From the very beginning, saxophonist Pavel Hrubý’s band has been a household name on the Czech jazz scene. This quartet with saxophone, trumpet and an energetic rhythm section sounded a little different from other Czech progressive jazz bands right from the start. That the Czech public can appreciate such a direction, one that organically incorporates elements of the “serious” jazz avant-garde as well as musical humour à la Art Ensemble of Chicago, was shown by the nomination of the album Kalimbo for the Anděl 2008 award in the jazz and blues category.

At the turn of 2008 and 2009 these conceptual reflections grew into a new, electrified form. The experienced composer Michal Nejtek took over the keyboards, Martin Kopřiva the drums, supported by the versatile percussionist Tomáš Reindl, while guitarist Jiří Šimek contributes strongly to the ensemble’s electric character. The two most extensive pieces, Hotel Kubrick and Solaris, clearly born of collective improvisation, show the rich range of moods the ensemble has at its disposal.

Jan Faix for MIX.cz

www.limbo-music.cz

Catalogue number: AMP09001