By: Vince Lewis
Download "Continental Talk" From Amazon.com
Continental Talk is the debut recording of Croatian guitarist Ratko Zjaca. It is comprised of original material penned by Zjaca and saxophonist Stanislav Mitrovic.
These two band-mates are joined by jazz luminaries John Patitucci (acoustic bass), Steve Gadd (drums) and Randy Brecker (trumpet).
Surrounding yourself with players of this caliber is a sure fire recipe for notice in the music community.
The album opens with a minor blues, with a nice bridge section, titled “Breakfast in Tokyo.” Zjaca and Mitrovic play the intricate melodic line in unison. Zjaca has a very dark tone and modal approach here to his single note solo.
“The New Life” is an interesting ballad showcasing the excellent tone and phrasing of Mitrovic.
Other titles include “Portrait in Retrograde,” “Inner Ears,” “Home Again” and “The Gate.”
One would be hardpressed to fine a more sensitive and experienced rhythm section than Patitucci and Gadd. As well, Brecker shows his prowess on the shifting Latin rhythms of “E Doubt.”
This is truly a powerhouse band that is comfortable in any musical genre.
Zjaca is a unique musical thinker whose style is modern in its presentation. His music is described as ranging from “the soulfully rhythmic straight ahead to freewheeling sprawling modality.
I found his work on the ballad “Anibas” to be the closest to traditional improvisational playing through the changes.
This effort should be a pleasant listening experience for fans of more free jazz than those of standards based mainstream.
