Petr Kotvald: LX – CD

Petr Kotvald marks a significant birthday with a new studio album containing twelve new songs in a variety of styles and moods. The album is a major creative achievement by the young composer Martin Blaek, keyboard player in Kotvalds backing band Trik. Pavel Cmrals brilliant lyrics are joined by those of Marek Sloup, while the album also includes Kotvalds first attempt at writing lyrics. The twelve tracks range from pop songs and ballads to chanson and, as Petr and Martin jokingly describe it, a country-influenced Cartney song. This is a new Petr Kotvald: notably acoustic and somewhat different, yet still recognisably the artist his loyal listeners love. Rather than retro, the album offers a surprising variety of song moods, striking melodies, carefully developed choruses, emotionally direct communication and a distinctive vocal performance. The mature Petr Kotvald clearly enjoys interpreting songs that differ so greatly in style.