PAVOL HAMMEL & MARIÁN VARGA: ‎ZELENÁ POSTA

''Zelena posta'' is the greatest album in a small series of works created by two mythical figures of ex-Czechoslovakian Rock scene: keyboardist Marián Varga of Collegium Musicum and guitarist Pavol Hammel.Radim Hladik of The Blue Effect fame also participates in the album.It was originally released in 1972 on Opus and many regard it as a lost Collegium Musicum release, as credits also go to bassist Fedor Freso, drummer Dusan Hajek and guitarist Rastislav Vacho, all members of Collegium Musicum.

Musically ''Zelena posta'' sounds as a refined version of COLLEGIUM MUSICUM'S ''Konvergencie'' album, being less raw and psychedelic and much more of a structured affair.The tracks are tightly connected to each other and the album works as a multi-part long symphonic suite full of excellent piano and organ parts in the vein of E.L.P., this means there are plenty of jamming keyboard fanfares delivered in ''Zelena posta'' with a strong sense of virtuosity.However this release offers also plenty of dramatic, lyrical moments, led by Hammel's vocals, which sound quite tasteful with a nice musical background.Hammel's also shines with his guitar work in a mix of underground psych lines and more bluesy/melodic passages.Apparently there are plenty of Classical-inspired interludes among the typical organ textures with a fantastic, bombastic approach, another proof of Varga's unique talent as a composer.Overall ''Zelena posta'' competes as a nice Classical/Symphonic/Psych Rock work full of inventive ideas, innovative performances as well as great vocal arrangements.

For the most of its part, this is a trully beautiful release, coming as a more well-executed version of ''Konvergencie'', with both bombastic and romantic moments.Essential for all fans of rich Symphonic Rock of the 70's...3.5 stars.