M.Efekt - 33 (1980) - next post

M Efekt - Svitanie (Dawning) 1977 (Czechoslovakia, prog.rock,)


Radim Hladík, a well known and excellent guitarist, in the 1975 re-formed M Efekt (Modrý Efekt) into a new group and this Prague musician resolved to do an unusual choice - in spite
of the geographical distances and organisation difficulties he found his ideal collaborations in Bratislava and Brno (in former Czechoslovakia) - bass guitarist Fedor Frešo, the former member of the Slovakian group Collegium Musicum and organist and singer Oldřich Veselý who was known from his performing in Brno´s group Synkopy 61. Another member of M Efekt was the drummer Vlado Čech who together with Hladík have been working in the group since its origin. Since Frešo and Veselý joined the group, a lot has been changed - Hladík has gained not only excellent players but also associates in composing who complete and agree with his ideas concerning creation of his own musical life. The music of M Efekt arises from high technical fundaments of its members (especially Hladík in outstanding in solos) respectively from their abilities to get over a difficult arrangement requiring technical preparedness and maximum concentration even of the best players. Within the context of home scene the group is, according to the use of expressive means, solitary and practically unclassified, standing aside the present main style streams. Within the world frame we might find some common features by carefully listening for example eith the British YES (in instrumentation), it regards, however only similar ways of looking for new forms of rock music in which improvisation is repressed by greater
interest in large composition formations and construction of large colour spaces as well as formation of qualitatively different moods as for example in jazz-rock. Music produced by the band draws no claims to attributes of revolutionary avantgarde - it represents pure musical aims in aquiring artistic values by means which are convenient also for the youngest listeners whom this music, by virtue of rock expressive means, brings to an understanding and revealing genuine quality. (Free according the original LP sleevenotes, 1977)


1) Vysoká stolička, dlhý popol (High Chair, Long Ashes) 10:12
2) Ej, padá, padá rosenka (Dew Is Falling, Falling) 6:39
3) V sobotu popoludní (On Saturday Afternoon) 4:11
4) Svitanie (Dawning) 19:25

Recorded in the OPUS studio, Pezinok, januar 1977

bonus (on CD reissue 1998):
5) Golem 6:47

recorded in 1976

M Efekt
Line-up/Musicians:

Radim Hladík - electric and acoustic guitar
Fedor Freššo - bass guitar, mandoline, vocal, percussion
Oldřich Veselý - organ, piano, electric piano, string synthesiser, ARP, vocal
Vlado Čech - drums, percussion

Download link (256@):

http://rapidshare.com/files/298231914/M_Efekt_-_Svitanie__1977__Czechoslovakia__progrock__256__.zip

covers link:
http://www.cover-paradise.to/?Module=ViewEntry&ID=393004

The Blue Effect and Czechoslovak radio jazz orchestra - New Synthesis 2, 1974(VBR:239-248@)

After the success of "New Synthesis" record , produced for the Panton label in 1971 by the Czechoslovak Radio Jazz Orchestra and The Blue Effect rock group on the occasion of their joint appearance at the Prague International Jazz Festival, the two ensembles now present their new programme for the for the Prague IJF in 1974. "New Synthesis 2", which you now hold in your hands features jazz-rock compositions by Radim Hladík and Josef Kústka on lyrics by Pavel Vrba and Boris Janíček, in modern arangements by Kamil Hála, the orchestra´s conductor. The entire Side 1 of the album is taken up by a single composition - Radim Hladík´s and Pavel Vrba´s 22-minute "New Synthesis 2", which has given the album its name. Big band sound canvases alternate in its with Lešek Semelka´s and Josef Kústka´s singing, the powerful chorale of eight bassos from the Kuhn Choir, and the electrically amplified violin played by bass guitarist Josef Kústka. Radim Hladík´s guitar solos fascinate with their technical perfection and richly inventive improvisation, and the swinging section of the works features Laco Deczi on trumpet, Karel Rúžička on organ and Petr Král on tenor sax. Side 2 contains three compositions. Hladík´s introductory "One Must First Put On Shoes And Then Walk For Quite A While" is followed by "The Tick", sung by Lešek Semelka. His voice comes into its dramatic best in this slow song, for which Kamil Hála has added a strings section to the orchestra. Josef Kústka wrote the concluding composition, "October, 11", with a grand orchestral overture. The "New Synthesis 2" album constitutes the logical development and the current tendency to combine jazz and rock elements, and I hope it will be appreciated by listeners with both jazz and rock preferences. (Original sleevenote from the vinyl edition, Panton label, 1974).

