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Martin Uherek
Member Since: 2014 | Location: Slovakia | Page Views: 2,179 
About Me
Martin Uherek is a renowned Slovak jazz saxophonist, composer, and educator known for his sophisticated and melodic performances.
Martin Uherek’s passion for jazz music ignited at a young age, evolving into a distinguished career as a professional saxophonist, composer, and educator. He was introduced to music early in his childhood through a church choir led by his father, and he quickly demonstrated a great interest and talent for music. 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. 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”. In November 2015, Martin released his debut album “Walkin’ My Own Way“, reflecting his personal musical journey and experiences. The album 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. Since 2013, Martin has been actively presenting the project “Stories of Jazz”, which combines high-quality jazz music with spoken word. This project evolved into a series of CDs, exploring the history and development of jazz from its early roots to modern times. In August 2025, he released Two Boddies, a duo album with pianist Klaudius Kováč. The recording captures the rare musical chemistry that evolved from their early teacher–student relationship into a deep artistic partnership. Eleven tracks — originals and standards — were recorded as an unplanned, honest musical conversation, culminating in the fully improvised title piece Two Boddies, freely inspired by Body & Soul. In response to the recording, the legendary tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi wrote: “Martin and Klaudius play masterfully on this duet recording. It exudes warmth, in-the-moment improvising and different moods. To play on this level requires a life of love for this music. Congratulations!” The album also features liner notes by Andy Middleton, who describes it as “swinging, with a mature and authentic rhythmic feel… an album that stands up to many listens.” 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’s “Root System” (2019), Peter Palaj’s “News For Peter” (2019), Matúš Jakabčic CZ/SK big band’s “Room #555” (2022), Deus Sax Machina’s “Hommage to Arnošt Coufal” (2023) and Juraj Bartoš' (N)evergreens II (2024). For more information about Martin Uherek and his musical projects, visit his official website: martinuherek.com.
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This page was last updated on 2025-10-26.
