Viklický has a deserved international reputation and is often referred to as a father figure in Czech jazz. Having followed a path to Berklee, trodden by Jan Hammer and Miroslav Vitous before him, Viklický returned to his homeland. As well as being a formidable improviser having absorbed the Berklee tradition, he’s carved a distinctive niche for himself, fusing Moravian folk music with jazz as well as composing for full orchestras. This set is infused with that sensibility, and Hrubý, another formidable presence on the Czech scene, is a perfect match.
On this set Hrubý confines himself to bass clarinet and conjures a huge range of sound and moods from the instrument. His first entrance is a low rumble under resonant chiming piano chords on Forlorn Pear Tree, at first a growl that could be arco basses in an orchestra, then a reedy snarl, before unfurling a plaintive singing melody in the upper registers. Viklický’s touch on this piece has a classical air. On the title track, the piano provides a driving percussive barrage, tustling with assertive phrases from Hrubý. There’s a conversation and exchange going on throughout the set, even in the written passages. Sometime titles are descriptive of the shape and mood: Enigmatic Poem, Cool With Emotions, Exaggerated Message. in others there’s lyricism and expansive solos. Each contribute a solo piece. Viklický’s is the only standard in the set, a delicious gospelly take on I can’t stop loving you and Hrubý a meditative piece, beautifully recorded giving full rein to the resonances of the instrument and his beautiful tone. They close with a richly harmonised Viklický original, Overflown Bird, a ballad that could easily pass as a classic standard.
Between Us is an evocative, compelling outing for two consummate writers and performers.
Mike Collins is a pianist and writer based in Bath, who runs the jazzyblogman site. Twitter @jazzyblogman
(Footnote: Vicklcký has form in the duo setting. There’s a very fine set on ACT records from 2014 called Together Again with bass legend George Mraz, commissioned by label boss Siggi Loch to celebrate the Moravian folk/ jazz fusion which is well worth also seeking out.)
LINK: Between Us is available in the UK from Czech Music Direct
It is also available for download from Arta in Prague and is on Spotify
Categories: CD reviews
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