Prague live music: Jazz on and off the roof at Jazz Dock

The weather gods did their absolute best to steal the show yesterday, forcing our four o’clock jump off the roof and straight into the main hall of Jazz Dock. They can certainly try, but considering who was on the stage, throwing a little water on us was a pretty desperate attempt. Granted, it was pouring down outside, but as we all know, the show must go on! The Petra Ernyei Trio—who transformed into a dynamic quintet for the afternoon with Petra Ernyei (vocals), Adam Tvrdý (guitar), Petr Pospíšil (bass), Mattan Klein (flute), and Ezequiel Hezi Jait (guitar)—simply had a good laugh at the storm, moved their gear downstairs, and let the story continue.

We quickly learned that Petra’s special international guests are a fascinating duo. Currently on a European tour, their playing is deeply inspired by Brazilian music, classic jazz, and vibrant Latin American rhythms—a mixture that a sold-out Jazz Dock audience took straight to heart. Mattan Klein, particularly with his highly improvisational flute work, earned the massive ovations he clearly deserved. On guitar, Ezequiel Hezi Jait’s laidback style, almost hidden behind his music stand, might not have claimed the visual spotlight, but he conjured pure magic from his six strings without needing to make a theatrical show of it.

Our dynamic domestic trio was at their absolute best as well. Petra, with her signature positive presence and crystal-clear vocals, was visibly thrilled about her guests—an infectious energy you could sense from the first note. To put it simply: she was fantastic. Adam clearly relished having a guitar counterpart in the lineup for a change, launching a musical conversation that resonated right across the Vltava rive

And now, please read this next part with close attention. The trio’s original bassist, Petr Dvorský, was away on another project, leaving Petr Pospíšil to step in as a last-minute substitute. This is never an easy situation for a musician, no matter how skilled—stepping into a band that has played together for years, alongside high-profile international guests. I suspect many in the crowd didn’t even realize he was a stand-in, and that is because he executed his role flawlessly. He delivered brilliant licks, soulful solos, and a rock-solid rhythmic backbone. Having never heard Petr play before, this was a highly pleasant surprise. Nice going

Thank you, Petra Ernyei Trio!   

P.S. Petra was also selling her custom CD, recorded alongside Adam and Petr Dvorský. It leaves me wondering how that is even possible with so many people claiming to be her fans? I already have my copy, and it is a stellar record rooted in jazz standards, delivered in that unmistakable Petra Ernyei style. Since it is a strictly limited edition, I am genuinely wondering: where is your copy? They really should be sold out by now. If you don’t quite understand what I mean by this, go read my editorial It’s all up to you. These are entirely my own thoughts, and nobody else has influenced me—remember, I am still fiercely independent!