Kalemegdan Disk - ROCK FROM EASTERN EUROPE

Supraphon Release Information

Following his platinum album “Mohlo by to bejt nebe…” (It Could Be Heaven…), Michal Prokop is back with the new release “Ostraka” (Potsherds).

The title is unusual at first glance, as is the antique-inspired artwork by Karel Haloun and Luděk Kubík, but after listening to the title track, it all becomes clear. Supported by the three-generation band Framus Five, the singer has remained faithful to his unique rock music and high-quality lyrics about and for us. His concerts are a successful and credible mix of older and newer repertoire in both electric and acoustic form, and his band has become more than just the perfect accompaniment, as they are also frequent co-authors of the songs.

Prokop wrote the music three times himself, with key contributions from keyboardist Andy Čermák, guitarist Pavel Marcel, and bassist Zdeněk “Wimpy” Tichota. Together with the proven lyricists Michal Bulíř, Martin Němec, Jan Lacin and Tomáš Roreček, a set of 12 songs was created, ranging from blues songwriting with harmonica to dense southern guitar to “drama” with Hammond organ, all with the indispensable violins and wind instruments.

From the opening single “A přece ráno” (And yet in the Morning) to the closing “Vyrovnání” (Settlement), this is a genuine album at a time when many are not playing around with the theme, thinking that one hit song is enough. A great bonus is the thirteenth track, “Na shledanou” (Goodbye), a 1960s melody by Šlitr with lyrics by Suchý in a surprising arrangement by Prokop. But there is no excessive sentimentality: “Ostraka” is our complicated era, at times serious, sometimes presented with a welcome sense of perspective, always an energetic piece of music by a band and a singer who, at 78, is certainly not past his prime.

Tracklist

Side A

1. A přece ráno 4:41
2. Bezvětří 4:53
3. Minuli jsme se ve snu 3:19
4. Hollywood 5:08

Side B

1. Ještě pár fotek 4:33
2. Na cestě 4:37
3. Blues o prázdném sedle 5:40
4. Ostraka 2:58

Side C

1. V nákupáku 3:29
2. Sejmi 3:45
3. Vážený pane 3:15
4. Vyrovnání 3:26
5. Na shledanou 3:13