SHQ

In February, 1968, as the false Spring of hope was rising in occupied Czechoslovakia, ESP instructed Karl Velebny to record his group of improvisers during their upcoming tour of Germany. In April, 1968, the clandestine project was completed. Karel survived a terrible auto crash and sent photographs to ESP, which were utilized on the LP cover as a symbolic reference to the plight of the Czech people.

Personnel

Jiri Stivin: alto sax, flute, recorder
Karel Velebny: tenor sax, bass clarinet, vibes
Ludek Svabensky: piano
Karel Vejvoda: bass
Josef Vejvoda: drums


Track Listing

All compositions by Karel Velebny except Beetles On The Head by Jiri Stivin (ESP Disk' Ltd. ASCAP).

Credits

Recorded in Germany 1968. Production Manager: Tom Abbs. Tape transfer & mastering by Stephen Walcott. Design & layout by Miles Bachman, Michael Sanzone & Fumi Tomita.

Press Quotes

"Velebny shows how imagination and artistry make compact bedfellows. His discography is sketchy and his music is not easily available, which makes this CD one to treasure."
- Jerry D'Souza, All About Jazz

"It is a memorable set of music that tears up the walls between the new thing of the sixties and the bebop of Bird that much of the '60s music sought to deconstruct." 
- Raul D'Gama Rose, All About Jazz

Musicians: Jiri Stivin / Karel Velebny / Ludek Svabensky / Karel Vejvoda / Josef Vejvoda