A BENEFIT OF RADIM HLADÍK [AKA: MODRÝ EFEKT & RADIM HLADÍK]

As Polish S.B.B. was greatest Eastern European progressive rock band during 70-s, Czech Blue Effect was the same, but in the field of jazz rock. (Yes, on this album, as on some previous and some next as well the name of the band is stated as "Modrý Efekt", because of Socialist government pressure against using of English names for bands - yes, such things were quite usual in Eastern Europe, still controlled by Moscow).

Radim Hladik is excellent guitarist, showing there on this album all his potential. Guest flautist Jiří Stivín bring his Ian Anderson-like flute sound, making the music almost perfect. Still rooted in blues-rock, with influences from symphonic, band represents there his best music ever.

Comparing to Slovak Fermata - their nearest colleagues in place and time, Blue Effect (I will name them in that way, no Moscow pressure anymore) is more acoustic, mostly guitar/flute/ drums based. They are using keyboards, but for some back-up arrangements mostly. As a result, their sound is real guitar jazz-rock. Fermata's music is mostly keyboards based, deeper orchestrated and with big portion of symphonic prog.

But both bands has one thing in common - very melodic music with symphonic elements and quality arrangements. I prefer Blue Effect music as less symphonic, more guitar-rock based, but it is more question of taste. In fact, if you like Fermata, you will like Blue Effect, and v.v.

Recommended to any lover of jazz-rock, instrumental guitar prog and symphonic prog from mid-70-s. One of the best Eastern European release from this field. Really 4,5.