Viklický / Wellins At AghaRTA

The last night of this CZ-GB mini-tour (28/6) was once again a delight to witness. Bass duties were taken over by Petr Dvorský but otherwise the outfit was the same as before: Emil Viklický, Bobby Wellins and Dave Wickens.

It was probably the tightest of the three performances, loaded with improvisation but always retaining melody and musicality. From the lyrical to the blistering they tore through such exciting material as Caravan (J. Tizol) and the gorgeous Monk's Mood (T. Monk). The lack of repetition over the three dates was truly impressive, with the outfit producing three very different shows.

It was a true privilege and pleasure to see these gentlemen making music together and it is to be hoped that Bobby and Dave pass this way again soon.




(Left to right: Dave Wickens, Bobby Wellins, Petr Dvorský, Emil Viklický, Tony Emmerson)

Photos: Viklický / Wellins At Wallenstein Garden

Summer rain interfered with proceedings at Wallenstein Garden yesterday (27/6) but the quartet still played for an hour to a damp but appreciative crowd.

Emil Viklický & Bobby Wellins

British sax legend Bobby Wellins (he of Stan Tracey's Under Milk Wood fame) is in town and playing with Emil in a short burst of concentrated coolness. They were at Reduta on 26/6, will be at the Wallenstein Garden at 6PM on 27/6, and also at AghaRTA Jazz Centrum on 28/6. They don't play together often but it is tight, exciting, fun and powerful. This is the cream of modern European jazz jamming together: real music by real musicians.

The full band comprises of Emil with with Bobby Wellins, Dave Wickens (drums), and his regular bassist František Uhlíř.

Pictures from Reduta (26/6):

Ondřej Pivec OQ Back From China

Ondřej and his ORGANIC Quartet have just returned from a successful trip to China where they played two gigs and took in the local sights. The band are now embarking upon a busy schedule of live and session work, including their recorded-for-DVD gig on July 16th.


Pictures courtesy of OPOQ's management.

Michal Prokop & Framus Five at United Islands (20/6)

The early afternoon rain didn't dampen spirits at the Czech Stage of the United Islands festival, although admittedly we were nicely sheltered in a big tent! PJ's highlight of the day was undoubtedly the set by Prokop and his Framus Five band. Incredibly three of the outfit (Luboš Andršt, Wimpy Tichota, Pavel Razím) had just stepped off a flight from Bucharest where the night before the Luboš Andršt Blues Band had been in action!