Frantisek Uhlir

Born 24.7. 1950 in Usti n/Orlici in Czech Republic.From 1965 has studied double bass,piano and composition at the conservatory in Brno.During his studies has played at the orchestra of the Janacek's opera-house and at the Brno Philharmonic Orchestra. He graduated the conservatory at 1971 with the concert for the double bass and chamber orchestra by J.K.Vanhal(1739-1813).

The first touch with the jazz was listening to the Voice of America that came on midnight for an hour.In this broadcasting I've heard first the Bill Evans Trio with Scott LaFaro on the bass and I was very impressed not only by his playing, but with the way, how this trio played together. I've really been influenced by everything I've heard, but of course I paid special attention to the bassplayers as Ray Brown,Paul Chambers, Ron Carter and Scott LaFaro.

He is regarded as a player carrying forward the so-called Czech string bass playing tradition(G. Mraz,M. Vitous,J.Arnet and others).

He played and collaborated with the best Czech jazz musicians(K.Velebny SHQ, E.Viklicky Q,Linha Singers,Impuls,L.Deczi Cellula International,J.Stivin Q, Baroque Jazz Q,K.Ruzicka,R.Dasek)

During his career he has been collaborating with many international groups and musicians: D.Weckl,B.Bailey,W.Shaw,J.Newman,P.Wilson,Sal Nistico, R.Linka,T.Curson,S.Hamilton,S.Costanzo,R.Weller,B.Moses, S.Robinson,B.Golbin,L.A.Davison,J.Serry, M.Printup, H.Meurkens A.Hermann,from U.S.A.; S.Houben,P,Catherine,J.Piroton from Belgium; B.Dennerlein,D.Goykovich,W.Lackerschmid,W.Haffner,C.Stotter,D.Terzic,A.Hertrich, H.Beckmann, East-West Connection from Germany; Ines Reiger,M.Lackner from Austria, G.Cazzola,R.Magris,G.Centis,Europlane Orchestra from Italy; J.Nicholas,D.Wickins,T.Smith,E. Severn,T.Bancroft,B.Wellins from Great Britain; G.Atzmon, S.Goldenberg from Izrael; D.Moccia,R.Morgentaler,S.Schlegel,O.Giovannoni,F.Ambrosetti from Switzerland, Czech-Norwegian Band,P.Mikkelborg,A.Riel from Denmark;D.Jurkovic from Croatia; M.Hausser from France.

He toured and played with different groups the concerts and the festivals in this countries: Austria(Jazzfestival Wiesen, Germany(Ost-West Festival in Nurnberg, Jazztage Leverkusen, Jazztage Ehingen,Landes Jazzfestival Esslingen,Jazz Rally Dusseldorf), Belgium( Jazz Rally Bruxelles), Holland, Denmark, Norway(Jazzfestival Konsberg),Sweden, Switzerland (Jazzfestival Olten, Jazzfestival Ascona), Italy (Jazzfestival Cormons, Jazzfestival Ivrea, Newport in Torino)Jazzfestival Trieste, France (Jazzfestival Munster,Jazzfestival Colmar),Croatia Jazz Time Fest Rijeka,Spain,Portugal, Poland, Hungary, Russia, Izrael(Jazzfestival Eilat,Jazzfestival Tel Aviv),Turkey, Canada(Jazzfestival Montreal),Great Britain(Jazzfestival Edinburg, Jazzfestival Cheltenham,London Jazzfestival), Cyprus,Vietnam,Japan.

He has recorded many albums as a sideman and also two on his name (Basssaga, Frantisek Uhlir Team feat.C.Stotter) and three with the Trio Project Jurkovic+Uhlir+Helesic ( Live 2002, Frantisek Uhlir Trio feat.D.Goykovich - Multisonic 2006,Frantisek Uhlir Trio Maybe Later -Arta Records 2008)

Radio and TV shows inland and abroad From 1987 is Frantisek Uhlir leader of his own group F.U.T.-Frantisek Uhlir Team.