Ondřej Štveráček Quartet

Quartet of the phenomenal saxophonist Ondřej Štveráček, noted for its energy, bravura technique and creative improvisation. The music of this group could be called post-Coltrane bop.

Prague-based saxophonist Ondřej Štveráček and his sterling quartet are a driving force in Central Europe’s thriving jazz scene and the group’s stellar outing on the album The Form, is more than ample testament to this claim. A young lion from the Czech Republic, Štveráček was inspired by the music of John Coltrane, and, although drawn in by his style, he clearly distinguishes himself by developing a voice all his own. The album presents an audacious session of post-bop jazz where his own musical style and the approach on such pieces as the electrifying high-octane opening title track, provide further evidence of the drift from the Coltrane influence (Edward Blanco – All About Jazz).

Ondřej Štveráček’s thunderous tenor sax recalls ‘new breed’ reedmen like Steve Grossman and Dave Liebman who honed their sound in the billowing wake of John Coltrane’s legacy. It is impossible not to hear echoes of the icon in this young Czech lion – a whole-horn, sound-for-its-own-sake approach with chops to support any idea that occurs – but he is clearly on his way to a more original concept with What’s Outside. On “Out-Sight” and Coltrane’s “Africa” Štveráček nearly melts the remaining varnish from his faded sax, taxing his reed with overblown immediacy while “Weaver of Dreams” reveals a gentler side; unlike his idol, he eschews ‘shaggy-dog’ storytelling in favor of succinct, song-serving narratives. (Tom Greenland - New York City Journalist)