Martina Kratochvíl’s Jazz Q & big band
release concert LP "Oxymoron"
arranged by Milan Svoboda

The opening of a new CD and LP „Oxymoron“, a common project of a Jazz Q band leader Martin Kratochvil and a well known arranger Milan Svoboda. The concert would consist of Jazz Q part and a sample of newly recorded Kratochvil’s compositions played by a soloists of Jazz Q and a big band conducted by Milan Svoboda. A nice blend of jazz rock spirit of the legendary quartet and a big sound of 16 pieces brass band.

History: Since shortly after its founding in 1967, Martin Kratochvil’s Jazz Q has achieved cult status on the Czech and European music scene. From its jazz beginnings and awards in European festivals (Pori, San Sebastian, Zurich, Wroclaw, etc.), the group moved towards a more rock genre, influenced by Western fusion pioneers such as Weather Report and John McLaughlin. For several years, even as famous Czech rock groups like Blue Effect and Flamengo were subject to bans and purges, Jazz Q was able to stay active in the rock scene, due do its “politically immune” name. From 1972-1975 the group performed constantly, touring Czechoslovakia and all of Europe, becoming an icon of their generation. Their concerts  became a symbol of resistance to the Communist regime; it could even be said that the   group contributed to the erosion of the totalitarian system. In 1976, Kratochvíl went to study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he was able to compare his music to the best of its genre in West, and refine his compositional techniques. During the entire period of its existence, the group has recorded 23 LP’s and CD’s, many of which have achieved impressive sales numbers, especially by today’s standards: the first LP sales in the 1970’s were mostly over 50,000, and many immediately sold out.  The present: Jazz Q will soon celebrate 60 years of a long and vibrant musical life.  The  band has toured all over the world, won prizes at many festivals and recorded music for  over 250 films. It also seems that this quartet, playing pure instrumental jazz-rock, may  be the only one focusing on this genre in Europe today. Its present  vitality shows that   fusion jazz-rock can still claim the hearts of listeners of all ages.

Admission - presale: seating CZK 600, standing CZK 300, at the door: seating CZK 700, standing CZK 350. To reserve a specific seat, please write your request in the note when purchasing the ticket. Fulfillment of the request cannot be guaranteed. No club discounts. Thank you for understanding.

Band website: www.martin-kratochvil.com