Libor Šmoldas
Libor Šmoldas | |
|---|---|
| Born | 17 February 1982 Olomouc, Czechoslovakia |
| Occupations | Jazz guitarist, composer, bandleader, educator |
Libor Šmoldas (born 17 February 1982) is a Czech jazz guitarist, composer, bandleader and educator. He has performed all over the world.[1]
He has been featured in international jazz press, including Jazz Guitar Today and All About Jazz.[2]
Early life and education
Šmoldas was born on 17 February 1982 in Olomouc and grew up in Prague. He began his musical training on flute and trumpet before switching to guitar at the age of twelve, initially performing in rock and blues groups before focusing on jazz.[2]
He studied at the Jaroslav Ježek Conservatory in Prague and its higher professional school between 2001 and 2006, later completing a bachelor's degree at the Janáček Academy of Performing Arts in Brno and a master's degree at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague.[3]
He received a scholarship offer to Berklee College of Music in 2005, which he did not attend.[4]
Career
Organic Quartet
Šmoldas first gained wider recognition as a member of Organic Quartet led by organist Ondřej Pivec. The group received critical acclaim in Czech jazz media and won the Anděl Award for Jazz Album of the Year.[4]
Solo work and collaborations
He has released multiple albums as a bandleader, beginning with On the Playground (2007).[3]
His collaborations include performances and recordings with George Mraz, Jeff Ballard, Sam Yahel, Bobby Watson, Adam Nussbaum, James Morrison and Brian Charette.[5]
International activity and reception
Šmoldas has performed at jazz clubs and festivals across Europe and internationally, including venues such as Ronnie Scott's in London, Smalls and Iridium in New York City, and Porgy & Bess in Vienna.[5]
His work has been covered in international jazz media, including All About Jazz, which has documented his recordings and projects.[6]
He has also been featured in Czech Television and Czech Radio (ČRo Vltava), which have covered his projects and performances.[7]
Teaching
Since 2006, Šmoldas has taught at the Jaroslav Ježek Conservatory in Prague and has led workshops internationally in Europe, the United States and Australia.[7]
Style
His playing has been described as melodic and rooted in the straight-ahead jazz tradition, while incorporating elements of blues and modern jazz influences.[5]
Awards
- Anděl Award for Jazz Album of the Year (with Organic Quartet)[4]
Discography (selected)
- On the Playground (2007)
- In New York On Time (2010)
- Live at Jazz Dock (2011)
- 18 Days, 2000 Miles (2012)
- Intuition (2013)
- Dreamtime (2013)
- Blue – Šmoldas Plays Ježek (2015)
- On the Move (2016)
- Lay It Down! (2017)
- Silver (2019)
- Dusk (2020)
- Sorry, Miles! (2026)[3]
References
- ↑ "Kytarista Libor Šmoldas: Miles Davis je inspirativní pro jakéhokoli muzikanta". ČT art (in Czech). Czech Television. 2026-04-17. Retrieved 2026-08-09.
- 1 2 Barth, Joe (2026-05-11). "Jazz Guitar Is Alive And Well In The Czech Republic". Jazz Guitar Today. Retrieved 2026-08-09.
- 1 2 3 "Home". Libor Šmoldas. Retrieved 2026-08-09.
- 1 2 3 "Libor Šmoldas". Jazz Port.cz (in Czech). 2010-01-03. Retrieved 2026-08-09.
- 1 2 3 "Libor Šmoldas". SoundCzech. Retrieved 2026-08-09.
- ↑ "Riddle Diddle: The Prague Sessions – Darren Heinrich Review". All About Jazz. 2026-01-08. Retrieved 2026-08-09.
- 1 2 Art týden: album Libora Šmoldase Sorry, Miles! - 24. března - ArtZóna (in Czech). Czech Television. Retrieved 2026-08-09.