Martin Uherek

Martin Uherek is a renowned jazz saxophonist, composer, and educator from Slovakia. Known for his sophisticated and melodic playing, Martin has captivated audiences across Europe. He leads several jazz projects, including the Martin Uherek Quartet and the educational series “Stories of Jazz”. Martin’s career is marked by numerous awards, notable collaborations, and a deep commitment to preserving and advancing jazz music.

Early Life and Education

Martin Uherek was introduced to music early in his childhood through a church choir led by his father. He quickly demonstrated a great interest and talent for music, exploring various instruments. He studied saxophone at the J. L. Bella Conservatory and the Academy of Arts in Banská Bystrica, under the mentorship of jazz pianist Klaudius Kováč.

Career Beginnings

In 2008, Martin founded the Martin Uherek Quartet, a group with strong roots in jazz tradition. The Quartet won 2nd prize at the 1st Tarnów International Jazz Contest in Poland, where Martin also received an award for his solo performance. Later that year, they became laureates of the Slovak competition “New Faces of Slovak Jazz 2008”.

Debut Album: Walkin’ My Own Way

In November 2015, Martin released his debut album “Walkin’ My Own Way“. The album reflects his personal musical journey, experiences, and influences. It features a pianoless trio with Peter Korman on double bass and Pavol Blaho on drums, alongside guest artists such as Klaudius Kováč, Juraj Bartoš, and Radovan Tariška. The album was recorded in Banská Bystrica and released by the Music Fund label.

"Stories of Jazz" Series

Since 2013, Martin has been presenting the project Stories of Jazz (Príbehy jazzu), which combines high-quality jazz music with spoken word. This project evolved into a series of CDs:

• Stories of Jazz (2016): A brief history of jazz from the early 20th century to the present.

• Stories of Jazz Vol. 2 - The Birth of Jazz (2018): Focuses on the origins of jazz and its rise in the 1930s and 1940s.

• Stories of Jazz Vol. 3 - The Beginnings of Modern Jazz (2021): Highlights the dynamic period of the 1950s and early 1960s.

Collaborations and Performances

Martin regularly performs with both Slovak and international jazz musicians, including Klaudius Kováč, Róbert Ragan, Peter Solárik, Matúš Jakabčic CZ/SK big band, Juraj Bartoš Quintet - (N)evergreens, SO-UH-RA trio, and Swingin’ Gentlemen. He has been featured on several albums, such as:

• Peter Korman - Root System (2019)

• Peter Palaj - News For Peter (2019)

• Matúš Jakabčic CZ/SK big band - Room #555 (2022)

• Deus Sax Machina - Hommage to Arnošt Coufal (2023)

Contact and More Information

For more information about Martin Uherek and his musical projects, visit his official website: martinuherek.com.

Awards

• 2nd Prize at Tarnow International Jazz Contest (Poland)

- also awarded as a soloist in the younger category.

• Laureate of Slovak National Jazz Competition “New Faces of Slovak Jazz 2008”

• Winner of Young Talents in Jazz at Bratislava Jazz Days 2012

Gear

Tenor Saxophones:

• Mark VI: Serial No. 68,xxx

• Conn New Wonder I: Serial No. 45,xxx

• Mouthpieces:

• Metal Otto Link Florida NO USA 8* with original ligature

• Otto Link Super Tone Master New York 10

• Reeds:

• Ishimori Woodstone #3-3.5 (for 8*)

• Ishimori Woodstone #2.5-3 (for 10)

Alto Saxophones:

• Schagerl Amadeus Model 66

• Mouthpiece: Brilhart Tonalin Serial No. 81xxx with François Louis ligature

• Reeds: Gonzalez #2.5-3

Baritone Saxophone:

• Conn Lady Face (1935)