ZVESTI

This album was released in 1978 and once again Martin Kratochvil the keyboardist dominates the sound here. This is the fifth album and Martin really took control of the band's sound on the fourth album with his name even being used along side the band name JAZZ Q on the album covers from that fourth album straight through to the seventh and final record. What makes this one different though from their other albums are all of the electronics he uses. Of course when you think electronics and Jazz you think of the Mwandishi period of Hancock, but the music here is much tamer than that and not nearly as good in my opinion. Now keep in mind that this was an amazing band but I just feel their earlier stuff was much better.

"Klekanice" opens with atmosphere as sparse sounds come and go. Spanish-like guitar too. It kicks in after 2 1/2 minutes with the electric piano, bass and drums standing out. Synths replace the piano as they trade off in this uptempo and jazzy opener. "Vzknseni" is relaxed but with depth. We get a beat with synths over top. Guitar before 4 minutes but it's brief. "Slepej" has relaxed guitar and sound with some electric piano. Chunky bass before 2 minutes as the electric piano plays over top. The guitar solos over top later. "Jinotaj" is slowly played piano with synths. It sounds like strings after 2 1/2 minutes.

"Trist" has some crisp sounding drums with synths then guitar. The guitar becomes more passionate. "Korouhvicka" has these twittering synths and atmosphere. Drums and a change 2 1/2 minutes in, then back to the previous soundscape after 3 minutes. "Krupej" is piano and synth led while "Vetroplach" is laid back with guest sax helping out along with the usual synth dominance.

An interesting album that is worth checking out.