Prague Live Music: Vojtěch Polej Kvartet

HAMU Jazz Thursday @ Divadlo Inspirace | 12.11.2026

Vojtěch Polej. ts/ss), Timofey Golev (p), Iva Kejzlarová (b), Ladislav Nič (d)

Even though I missed last Thursday’s concert “due to technical reasons,” my calendar is firmly booked for Divadlo Inspirace and the students from HAMU these days. There is a very clear cause for this, and last night gave me fresh proof of why. I am old school—maybe even a bit restricted in many ways, okay not maybe, 😂 I am fully aware of that, and I can live with it. My limitations become obvious on many occasions, especially when it comes to my taste in music: I simply only like good music. Last night, Vojtěch Polej Kvartet gave me just that.

Blending contemporary edges with almost classical jazz sensibilities, the evening delivered soaring melodic waves that fascinated both me and a packed Divadlo Inspirace. The room was practically “sold out”—though quotation marks are strictly necessary here, as these high-class concerts are completely free. Last night belonged to Vojtěch’s band, and he deserves full credit for both the original music and the arrangements. Despite being at the very beginning of his career, he showed a level of artistic maturity that one could only hope to see a bit more of from the more established generation.

Vojtěch knows his way around his horns, and after last night, I don’t think anyone would disagree with me. Yet, like any truly great bandleader, he is never afraid to share the spotlight. Timofey (Tim) took on massive responsibility at the piano, and why not? As Vojtěch himself put it from the stage, “He’s a great pianist, and I would give him more space if I could.” Tim is living proof that the future of music in the Republic is in very good hands. Technically, he is surprisingly advanced for his young age, and his improvisation skills—which I already knew from previous gigs—are deeply praiseworthy. Together, Vojtěch and Tim form a duo inside the band that pulls you in every single time.

Of course, when you get carried away by the vibes of the sax and piano, it is far too easy to overlook the rhythm section. As the old saying goes, “You never miss the water till the well runs dry.” For a bandleader and soloist, it must be close to an ideal situation never having to worry about the engine room. If the rhythm section makes a mistake or drops out, you notice it immediately. Last night, Iva and Ladislav were an absolute rock—the kind of players you can rely on 110%, letting the soloists just concentrate on their own playing because the foundation is completely secure. This was only my second time hearing Iva live, and with her effortless style letting her five-string bass do the talking, I was thoroughly impressed. As for Ladislav on the drums, I honestly have a hard time remembering that he is still a student. With his graduation concert coming up next spring (stay tuned, I’ll share the exact date once I have the facts), he has already been active across different lineups for a long time. His development over the last few years has taken enormous steps, putting him right on the border of being an established force.

All in all, it was another musical night that made the grey Prague November feel a little brighter. How’s that for a cliché? Even so, every word of it is true! Unless the sky falls on my head tomorrow, have no doubt about where you will find me next Thursday.

Thank you, Vojtěch Polej Kvartet. 🙏🙏😀
👉To see all the evening’s pictures click: [HERE]