Lubos Soukup

Luboš Soukup is an award-winning saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer active across the European jazz scene. Known for his technical mastery, expansive creative vision, and ambitious international collaborations, Soukup crafts music that seamlessly bridges modern jazz, Nordic sound, classical textures, and world music traditions.

Soukup’s artistic identity is defined by a continuous search for original music and an ambitious approach to ensemble leadership. Moving naturally between two distinct musical worlds—the Czech and the Danish music scenes—his work bridges Nordic lyricism with Central European jazz traditions. Whether composing for intimate duos, dynamic quartets, or full symphony orchestras, his music balances intricate structural complexity with flawless intuitive improvisations and deeply emotional, accessible storytelling.

While his early discography includes landmark releases such as the 2012 album Beyond the Borders, Soukup’s more recent work highlights his evolution as a composer and bandleader of international standing:

• Amber Rails (2026, Animal Music): Soukup’s benchmark return-to-roots album featuring an elite Czech core band—Jiří Levíček (piano/Fender Rhodes), Jaromír Honzák (double bass), and Jakub Švejnar (drums)—alongside guest guitarists David Dorůžka and rising Danish star Casper Hejlesen. The album blends modern jazz, blues, and gospel influences into a refined, harmonious narrative.
• Scandinavian Impressions (2024, Radioservis): An extraordinarily ambitious suite composed for symphony orchestra and jazz ensemble. Recorded with the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra (SOČR) conducted by Bastien Stil, featuring Swedish bassist Thommy Andersson, guitarist David Dorůžka, pianist Vít Křišťan, drummer Kamil Slezák, and the brass section of the Concept Art Orchestra.
• Machina Mundi (2022, Animal Music): A Copenhagen-based quartet exploring the intersection of modern jazz, electronic textures, groove, and analog synthesizers, featuring William Larsson, Graig Earle, Daniel Johansson, and guest vocalist Karmen Rõivassepp.
• Levitas (2022, Animal Music): An intimate duo album with German pianist Christian Pabst, weaving together jazz, classical, and folk elements into a subtle, expressive dialogue.
• Země / The Earth (2017, Animal Music): A critically acclaimed international quartet album featuring West African guitar virtuoso Lionel Loueke (Blue Note Records), blending complex modern jazz structures with West African rhythmic nuances.

Soukup regularly collaborates with prominent international instrumentalists, vocalists, and big bands across Europe, including:

• Morten Haxholm (Danish bassist & composer) — ongoing artistic collaboration
• Jaromír Honzák (Czech bassist & composer) — guest soloist
• Concept Art Orchestra — long-time member and composer for this progressive big band, which was awarded the prestigious Czech Grammy (Cena Anděl) for Best Jazz Album (The Prague Six, 2015).
• Kathrine Windfeld (Danish pianist, composer & big band leader) — composing and guest performing.
• The Orchestra (Denmark) — custom big band compositions and guest soloist appearances.
• Live Foyn Friis (Norwegian vocalist) — collaborative releases and guest performing.

In addition to his touring and recording career, Soukup is a dedicated educator passing his knowledge to the next generation of jazz musicians. He currently serves as a professor of saxophone and jazz ensemble at both the Academy of Performing Arts (HAMU) in Prague and the Jaroslav Ježek Conservatory.

Awards

• 2017: Winner of the prestigious "Talent of the Year" (Årets Talent) award at the Danish Music Awards Jazz / Danish Musicians' Union (DMF), personally nominated and presented by legendary percussionist and Miles Davis collaborator Marilyn Mazur.
• 2015: Czech Grammy (Cena Anděl) winner for Best Jazz Album with Concept Art Orchestra (The Prague Six).
• 2012: Czech Grammy (Cena Anděl) winner for Best Jazz Album with Inner Spaces (Light Year).