Wednesday, September 2, 2009

GigTips: September 2009

Summer is on the way out and longer nights are on the way in, but that's no reason to be sad because the jazz of Prague is always in season. The leaves may turn brown but the music is evergreen here in this most special of cities. September will see a lull in the tourist crowds, but that just means more empty seats for locals to occupy while enjoying the unique sounds of the Prague Jazz world. So, what are you waiting for?

There are few more evergreen jazzers than pianist (and Prague Jazz favourite) Emil Viklický. He will be at AghaRTA Jazz Centrum on 18/9 with his Trio, playing his usual mix of standards, Moravian folk songs, and original compositions. The AghaRTA stage is quite small but if you would like to see just how many musicians it can hold then the reformed Yandim Band are unmissable (16, 17/9). They manage to squeeze nine up there, including three singers and Czech guitar legend Slávek Janda. Funky and fun they are an outfit worth seeing. Also good fun will be the Rhythm Desperados on 21,22/9.

At USP Jazz Lounge in September will be the recently reviewed musician, Karel Růžička sr. His saxophone playing son is back in New York City but the Czech pianist returns to action with his Trio on 10/9. Expect things dark. And heavy. And beautiful. On other nights you can see the Robert Balzar Trio (8/9) and the silky-voiced Veronika Diamant (27/9).

If last month's review and videos have made you want to go and see Stan the Man's Bohemian Blues Band then you can catch him every Monday night at U Malého Glena. Do make sure that you book ahead though: the size of the club means that with no reservation you probably will not get a table, never mind a table at the front. Alternatively you can go and see Goran Bregović, without reservation and for free, in the large expanse of Old Town Square on 17/9 (from 19:30). Okay, he's not really jazz (more like “crazy Balkan”), but this acclaimed musician from the former Yugoslavia is on tour with his “Weddings and Funerals Band” and wants to give us a free gig. Good man!

Finally, our traditional “if you must...” tip for going to Reduta. Eva Svobodová will be singing there on 29/9. Her voice is so beautiful that it makes up for the bar prices.

If you are interested in finding out more about some of the artists mentioned here please do take a look through our site: many of them have had their gigs and albums reviewed. If you want to know more about what is happening in general then follow the links to the clubs and the artists (on the right hand side). Please remember to book ahead to be sure of a good table, and do tell the venue that you saw the gig listed here.

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