Interviews / Podcasts

halak.miro@gmail.com

+43 660 59 69 130

+421 908 81 83 86

halak.miro@gmail.com

+43 660 59 69 130

+421 908 81 83 86

Jazz reviews

The Remarkable Legacy of Andreas Paragioudakis

In a historical context, the concept of heritage is often misused for reactionary purposes. Opportunists instrumentalize and distort history to construct nonexistent value frameworks of the past. By idealizing history, we accelerate nationalism, and heritage thus becomes an empty phrase of pride and a myth of exclusive identity. On the other hand, it is also heritage that is systematically misused to stigmatize opponents by excluding them from this framework of identification. An example of the disgraceful desecration of the concept of heritage in Slovakia is the annual theatrical adaptation of the message of the historical figures Cyril and Methodius. The radically intellectual and deeply spiritual legacy of these fundamentally progressive, cosmopolitan, cultured, and socially competent thinkers and diplomats is criminally reduced to nonsensical, offensive, contemptible, and divisive political agitation.

Bratislava Jazz Days 2026

I’m really happy that this year, too, I get to review the event known as “Jazzáky”—as it’s familiarly called by those whose connection to this festival goes beyond just a few concerts by their favorite bands. For me personally, the last weekend before the end of October marks the final stretch of days without thick jackets, windbreakers, and coats. These are the last breaths of what we call Indian summer or “late summer.” After these days, the relentless reality of fall sets in—which, fortunately, is full of color. Thanks to the extra hour—since the clocks always change on this Saturday—it feels as though the day is longer and, as a result, more peaceful. Although I love the sun and the heat, winter time suits my internal clock better. And I really enjoy celebrating this extra hour during BJD. It’s always a wonderful celebration, in a pleasant setting, surrounded by people who share similar musical tastes. This year’s 51st edition was no exception; it was organized by the daughters of the founding fathers—that is, the new generation of the Lipa and Daněk families.

Authentic Playfulness - Antonio Dayyani: Organisme

In my latest review of Danish drummer Antonio Dayyani’s 2024 album “Trop On,” I highlighted the coherency and lightness of the compositions. In early October of this year, April Records released another work by this young and talented musician and composer. The album “Organisme” is as colorful as Denmark’s most famous building block set; it is just as versatile, and just as with building with blocks, this recording won’t let you go until the last piece of the puzzle is in place and the whole picture is revealed.

A Look Back at the Recent Past II.: Miloš Železňák Trio – Untitled

Although the concept of relativity is overused, I’ll make use of it—following up on my last review of Peter Dobai’s album “Head in the Clouds,” in which I reflect on how our subjective perception of time changes. Hevhetia is a record label that left a deep mark on the musical and creative landscape of Central Europe. Since it sadly ceased operations, I’ve felt as though years have passed. That’s because Ján Sudzina’s extraordinary contribution to the Slovak music industry was so frequently and so emphatically highlighted on the pages of this website. On the other hand, it seems to me as if Miloš Železňák’s album “Untitled” (one of the last releases from this extraordinary Košice-based label) had only reached me yesterday...