CZECH CONTEMPORARY FOLK part 2

* Indies Rec.Maraca : Longe -lyrics by Fernando Pessoa- (CZ,2003)***°

Tr.1, "Dobre" 4 min, Tr.2, "Sonhos" 4 min, Tr.3, "Ao Longe" 5 min, Tr.5, "I am the escaped one" 5 min,

Tr.11, "Meu Triste Coracao" 2 min 21 -142-

First track is with oud, Miles Davies like trumpet, double bass, fitting "middle eastern flavoured" vocals, soft and modern percussion. The music sounds very modern, as if produced by the better DJ work. Lots of it

however I think is all record in direct takes. I wonder if the name of the group refers to a "lounge" style. This has jazz, ethnic, and chamber music elements but is in fact non of these, but keeps itself mostly closest to

jazz, with its rich, warm, modern, smooth sound. The 5th track is very filmic. I'm sure this will appeal to many. Not all tracks have this very modern styled mix. A few tracks use more specific style inspirations played with jazz groove. Last track sound more like a medieval inspiration, possibly Spanish or Portuguese. I could easily choose more tracks. Highly recommended.

Info : http://www.indiesrec.cz/Album.asp?ID=218&lang=EN

and with audio on http://www.indies.eu/us/alba/80/longe/?idn=1

newer album by Maraca is reviewed on next page -->>

* Indies Rec.

Irena & Vojtech Havlovi : Tvá zlatá Lodka" (your golden boat) (CZ,2003)*****

Tr.1,2,3,4,5,6,7 11 min, Tr.15, 2 min, Tr.26, 2 min,Tr.30, 2 min, Tr.34, 3 min, Tr.40, 4 min 24 -30-

Very beautiful, sincere, serene, original, quietly performed, evolving and murmuring acoustic concept piece (cello, alt viola de gamba, whispery voice, piano, ..) with sometimes birds like cello, with ethereal close to abstract evolving musical emotions. (Contemporary music) from an otherworldly heavenly beauty. Difficult to leave out anything ; a small brake permitted me to take out a part. A few parts are arranged with additional wind instruments (hobo,..). Last part is a concluding subtle cello improvisation with Savina Yannatou, voice. The music fits well with the artwork. Highly recommended.

Audiotrack here

pictures of artist : http://www.jaroslavpapousek.cz/obrazy.php

Czech Info : http://www.indiesrec.cz/Album.asp?ID=219

* Indies Rec. Tara Fuki: "Piosenki do snu" (PL/CZ,2001)***°'

Tr.1, "Czekam" 6 min, Tr.3, "Noce zie" 4 min, Tr.7, "Cien" 3 min, Tr.9, "Kowisanka" 4 min -17-

Two female cello players with both, mostly one of both singing. Hard to describe, but with little elements it succeeds to be expressive with an inner calmness. Enjoyable. Partly based upon improvising and song ideas.

Info with audio : http://www.indies.eu/... & audio on www.indiesrec.cz/Album.asp?ID=157

* Indies Rec.

Tara Fuki: Kapka (CZ,2003)****'

Tr.1, "Cichy Placz" 7 min, Tr.2, "Kapka" 4 min, Tr.4, "Modlitba" 4 min, Tr.7, "Les Yeux" 5 min,

Tr.9, "Okamzik" (MP3) 3 min 23 40 -75-

Here their style is even more self-confident, with a more full sound, and with more inspiration. First track has also an experimental, loop like element. For the special production effects Mario Buzzi was responsible, a great contribution. "Les Yeux" has additional rhythmic and other arrangements". "Okamzik" is, like another track on the early Bittova/Fajt release, inspired on the clicking of the clock before walking up. Last track (not included) has nice stimulating ethnic elements. Recommended release.

