Bigbandová Elektronika/Bigband Electronics
Big Round, 2020
8/10
Listen to Bigbandová Elektronika/Bigband Electronics
A very ambitious effort, the Cotatcha Orchestra brings big band music and electronic music together, where, essentially, a hybrid form of jazz is birthed under the vision of trumpeter Jiri Kotaca.
“Sen Sei” starts the listen with much atmosphere as adventurous, soulful sax from Marek Kotaco complements the mysterious opener, and “Billy’s Pilgrimmage” follows with soft keys from Martin Konvicka, as soothing vocals from Lenka Dusilova add much to the gorgeous landscape.
Close to the middle, "[Sarda] Napalm” is a busy display of hazy melodies and dreamy qualities where Jiri Kotaca’s trumpet is both vibrant and stirring, while “Modal Song” unfolds with both moments of bare intimacy and big band prowess as flugelhorn and saxophone from Kotaca and Radek Zapadlo guide the exploratory song craft.
Deeper still, “Gloryhole Waltz” puts Peter Korman’s double bass to good use amid Konvicka’s piano skills in the reflective, calm climate, and “A Very Old Lady Driving A Ferrari” finishes the listen with loud, bright trombone thanks to Ilja Reijnoud, as swift drumming complements the memorable exit.
Although it may be an unlikely pairing, the organic versus synthetic sounds here mesh in a way that is both fascinating and rhythmically innovative, as Kotaca and company bring fusion to an entirely new area.
Travels well with: James Dashow- Songs From A Spiral Tree; Mind & Machine: Organic And Electronic Works- Volume Three