Tomas Liska

Born October 1979 in Rakovnik, Czech Republic.

2000 - studies the double-bass at the Conservatorium of Jaroslav Ježek in Prague, under the leadership of prof. Petr Kořínek and soon became a presence on the local jazz scene, appearing with an array of musicians at the city's most important jazz clubs and festivals.

2003 - takes part in music project of Milan Svoboda’s Kontraband, following the tradition of Prague Bigband

2004 - finishes studies at the Conservatorium and at the same time is accepted at the Prague Jazz College of Jaroslav Ježek, studies under prof. Jaromír Honzák

2005 - with David Dorůžka’s trio, Tomáš takes part in the finale of the International Jazz Festival in Getxo, Spain

2006 – he played in a duo with vibraphonist Radek Krampl at prestigious iternational jazz festival "Sofia Jazz Peak" in Bulgaria.

2007- cooperation with Matej Benko’s trio (the trio later grows into a quintet in 2007, and in February 2009 publishes a CD called Time Against Us)

2007 - takes part in International Jazz Workshop in Polish Leszno, taught by Polish leading jazz artists as Michal Tokaj, Piotr Baron, Piotr Wojtasik, Michal Baranski and Lukasz Zyta. Tomas Liska was awarded as the best bass player there.

2008 - works together with a great performer of South-American music, Mara Topferova, touring around Europe.

2008 - he participated on the masterclass workshop in Italy with the best american players lika Joey DeFrancesco, Benny Golson, Bobby Durham, Jimmy Cobb, Alberto Marsico and Buster Williams. Also at this workshop is Tomáš granted the award for the best double-bassist of the workshop.

2009 - quartet Points was awarded on 22nd. years Competition of Jazz Standards in Siedlce (Poland).

2009 - was awarded like a WINNER of the international cometition of soloists in Łomża (Poland). Tomáš Liška was only one, who plays solo - without rhythm section!

2009 - with the jazz band called Points WON a very prestigious international jazz competition at Spanish Getxo, as the first Czech jazz band to do so in the whole Czech jazz history! Points reached the finale whilst being chosen from over 80 other competitors from Europe, the Middle East and Russia. The fact that Points won at Getxo ensured their presence at another great jazz festivals.

2009 - was awarded like The Best Bass Player of prestigious international competition in Hoeilaart, Belgium. Quartet Points got the second price of the bands and trumpetist Miroslav Hloucal got price of The Best Soloist.

2009 - releasing first solo CD called Invisible World. Tomas Liska invited to the recording session David Doruzka (acoustic guitar), Daniele di Bonaventura (bandoneon) and guests Marta Topferova (vocal) and Tomas Reindl (tablas).

2010 - Czech Jazz Society has announced the results of its Best Album of the Year poll. The jury, compromised of over sixty musicians, jazz club owners, record company producers, publicists and managers chose the SECOND position for CD „Invisible World“, recorded by Tomas Liska's feat. guitarist David Doruzka and bandoneonist Daniele di Bonaventura (IT).

2010 – the album Invisible World has been nominated in the Czech Grammy music awards - Andel 2009.

2010 - Tours the US several times during the last two years as a member of the band "Druha trava".

2011 - records the albums "Marzipan from Toledo" & "Shuttle To Bethlehem" with the band "Druha Trava" to critical acclaim & a very positive response. The album "Marzipan" receives the "Angel Awards" (Czech grammy) in 2011.

2012 - releases the album "Daily Specials" with American guitarist Steve Walsh.

2012 - masters program study in a prestigious Berlin University - Jazz Institut Berlin, under the direction of renowned American teachers Greg Cohen and John Hollenbeck. 2013 - released Milokraj, an album of new music, together with Marta Topferova. This stunning collection of original songs draws from Czech and Moravian folklore, and other Slavic influences. Joining them are Stano Paluch on violin, Marcel Comendant on cimbalom and David Doruzka on guitar. 2014 - the album, "Milokraj" received the Andel 2013 nomination (the Czech grammy) in the World music category.

During the international jazz performances, Tomáš appears at various jazz festivals, for example in Bulgary, France, Italy, Belgium, Hungary, Russia, South African Republic, Morocco, Spain, Germany, Austria, Poland, England, USA, Mexico and others.

On the musical scene, Tomáš cooperated with musicians as David Dorůžka, Steve Walsh (USA), Beáta Hlavenková, Cyrille Oswald (NL), Marta Topferova (USA), Lenka Dusilová, Eternal Seekers, Yvonne Sanchez, Pražský Bigband, Najponk, Dan Tepfer (USA), Bryson Kern (USA), Sam Sadigursky (USA), Mark Aanderud (MEX/USA), Hernan Hecht (ARG) and many others. Show less