Info with audio : http://www.indies.eu/us/alba/76/kapka/?idn=1

Videoclip : http://www.indiesrec.cz/... or on http://www.indies.eu/us/klipy/22/tara-fuki-v-dymu/ next release->

* Indies Rec.Majerovy Brzodovy Tabulky : Gabréta (CZ,1996)***°

Tr.2, "Pastyrsky Mesic" 3 min, Tr.3, "Kluzistem Po Skle" 3 min, Tr.4, "Gabréta" 6 min,

Tr.8, "Malvína z bretane" 3 min 15 -107-

In similar style, possibly with even more developed folk chamber style. First played track is with additional dulcimer. Very effective acoustic arrangements, and appealing female voice. I think the title track is one of their most powerful tracks. Track 8 has some rearranged medieval elements. Here I like the group very much.

*Indies Rec.

Majerovy Brzodovy Tabulky : Babí Jan (CZ,1998)**°

In continuation of their earlier style, but I think slightly more song orientated. Some arrangements often (like with sax) therefore fall back on improvisation along in similar ways, in a more repetitive way. Only the

last two tracks on the album is a bit more improvised instrumental. I preferred not to take anything from this album.

*Indies Rec.

Majerovy Brzodovy Tabulky : Ryba Ryb. (CZ, 2000)**°

Tr.1, "Rabou Ryb" 5 min, Tr.6, "Lucie & Slunovrat" 4 min 9 -116-

The group here renewed its style very well here, and also developed it into a more individual and attractive "(alternative)-rock" style, with the help of some additional musicians (drums, tabla, electric bass, some electric guitars). A nice improvement, with here and there multi-layered arrangements that tends to achieve a more "power-ful" sound. This is I think a conceptual album around some tarot cards.

JAN JERABEK

* Indies Rec. Jan Jerábek : To Srdce (CZ,rec.1997,iss.2001)*°

Tr.8, "Kdyz rozléval vodu s vínem" 3 min -118-

Alternative music project from singer-songwriter ? Jan Jerabek. It remains a s/sw project, where words lead the music. So for foreigners it's not so much a release to enjoy as much as those who do understand the words. Two of the 4 guests in this project were Vit Kahle & Antonín Bernardfrom MBT. Their style is recognisable.

DASA ANDRTOVA & RADIM HLADIK

* Indies Rec.Dasa Andrtova & Radim Hladik : Voliéra (birdcage) (CZ,1997)**

Heavenly voice (in one track) and whispering spoken word & stylistic acoustic guitar, both recorded (separately) and often with some larger space echo. Many tracks give some more theatre performance feeling. The complete score gives a very esoteric impression to me difficult to get access to. I preferred not to play any track of it.

BETULA PENDULA

* Indies Rec. Betula Pendula : 1994/1990 (CZ,rec.1994,1990)**°

Tr.6, "Detem" 3 min (1994) -121-

Good slightly Gothic alternative folk, with some better moments.

* Indies Rec.

Majerovy Brzodovy Tabulky : Mista Castych Zvjeveni (CZ,rec.1991,1992)***°

Tr.3, "Prvni Trna" 4 min, Tr.5, "Gablenz" 5 min, Tr.13, "Kamen v Polich" 5 min 14 -92-

Songs (mostly with female voice) with nice arrangements, mostly of acoustic guitar/mandolin, sax and some additional sounds and effects. This is from their first tape, now luckily reissued on CD. Very good !

DAGMAR ANDRTOVA & VONKOVA

* Indies Rec.V.A. Chech Alternative music -vol1 '95 (CZ,1995)**

Tr.9, Dagmar Andrtová & Vonková : Zlata Brana : 5 min (****°) -35-

The item from which this recording comes from was sold out, but will be rereleased end of March. I look very much forward to this. The combination of acoustic fingerpicking guitar with emotional melancholic voice is highly captivating !

Info : http://www.hudba.cx/jmena/andrto_e.htm

* Indies Rec.

Jiri Dohnal : a step on the long way (CZ,1996)****

Tr.2, "Variation of the traditional theme" 6 min

Wonderful sitar music with additional tabla, flute, piano, handbells, harmonium. An integer and emotional play. Recommended. This simple track which combines romantic piano with sitar & tampura is from a heavenly

beauty. More of this CD will be played in the next sitar fusion radioshow. Recommended release for those who like sitar played in a semi-hippie controlled way.

Info : http://www.indiesrec.cz/Album.asp?ID=55