In the concert project of singer Petra Vlková, guitarist Libor Šmoldas and pianist Mikuláš Pokorný, all three performers were given equal roles. At certain moments, the vocals represent a third instrument and the instruments switch between solo and accompanying functions as needed or inspired. The aim was to create an unrestricted, playful and creativity-inspiring space for the interpretation of more sophisticated jazz and non-jazz material. The members of the ensemble decided to remove, if not completely, the genre boundaries for their choice of repertoire, then at least to expand and open them up as much as possible, so that they could continually surprise and entertain themselves, and by extension, their audiences.

Flow, playfulness and a wide range of expression

At their concerts, this trio, with a naturalness all their own, is able to win the curiosity, the attention lurking at every moment and the friendly openness of the audience, thus softening or dissolving the imaginary boundary between stage and audience. Thanks to their exceptional musical and human attunement to each other, this trio of musicians brings an intense energy of free, organic flow to their audience. Their music is born note by note in the utmost alertness, perceiving and drawing from the present moment and responding to events within as well as to external impulses.

Vocals, piano and guitar (yes, without bass)

The unusual line-up is for both instrumental performers, guitarist Libor Šmoldas and pianist Mikuláš Pokorný, a continuous and gladly accepted challenge and a test of the band’s knowledge of instrumental functions. Of course, the fact that there is no bass in the band does not mean that it is not necessary to provide it within the entire framework. And yet the essence of the functional purpose of the piano and guitar is quite distant from the bass. And even the singer Petra Vlková does not hold back in her willingness to face musical challenges. With her typical appetite for risk, she experiments and explores ways of conceiving singing as a third musical instrument. Of course, this is obvious in solos and sketches, but also in other passages when she uses her voice to find ways to contribute to the harmonic and rhythmic enrichment of the whole.

Repertoire menu

In line with the above, the repertoire tastes of this trio are complex and sophisticated, seeking juicy and nutritious player and creative challenges that hold plenty of opportunities for experimentation full of bright colours and all sorts of shades. They enjoy discovering the beauty of compositions that are less known in the Czech jazz waters. Likewise, they do not shy away from the established hits, and they shift their usual concepts into new and refreshing levels and contexts. The trio’s dramaturgy is led by Mikuláš Pokorný, who, in addition to impulses and ideas for the compositions of other composers, does not hesitate to contribute with his own original pieces.