhoudHGEGEBTfj0Z3Cy76VzcEfUn5mNwrV6CtXo1Qzl0kBCl6ognMQ0qpNoCaP0ftdLcUQpXslkQ1aFxB7WmrLLt-DnLHNQ5bfXcLl6UXvBIm3br6rRbcujdF837s/s1600/2528_nahled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqv_ZaKgeyOO2895DhoudHGEGEBTfj0Z3Cy76VzcEfUn5mNwrV6CtXo1Qzl0kBCl6ognMQ0qpNoCaP0ftdLcUQpXslkQ1aFxB7WmrLLt-DnLHNQ5bfXcLl6UXvBIm3br6rRbcujdF837s/s200/2528_nahled.jpg" width="200" /></a>The Czech jazz scene is a marvellous place. If it wasn't you probably wouldn't be reading this website and I certainly would not be writing it. But scenes, bands and individual musicians need external influences if they are going to grow and develop. Without fresh ideas and fresh perspectives there is staleness and stagnation rather than excitement and innovation. Sometimes that fresh perspective is found by going abroad, whether for an extended stay or for shorter tours or scholarships, and sometimes it is found by bringing in players from around the world and integrating them into existing outfits. The Libor Šmoldas Quartet have plenty of miles on the tour clock, but by hooking up with Bobby Watson for a tour and studio album they've propelled themselves to the next level. Both the band and the recording are deserving of global attention.<br />
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Bobby Watson, a wizard of the alto sax who honed his craft in the demanding school of excellence that was Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, first encountered the Czech band at a party at a North Carolina jazz festival. The fit was right, and after a tour back in Europe the band, now as much a true Quintet as a Quartet plus guest, went into the studio to record <i>Intuition</i>. That was in 2012, and on July 1st 2013 the album was officially "christened" with ritual champagne at the Prague Proms, mid-way through a concert that brought joy and the "wow factor" in equal amounts to the prestigious Hybernia theatre.<br />
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Focusing on their new album they also provided continuity by including the Bobby Timmons piece "Moanin'", which had appeared as a bonus track on Libor's recent live album <i>18 days 2000 miles</i>. There is no point trying to describe Watson's playing other than to say it was as good as you would expect it to be from one of the great living jazzmen. Every note was perfectly formed, every note told a story. He played like the devil when it was the right thing to do, before sitting down to add subtle ornamentation or take a few seconds of silent contemplation. His attention to detail was the hallmark of a true master, and some of his interactions with Šmoldas's were sublime. It was also clear how much he was enjoying the experience, especially towards the end of the set when he revisited the champagne table at the side of the stage to get some of the surplus left over from the album celebration, and frequently interacted with the members of the band as friends, not sidemen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0XK5UBs8E8CoXG_hW62PhB5qwNydZUJRwn4KjzsSjtmXjq8X-JVOq0YC0xrBntRKPV3j0bbF6q_Ec5CdKS8btFs4xtiSJEuoXiPd7Ofmbz0nEuTIul8vrIldImE-27gQpowsTy974lY/s1600/20130701_223639_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0XK5UBs8E8CoXG_hW62PhB5qwNydZUJRwn4KjzsSjtmXjq8X-JVOq0YC0xrBntRKPV3j0bbF6q_Ec5CdKS8btFs4xtiSJEuoXiPd7Ofmbz0nEuTIul8vrIldImE-27gQpowsTy974lY/s200/20130701_223639_resized.jpg" width="150" /></a>Of the new material, both on the CD and on the night, the delicate "Letter Home" (Šmoldas) is perhaps the most beautiful. Dedicated to his wife and children when he is away, this is where the connection between guitar and sax sounds at its most telepathically sensitive. Never mind the tempo, feel the quality. This is no collection of ballads though. "Side Steps" is a Watson piece, adapting elements of the similarly named Coltrane masterpiece, and "Off the Playground" (Šmoldas) is a fun slice of groove. "Twists and Turns" (Šmoldas) hints at jazz-rock, but thankfully stops short of full fusion silliness, and "Ferry Tale" (Šmoldas) is an unabashed tip of the hat to Art Blakey's legendary outfit. Drummer Tomáš Hobzek is up to the task here as elsewhere, with a light, busy touch that places interest and invention over raw power. Underpinning the lot is the acoustic bass of Josef Fečo, whose live performances seem to get more exuberant on a weekly basis. His solos are whole body events that would keep a demanding rock crowd amused, never mind jazz fans who do not expect much in the way of spectacle, and they always go down a storm. These are no cheap tricks though, and he is a bassist of quality who is very much one of the stars of his generation.<br />
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Pianist Petr Beneš sometimes got lost in the live mix, but can be heard clearly on the album. His own composition, "5:15 In The Morning" is a wistful little tune and gives Watson the backdrop for an especially soaring improvisation. Not everyone in the band can fit under the spotlight at the same time, but if you listen to what he is playing under the others he is important in the overall texture of the sound.<br />
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There were few, if any, left unmoved in the Prague Proms audience by the time the band were through. Some overwhelming names can be underwhelming in their presence, but Watson had the unmistakable aura of legend about him and it emanated from his playing, not an ego. The most satisfying thing for anyone who cares about the local branch of the jazz world was that his presence was bringing the best out of the rest of the band, bringing them into his light rather than overshadowing them. His respect and fondness for these young men from a country a long way from Kansas makes the music feel good. I hope the promo guys in the States and the UK are going to run with this one, and that Watson continues to mentor the band from within. The potential is huge.<br />
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<i>Intuition was released on NEW PORT LINE (NPL 0013-04) and more information can be found <a href="http://www.liborsmoldas.cz/en/albums/intuition-2013" target="_blank">here</a>.</i><br />
<br />Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-71639382696630264222013-07-01T16:10:00.000+02:002013-07-01T16:10:12.980+02:00Gig Review: Jazzová KLAUSura 2 (Anders Bergcrantz and Najponk Trio)<i><b>Autoklub České Republiky</b></i><br />
<i><b>26.06.13 </b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1AU_1GIlcKUgIDwZ7H2Rk4hSkhog7FNIJQGEn8iWqVz6fmCH7WHn7pF1FqhO1a6COCFLZsk2BwHzVOiHinMoiOXmYVVBJoQ1_8Kal3u_7bg7rtrxOVSZ761cjIsh55v1CUiJdldYFKs/s960/JK2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1AU_1GIlcKUgIDwZ7H2Rk4hSkhog7FNIJQGEn8iWqVz6fmCH7WHn7pF1FqhO1a6COCFLZsk2BwHzVOiHinMoiOXmYVVBJoQ1_8Kal3u_7bg7rtrxOVSZ761cjIsh55v1CUiJdldYFKs/s200/JK2.jpg" width="150" /></a>Former Czech president Václav Klaus's concert series continued in June with another combination of international and CZ-based musicians. While his successor plays kingmaker in Prague's unfolding political crisis, and the Castle terrace seems to be turning into just another music venue with no direct input or interest from the man himself, there is something reassuring about seeing Klaus and his circle of familiar faces gathering to enjoy an evening of quality jazz. And enjoy they really do: if it wasn't for the close protection officer sitting behind him and his speech at the start, the ex-president would be indistinguishable from any other devoted fan. Front row centre seat, clapping in the right places and generally digging the band, these are not token appearances. Nothing ruins a gig atmosphere like a front row of bored VIPs (apart from talkers of course), but there is no danger of that in what is now effectively the personal jazz club of a retired statesman.<br />
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Anders Bergcrantz, the award-winning trumpeter from Malmö, Sweden, was paired up with local pianist Najponk and his Trio. Najponk (born Jan Knop in Soviet-era Ukraine) brought with him bassist Taras Voloshchuk, also originally from Ukraine, and British drummer Matt Fishwick. Both Najponk and Voloshchuk have been on the Czech scene for many, many years, and the bassist is best known to many as a member of folk-rock festival darlings Čechomor. British star Fishwick, like his trumpeting brother Steve, is seen in Prague more often than you'd expect a Mancunian musician to be, and in 2012 played on Najponk's <i>The Real Deal</i>.<br />
