ONDREJ STVERACEK QUARTET FEAT. JESSE SIMPSON (CZ/US/SK)

Saxophonist Ondřej Štveráček has been one of the most prominent figures of the Czech jazz generation for over two decades. He is a core member of the Gustav Brom Orchestra, the Big Band of Matúš Jakabčic, and, alongside his sideman activities, he diligently develops his own saxophone playing system, which is unmistakably inspired by jazz tradition.

The Coltrane concept of so-called „Sheets of Sound” permeates Štveráček’s phrasing, and his tonal timbre is undoubtedly inspired by the same source. Like the jazz legend, Ondřej Štveráček has mastered the jazz craft, capable of handling any tempo, no matter how hectic, and navigating complex harmonies and meters with ease. It’s no surprise that he has learned from one of the most remarkable figures in jazz history. In recent years, however, his unique musical personality has increasingly emerged, benefiting both him and his listeners. With his band, he has already recorded two albums and performs at all the major jazz destinations in Central Europe. Both his debut „What’s Outside,” which was nominated for an Anděl award, and his most recent album „The Form,” have garnered critical acclaim and deserved attention from audiences. Jazz Fest Brno, 2015.

In contrast to the widespread domestic version of the restrained and perhaps somewhat dreamy compositional and sonic „school” associated with the famous Munich label ECM, Štveráček brings a true explosion of energy and excitement. Above all, the rebellious ideal of John Coltrane hovers, but Štveráček lists nearly seven lines of creative personalities who have influenced him, ranging from swing to contemporary jazz. And you can hear that in his playing.” Lubomír Dorůžka, music journalist, 2010

Drummer Jesse Simpson graduated from the Manhattan School of Music in New York. He has played with Louie Bellson, Marc Copland, Kevin Hays, Joe Lovano, John Abercrombie, Chris Cheek, and others.

**Klaudius Kováč**

 

He won the Radio Head Awards in the jazz music category with the band Bashavel (2017) and received the Ladislav Martoník Jazzman of the Year award in 2014. He studied piano at the conservatories in Žilina and Banská Bystrica. He has performed with musicians from various continents, countries, and nationalities. He has collaborated with musicians like Milo Suchomel, Janusz Muniak, Piotr Baron, Lazaro Cruz, Yvona Sanchez, Robert Balzar, Lee Andrewson, and Dodo Šošoka. He was a member of the Swing Q band led by saxophonist Štefan Čeman. Currently, he is active in several musical groups – Lukáš Oravec Quartet, Radovan Tariška Rádio Band, and Galliano Forever.

**Tomáš Baroš**

 

Tomáš „Kaštan” Baroš was born in 1985 in Teplice but has lived in Prague since the age of five. His first musical inspiration was his father, the renowned trumpeter Julius Baroš. He started playing the double bass at the age of 12, and two years later, he achieved his first success at a national classical competition in Trutnov, where he won first place in his category. From 2000 to 2005, he studied double bass at the Prague Conservatory under Professor Květoslav Borovička. In 2003, he won the „Soloist of the Year” award at the Junior Jazz competition in Ústí nad Labem. Since 2006, he has collaborated with the Gustav Brom Radio Big Band and many other projects such as: the CZ-SK Big Band Matúš Jakabčic, Ondřej Štveráček Quartet, Ida Kelarová and Jazz Familia, Radovan Tariška Folklore to Jazz, Zeuritia, Petr Beneš Quartet, Kaunis Five, Miroslav Hloucal Quartet, Gipsy.cz, Lukáš Oravec Quartet, Harry Sokal Free Tenors, and Roman Jánoška Jazz Consort.

In 2012, he won first place with the Miroslav Hloucal Quartet in the international Jazz Prix competition. Today, he is among the most sought-after double bassists not only in the Czech Republic but also in Slovakia, and he is also engaged by foreign artists such as Polish trumpeter Piotr Wojtasik, Austrian saxophonist Harry Sokal, Kornel Fekete-Kovács from Hungary, and American trumpeter Ryan Carniaux, who lives in Germany. He has accompanied stars of the world jazz scene such as Benny Golson, Rick Margitza, Antonio Farao, Gene Jackson, Vincent Herring, Dennis Rowland, Eric Allen, Deborah Davis, Joe Cohn, Paul Bollenback, John Betsch, Brian Charrette, Tony Lakatos, Kalman Olah, Igor Butman, Douglas Sides, Osian Roberts, Benito Gonzales, Winand Gabor, Karen Edwards, and Peter Beets.