PAVOL HAMMEL & MARIÁN VARGA: ‎ZELENÁ POSTA

''Zelena posta'' is the greatest album in a small series of works created by two mythical figures of ex-Czechoslovakian Rock scene: keyboardist Marián Varga of Collegium Musicum and guitarist Pavol Hammel.Radim Hladik of The Blue Effect fame also participates in the album.It was originally released in 1972 on Opus and many regard it as a lost Collegium Musicum release, as credits also go to bassist Fedor Freso, drummer Dusan Hajek and guitarist Rastislav Vacho, all members of Collegium Musicum.

Musically ''Zelena posta'' sounds as a refined version of COLLEGIUM MUSICUM'S ''Konvergencie'' album, being less raw and psychedelic and much more of a structured affair.The tracks are tightly connected to each other and the album works as a multi-part long symphonic suite full of excellent piano and organ parts in the vein of E.L.P., this means there are plenty of jamming keyboard fanfares delivered in ''Zelena posta'' with a strong sense of virtuosity.However this release offers also plenty of dramatic, lyrical moments, led by Hammel's vocals, which sound quite tasteful with a nice musical background.Hammel's also shines with his guitar work in a mix of underground psych lines and more bluesy/melodic passages.Apparently there are plenty of Classical-inspired interludes among the typical organ textures with a fantastic, bombastic approach, another proof of Varga's unique talent as a composer.Overall ''Zelena posta'' competes as a nice Classical/Symphonic/Psych Rock work full of inventive ideas, innovative performances as well as great vocal arrangements.

For the most of its part, this is a trully beautiful release, coming as a more well-executed version of ''Konvergencie'', with both bombastic and romantic moments.Essential for all fans of rich Symphonic Rock of the 70's...3.5 stars.

social review comments | Review Permalink
Posted Wednesday, April 10, 2013 | Review this album | Report (Review #941997)

Zelena posta is a strong offering by already experienced leaders of progressive rock era in Czechoslovakia: Radim Hladik, Marian Varga + pop singer Pavol Hammel. This is a loose collaboration featuring melodic pop tracks with progressive rock arrangements. While Varga's array of keyboard instr ... (read more)

Report this review (#2233332) | Posted by sgtpepper | Wednesday, June 26, 2019 | Review Permanlink

Eclectic Prog meets Symphonic Prog. It is my understanding that this album is very untypical for Collegium Musicum. Normally; they are a symphonic prog band in vein of ELP. But they are cooperating with someone else here (for the record; Hammel and Hladik) and the result is this album. Th ... (read more)

Report this review (#229366) | Posted by toroddfuglesteg | Saturday, August 1, 2009 | Review Permanlink

"Zelena Posta" was not truly a Collegium Musicum album but rather a collaborative album between Varga, Hammel and Hladik, although Hladik only played on a handful of tracks. The rhythm section was Collegium's one though, and both Vacho and Hammel had already made appearances on "Collegium Musicum" ... (read more)

Report this review (#138517) | Posted by Salviaal | Sunday, September 16, 2007 | Review Permanlink

Although being biased by being Slovak person myself, I simply have to confess that I am amazed by this wonderful music. Although Varga is most often referred to as the one who made long tracks of classical-music-inspired prog, I believe that the song form of this album's compositions suited him t ... (read more)

Report this review (#55931) | Posted by | Friday, November 11, 2005 | Review Permanlink

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).