Prague hits a high note this autumn with soul-soothing jazz, funk, and R&B

Prague’s jazz scene is about to hit a high note. From a hometown jazz hero to a literary rap act paying tribute to Toni Morrison, a number of concerts will descend on the Czech capital, underscoring its place as a culture city extraordinaire. Calling it jazz would be oversimplifying; Prague’s stages will showcase funk, soul, R&B, and more this autumn. Here's the best of what to listen to:

A tribute concert, George Mraz 80, will honor the late great jazz bassist and composer George Mraz on Oct. 21 at Prague's New Town Hall. The event will feature a multinational quartet of jazz stars, including bassist Arild Andersen, drummer Joey Baron, accordionist Richard Galliano, and pianist Camilla Mraz. Mraz, one of his generation's most influential jazz bassists, played with legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson. The concert. part of the Jazz Meets World Series, will showcase his lasting impact on the global jazz scene.

The Mladí ladí Jazz Festival is known for bringing international stars and innovative projects to unconventional venues. Now in its 16th year, the festival, now underway, showcases a range of musical styles from neo-soul to funk.

On Oct. 22, acclaimed saxophonist Colin Stetson will perform at the Church of the Sacred Heart of our Lord. The former wrestler and musician has made a name for himself in the gaming world, composing scores for popular titles like Red Dead Redemption II.

Irish duo Negro Impacto will perform on Oct. 25 at Jazz Dock, showcasing their unique fusion of neo-soul and funk, which has drawn comparisons to prominent artists like Erykah Badu.

On Oct. 25, Prague’s DOX⁺ will host a public dress rehearsal by Czech-born jazz maestro Ondřej Pivec and soulful American vocalist Kennedy Administration. Pivec, an accomplished Hammond organist and Gregory Porter’s band member will bring his unique blend of jazz, funk, soul, and R&B to the stage.

Having established a stellar reputation in the U.S. and on the global music scene, Pivec is among a rare group of Czech musicians to break through internationally. This Prague concert kicks off their exclusive European tour, with performances slated only for Germany and the Czech Republic.

On Nov. 4, the jazz icon's 53rd birthday, double Grammy winner Gregory Porter will bring his rich, velvety voice and a show that masterfully blends jazz, soul, gospel, and R&B to Prague's O2 Universum. Expect work from his successful albums, including Liquid Spirit and Take Me to the Alley. Adding a local touch, Czech musician David Kraus and his band Gipsy Brothers will open the night with their Roma-influenced music.

The 28th edition of the international festival Prague Sounds will take place from Nov. 3 to Nov. 20 in Prague, featuring renowned names from jazz, contemporary vocal music, alternative hip-hop, and world music blending with classical influences.

This year’s festival will kick off on Nov. 3 at the Grand Hall of Lucerna with Branford Marsalis and his quartet, featuring the legendary 63-year-old American saxophonist and member of the famous musical clan.

On Nov. 4 at La Fabrika, fans of distinctive voices, thumping hip-hop rhythms, and socially engaged lyrics will enjoy a unique double bill: Philadelphia singer, poet, and activist Moor Mother combines rap and poetry recitation with elements of electronics, free jazz, punk, and sound collages. Pitchfork dubbed her “the poet of the apocalypse.” The second half of the evening will feature billy woods, an American underground MC, who carries an aura of mystery due to his hidden identity.

Also at La Fabrika On Nov. 8, the Czech premiere of one of the most current young names in American hip-hop—dynamic rapper McKinley Dixon. Dixon’s recent album, Beloved! Paradise? Jazz! is named after three of the most famous works by American author Toni Morrison, whom he regards as “the greatest rapper of all time.”

South African cellist Abel Selaocoe, alongside the British contemporary music ensemble Manchester Collective, will present a genre-defying experience at its Czech premiere, merging classical, jazz, and African world music elements. Pioneering American vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth will perform Caroline Shaw’s Pulitzer Prize-winning composition Partita for 8 Voices for the first time in the Czech Republic.

On Nov. 12, Czechoslovak anti-communist singer-songwriter Karel Kryl will be honored by singers David Koller and Richard Müller, who will pay tribute to the 80th anniversary of Kryl's birth and the 30th anniversary of his death with a concert at Rudolinfum.