When Big Music is Born : The Matúš Jakabčic CZ-SK Big Band and Young Talents Project
Combining professional musicians and music students brings a unique dimension to the Slovak jazz scene. Playing in a classical big band almost entirely lacks presence in art schools due to the high demands of staffing wind and rhythm sections. This gap has long been filled by the project led by guitarist and educator Matúš Jakabčic. In November 2025, an intensive educational workshop took place, culminating on November 15, 2025, at the Bratislava Music Centre (Dom hudby) with a final concert and the launch of a new album.
Led by experienced instructors (Matúš Jakabčic, Juraj Bartoš, and Erik Rothenstein), the educational project Specifics of Interpretation in a Large Jazz Orchestra proceeded through the following stages:
Individual Practice of Parts: Participants worked on tone production, phrasing, and intonation under the guidance of the instructors.
Section Rehearsals: Woodwinds were led by Erik Rothenstein, brass instruments by Juraj Bartoš, and the rhythm section by Matúš Jakabčic.
Joint Rehearsals: Students participated in joint rehearsals directly with members of the CZ-SK Big Band.
YOUTUBE – Big Band Lab
Concert and Album Launch: A Day Off
In the first part of the evening, students performed a jazz repertoire, while the second part featured a concert by the Matúš Jakabčic CZ-SK Big Band.
Rišo B.
David Hodek
Sisa, Matúš, Ľuboš
The event included the official launch of the new studio album A Day Off, which represents a significant milestone in contemporary central European big band music. The record delivers a rich sonic palette built on sophisticated arrangements, dynamic contrast, and diverse compositional approaches by leading figures of the scene – Matúš Jakabčic, Sisa Michalidesová, and Ľuboš Šrámek.
Rather than sticking to a rigid traditional mold, the album bridges classic big band swing with modern jazz idioms, contemporary grooves, and unexpected genre crossovers. This innovative spirit is further heightened by distinctive guest contributions: legendary Slovak rapper Rišo B. (Rišo zo Žužulety) brings modern urban loops and scratches, virtuosic drummer Dávid Hodek injects explosive rhythmic energy, and multi-instrumentalist Sisa Michalidesová adds unique melodic and atmospheric colors. The album was ceremoniously baptized by renowned trumpeter and arranger Juraj Bartoš.
YOUTUBE – teaser for new CD
YOUTUBE – A day of Aftermovie