Libor Šmoldas Quartet @ U Staré paní 11.03.2026
I’ve lived in this blessed “Jazz Republic” for six and a half years now, but I don’t recall a spring so vibrant and all-encompassing. There is a richness and a high standard of quality here that is simply characteristic of the music in this country.
Last night at the Old Lady, the “Jazzy Spring of 2026” officially began. The Libor Šmoldas Quartet gathered to celebrate the first baptism of their newly released record, Sorry Miles—and what a start it was! With a lineup featuring Libor Šmoldas (guitar), Mikuláš Pokorný (piano), Jesse Simpson (drums), and Tomáš Baroš (double bass), they are exactly what they appear to be: a Czech Superband. Or, as a drummer in the audience whispered to me, a true “Jazz All-Star Band.”
Trust me, we were both right. They didn’t let anyone down. Between the technical mastery and the astonishing solos presented by all four in turn, the harmony reached a level you rarely encounter. Beyond the notes, you could feel their collective joy on stage; you didn’t even need to see them to know they were enjoying themselves—you could hear it resonating all the way to the back of the room. If this sets the pace for the season, we are in for some truly serious music in the coming weeks. And yes, that means yhalinen.com will be stepping beyond the city limits to expand its views. Stay tuned!
Last night at the Old Lady, the “Jazzy Spring of 2026” officially began. The Libor Šmoldas Quartet gathered to celebrate the first baptism of their newly released record, Sorry Miles—and what a start it was! With a lineup featuring Libor Šmoldas (guitar), Mikuláš Pokorný (piano), Jesse Simpson (drums), and Tomáš Baroš (double bass), they are exactly what they appear to be: a Czech Superband. Or, as a drummer in the audience whispered to me, a true “Jazz All-Star Band.”
Trust me, we were both right. They didn’t let anyone down. Between the technical mastery and the astonishing solos presented by all four in turn, the harmony reached a level you rarely encounter. Beyond the notes, you could feel their collective joy on stage; you didn’t even need to see them to know they were enjoying themselves—you could hear it resonating all the way to the back of the room. If this sets the pace for the season, we are in for some truly serious music in the coming weeks. And yes, that means yhalinen.com will be stepping beyond the city limits to expand its views. Stay tuned!
Libor’s Vision
To be clear: this entire initiative—and the CD, which is a must-buy (review coming soon)—is Libor’s brainchild. It is an ambitious undertaking launched exactly 100 years after the Master’s birth. This successful endeavor doesn’t just honor Miles Davis; it reveals a new, deeply positive side of Libor’s talent. In the live set, you’ll hear the stories behind these tunes and learn who truly deserves the credit for them (which, as you’ll find out, wasn’t always Miles!). Last night carried that unmistakable, tender atmosphere that follows the birth of a “new baby.” Seeing the CD christened by Libor’s favorite writer, Petr Stančík, added a layer of magic we won’t soon forget.
Brno, Here They Come
Even though the Old Lady was nearly at capacity, I know many of you missed out. For those craving more, there will be a “second baptism”, at what is widely considered to be the best jazz festival in the country. On April 7, as part of JazzFestBrno at Cabaret des Péchés, the Libor Šmoldas Quartet will be the supporting act (a shortened version from last night) for the legendary trio of Larry Goldings, Peter Bernstein, and Bill Stewart. With Peter Bernstein acting as godfather for the night, it’s going to be historic. Tickets were still available at a very reasonable price at the time of writing—don’t miss your second chance. I know I’ll be there.
Thank you, Libor Šmoldas Quartet.
Thank you, Libor Šmoldas Quartet.
To see all the evening’s pictures click HERE!