Tracklist (including translations):

1) Nová Syntéza 2 (New Synthesis 2) 22:05

2) Je třeba obout boty a pak dlouho jít

(One Must First Put On Shoes And Then Walk For Quite A While) 9:57

3) Klíště (The Tick) 3:25

4) Jedenáctého října (October, 11) 7:29

(Recorded 1973/1974 at Czechoslovak Radio Prague´s Studio A, Prague - Karlín)

bonus:

5) El Dorado 3:41

6) Dívko z kamene (Girl From The Stone) 2:33

total time: 49:30

The Blue Effect

Line-up/Musicians:

Radim Hladík - guitars

Lešek Semelka - keyboards, vocal

Josef Kůstka - bass guitar, electric violin, vocal

Vlado Čech - drums

&

Czechoslovak Radio Jazz Orchestra, cond. by Vlastinil Hála

guests:
The Pavel Khún Choir

Laco Deczi - trumpet

Karel Rúžička - organ

Petr Král - tenor sax

Download link (VBR:239-248@, artwork included):

http://rapidshare.com/files/300925212/M_Efekt_-_New_Synthesis_2__VBR_239-248__.zip

Blue Effect - Modrý Efekt & Radim Hladík (1974, Czechoslovakia, progrock 256@)


This album was not meant to be instrumental originally, but communists forced the members of Blue Effect to leave out the vocals (because of the lyrics) and later also to change the name of the band to czech equivalent "Modrý Efekt". But even these facts don't influence the high quality of the recordings, solo guitarist and song-writer Radim Hladík is at his best and shows his talent especially on the legendary song called "Čajovna". Newly released version of the album includes two bonus tracks recorded in East Germany in 1973.
This album is one of the top of the Blue Effect. It is an instrumental album,but really, I don´t missing vocals. In the period of 70´s, when I heared this album at the first time, I was breathless.
Boty (Shoes) is maybe a best song. Hard bass line in the opening goes on to the nice
flute and guitar solo. After this passage starts an instrumental hell with Radim Hladík´s
high energy guitar playing. Čajovna (Tea room) with melancholic and very nice guitar figure
in simple theme in 4 minutes, but it works. Skládanka (Puzzle) is the song with jazzrock touches
with excellent flute of Jiří Stivín (like guest). Ztráty a nálezy (Lost and found) is a nice
melancholic ballad with lame fade out. Hypertenze (Hypertension) with hard begining later
mature into the interesting jazzrock with nice vocals in the end. Song Armaggedon (in bonus)
is a vocal version of Skládanka (Puzzle). Guitar playing is more agressive and better, I think.
And song Clara? Bass line really catch you. Thank You, Blue Effect.


Total time: 54' 40''


Tracklist (including translations):

1. Boty (Shoes) 9:57
2. Čajovna (Tea room) 4:01
3. Skládanka (Puzzle) 5:49
4. Ztráty a nálezy (Lost and found) 5:12
5. Hypertenze (Hypertension) 12:30

Recorded from March 18th to June 6th, 1973 in Prague (tracks 1-5).

Bonus tracks:

6. Armageddon 6:22
7. Clara 4:13

Recorded in Germany in 1973.

Line-up/Musicians:

Radim Hladík - guitars, circle modulator
Lešek Semelka -keyboards, vocal
Josef Kůstka - bass guitar, fiddle, vocal
Vlado Čech - drums

guests:
Martin Kratochvíl - piano
Jiří Stivín - flute, altsaxofon



cover from export variant (A Benefit of Radim Hladik - 1975).


