Karel Velebny

[Late]

No Velebny in my collection, but his name has popped up in my reading more than once lately. Any suggestions as to where to start, or favorite albums?

[clifford_thornton]

I only have the ESP-Disk, but it's really good. It might be characterised as a more surrealist Out To Lunch, if that makes any sense. I believe there are two on MPS and probably at least another two on Supraphon, and they are probably all worth checking out... dunno why I only have the one!

[couw]

I only have two on Supraphon. A 10" from 1960 that's very pretty but also a bit dull and an LP by Eva Olmerova (1969) backed by Velebný's group, which is pretty cool if you like Czech ladies singing engrish. I do.

[clifford_thornton]

Late, have you read Northern Sun, Southern Moon by Mike Heffley?

Despite some typos and mis-information that crop up (maybe a little more than one would hope for in a Yale Press title), there are chapters on Velebny and the Czech improvising scene. Worth a read, for sure.

[Late]

I haven't, but the title will go down on the list — thanks!

Right now, I'm trying to track down some out-of-print William Bronk (before I fold and just go for the "Collected" ... which really won't be a bad alternative).

[Late]

Finally landed a copy of this one — very nice record! The comparison to Out to Lunch is apt. Anyone interested in that recording would do well to seek out this one.

[mikeweil]

Speakers Corner did a vinyl reissue of the Nonet LP on Saba/MPS Nonet SHQ with woodwinds a while ago.

[Late]

Have you heard it, Mike? I've always wondered about that album. I bet it's good!

(It's also available on compact disc as a Japanese mini-LP.)