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<i>The Real Deal </i>was a straight-ahead swinging jazz album, and that pretty much describes the way this band played with Bergcrantz too. Apart from some occasional deliberately incongruous tones and squeaks from the trumpeter they steered clear of the avant-garde and spent an hour and a half banging out interesting standards with style and panache, adding their own twists and flavours through the improvisations and keeping the audience attentive and keen without frightening them or taking them to dark places. It was a concert that felt good, felt happy, and felt like it was fun for them as well as us.<br />
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The revelation of the evening was Voloshchuk. Čechomor are a tight band, and he also play the blues - he is a regular sideman for Rene Trossman and Rene doesn't carry passengers - but jazz? Pure, swinging, bopping jazz? It turns out he can do it, and surprisingly well. His other lives did poke through, and there was plenty of punch and groove in there, but also the finesse and feel needed to be a true jazzer. Najponk was in his element serving up classic songs and hard bop ("Blue Monk" cooked most pleasingly), and towards the end they were joined on stage by Osian Roberts, the Welsh tenor saxophonist who also regularly plays in Prague. Roberts has the ability to play intricate and frantic improvisations while standing totally still in a pose of near meditation. The fingers do all the talking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TMLwrFuMpvkPWs0ybpuvHnmEhqHTFfNNmknPZaN23ZXjw8BP7yVb7tC2kkhrCeULcEIqCtOWgZxq5vHs0I8YDzW2WKXy29gEBvYusXrlCahvecbYmnOEE0f2vZxHMGzv7kGPTyIFHPA/s424/najponk2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TMLwrFuMpvkPWs0ybpuvHnmEhqHTFfNNmknPZaN23ZXjw8BP7yVb7tC2kkhrCeULcEIqCtOWgZxq5vHs0I8YDzW2WKXy29gEBvYusXrlCahvecbYmnOEE0f2vZxHMGzv7kGPTyIFHPA/s200/najponk2013.jpg" width="151" /></a>Bergcrantz did play one of his own pieces. "Slow Food", named after the movement that is to fast food what jazz is to chart pop, came with a sweet hook and a lively pulse, and certainly was no poor cousin. The only real criticism of the concert would be that such a talented composer should be showcasing more of his own compositions, but then a one-off set with limited rehearsal time and a prestigious audience is perhaps not the best place to start taking too many risks.<br />
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It was a pleasure seeing Bergcrantz in Prague, and in an environment where his virtuoso skills could be appreciated by a knowledgeable, polite and engaged audience. He really made that horn sing with feeling, rather than just say cold words very fast.
Like many things in the Czech Republic (schools, normal public transport timetables, long skirts) Jazzová KLAUSura is on hiatus for the summer months of July and August, but will be returning in September when Castle favourite Milan Svoboda comes to the Autoklub. Ticket details will be posted when we have them. These are unique concerts, unlike anything I've ever experienced before. Half state occasion, half club gig. A diverse audience of politicians, celebrities, Czechs and occasional foreign tourists are brought together by the common bond of music and a reasonably priced bar. It's anything but ordinary, and that's why you should go.Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-44551817497073544802013-06-27T11:01:00.000+02:002013-06-27T11:02:18.661+02:00News: Paul Desmond Biography <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcZ7SNIMpYG65kCu5Y8harTXMLV-64Po3F5z6Zcmi-LYGcVRt6zkB14dyv9ugpNxwH6bhdEcCmx_4QQvILyoQEOwM2B9kLv5TSqJ-lgqMfjuR9Z6pMfCbRD0PCtMXUhmFvcOK-QeSQ04/s1600/Take-Five-Kindle-Edition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcZ7SNIMpYG65kCu5Y8harTXMLV-64Po3F5z6Zcmi-LYGcVRt6zkB14dyv9ugpNxwH6bhdEcCmx_4QQvILyoQEOwM2B9kLv5TSqJ-lgqMfjuR9Z6pMfCbRD0PCtMXUhmFvcOK-QeSQ04/s200/Take-Five-Kindle-Edition.jpg" width="200" /></a>Acclaimed writer Doug Ramsey has been a friend of Czech jazz for many years, giving the scene here valuable international attention and reminding his vast US audience that jazz is not only an American phenomenon.<br />
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<i>Take Five: The Public and Private Lives of Paul Desmond </i>has sold out in hardback format but is now available as an e-book. Find out more about the book, read some reviews, and order it here: <a href="http://www.artsjournal.com/rifftides/2013/06/take-five-the-book-goes-digital.html">http://www.artsjournal.com/rifftides/2013/06/take-five-the-book-goes-digital.html</a>Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-64352058114215989852013-06-20T14:48:00.000+02:002013-06-27T11:03:08.629+02:00CD Reviews: George Mraz and Martina FišerováTwo new CDs found their way to PJHQ last week. Both are by duos, both feature a Czech and a non-Czech, and both have a story behind them. Both are worth a listen.<br />
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<i><a href="http://www.jazz4all.com/CDs/Mraz/Greville/mraz_rahman.htm" target="_blank">Unison</a></i> is the new album by George Mraz and English pianist Zoe Rahman. It was recorded live in 2012 on a UK trip that seemed to involve as much fishing as it did playing. The liner notes are split between the two preoccupations, and the positive effect of the riverside pursuit is evident in the music. It is an intimate, easy performance, and he is as at peace with his improvisations as he would be by the riverbank with a fly box and a haul of trout.<br />
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Just performing with piano and bass leaves a lot of empty spaces, which neither musician attempts to fight away with tedious overplaying. That's not to say that they are taking it easy, because the most certainly aren't. Mraz really cooks on his own composition, "Wisteria", bouncing melody and rhythm out of his instrument with great intensity. "Three Silver Hairs" is a Mraz original, but the sound is very similar to the wistful Moravian folk melodies that he has exported to the USA, and Emil Viklický's strident arrangement of the traditional "Pennyroyal" is faithfully executed by rising star Rahman.
She has one original on the album too, "April Sun", proving herself a partner in this venture rather than a mere accompanist, and Mraz plays on her piece with the same conviction he shows on his own.<br />
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What gives this album something special is that the musical relationship worked, and it worked instantly and spontaneously. They met for the first time that day, and a few hours later pulled off a together and (no pun intended) unified performance. You can sense that something special was happening, and that is what makes this recording interesting. That sense of event, as well as a sense of creative joy, runs through the whole thing. That makes it worth listening to, in addition to the quality of the playing. They try, they take risks, they fly.<br />
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Another record, this time by a lesser known artist, also has an interesting background. Clearing Fields was recorded by Czech vocalist Martina Fišerová and American organist and pianist Brian Charette. Her <a href="http://martinafiserova.cz/?page_id=736" target="_blank">biography</a> is impressive, but this is the first thing she's put out in her own name. They first met 20 years before recording this album, and Brian's liner notes speak of a special chemistry in their act. Whether it was insight or wishful thinking I do not know, but they were to get together shortly afterwards. Thankfully this is the recording of two people who weren't quite at that point yet, so the feelings are present but mostly under the surface, rather than spewing out as a sickly sweet voyeuristic honeymoon document.<br />
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It is mainly an assortment of standards ("My Favourite Things"? Check. "I Got Rhythm"? Check.) but it has a certain charm. Fišerová sings clearly in English with just enough of a European accent to make it cute, which is infinitely better than than the attempt to sound 'Transatlantic' that is attempted all too often. Charette is perfectly capable on both piano and organ, and while he never really lets rip and lets it all hang out it is also no snooze-fest.
