Guitarist
Ratko Zjaca has been on the jazz scene for a while but remains a talent deserving of wider recognition. A graduate of Zagreb University who also studied jazz at Rotterdam Conservatory and New York University,
Zjaca has either taken master classes or studied individually with giants like
Joe Pass,
Jim Hall,
Bob Brookmeyer, John Abercrombie, and
Mick Goodrick, among others.
Zjaca recorded several CDs prior to Continental Talk, while both bassist
John Patitucci and tenor saxophonist
Stanislav Mitrovic have recorded with him previously, with the quartet rounded out by veteran drummer
Steve Gadd.
Zjaca's opening minor blues "Breakfast in Tokyo" proves to be immediately infectious, with robust solos by
Mitrovic, the leader, and
Patitucci.
Zjaca moves to acoustic guitar for his intimate miniature "At the Crossroads," with
Mitrovic added on tenor around its midpoint.
Mitrovic also contributed several originals, including the bossa nova-flavored "E Doubt," which showcases guest trumpeter
Randy Brecker.
Mitrovic switches to soprano for "Inner Ears," engaging in a edgy duet with
Gadd in its opening minutes, remaining on the instrument for his plaintive ballad "Feathers." This potent session should help increase the awareness of both
Ratko Zjaca and
Stanislav Mitrovic. ~ Ken Dryden