KUřE V HODINKÁCH

A legendary release from the Czech Republic back in 1972. How about clarinet / flute / sax player Jan Kubik not only playing on this record but also on JAZZ Q's "Symbiosis". I wonder if he knew he was making history twice ! Well this isn't the Jazzy offering that JAZZ Q would release in 1974 but there's lots of horns, chunky bass, guitars and vocals in their native language. This may have got past the Communist regime at first but they promptly banned it apparently because of the lyrics.

"Kure V Hodinkach (Introdukce)" opens with the sound of someone walking then horns and a full sound kick in. The organ replaces the horns before 1 1/2 minutes but it's brief as the horns return blasting. It blends into "Ram Pristich Obrazu" and it's a horn-fest. Vocals before a minute, guitar too. When the vocals stop the horns lead. Nice scream to end it. "Jenom Laska Vi Kam" is a great track. We get more of the same really along with some passionate vocals and prominant guitar. Nice guitar solo 1 1/2 minutes in. "Ja A Dym" opens with flute and acoustic guitar as reserved vocals join in. Love when it picks up and turns fuller later as they jam. "Chvile Chvil" starts with horns and drums then it settles a minute in with vocal melodies and a pleasant sound. Reserved vocals join in. It kicks in before 2 minutes with more passionate vocals. Organ and vocal melodies 3 1/2 minutes in to the end.

"Par Stoleti" is mellow with flute then the drums and laid back vocals join in. It's still relaxed until after 2 minutes when it picks up with horns. A change before 4 1/2 minutes as a beat with flute takes over. This is catchy and upbeat. Horns come and go. "Doky, Vlasky, Hlad A Boty" features a beat and horns standing out then vocals and chunky bass join in, guitar follows. A sax solo with percussion after 2 minutes. Vocal melodies a minute later. "Stale Dal" is uptempo with flute, vocals and more. A rocker folks. Lots of vocal melodies too. A guitar solo after 1 1/2 minutes as the horns help out. "Kure V Hodinkach" opens with drums, bass and flute as the guitar joins in. Great sound ! Vocals follow. So good. The bass is huge here. We even get a flute solo after 4 minutes.

Easily 4 stars for this amazing album.