There is one one original on the album, "Song for Brian" with words and music by Fišerová, and its actually rather good. It also has some acoustic guitar which helps give the sound some of the diversity that is lacking elsewhere. Jazz pop? Folk jazz? Either way it's cool, and if this is the sort of stuff she is capable of writing then I hope there is more on the way.<br />
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Clearing Fields is a charming little album. It doesn't set the world on fire but then very little does, and some of the things that do are napalm and atomic bombs so it is not always a great thing. It is, however, two talented people doing some songs together like it actually matters. If they are going to go on and do more of their own, more adventurous, music, then that's a great place from which to start.<br />
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<i>Unison by George Mraz and Zoe Rahman is out on Cube-Metier: MJCD 21250 </i><br />
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<i>Clearing Fields is out on Blue Season: BS 002-2</i>Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-89372646916337758032013-06-07T13:24:00.000+02:002013-06-07T13:24:28.106+02:00Benefit Concert for Jazz DockNext week there will be a benefit concert for Jazz Dock, the Prague riverside venue that was badly hit during the recent floods. If you go you will not only be supporting a good cause, but you will also be seeing some great musicians in action. <br />
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Jazz Dock will be closed at least until the end of June.<br />
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Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-34417382292918968172013-06-01T16:43:00.000+02:002013-06-01T16:43:33.583+02:00Vladimíra Krčková - The Rich Man Has Gone<b><i>Vladimíra Krčková Quartet - "Go For A Rich Man"</i></b><br />
<b><i>Jazz Dock</i></b><br />
<b><i>30.05.2013</i></b><br />
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Vladimíra Krčková is not your typical young female jazz singer with a band. For a start, her voice is far better than that of a typical singer. You don't get a Berklee scholarship because you're about up to banging out "The Girl from Ipanema" in a hotel bar. The strength and versatility of her voice frees her up to use some of the best musicians on the local scene and let them really play, rather than be backed by blandness in cheap suits. She is also willing to take risks and follow her creative instincts, both in her compositions and the presentation of her shows.<br />
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Krčková <a href="http://www.radio.cz/en/section/arts/vladimira-krckova-a-young-jazz-singer-who-lives-in-prague-1" target="_blank">made her name</a> singing standards, but in 2012 she unveiled her new project, <i><b>Go For a Rich Man</b></i>, an album of original songs and associated tour. Rather than play it safe as many artists do, shyly throwing a couple of recent songs into a tried and tested live set then getting back to familiar ground as quickly as possible, she presented the album as a whole and in sequence. This gave the show a strong thematic identity, but may also be the reason why Thursday was the final outing for the <i>Rich Man</i> show. Like a less mental, more jazzy Ziggy Stardust, she has felt the call of a new direction and is terminating her current incarnation.<br />
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The live <i>Rich Man</i> band is the same one as on the album: Adam Tvrdý on guitar, the seemingly omnipresent Petr Dvorský on acoustic bass and Jan Linhart on drums. As is so often the case the live versions, stripped of the studio as an instrument, had a simpler sound but packed more of a punch. Opener "Five Forty Two" sounded better without the double tracked vocals; there is a lot going on musically as the band plays at full throttle and maximum jazz, and the purer sound of her untampered voice cut through cleanly. The more ethereal effects of the album sound great through headphones, but would get lost in a venue offering anything less than perfectly balanced acoustics. "Go For A Rich Man", the title track, sounded better too. Built over some monster riffs from Dvorský that are too quiet on the album but pleasingly robust live, it has a cheeky chorus that could easily emerge from your radio and let the jazz diva flirt with being a rock chick.<br />
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Krčková is not afraid to try out different styles. There was some straight-down-the-line jazz: "Why the Nights Are So Bright" is a great strum'n'brushes ballad. Other songs retain the improvisation and jazz sensibilities (this band can turn on a penny and will do so at the slightest opportunity - no hotel bar complacency here) but have a more modern and mainstream flavour. "Inner Flights" could sell to the general public if it was marketed well, and "Tattoo Girl" again veered towards a rock sound, this time with Tvrdý's guitar slipping into a harsher mode.<br />
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We got a snapshot of the future at the end of the concert, with two new songs from the upcoming project. Both were at the more accessible end of the spectrum, but the guitar - vocal duet of "I'm So Afraid To Love" brought absolute silence to the Jazz Dock audience for the first time I can remember. Ah yes... the Jazz Dock talkers. What is the serious music enthusiast to do? You can't pretend they don't exist, and you can't hit them in the face with a flaming shovel until they die. Or so I'm told.<br />
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If Vladimíra Krčková pursues her next project with the same thoroughness that she did <i>Rich Man</i> it is unlikely that most of these songs will get much of an airing in the near future. The show is over but the album remains, and if you want to to hear an interesting take on modern vocal jazz it is highly recommended. Her lyrics are as beautiful as they are poetic (very little "boy meets girl", lots of goings on behind closed hotel doors and being sleazed up by slimeballs) and her work is yet further evidence that the jazz scene in Prague is still real and still producing good young acts to follow in the footsteps of the established greats.
