Cerkno

Energetic "out-there" jazz, led by viola! Lots of energy here. It's got chamber and Euro-free-improv influences but definitely reflects a love of traditional jazz. Disciplined stuff with a good sense of abandon, a combination that often brings out the best in these kinds of sessions. (That it's a live session probably helped a lot.) Every track is great, although #5 might be less fun than the others. Highly recommended.

Szilard Mezei - viola
Bogdan Rankovic - bass clarinet, alto sax
Milan Aleksic - piano
Ervin Malina - bass
Istvan Csik - drums

1- Full improv. Fast, often delicate (although it digs in a bit) SEGUES into:
2- Hard-driven post-bop, after a careful/fast chamber intro
3- Great piano riff & viola theme. Fun, but only 1 minute long.
4- Gets a bit vicious early on and digs into a cool viola solo with fast bebop bass/drums. A screaming sax/drums-led segment follows. Fantastic. (13 mins. long)
5- Slower, with a reverent regal theme about halfway through
6- Fast, groany chamber feel, but upbeat. All kettle drums!
7- Cool groove, dark theme. Fairly fast.
8- Goofing around, fast and a bit silly. Abstract.
9- Fast and tumbling, into a cool bop-inspired groove
10- Dizzying, fast
11- Jaunty and swingy