About Bereza&Kotlar project
Bereza&Kotlar Project is a musical ensemble founded by guitarist Pavol Bereza and pianist Ľudovít Kotlár. The project focuses on performing original music by both leaders, blending elements of Scandinavian jazz, Slovak and Hungarian folk music, and jazz tradition.
Their music is characterized by strong musical communication, improvisational freedom, and an emphasis on authentic musical expression. The original compositions of Bereza and Kotlár are rich in lyricism, dynamics, and contrasts, with each concert offering a fresh perspective on their musical world.
Bereza&Kotlar Project performs on both domestic and international stages, collaborating with leading musicians of the jazz scene. The band is committed to building a unique musical identity and exploring new expressive possibilities while remaining rooted in the rich jazz tradition and their own cultural heritage.
The album has received excellent reviews worldwide, and even the internationally acclaimed pianist Tord Gustavsen has shared his thoughts on it:
" Friends - we are invited into the universe of a really good band! And in my world, that is one of the deepest compliments one can give. They really groove - which is the most fundamental quality of all. They challenge each other, they support each other, they have meaningful musical conversations going on all the time.
It's paradoxically bluesy, sometimes like Oscar Peterson traveling to Budapest but getting lost in transit in Scandinavia on the way.. Sometimes like 'fusion jazz' finally finding a worthy way forward (electric bass sounds so right here); complex arrangements and unison lines sounding organic and stimulating (rather than stiff or like someone trying too hard). Often like a collective feast, where individual virtuosity is shaped by humble serving of the totality.
The musical conversation is clearly sharpened by deep listening across the ensemble members, in idiosyncratic and very creative call and response. Don't be fooled by the overall collective emphasis, though, into overlooking the very strong soloing happening throughout the album. A string quartet is coming in, sounding beautifully at home; neither clichéd nor forced to be artificially 'interesting'. Guitar and piano breathing happily together and making each other shine, which they almost never do..
And despite complexity and multiple layers operating all the time, the music flows and moves organically. You don't really want it to stop. When it does come to an end, though, it feels right, and the journey feels complete. And the choice is yours; you may contemplate further in silence, enriched by the gifts of this thoughtful and special music; gifts that can make you see the world in fresh ways and help you spread love in new ways. Or; you may just press play again, which I did several times…"
Tord Gustavsen.
Matúš Jakabčic, the director of the Slovak Music Fund, jazz guitarist, composer, and big band arranger, wrote:
"When I listened to the debut albums of Pavol Bereza and Ľudovít Kotlár, which we released in the Music Fund in 2016 and 2017, it was immediately clear to me that releasing their debut CDs was a good decision. Both albums are excellent and yet different. Since then, both of the main protagonists of the Personal Preferences album have become established figures in the music scene, sought-after sidemen, and have participated in many projects. On this album, they joined forces to present their own take on music or, as the album title suggests, their own preferences from the vast mosaic that music is. The collaboration resulted in the equation 1+1 is greater than 2.
Kotlár and Bereza each contributed four tracks to the album. It's great music — beautiful, thoughtful, and imaginative. The outcome owes much to the excellent collaborators chosen by the main protagonists: Róbert Vizvári (bass guitar), David Juraj Raši (drums), and Matheus Jardim (percussion). In two tracks arranged by Pavel Klimashevsky, the Spectrum Quartet also makes an appearance, and in one track, we hear the whistle of Sisy Michalidesová. And, of course, there are the guitars of Pavol Bereza and the piano and synthesizer of Ľudovít Kotlár.
Personal Preferences has all the attributes of a great album: imaginative music and arrangements, good dramaturgy, excellent performers, great sound, and talented soloists. However, you won't hear any ego trips here. All the musicians have subordinated themselves to the common goal — the music. And that's what such projects are all about.
Give it a listen!"
Matúš Jakabčic
Making of: Recording the Personal Preferences Album (Slovak Version)