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The album is easily found on <a href="https://www.spotify.com/" target="_blank">Spotify</a> or can be bought from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=ntt_srch_drd_B0092BJ9RS?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=Vladimira%20Krckova&index=digital-music&search-type=ss" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-11361650204253618252013-05-31T16:36:00.001+02:002013-05-31T16:37:55.970+02:00News: Jazzová KLAUSura Concert 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tickets for the second <i>Jazzová KLAUSura </i>concert are on sale at <a href="http://www.ticketstream.cz/">www.ticketstream.cz</a>.Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-23825275735847147452013-05-25T17:39:00.000+02:002013-05-31T16:42:57.760+02:00Jazz After The Castle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmYjYvRZGCQ9F3wgRYuunJmxCTmp9z9tVB-UF42GUs-Lpz2eR1FJMXStX0RUERuZn5E0eXOzRZ6COJNFo9mkXimo6T7kChjxhD2mxA4WToOPn66OouAy0ww0P8mtn-J191w4M0tyCMxM/s1600/lew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmYjYvRZGCQ9F3wgRYuunJmxCTmp9z9tVB-UF42GUs-Lpz2eR1FJMXStX0RUERuZn5E0eXOzRZ6COJNFo9mkXimo6T7kChjxhD2mxA4WToOPn66OouAy0ww0P8mtn-J191w4M0tyCMxM/s200/lew.jpg" width="141" /></a><br />
<b><i>Lew Tabackin and the Emil Viklický Trio</i></b><br />
<b><i>Autoklub České Republiky</i></b><br />
<b><i>23.05.13</i></b><br />
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As President of the Czech Republic, Václav Klaus may have irritated the environmentalists but he delighted his fellow jazz lovers by hosting monthly concerts at Prague Castle. There were 90 Jazz na Hradě concerts in all, performed in the Castle state rooms and gardens, where some of the biggest names in world jazz performed alongside the cream of the Czech scene. While lacking the closeness and informality of club gigs, these prestigious showcases demonstrated Klaus's personal commitment to the music, and the associated sponsorship allowed a Prague audience to see players who would otherwise be unlikely to drop by. They also had the advantage that even the densest of tourists understood that this was a concert, not an opportunity to talk loudly and eat crisps, and so music could occur against a blank sonic canvas, not a symphony of morons.<br />
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New President Miloš Zeman has not continued with Jazz na Hradě but the concept, the logo, some of the organisers and the man himself have relocated. Under the title of <i>Jazzová KLAUSura</i>, the new concert series kicked off at the Autoklub České Republiky with American flute and tenor sax maestro Lew Tabackin. He needed a band to play with, and when the Czech Republic needs a pianist you know that Emil Viklický will probably get a phone call. With Petr Dvorský on acoustic bass and Tomáš Hobzek on drums, Tabackin had a band with which he could speak the language of music even if he couldn't pronounce their surnames.<br />
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It worked. This Czech trio were able to keep up with Tabackin through his own compositions as well as the standard songbook, and while he was the star of the show he also had star quality behind him too. The originals included "Desert Lady", the title track of his 1990 album held together with evocative flute work, and the hard swinging and smile-inducing "B flat". There were a couple of superb Duke Ellington interpretations, "Self Portrait (of the Bean)" and "Sunset and the Mocking Bird", which were performed with exuberance and panache, his virtuoso improvisations stretching out far beyond the recorded originals. Stalking around, stamping the stage and generally being cool, this was ninety minutes of music that started well and got even better as the band played itself in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWfLMVCygzFKLuJ3KmQZbG_p1ZJWkDYw30QiVsPJvsxuQ8WJhoGNEWiez3QMGUwHySz5lII0a9vr3ZySxAHBinip5PBNLjS6cYr2pkfGgFXPjetAcum_hJNJxd7eXrXD4FE0cVWKkum4/s1600/Lew+Emil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWfLMVCygzFKLuJ3KmQZbG_p1ZJWkDYw30QiVsPJvsxuQ8WJhoGNEWiez3QMGUwHySz5lII0a9vr3ZySxAHBinip5PBNLjS6cYr2pkfGgFXPjetAcum_hJNJxd7eXrXD4FE0cVWKkum4/s200/Lew+Emil.jpg" width="200" /></a>Everybody got some time in the solo spotlight and nobody abused it. Hobzek is maturing into an excellent drummer, making good on the potential he showed when he was with the Organic Quartet, Dvorský is one of the must-have bass names working in the country at the moment, and Emil is Emil. As much as we love his usual concerts it is always interesting to see a musician you know well doing something completely different, and it is unusual to see him in the role of sideman. He provided sophisticated but unselfish accompaniment, listening and responding to Tabackin, and that connection made the show so much more than just a star and some hired hands.<br />
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The Autoklub is smaller than the halls of Prague Castle, but what is lost in swank is gained in intimacy. Klaus had a smaller entourage and he was happily talking to people before and after the music. The lone protection officer stayed out of the way, enjoying his earpiece and radio, and while there were still some VIPs they were there for the music rather than to be seen and photographed. The machinery around <i>Jazzová KLAUSura </i>is just starting up. Hopefully there will be a web page soon, and a bit more promotion. It would have been easy for Klaus and the organisers to look back at almost a hundred Castle gigs and decide that it was time for the music to stop. Jazz enthusiasts in Prague should be happy that this did not happen, and although the new setting is less glamorous it may well turn out to provide an even better experience for the true music fan.Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-18495477265471260082013-05-25T14:56:00.003+02:002013-05-25T15:08:10.587+02:00Concert for Milan Peroutka<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJV3eZAPMAh2O-zlAeslX9LKLylu4xGiru96fEJoOz8vlcRNzBFo8PYFU1sZDbcctCLAl20cHI7muzYi0QcVPN0GKr25hkFpsAE86DED7m1f_jshKNQnPnsFwyM46a-ICo_PaqufmdhMw/s1600/koncert_pro_Ferdu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJV3eZAPMAh2O-zlAeslX9LKLylu4xGiru96fEJoOz8vlcRNzBFo8PYFU1sZDbcctCLAl20cHI7muzYi0QcVPN0GKr25hkFpsAE86DED7m1f_jshKNQnPnsFwyM46a-ICo_PaqufmdhMw/s320/koncert_pro_Ferdu.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
I am normally happy to promote gigs, but this one is a sad occasion. Drummer Milan Peroutka, perhaps best known for his work with Czech rock band Olympic, also played with jazz-rock outfit Q-Rats. He died on May 4th, and Robin Finesilver and the remaining Q-Rats will be playing a tribute concert for their friend in June.<br />
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Details of the concert can be found <a href="http://www.ukralevaclava4.cz/akce/q-rats/" target="_blank">here</a>.Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-20063448907153362212012-07-04T18:21:00.001+02:002012-07-04T18:29:26.246+02:00Recent Releases (Part 1)<span style="background-color: black;">This blog may have been in hibernation over the last few months but the Czech jazz and blues world didn't stop turning, and some noteworthy albums were released by some of the biggest names on the local scene. Here then is the first part of our roundup of the best recent albums and re-releases.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3lwCN0UoVwdSfLl-VFc4Mkpm8M-ZieV7Syy74YGUGii5N95s44f5RkK_Ovb1QfPeJK7iuzgzNmFL5M978jJlQbXf58GeyVEc7LFdlvXV8xXzEqCcR6xDv60UviuksWaHLSrY3KJSZsE/s1600/Front+Cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3lwCN0UoVwdSfLl-VFc4Mkpm8M-ZieV7Syy74YGUGii5N95s44f5RkK_Ovb1QfPeJK7iuzgzNmFL5M978jJlQbXf58GeyVEc7LFdlvXV8xXzEqCcR6xDv60UviuksWaHLSrY3KJSZsE/s200/Front+Cover.JPG" width="199" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black;">Prague's very own Chicago bluesman, <b>Rene Trossman</b>, returned to the studio to produce the upbeat <i><b>I'm On a Roll</b></i>. This is a full-blown, lush-sounding Chicago blues experience, featuring the swirling Hammond of long-time collaborator <b>Jan Kořínek</b>, the funky, clipped bass of <b>Jan Tengler</b>, and a horn section with enough punch to win a barroom fight. Rene is sounding happy here, with the title track an exuberant celebration of winning at life and "<b>Down at Rosa's</b>" paying tribute to one of Chicago's most famous blues venues.