Download link 256@:

http://rapidshare.com/files/297992435/Modr__Efekt___Radim_Hlad_k__1974__Czechoslovakia__progrock__256__.zip


album artwork link:
http://www.cover-paradise.to/?Module=ViewEntry&ID=199998

Modrý Efekt (a.k.a. Blue Effect) - Svět Hledačů [Czechoslovakian progressive jazz rock fusion/1979] + 6 bonus tracks

Lead by ace guitarist Radim Hladík, MODRÝ EFEKT were one of the major progressive bands in Czechoslovakia; they were to their own country what OMEGA were to Hungary, or SBB to Poland. They started out in 1968 with a couple of early R&B-oriented albums. Actually, these were released under the band’s original name, BLUE EFFECT. However, the Czech governement strongly disapproved of English names at the time, so the band switched to MODRÝ EFEKT and later to simply M.EFEKT. After these two albums, their material veered towards jazz rock and by the early 80’s, following sereval personnel changes, their music had become a little less prog, more accessible. They released their last album in 1981 and then quietly disappeared.
Of particular interest to prog fans are three albums: “Modrý Efekt & Radim Hladík” (1975) which features an energetic mix of YES-like symphonic rock with some fusion; the overall effect will likely remind you of FINCH or CRUCIS. Emphasizing Hladik’s brilliant soloing, this was the album that established him as “the” Czech guitarist par excellence. However, it is “Svitanie” (1977) that is considered the band’s true masterpiece. With its sinewy bass lines and bold keyboard/guitar melodies, it is still quite YES-influenced but it also has a definite Czech flavour that makes it unique. Finally, there is the bolder, more complex and not so YES-like album titled “Svet Hledacu – World of Searchers” (1979); this one is characterized by many sudden tempo shifts and emphasizes the flux between the spacey synths and Hladik’s biting guitars. Except for this album, whose 5 official tracks are all sung, the band’s répertoire is mostly instrumental.
Primarily recommended to fusion lovers but YES fans will also likely find something to sink their teeth into.(http://www.progarchives.com/)

ME’s Last album of the decade - Svet Hledacu, is in some ways one of their most “prog”, it was to signal the end of the Czech’s most brilliant group, even if the following 33 album still has some moments. By this time bassist Freso has left ME, replaced by the returning Semelka, adding a second keyboard player, leaving the bass guitar spot empty. Oddly enough, while the 73 album and most of Svitanie were largely instrumental, Svet Hledacu has extended vocal tracks, with both keyboardist sharing vocal duties, and even odder, they both sound quite alike: it’s quite hard to tell which voice belongs to which singer.
From the lengthy opener Za Krokem Zen, one can say that ME had heard of Grobschnitt’s Solar Music live concept. Indeed an interesting track, a bit in the musical line of their previous Svetanie album, but nothing spell-binding past the Grobschnitt allusions. Hledám Své Vlastní is a keyboard-led track that hovers between Eloy and Yes. Closing the first side is Rajky probably the most complex of the album and has a definite Yes twist to it, but again vocally this is a cross of Ian Gillan meeting with Jon Anderson.
The flipside starts on the Zmoudření Babím Létem, a great and furious track that even Crimson clone like Anekdoten couldn't possibly match in terms of energy and is possibly my fave on the album with the opening Krokem track. Again the strong Eloy tendency resurfaces on this track. The 12-min scorcher Zázrak Jedné Noci is another excellent mini-epic, especially in its use of heavy/minor scale passages and its alternance between spacey/jazzy stretches and more symphonic lines ala Yes (especially in Hladic's Steve Howe-inspired lap steel guitar solos).
As with Freso leaving ME to refound Collegium Musicum and later Fermata prior to this album, Vesely would leave the group to reform Synkopy, the album comes with a bunch of later non-albums single releases, obviously shorter (due to the format), all sung as well and recorded after Veseny’s departure. The six bonus tracks included are not much added value to the original album, sounding like typical AOR of the late 70's with an Italian vocal delivery, with the lengthier Fotka being the best of the lot, but not coming to the waist-height of the lesser original album tracks. Nevertheless, beside these slight drawbacks, Svet Hledacu is very much in the ME trio of “must- discover” lists, even being at moments better than Svetanie, but unfortunately ruined by the unwise choice of bonuses.

