Low-end theory

Robert Balzar is a busy man.

One of the most respected members of the Czech jazz scene and a bass virtuoso, Balzar currently plays in three bands, all of which are releasing new albums this year and will embark on European tours. Luckily for jazz fans in Prague, however, Balzar is taking a quick break from his packed schedule to play a concert at Jazz Dock with The Robert Balzar Trio.

Balzar began performing in Prague in 1985 and has since played with the biggest names in jazz, including Wynton Marsalis, Joe Newman and even Bill Clinton, during the former U.S. president's short performance at Reduta in 1994. Playing with a variety of musicians in a number of different ensembles has allowed Balzar to develop his diverse sound, he tells The Prague Post.

"My playing certainly changes when I play with different musicians, as their style differs. Even so, one always uses his own methods when playing, in terms of scales, harmonic thinking and things like that. In some settings, like J.A.R., I use only the electric bass. That itself is already quite a significant change from the acoustic bass, so I automatically play differently in that case," he says.

J.A.R. is something of a Czech super group. The rock funk band, which evolved from a hip-hop act, includes a number of well-known Czech musicians, including Dan Bárta and František Kop. J.A.R. plans to release a new album in March.

But for fans of American jazz, the upright bass immediately conjures two names: Ron Carter and the late Charles Mingus, both of whom pioneered new sounds and rhythmic approaches to the instrument. Balzar concedes that both of these legendary players have had an influence on his sound, perhaps even more so than Czech players such as Miroslav Vitouš.

"These two players have influenced me very much - Ron Carter for his swing and rhythmic and polyrhythmic access, mainly with the famous Miles Davis 1960s quintet featuring Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams and Wayne Shorter. I have a couple DVDs and records of Mingus - on one he uses an actual gun to punctuate his solo!" he says.

As an ensemble instrument, the bass is at once versatile and limited. It is capable of generating both melodic and rhythmic sounds, and even chords. However, the instrument's low range means it is most often used to anchor rather than lead a band's sound. Balzar says he thrives on the tension between the possibilities the instrument offers and the way it is traditionally utilized.

"With the bass playing background, you can really change the sound of the band - but don't start playing the bass if you just want to be a soloist," he says.

Balzar relishes his position at the low end of music. At the same time, his work with his trio allows him to branch out, improvising solos and often playing with a bow, which changes the color of the instrument's sound, he says.

At Jazz Dock, the Robert Balzar Trio will be playing material from their four studio albums as well as a few pieces that they plan to release on an album late this year. Until then, Balzar will be busy writing, touring and recording with his many projects. There never seems to be a dull moment for Balzar, who might be the hardest-working man in Czech music.

"In February, the trio will be touring throughout the Czech and Slovak republics. In March and April, Dan Bárta and I will be promoting our new album, Theyories, in Slovakia. We have some dates in June in Portugal. In November, there is the annual J.A.R. tour, plus there should be an Illustratosphere tour toward the end of the year. ... I'm always touring," he says.

Don't miss this chance to catch Balzar and his trio before he hits the road.

Stephan Delbos can be reached at
sdelbos@praguepost.com