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;">Even the love songs, and this being the blues they aren't songs of happy ever after, are free of bitterness. "<b>I Still Think About You</b>", sung as a duet with <b>Lenka Novotná</b>, is a fusion of joyful playing and heartbreaking lyrics. "<b>You Sure Left In A Hurry</b>" is exactly the story you'd expect it to be, but Rene sings as the affected but worldly-wise and accepting participant rather than the pathetic struggling victim.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;">This album makes you feel good. The musicianship is as excellent as you would expect it to be, with Rene's Strat coming through loud and clear. Nine of the eleven songs are originals, and creativity was clearly high when they were written. No fillers, and all good stuff. There's always an edge to Trossman's work, the edge of a man who has lived a lot and got hurt along the way but is still standing. If there is an overall message to this album it is that love is not easy and the world is not right, but that's not going to keep a good man (or a good guitarist) down for long.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;">More information about Rene and <i>I'm On a Roll </i>can be found <a href="http://www.renetrossman.com/en/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_YgH_XUHQKn1O52_G149V66OIwqsa6btJy0RuyTJHEu6ZOqp9vU_95rM15hFWb-VhFX0ED-6KbB8GTqVL50Xgdw4f6V-oKexEwpLpLYHFPp6trFumYD3WYypG88pMnm44mNkFUp1YCc/s1600/steve-walsh-daily-specials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_YgH_XUHQKn1O52_G149V66OIwqsa6btJy0RuyTJHEu6ZOqp9vU_95rM15hFWb-VhFX0ED-6KbB8GTqVL50Xgdw4f6V-oKexEwpLpLYHFPp6trFumYD3WYypG88pMnm44mNkFUp1YCc/s1600/steve-walsh-daily-specials.jpg" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black;"><b>Jan Kořínek</b> also appears on <i><b>Daily Specials</b></i>, an instrumental album by American guitarist and producer <b>Steve Walsh</b>. Joined this time by <b>Tomáš Liška</b> on bass and <b>Daniel Šoltis</b> on drums, this is a recording blending jazz, blues, rock and a little bit of country (see the delicate "<b>A Little Piece of Tennessee</b>" for proof).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;">Highlights include an absolutely storming version of Duke Ellington's "<b>Blue Pepper</b>" and the aggressive "<b>Conjunction Mars</b>" (Melvin Sparks). Walsh plays with a dirty, fuzzy tone that takes up a lot of space. Liška is the unsung hero, holding his own with an acoustic bass in an electric band.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;">There's nothing on <i>Daily Specials</i> that is going to change your life, but it is interesting enough to make it worth a listen. International collaborations are good things, and we're in favour of anything that spreads the word and shows musicians around the world just how good the Czech players are. It would have been a better album if they'd taken a few more risks and let things hang out a bit more, but there are plenty of moments to make you smile. </span><br />
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More information on <i>Daily Specials </i><a href="http://en.animalmusic.cz/catalogue/steve-walsh-daily-specials" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bgJ7DDI1Ef6nFRM3tjNGsQmUPaljS7V9zceuLfOsjl5KU79AdIMGLZyZK2JfK2Sl18M1UTBmRKKD6M0rU5RobWHYgUAv6luCdZYpsUTZWAkvd1SuuLJJscZM1PkWN_L8nOAQ0gdlwHM/s1600/2416_nahled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bgJ7DDI1Ef6nFRM3tjNGsQmUPaljS7V9zceuLfOsjl5KU79AdIMGLZyZK2JfK2Sl18M1UTBmRKKD6M0rU5RobWHYgUAv6luCdZYpsUTZWAkvd1SuuLJJscZM1PkWN_L8nOAQ0gdlwHM/s200/2416_nahled.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black;">Continuing with the transatlantic theme, but this time with Czechs in America rather than the other way round, we have <i><b>18 Days, 2000 Miles</b></i> by the <b>Libor Šmoldas Quartet</b>. This album was recorded during a studio break on their 2011 USA tour, a tour that lasted and covered... well.. you can guess. Although it is a studio album the Quartet were in full live performance mode,and so it does feel like a live recording with the audience silenced.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;">Libor has blossomed as a guitarist over recent years, and here he is heard with his fellow ex-Organic Quartet bandmate <b>Tomáš Hobzek</b> on drums, <b>Petr Beneš</b> on piano and <b>Josef Fečo</b> on acoustic bass. It is very much a no-nonsense modern jazz album, with cohesive ensemble playing and skillful solos. The standout piece is the absolutely gorgeous "<b>Lenka</b>", written by Fečo, a sophisticated ballad that opens with a melodic and perfectly judged bass solo. There is no trickery here, no attempts at being overly clever, just a reminder that there are still good things for musicians to say when they open their hearts.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;">There is a joyfulness about Libor's guitar playing that is conveyed well on this record, and he can swing and bop with the best of them. One moment paying tribute to Wes Montgomery with his own composition, the next performing a credible interpretation of John Carisi's "<b>Israel</b>", this is a cool album to listen to on a hot summer's day.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;">A taste of the band's genuinely live sound is provided by the bonus track, "<b>Moanin'</b>" (Bobby Timmons) with special guest and ex-Jazz Messenger <b>Bobby Watson</b> on sax. They do the event justice, and once again Czech musicians perform credibly alongside world-famous counterparts. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;">Read more about Libor at his <a href="http://www.liborsmoldas.cz/en/" target="_blank">website</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;">The second part of our overview of interesting recent releases is coming soon, so do stick around...</span>Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-64778473836543336032012-07-04T13:58:00.000+02:002012-07-04T14:06:34.403+02:00New Republic<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgpJCDIkepG2LBiDXoxP_fBijal3aKW15QqoAQlepfaOBl3gDK0QWNUoHr_7Tx0ghrNZfRlzKDjf0a_SefsJDnBCB7D7N5HmoXmxzla-je5FjhU_gvlUhvme-179xvhvd8JPgZcDiGE8/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgpJCDIkepG2LBiDXoxP_fBijal3aKW15QqoAQlepfaOBl3gDK0QWNUoHr_7Tx0ghrNZfRlzKDjf0a_SefsJDnBCB7D7N5HmoXmxzla-je5FjhU_gvlUhvme-179xvhvd8JPgZcDiGE8/s1600/download.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.jazzrepublic.cz/" target="_blank"><b>Jazz Republic</b></a>, the strangely placed music club in Můstek Metro station, has reinvented itself and set itself apart from Prague's other jazz venues by no longer charging an admission fee. The concerts are sponsored by the Lobkowicz Brewing Company, and one can only hope that they're providing enough cash to pay the musicians a respectable fee.<br />
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The positive side of this model is that it has become a lot cheaper to see some of Prague's best jazz musicians. There are some decent names playing there, including the "Live and Together" jam sessions where some unusual combinations share the stage.<br />
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The free door policy and the location means that there are lot of casual visitors, and so the level of talking can be very high. Thankfully a lot of them are so casual that they move on after a couple of drinks, with just a hardcore of serious music fans being there for the entire evening.<br />
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It isn't the best musical experience out there - the talking is distracting and you're seldom going to get a focused audience that energises the performers - but it is a cheap way to sample bands you're not sure if you'll like. There is a good selection of beers on sale, including Lobkowicz of course, and even with the slightly inflated bar prices it is still easier on the pocket than most other live music options. If you can make it through the night without punching a talker it is definitely worth visiting.Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-48214804426464815672012-04-12T14:15:00.000+02:002012-04-12T14:15:09.925+02:00Jazz at the OperaThe Jazz v Opeře / Jazz at the Opera series continues in June, with Freddy Cole playing at the prestigious National Theatre. More details, including the link to buy tickets, can be found at <a href="http://www.jazzvopere.cz/">http://www.jazzvopere.cz/</a>Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-12694279109511292442012-02-11T15:30:00.002+01:002012-02-11T15:56:24.930+01:00News: New Czech Jazz Album from Steve Walsh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, almost. The American guitarist, composer and producer has just recorded a new album for Animal Music with three of the hottest young Czech players: Jan Kořínek on Hammond B3, Tomáš Liška on acoustic bass and Daniel Šoltis on drums. <i>Daily Specials </i>was launched at Jazz Dock on Friday 10th February, and as soon as our review copy arrives we'll let you know what it sounds like. We may even have a free copy to give away...<br />