Track Listings:

1. Za krokem žen (11:43)

2. Hledám své vlastní já (4:12)

3. Rajky (7:14)

4. Zmoudření babím létem (8:45)

5. Zázrak jedné noci (11:48)

Bonus tracks on 1999 CD re-issue:

6. Fotka (5:31)

7. Ptáky když kroužkujou, pouštěj' (3:49)

8. Šaty z šátků (4:05)

9. Nerad mám ráno dým (4:07)

10. Žena v okně (4:08)

11. Známe se dál (3:14)

Total Time: 68:36

Line-up/Musicians:

Vlado Čech / drums, percussion

Radim Hladík / guitar

Lešek Semelka / keyboards, synths, clavinet, celeste, vocals

Oldřich Veselý / keyboards, synths, clavinet, vocals

Releases information:Recorded from September to December, 1978 in Prague (tracks 1-5).

Download link 256@(with covers front and back):

http://rapidshare.com/files/163093622/1979_-_Sv__283_t_Hleda__269___367_.rar

Covers (HQ):

http://www.cover-paradise.to/?Module=ViewEntry&ID=204661

Modrý Efekt & Jazzový orchestr Čs. rozhlasu: Nová Syntéza (Jazz Rock/Fusion, 1971)


An instrumental album, the band recorded with a jazz orchestra. Some of the songs were originally sung, but the group probably could not record them because of Communist pressure.
Má hra 4 The first half is dominated by the orchestra, playing the catchy main theme, the second one has the band present as well, with a marvelous fast heavy rock out passage after the 5:30 mark. Great work by Hladík and bassist Jiří Kozel playing in unison. Hladík plays a lightning fast and ferocious lead. Great, although the cooperation between the two ensemble´s is not that inmspiring as when they are playing on their own.
Směr jihovýchod 5 More cooperation as well as as cohesion. The number is somewhat slower and more dreamy. Hladík ´s guitar really bends well with the bras section on this one. Overal, the melody is much more jazzy than the previous one. Hladík gets again a graet solo, which is les raw than on the previous number and seems to be carefully constructed. The fast part slows into a moodier part again, but without repeating the opening theme.
Popínavý břečťan 5 Even better. The main melody is very catchy and Hladík even plays s fabulous slide (which is rare for him). Great powerful drumming from Vlado Čech as well. Many duets between the group and orchestra. Hladík even puls of a fabulous subtler jazz y solo interrupted by one on the bass by Jiří Kozel. His playing on this one reminds me of Leo Lyons from Ten Years after. Then, the song concludes with the opening theme. The keyboards are very much in the background, as on the previous songs.
Blues modrého efektu 2.5 As the title suggests, it is a relaxed bluesy song. Finally,the organ(who plays it?) somewhat better to hear as it is more upfront. Radím Hladík plays some long leads and the orchestra does some nice backing work for the band on this one, but overall, the number sounds not that inspired and some passages are boring and lack spark the previous numbers have.
Nová syntéza 5 A great riff opens this one, whre Hladík compliments well with the orchestra. Soon we have the whole band playing agreably tight, with the orchestra providing good backing. Vlado čech gets than a solo on drums.It is nice, as Hladík soon joins his solo creating some guitar noise and the same does Kozel on bass. Pretty funky. Then the band gets in a jazzier groove, with a nice piano solo. The next part is short and trippy, before Hladík plays a bit of self-indulgent gymnastics, but then we get to a marvelous, quiet slow part with an almost lullaby-like melody, before rocking out again with the orchestra added. Hladík plays a blazing solo and then we return to a more easy going mood with Hladík doing a terrific guitar solo on slide guitar and the horn section coming more to the fore, before both the band and orchestra play again the main theme.

