POZOROVATELNA (THE WATCH-TOWER)

I first got in touch with Jazz Q by way of Modry Efekt and their collaboration on Coniunctio (1970). That album was a sort of free form jazz-rock excursion. Not really my cup of tea but certainly interesting. My interest in Jazz Q grew over time and I got myself the CD box set for christmas. It wasn't all fun and games but there are something about them that is, however you look at it, intriguing. Their universe is of their own making, though highly inspired by contemporaries in the genres of jazz, fusion and jazz-rock.

This, their first album, is in many ways their best. It builds in some aspects on the sounds of Coniunctio, though not nearly as intense as that album. The music on Pozoravatelna is certainly more noodling and spacious, though interrupted at times (thank God) by more frantic outbursts.

The album is almost entirely instrumental, apart from some vocals added by Joan Duggan. The playing is impeccable and the sound, especially the guitar, is quite raw in a good way, as much of the early 70's jazz-rock.

I think that Pozoravatelna is a bit too heavy on the noodling and the jazz is in a too pure a form for me personally. The interesting parts are those that rock, where the band kicks and tears up a storm. That's where I start to dig it. The best song is "Trifid" which balances their jazzy side with rock wonderfully.

All in all I'd say that this album, along their next, is the best of the lot. Their fusiony style got too slick and noodling for my taste in the years to come, leaving much of the raw elements aside. Too bad, really. On the other hand, if you are into fusion I think Jazz Q has a lot to offer. Highly skilled and competent they do produce top notch fusion. I guess it is just not for me. My rating will be three stars and that is by my personal taste. If you like fusion, I guess you could rate it four.