Good to see you cats again!

“Grab your coat and get your hat, leave your worry on the doorstep. Just direct your feet to the sunny side of the street.”
Those lyrics (famously sung by Louis Armstrong) guided my feet to U Staré Paní last night. I had a date with what is, for me, the finest classic jazz ensemble in the republic: Petra Vlková & Sonic Playground (Petra Vlková – voc; Mikuláš Pokorný – p; Libor Šmoldas – g).

They say “good things come to those who wait,” and after last night’s performance, I have to agree—I felt truly privileged to be there. This trio brought their best once again. With them, you never know exactly what’s coming next; the only certainty is the sheer quality of the music.

Petra was clearly thrilled to be back with her musical family, and you could hear it as much as see it. Her voice revealed a little wider range and a slightly newfound strength, tackling a few challenging new additions to the setlist with grace. Meanwhile, Mikuláš and Libor are reaching a level of near-perfection. Their technical skill and mutual respect shine through every note.

Their onstage chemistry includes playful musical “pranks” they pull on one another for the audience’s delight—though I’d say Mikuláš drew the longest straw last night! The way they trade the lead feels as natural as breathing, and their improvisations remain world-class. Petra stands at the center, not just as a bandleader, but as a powerhouse holding her own with total honor alongside the “boys”.

In many bands, a trio like this might feel like separate players, but with Sonic Playground, the unity is pure reality. As I’ve said before, this trio has found a unique magic that most groups will never achieve, no matter how hard they try. The truth is: if you have to go looking for that kind of soul, you’ll never find it.

Thank you, Petra Vlková & Sonic Playground. See you next time—which hopefully won’t be such a long wait!