(thanks to Peto: http://www.progarchives.com/)

Studio Album, released in 1971

Tracks listing :

1. Má hra (9:00)

2. Směr Jihovýchod (5:50)

3. Popínavý břečťan (5:55)

4. Blues Modrého efektu (8:00)

5. Nová syntéza (14:25)

Bonus tracks on 1997 CD re-issue:

6. Kingdom of life (4:00)

7. You'll stay with me (4:23)

8. Brothers song (2:20)

Total Time: 53:53

Line-up / Musicians:

Radim Hladík - guitars

Jiří Kozel - bass guitar

Vlado Čech - drums

Lešek Semelka - keyboards

Vladimír Misík - vocals (on bonus )

&

Czechoslovak Radio Jazz Orchestra, cond. by Kamil Hála

you can see nice video-Modry Efekt, Nová Syntéza, live from Lucerna hall, Prague, 1971 :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdjGzSYtvF4

new link (uploaded in RS) :

http://rapidshare.com/files/301011611/Modr__Efekt_-_Nov__Synt_za__1971__Czechoslovakia__fusion_of_rock_grup___jazz_orchestra___256_.zip

BLUE EFFECT & JAZZ Q PRAHA - Coniunctio (1970, Czechoslovakia, fusion of rock + jazz group, 320@)

The second album of Prague rock group Blue Effect is en atypical experiment. This album is a fusion of rock and jazz group (Jazz Q Praha), only instrumental. In the times of hopeless political situation (= early period of "normalisation") all things was changed after Soviet invasion to Czechoslovakia (1968). Songs with english lyrics was prohibited. Vocalist Vladimír Mišík, founder member of The Blue Effect left group after the first album and was replaced by Lešek Semelka keyboarder and later vocalist (in the next 70´s progrock period of The Blue Effect that changed name to Modrý Efekt and later M.Efekt). Mišík connect to Flamengo, excellent Prague rock group that later recorded eponymous album Kuře v hodinkách (1972) but it is an another story.
Coniunctio is an intersting album - but only experiment- that sounds in some moments like early Jethro Tull (with excellent flute player Jiří Stivín, like guest) and Mahavishnu Orchestra with free-jazz comrades...


DownloadLink (320@):
(front artwork only)

http://rapidshare.com/files/192893958/Blue_Effect___Jazz_Q_Praha_-_Conjunctio__1970__Czechoslovakia__fusion_of_rock___jazz_group__320__.zi

THE BLUE EFFECT - MEDITACE (album 1970)+ 7x BONUS (EP+SP, 1969) (Czechoslovakia, PROG/BLUES ROCK, 320@, artwork included)

This is one of the "diamonds and rubins in crown" of (former) Czechoslovakian rock albums late 60´s and early 70´s period. The Blue Effect (later renamed Modrý Efekt, and
M. Efekt...) was formed in Prague, November 1968 by Radim Hladík (really one of the top solo guitarist of the continental Europe), Vladimir Mišík (vocals, flute, percussion),
Jiří Kozel (bass) and Vlado Čech (drums). Album "Meditace" is the CD Re-Issue of the LP "Kingdom of Life" plus the single "Slunecny Hrob"/"I've got my Mojo Working" and the "Blue Taxi" EP (=7 tracks in bonus). Most of the songs are sung in english.
Fans of excellent guitar work with bluesy feeling, and also fans of early Jethro Tull should definite check this out ! One of my favourite albums.

And this is reaction from the anonymous net fan:

... wow! - this is GREAT!
It is one of the strangest mixes that I have ever heard (drums panned hard to one side), but this is a very good band and very good music. The track "Blues About a Stone" sounds like it could be an outtake from Led Zeppelin 1...

The Blue Effect (of course, in "charismatic styling of 60´s /70´s era") - from the left, there are: Vladimir Mišík (vocals, flute, percussion), Radim Hladík (guitars), Vlado Čech (drums) and Jiří Kozel (bass).


