THE BLUE EFFECT & THE JAZZ Q PRAGUE: CONIUNCTIO

Blue Effect's second album is entirely different from their more streamlined symphonic sound of later years. Actually it's a clash between the acid blues-rock of their beginnings and another Czech band, Jazz Q Praha, a renowned local free jazz ensemble. The result is a sizzling album, brimming with chaotic tension and excitement. Much of it may seem like a terrifying slab of seemingly random noise but it's so vibrating with life and conviction that it remains entirely captivating.

The first track takes up half the album and is my favorite, it takes 7 minutes till it launches into a wild guitar solo. What preceded was pure sonic attack, bordering on free-jazz but with loads of rocking energy added into it. The rhythm section reminds of Led Zeppelin, with chunky bass and big pounding drums. Track2 is more melodic and traditional, bluesy in a Captain Beefheart sort of way. Track3 and 4 are largely free-jazz based jams with organs and sax clashing against guitars and drums.

Cool stuff. Approach at own risk.