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<i>Steve Walsh: <a href="http://www.stevewalshmusic.com/">www.stevewalshmusic.com</a> <br />Animal Music: <a href="http://www.animalmusic.cz/">http://www.animalmusic.cz</a></i><br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-45981770160625720582012-02-07T20:05:00.001+01:002012-02-07T20:06:15.077+01:00Gig News: February's Castle Concert<center><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7V1FBh2_fOwhVWXNH7JMJ7U4JGoYkqUz1JK0eBjc2KwCqS05eFm7WyhGA1Rw9eDKM4oOLMZCzwXtkXt66HtdLXVUKk_Uf2eOw3qTUqS2YwzGN6yNhZttuu6jFYjkk8gj-FCUgPqbcl2o/s1600/Baron.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7V1FBh2_fOwhVWXNH7JMJ7U4JGoYkqUz1JK0eBjc2KwCqS05eFm7WyhGA1Rw9eDKM4oOLMZCzwXtkXt66HtdLXVUKk_Uf2eOw3qTUqS2YwzGN6yNhZttuu6jFYjkk8gj-FCUgPqbcl2o/s400/Baron.bmp" width="377" /></a></div>Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-17717899953319732262011-08-03T15:02:00.004+02:002011-08-03T15:04:48.723+02:00The View From The Front Row - August 2011Welcome to the August edition of Prague Jazz! We hope you enjoyed our extra “summer supplement” - the full-length English version of <a href="http://praguejazz.blogspot.com/2011/07/interview-emil-viklicky.html"><b>Emil Viklický</b>'s recent interview</a> with <i>Jazz Podium</i>. Many thanks once again to Emil for sending us the transcript. We were lucky enough to catch Emil twice in July, once with his regular band (František Uhlíř, Laco Tropp) and once with talented young bassist Jan Tengler sitting for the absent Franta. He's a talented young guy and Emil worked him hard by pulling out a lot of different tunes, including some of his originals that deserve to be heard more often. <br />
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Another band that was sounding fresh was the <b>Robert Balzar Trio</b>. It had been over a year since we last saw them live and their set has changed a lot. It included a lot of new music, both originals and interpretations, and some twists on old favourites. There is a lot of energy in that band at the moment – they're definitely worth seeing and hopefully we can get Robert to do an interview for us soon.<br />
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The most memorable concert was a family affair - <b>Karel Růžička jr.</b> flew in from NYC in the afternoon and barely had time for a fried cheese and a beer before he was performing with his father's Trio at UMG. As if that wasn't enough to keep him on his toes, his dad presented him with some new songs to play that night! It was one of those special gigs, where great music combines with atmosphere and emotion. <br />
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At the beginning in the month I was asked to write a guide to Prague's jazz scene by airline <b>easyJet</b> for their holiday blog. I gave them a Top 10 things for any jazz fan to experience, which can be found at: <a href="http://holidayblog.easyjet.com/op-10-jazz-experiences-in-prague">http://holidayblog.easyjet.com/op-10-jazz-experiences-in-prague</a>. Hopefully this marks the dawn of a whole new era of budget airline jazz tourism bringing music connoisseurs from all over Britain. Or something like that.<br />
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This month's live review is from <b>Reduta</b>, where young guitarist <b>Libor Šmoldas</b> put his Quartet through its paces. Younger artists are also represented in our album reviews by <b>Projekt Z</b>, an unconventional album from guitarist <b>Petr Zelenka</b> and associates. We also review a new album from a not-so-new guy on the scene: <b>František Uhlíř</b>'s 60th birthday concert recorded as part of the <b>Jazz na Hradě</b> series. As usual we end with our <b>GigTips</b> – a selection of the best jazz concerts in Prague this month. Enjoy the stuff, and of course, enjoy the music...Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-1317445678227042542011-08-03T15:02:00.000+02:002011-08-03T15:02:17.633+02:00CD Review: Projekt Z<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbtBXq3W-l1zsxWiM-yc2-aT2SWFzW_ULHysUZuOg3Z_-E-T1QDkDwhIPc2HgLCKfvXrTaYLm3h-E4QizfYbeIYrwJfBLTjnUeOeKPmowHGKdM3vzH84XCctp0Swh0RYZwOtINyaZOL4/s1600/projekt-z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbtBXq3W-l1zsxWiM-yc2-aT2SWFzW_ULHysUZuOg3Z_-E-T1QDkDwhIPc2HgLCKfvXrTaYLm3h-E4QizfYbeIYrwJfBLTjnUeOeKPmowHGKdM3vzH84XCctp0Swh0RYZwOtINyaZOL4/s1600/projekt-z.jpg" /></a><br />
<b>Projekt Z</b><br />
<b>Animal Music, ANI 027-2, 2011</b><br />
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<b>Projekt Z</b> is a new collaboration featuring three young musicians who have already made a noticeable impact on the Czech scene. At the moment it is hard to pick up a new album that doesn't feature <b>Marcel Bárta</b> on saxophones and bass clarinet. <b>Daniel Šoltis</b> is a familiar name on drums, and <b>Petr Zelenka</b> has an impressive recording history including two albums under his own name. He also broadened his horizons with a stint living and working in Paris before returning to the Czech scene. They are joined by Spanish flautist <b>Rodrigo Parejo</b>, who is less well known here but comes with vast international experience. Zelenka is the main composer on the album, with some contributions from the others.<br />
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The press release that accompanies Projekt Z speaks of “a free space for musical and non-musical communication”. Presumably that is meant to excuse the opening track, "<b>Výkřiky</b>" (R. Parejo, M. Bárta, P. Zelenka), a minute of random honking, parping and squeaking. It sounds like the after-effects of a particularly hot curry. Similarly track 4, "<b>Kulička</b>" (R. Parejo, M. Bárta, P. Zelenka), sounds like a drunk choir rolling dice in a cup while trying to spit out a wasp. And if you've ever wondered what it would sound like if you tried to shoot an an angry pig with a flute then I respectfully refer you to track 7, "<b>Motůrek</b>" (P. Zelenka, R. Parejo).<br />
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The remaining 11 pieces thankfully fall into the category of “musical communication”, although maybe not the sort of music that you would expect. This is an album of dark, experimental compositions. The inherent sense of melody that often infuses Czech jazz is hardly noticeable at all, and the result is a harsh ride that often sounds more like King Crimson than Miles Davis. Zelenka's stark, fully electrified sound strides around menacingly while flute and horn wail. The jazz convention of one musician improvising over the patterns of the rest is maintained, but the patterns are edgy textures rather than more conventional riffs.<br />
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When this record works it really, really works. "<b>Police</b>" (P. Zelenka) begins with a steady drum pattern (of which there are few, Šoltis spending much of his time in a hyperactive flutter), woodwind sets up the structure, Zelenka fires up the infinite sustain and plays with the precision of a hypodermic needle. Tempos continually shift and change. Beats are dropped and found. There are gorgeous contrasts of hard and soft sounds. Bárta cooks up a top-notch solo as the band cranks it up to furious climax before dropping down into a sparse coda. Live, with the volume pedals kicked down to the floor, this could be an absolute killer.<br />
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There is no bass instrument on Projekt Z other than the low, thick sound of the bass clarinet. Its distinctive tones are all over the album and used to good effect on tracks like “<b>Music Box</b>” (P. Zelenka), its warm tones ever-present in the background. The drums beat a march and the flute takes the role of the army band pipe. An effervescent flute solo steals the show, but all the time that bass sound is there, growing and evolving.<br />
