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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