Prague live music: Building the Transatlantic Bridge

Last night an almost sold out Jazz Dock saw the birth of a new jazz trio when the praised engine room of Tomáš Baroš (bass) and Jesse Simpson (drums) joined forces with with world class pianist Piotr Wyleżoł. A felicitous experiment where Tomáš deep and lyrical bass and Jesses driving energy laid the perfect foundation for Piotrs Wyleżoł’s brilliant, melodic and demanding piano work. Brilliant because he acted as the perfect musical bridge between the rhythm sections powerful, pulsating engine and his own elegance with the black and white as he weaved these two massive and distinct forces together seamlessly.

Demanding since from my viewpoint it was noticeable that both Tomáš and Jesse where a bit on their tows and had to put in their very best to stay in the pace of Piotr, or maybe it was just my feelings, since we all experience  a world class performance like this in our own personal way. Now said that, I will at the same time give credit to Piotrs way on stage. As you already understood he is a massive name in the world of music we know as jazz. And despite of this, or maybe because of this he had no problem giving space to both Jesse and Tomáš for their individual take aways, or playing their original compositions. 

It is rare to see a premiere feel this unified, especially after only one short afternoon rehearsal. By balancing different musical artistry together, Wyleżoł didn’t just make the collaboration work—he turned it into a masterclass of spontaneous conversation. 

Thank you The Baroš / Simpson / Wyleżoł Trio 🙏🙏😀

P.S. If you missed this unique premiere, or if you were there and are already hungry for a second round, you are in luck. The transatlantic story moves on to the historic town of Beroun this weekend. Get yourself to Ateliér 57 in Beroun this Sunday, August 16th at 19:00. I will see you all in the courtyard! 🎶