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“<b>Prozaik</b>” (P. Zelenka) sounds like something from the “prunk” movement – that seemingly-contradictory fusion of punk and progressive rock: blaring sax and skiddy flute over a fast riff and thrashed drums, held together by periodically melodic passages in unison. There's some shouting too. “<b>Raketa</b>” (P. Zelenka) also has that rocky edge, and with that jagged guitar sitting alongside flute and sax it really does sound like a lost King Crimson track, albeit with technically better improvisational including some great work by Bárta.<br />
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The dissonant strands of "<b>Marš ven</b>" (P. Zelenka) never resolve themselves into anything satisfying, but the last two tracks are satisfying indeed. “<b>Last Call Blues</b>” (P. Zelenka) is delivered with melancholy slow motion and shows that there is something special here. This band can play a simple tune and it does not sound ordinary. There is still room for the creativity, the improvisation, and even a touch of the chaos. Their almost pathological avoidance of melody is unnecessary. “<b>From One Dream To Another</b>” (P. Zelenka) is even more understated, and even more powerful for it.<br />
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A strange one indeed this album. They took risks and that has to be applauded: there's no excuse for young artists who spend all their time painting by numbers. And there are many moments where it is different, exciting, stimulating, frightening even, and it will be interesting to hear how they adapt to live performance. But what are these moments of “non-musical communication” meant to be? A joke? An artistic statement? Speaking of jokes, using the initials of the band members to make a rude word for one of the song titles is tiresome. The music of Projekt Z has the potential to endure. I suggest they stick to playing it.<br />
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<i>Tracklist:</i><br />
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<i>1. Výkřiky (Rodrigo Parejo, Marcel Bárta, Petr Zelenka) </i><br />
<i>2. Podruhé (Marcel Bárta) </i><br />
<i>3. Marš ven (Petr Zelenka) </i><br />
<i>4. Kulička (Rodrigo Parejo, Marcel Bárta, Petr Zelenka) </i><br />
<i>5. Rubato Boom Is Over (Petr Zelenka) </i><br />
<i>6. Police (Petr Zelenka) </i><br />
<i>7. Motůrek (Petr Zelenka, Rodrigo Parejo) </i><br />
<i>8. Z.M.R.D. (Petr Zelenka) </i><br />
<i>9. Raketa (Petr Zelenka) </i><br />
<i>10. Music Box (Petr Zelenka) </i><br />
<i>11. Prozaik (Petr Zelenka) </i><br />
<i>12. Šrums (Rodrigo Parejo, Marcel Bárta, Petr Zelenka) </i><br />
<i>13. Last Call Blues (Petr Zelenka) </i><br />
<i>14. From One Dream To Another (Petr Zelenka) </i><br />
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<i>Samples are available at <a href="http://www.animalmusic.cz/katalog/projekt-z">http://www.animalmusic.cz/katalog/projekt-z</a></i>Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-24649250030535372402011-08-03T15:01:00.002+02:002011-08-03T15:01:59.207+02:00Review: Libor Šmoldas Quartet<b>Reduta</b><br />
<b>18th July 2011</b><br />
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One of the most interesting parts of following a local jazz scene is seeing the younger musicians grow and develop into interesting and respected artists. <b>Libor Šmoldas</b> first appeared on the PJ radar as a member of <b>Organic Quartet</b>: a good outfit but not the easiest place for the guitarist to make his own voice heard. Libor is now an established player in his own right, with his Quartet that performs regularly in the Czech Republic and also undertook a three-week tour of America.<br />
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In his band he has fellow Organic Quarteter <b>Tomáš Hobzek</b> (drums), pianist <b>Petr Beneš</b> and bassist <b>Josef Fečo</b>. Fečo is currently one of the hottest bassists in the country, working with the likes of Karel Růžička, Zuzana Lapčíková and Emil Viklický. He was a decent player when we first saw him five years ago, but now he is electrifying.<br />
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Playing at Reduta can be a strange one. Sometimes there's only a handful of people in the audience, sometimes it can be packed. This was an unpromising Monday night but even so the tourist groups filled out the benches, recently transformed from their traditional green to a plush and slightly disreputable red. There were a few locals too, and a few guys from the annual Czech Jazz Workshop where Libor was teaching. The band started unusually: on time and with a joke.<br />
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Not many jazz musicians chat with the audience during concerts. A lot smile and nod, most introduce some of the songs, and a couple communicate solely through the language of music. Libor was chatty throughout the show, asking which languages the audience spoke, introducing the songs with stories and dedications, and generally inviting the audience into his musical world. A nice touch, immediately making the Quartet a band that you want to like and want to see fly.<br />
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The setlist was primarily original compositions, most of which were penned by Šmoldas himself. “<b>Blues in the Shower</b>” (L. Šmoldas) was an uncompromising way to start: fast, syncopated, alternating broken patterns that rested uneasy on the ear with extended solo passages. Šmoldas's style is smooth and sweet, bebop-style jazz guitar rather than rougher, blusier playing, and he can produce an astonishing number of notes from seemingly no physical motion. <br />
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The Quartet moved through a balanced sequence of different styles. “<b>On The Playground</b>” (L. Šmoldas) was a funky groove ridden into submission. “<b>Lenka</b>”, written by the bassist and named after his wife, was a romantic and tuneful piece introduced by a well-crafted bass solo. Fečo is capable of working melody out of his instrument as well as well as rhythm, occasionally taking the lead as others fell in behind.<br />
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Hobzek has matured into an explosive drummer, his solos fired out with a rockier edge and his sound clear during ensemble playing. Beneš on the other hand was a bit lost in the mix, although he did produce some enjoyable passages and his own composition, “<b>Waiting for Art</b>”, was a pleasing dose of rippling piano occasionally rising into turbulent crescendo. The song title was given with full explanation: Art was the name of a dog. Despite the sophistication of their music this outfit is as unpretentious as it is friendly. It is also fun.<br />
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There were lots of moments that raised a smile from the keen observer. Fečo's total commitment: he seemed to be bodily absorbed into his distinctive cut-off travel bass. Tricksy endings that were beyond prediction. The competition to get the last note. Mischievous collusion in the rhythm section during the piano and guitar solos. Good stuff. Live music. <br />
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The quality of the writing was also commendable “<b>Lyndian Blues</b>” (L. Šmoldas) is as sweet a melody as anything I've heard in a long time, and “<b>One For Kenny Burrell</b>” (L. Šmoldas) is a sparky guitarist’s workout. There were very few songs during the night that didn't contain one of those "special moments" either in the playing or in the tune itself. <br />
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The Libor Šmoldas Quartet are a band worth seeing, and definitely a band to keep an eye on in the future. Their <i>Live At Jazz Dock </i>album, <a href="http://www.liborsmoldas.cz/en/download">free to download from Libor's site</a>,was recorded in 2010. They sound good on there, but they sounded even better at Reduta.Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-18380133146993172602011-08-03T15:01:00.001+02:002011-08-03T15:01:40.296+02:00CD Review: František Uhlíř 60 (Jazz na Hradě)<b><i>Multisonic 31 0822-2</i></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAPFl-W7NfS_v4iCqYVNAF93NTauw2gwnzoDweMKBqqpLQmXYnjHm-40dmzXTq7iWZwIzxq4TY7ASa1e3fALsT-4xSu1PrZZAfJowkl19gdBa8053QC9YOTbxhGdMf0zsKXmA6HX2StQ/s1600/fu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAPFl-W7NfS_v4iCqYVNAF93NTauw2gwnzoDweMKBqqpLQmXYnjHm-40dmzXTq7iWZwIzxq4TY7ASa1e3fALsT-4xSu1PrZZAfJowkl19gdBa8053QC9YOTbxhGdMf0zsKXmA6HX2StQ/s1600/fu.JPG" /></a><b><i>2011</i></b><br />
