Ondrej Štverácek’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” Štverácek 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, songserving narratives. Pianist Ondrej Krajnak provides a subtle, supple foil for Štveráček´s sonic blitz.
TOM GREENLAND (New York City Journalist)
"This CD is high powered and intense with very modern overtones. I love Ondrej´s sound and hispurpose behind the sound. His intonation and nuances are impecable. The band sounds like a real band. A must listen."
Jerry Bergonzi
Coltrane´s Sheets of Sound concept percolates through Štveráček´s phrasing and his tone resembles the one of his idol as well. Coltrane and Štveráček also share great horn control and flawless technique. Štveráček is never intimidated by breakneck tempos, odd meters or complex harmonies. Even though one would be hard pressed to find a better teacher than Coltrane, Štveráček has recently been drifting further apart from his influence to find his own voice to a great benefit of himself and his listeners. He is preparing a new album with his band and is touring all major destinations in Central Europe.
Štveráček´s jazz insight is brought to life with the assistance of the real master jazzmen of the up-and-coming generation. Bassist Tomáš Baroš is a talent, whose impact will soon overgrow the boundaries of the Czech Republic. The manifold playing of the passionate drummer Marián Ševčík reveals some afro-american drumming influences and the solos of the pianist Ondrej Krajňák resemble a stream of water, which will take the listener down and let him float in the current. No wonder that Ondřej Štveráček has picked out this line up to let his saxophone shine and easily blend into the group´s chemistry at the same time.
JAZZFEST BRNO 2010, CZECH REPUBLIC
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