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckNMjjxNWGk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyYO37Ko_1E&feature=related

Download links (320@):

http://rapidshare.com/files/189226076/The_Blue_Effect_-_album_Meditace_-_1970.zip
http://rapidshare.com/files/189228516/The_Blue_Effect_7xBonus__songs_from_SP___EP_-_1969_.zip

PRÚDY - Zvoňte zvonky (1969-pop/art/prog rock , milestone in Slovak rock music!)

It is one of the first and best pop/art/prog rock albums released in the late 60s (recorded in 1968). Zvonky Zvonte (Ring Bells, Ring) by Prudy (Currents) was a milestone in Slovak rock music. Personnel: Pavol Hammel - guitar, lead vocals; Marian Varga - piano, organ; Fedor Freso - bass, vocals; Peter Seller - guitar; Vlado Mally - drums.This is what "Scented Gardens of the Mind" has to say abount the album:"Prudy's album was a Slovakian response to Sgt. Pepper, an album full of charming pop songs with harmony vocals, lush orchestration and a hint of psychedelia. The best songs were written by Marian Varga who soon went on to form Collegium Musicum ( see my older post). His characteristic keyboard ornaments are already recognisable at this early stage. A historic (Czecho)slovakian album full of period charm. Hammel later recorded many albums with new version of Prudy. This is rather forgetable pop. More interesting are the various Varga and Hammel collaborations".Not much to add to this review - this really is a charming, mellow, even poetic album. The atmosphere may be soft overall but there are some welcome fuzz guitar breaks and you have to love Varga's harpsichord. And the music and the lyrics are great.I disagree about the latter statements as Hammel's first few solo albums are actually pretty good; admittably with some more commercial fluff thrown in.

...and now-some interesting moments from two anonymous US fans (from the net):

Ring Little Bells-is the english name of the first album of legendary band from Slovakia (in this time Czechoslovakia) Prúdy (The Jets). The great flower-power music from sixty with Marian Varga-p. org. lead, Pavol Hammel-g. vocal, Vlado Mallý-ds , Fedor Frešo-bg and Peter Saller-solo g. A1-Intro song start Marian on piano, good timing of Palo singing, perfect vocals, hymn of those times. A2-"In Front of Toyshop" with Fedor bass and Peter solo. A3-"Sad Johns Ballad" A4-"Autumnscreed" is the song with slow break before last part which is gradated up by beatifull vocals and strong tempo in the end. A5 -"Ghost". A6-"When Band is Retiring" a.k.a. Slovaks When Im 64 with great final of Marian organsolo. B1-"Follow Me" start with strong riff. Middle is slow philharmonical part and then just hell. B2-"Maybe You Love Me" with pretty back vocals. B3-"Maybe" and Vlado start final vocal part by drums. B4-"With hands in the pocket" great lyrics and Vlado. Have you heard such a drumswork anytime? B5-"Ill give you lamp" B6-"Black Rose" we are finishing just as we have started. By great song....

….I ran into this record this summer here at a Detroit record store. One word: Brilliant. I collect a lot of 60's Polish and German freakbeat, psych, and prog, so I am familiar to the process of hearing foreign language music and loving it.
This Slovak group just fell into my lap. Thanks God!
When I placed the needle down I was instantly transported to 1969. Overdriven bass guitar, savage fuzzbox guitar, piano and drums chugging along. The harmonies remind me of SELL OUT-era WHO. It's platform of the song has to be a a stab at The Kinks' 'Love Me Till The Sun Shines'. The singing is raw and melodic. Since I know the Polish language I could figureout basically what the singer was singing (well, not everything)....

Just sit down and listen music.

Download link:

http://www.mediafire.com/?2v9kmtgemmc

MEDICINE HEAD - One & One Is One (1973, 320@)


Medicine Head formed in Stafford in 1968, and came to prominence when championed by influential DJ John Peel, who signed them to his Dandelion record label. The group recorded six original albums, the opening trio of which were on 'Dandelion'. This is their fourth album with most successful single hit "One And One Is One".
(from lajso´s blog)

Download link:

http://rapidshare.com/files/182892612/MEDICINE_HEAD_-_One_One_Is_One__1973__CD.rar

password: lajso