🎸Prague Live Music: David Dorůžka Ensemble

The second Jazz Thursday of the season gave us everything one could possibly hope for—and it did so in true academic style. As is the long-standing school tradition for these special showcases, the professor himself wasn’t wielding a guitar on stage. Instead, David Dorůžka was down in the audience, keeping a proud eye on the next generation of top-tier talents performing under his name. By the time the lights went down, the historic, cozy stone cave of Liechtenstein Palace was completely packed to the rafters with an audience who clearly knew exactly what kind of elite artistry was about to unfold.

Rather than a standard commercial club gig split into two sets with a break, the evening was delivered in its traditional format: a sharp, focused, one-hour showcase of high-class live jazz. Throughout the hour, David gracefully took the stage between compositions to introduce the group and share the intricate stories behind the music they were tackling.

Watching the performance, any technical boundary between teacher and student completely melted away. What we witnessed was a unified, elite band working seamlessly to achieve a mutual artistic goal: Martin Lysoňek (gtr), Adam Doucha (gtr), Serhii Matviichuk (alto sax), Jiří Pokorný (piano), Ivča Kejzlarová (bass guitar), and František Kukula (drums).

I caught up with David for a brief moment after the final ovation faded and told him directly that he should be incredibly proud. To see a band perform with that level of raw skill and maturity under your name is the literal definition of holding your head up high!

Following the main concert, the floor transitioned into a late-night jam session. Sadly, I had to let the extra music go and head home early this time—let’s just blame that on technical reasons! 😉 Still, if you have even the slightest chance to get yourself down to Divadlo Inspirace on an upcoming Thursday evening, you need to take it. The music kicks off at 19:30, and while there is absolutely no cover charge, you are more than welcome to leave a voluntary contribution if you wish. Just remember: the doors will close the exact second the room hits capacity—so show up early!

Yes, they are technically still academy students, but any single member of this ensemble would be more than welcome on the roster of the finest professional bands across the Republic. They have certainly come a long, long way from the elementary days of the fipple flute (recorder)! 😂🌾
To see all the evening’s pictures click HERE!