HVEZDON/ASTEROID

This was the last studio album that Czech band JAZZ Q created back in 1984. It's very well done but it certainly doesn't measure up well to some of their earlier releases. I'm going to use the English song titles provided.

As i'm writing this I have another JAZZ Q album playing called "Zvestit" and a customer says "What are you jamming out to man ?" So I told him and he says "That's cool man." Funny but that's the second positive comment for that one today. Anyway back to this album, and we get started with "The Muffin" hmmmm. Lots of synths in this one and it does turn a little fuinky before a minute. Nice drum work after 3 minutes. "Dispute" is better. I like the intense intro but then a calm with electric piano follows. It starts to build but stays relaxed. Some nice guitar too. It's intense late. "Awakening" features some guest trumpet and is fairly laid back. Good song. "New year's Eve On Bastima" is synth led as electric piano plays underneath. The drums kick in then it settles into a groovy soundscape. A Latin vibe 2 1/2 minutes in then the guitar comes in. More intensity and synths late.

"Wing" is laid back but kicks in around 3 minutes. This is great ! It settles back a minute later. "Powder Beer" is light and catchy early. Not a fan of this but it does get better. "Asteroid" opens with keys as the bass joins in in this intricate and catchy piece. "God's Man" sounds different with that strummed guitar to start. Then synth take over but the strummed guitar does come back 1 1/2 minutes in. A fuller sound follows and I like the electric guitar before 3 minutes.

If this was JAZZ Q's only album I probably would give it a low 4 stars but honestly check out some of their earlier albums first because they are better.