Ateliér 57: An Ambassador for Moldovan Jazz

Moldova might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of jazz. However, after yesterday’s “sold-out” concert at Ateliér 57—the best jazz club in Prague, the one in Beroun—it is time to rethink those old, narrow ways of thinking.

Bassist Ion Virlan arrived with a lineup the program rightly called a “Czech All-Star Band,” featuring Miroslav Hloucal (trumpet), Luboš Soukup (saxophone), Jiří Levíček (piano), and Jesse Simpson (drums). Together, they delivered a two-set performance that exceeded even the high standards of A57. Performing a repertoire of Ion’s fantastic original compositions, the quintet offered a vision of where jazz is heading. If last night was any indication, that direction is more than promising.

You knew this was something special just by watching the band. The musicians clearly put in extra effort to maintain the quintet’s incredible energy. The harmony between Miroslav and Luboš was worth the trip to Beroun alone, and the rhythm section sounded so locked in you’d think they’d been playing together for years. I’ve heard Jiří Levíček in many great settings, but even he found a new level of magic last night. I attribute all of this to the presence of a certain bass player “Made in Moldova.”

Ion Virlan is already well-recognized across Europe as a premier sideman, but what makes him stand out in a country like Czechia, which already boasts some of the continent’s best bassists? I’ll go out on a limb and say it’s his composing. When Ion told me he is only at the beginning of his career as a composer, I found it hard to believe—even after scouring the internet for more of his work. His tunes are melodic, intense, and spellbinding, ranging from uptempo contemporary pieces to ballads so sensitive they turned the workshop pin-drop quiet.

It is difficult to put these emotions into words, but I hope the photos capture a bit of that atmosphere. The entire Ateliér 57 concept is built on “that special feeling,” but last night offered something even deeper.
Thank you, Ion Virlan, for letting us into your musical life, and thank you to the Quintet for an experience that will stay with us for a long time. 🙏🙏🙏❤️

Note: The next concert at A57 is May 17th, when we move outdoors for the first time this season! The legendary Originální Pražský Synkopický Orchestr will be performing. Take note of the start time: 17:00 (two hours earlier than usual).