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It was only fitting that <b>František Uhlíř</b>, a Czech musician of the very highest calibre, should have his “60” concert Prague Castle. There he would bring together eight friends from around the world to join him for his landmark birthday, making this <b>Jazz na Hradě</b> event a joyful and celebratory occasion.<br />
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The core of František's band consisted of <b>Adam Tvrdý</b>, (his regular guitarist in the František Uhlíř Team), drummer <b>Wolfgang Haffner</b> and pianist <b>Mark Aanderud</b>. They were joined by <b>Wolfgang Lackerschmid</b> on vibraphone, recalling past times when František regularly played alongside the legendary Czech vibe-master Karel Velebný. Brass and horns were provided by <b>Eddie Severn</b> on trumpet, <b>Michal Wrobelewski</b> on alto sax, <b>Pius Baumgartner</b> on tenor sax and <b>Přemek Tomišíček</b> on trombone. Despite the large number of musicians making noise there is always room for the distinctive elastic sound of the man they call the Paganini of the Bass. Whether pizzicato or arco, whether taking the lead or walking in the background, his performance sparkles. You really could listen to the whole album just focusing on his bass parts and still be held in fascination. <br />
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The album's songs can be roughly divided into two categories: those played by the full (or almost full) ensemble and those played by a smaller selection of its members. The larger ensemble pieces are often reminiscent of the Jazz Messengers, although led from the bass rather than from the kit. Agile, responsive and nimble, there is much room for improvisation within the arragments. The other tracks call upon different styles of jazz, including the vibes-led “<b>Sahras Bende</b>” (W. Lackerschmid) that moves away from brassy bop and into late night mellowness. Brushes on the kit while vibes, guitar and bass trade lines. These are musicians who are obviously listening to each other, seemingly on a telepathic level, and the way they interact and feed off each other is inspirational.<br />
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There's more stripped-down coolness in the lilting opening of “<b>Castles in the Air</b>” (E. Severn), Severn taking the lead in his own composition and playing with a warm and clear tone. Tvrdý also excels here: one of the best things about the sparser arrangements is that there's more of a chance to listen to this guy. He's another of the younger generation of Czech musicians who is maturning into an exceptional talent. But then, you don't get a place in Franta's band without being pretty damn good! <br />
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“<b>Song for Jane</b>” (F. Uhlíř) is a blast from the past; this Uhlíř original appeared on his 1984 album, <i>Basssaga</i>. A trio for drums, piano and bass, František picks up his bow and recalls this haunting melody from his instrument. In the liner notes pianist Aanderud is described as “the discovery of the concert” and here he plays with charm and sensitivity. He also shines during a tip of the hat to the “other” Czech bassist, the elegantly constructed “<b>Song for George Mraz</b>” (F. Uhlíř). <br />
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The big sound of the full ensemble is typified on the familiar “<b>Father's Blues</b>” (F. Uhlíř), painting with broad, firm strokes. It is in these tunes that we hear both saxophones warble and swagger, and Tomišíček creates some interesting trombone solos on “Father's Blues” and “<b>Wabash</b>” (J. “Cannonball” Adderly).<br />
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Through the first seven songs Haffner is kept contained, never stepping out on his own. His playing is an integral feature of the band's sound, an intelligent drummer who is constantly working away, but just when it is looking like he is too shy to solo he throws two into the mix. The first is on “<b>Lets Go On</b>” (F. Uhlíř), with the band in full good-time Jazz Messengers mode, and the second is during the oddly named “<b>Softly As In The Morning Sunrise</b>” (S. Romberg). There's not much softness to be found here, but a carnival grand finale. There are hints of Latin in this one, satisfyingly picked up on and toyed with by the pianist.<br />
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This album is 75 minutes of sophisticated jazz to make you smile. There is exuberence, excitement and a clear bond of musical friendship. It isn't an album that will frighten the neighbours, but the subtlety and complexity of the playing constantly rewards close listening. At the heart of this band, and at the heart of the music too, is the man himself. František Uhlíř, gentleman genius and Paganini of the Bass, we at PJ salute you!<br />
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<i>Tracklist:</i><br />
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<i>1. Introduction by President of the Republic Václav Klaus</i><br />
<i>2. Expectation (František Uhlíř)</i><br />
<i>3. Father’s Blues (František Uhlíř)</i><br />
<i>4. Castles in the Air (Eddie Severn)</i><br />
<i>5. Wabash (Julian “Cannonball” Adderley)</i><br />
<i>6. Sarahs Bande (Wolfgang Lackerschmid)</i><br />
<i>7. Nenazvaná (František Uhlíř)</i><br />
<i>8. Song for G. Mraz (František Uhlíř)</i><br />
<i>9. Let’s go on (František Uhlíř)</i><br />
<i>10. Song for Jane (František Uhlíř)</i><br />
<i>11. Softly as in the Morning Sunrise (Sigmund Romberg)</i>Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1592066439575158587.post-89628222341975181122011-08-03T15:00:00.000+02:002011-08-03T15:00:30.642+02:00GigTips: August 2011There are so many jazz gigs in Prague that it would be impossible to list all the good ones, even with careful selection to weed out the routine and the mundane. Instead we offer you a handful of gigs each month that we feel could be of special interest. <br />
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August's best gig is likely to be at <b>Jazz Dock</b> on <b>5/8</b>: <b>Karel Růžička jr.</b> will once again be joining his father's Trio for a very special night of music. According to the Czech Jazz Society's website this gig will be recorded, so expect excellence and an electric atmosphere. Růžička jr. is one of those players who has to be seen (and heard!) to be believed – a master of the saxophone. Be there if you can.<br />
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Also at Jazz Dock you can see Latin singer <b>Marta Töpferová</b> (<b>11/8</b>), visiting from NYC and playing with her regular Czech associates David Dorůžka and Tomáš Liška. <b>Robert Balzar</b> plays there with his Trio on <b>19/8</b>, and after hearing them play in July we can confirm that they are on top form at the moment, brimming with new ideas and new music.<br />
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If the weather blesses the weekend of <b>6-7/8</b> then there's a great chance to see some of Prague's best bands for free in <b>Old Town Square</b>. <b>AghaRTA</b> are holding their annual Jazz Week, including the now traditional two day outdoor festival. Full details are available <a href="http://www.agharta.cz/index.php?p=program&site=agharta_apjf">on their website</a> but for us the essential acts to see are the <b>Luboš Andršt Group</b> (<b>6/8 at 16:30</b>) and the extremely energetic <b>Rhythm Desperados</b> (<b>7/8 at 16:30</b>).<br />
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If our <b>Libor Šmoldas</b> review has got you curious then Libor is in action at <b>U Malého Glena</b> on <b>4/8</b>. Glen's is a very small club so reservation is essential if you want to be anywhere near the front and not stuck outside in the bar. Libor will also be playing guitar in his wife's Latin outfit, <b>Zeurítia</b>, at <b>Reduta</b> on <b>22/8</b>. Finally for this month, the always excellent <b>Emil Viklický</b> will be at Reduta on <b>12/8</b>. If you want to learn a little more about Emil before you see him then please do check out his extensive interview <a href="http://praguejazz.blogspot.com/2011/07/interview-emil-viklicky.html">here</a>.<br />
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Club programmes are subject to change so it is best to check with the venue, and don't forget to make a reservation to be sure of a good seat. If you go to any of the gigs listed here please let us know what you thought, and please do tell the venue that you saw the gig tipped on Prague Jazz.Tony Emmersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01264050232336950696noreply@blogger.com0