Foto: Martin Pekárek
Jan Smigmator, one of Czechia’s most famous swing and jazz singers, is set to perform in New York’s Carnegie Hall on April 29. The 37-year-old musician, who also hosts his own show on Czech Radio, says that he hopes this could be an opportunity to break through in the United States. His performance in New York will focus on the music of greats such as George and Ira Gershwin, Johnny Mercer, Henry Mancini or Michel Legrand and Smigmator will be singing in both English and Czech.
The Jihlava-born Czech singer has also expressed his excitement at being able to perform with a highly accomplished ensemble of American musicians. His accompanying band will be made up of members of the Tony Bennett quarter, as well as double bassist Marshall Wood, guitarist Gray Sargent, the famous drummer Harold Jones and saxophone player Scott Hamilton. Czechs Jan Steinsdörfer and Jan Andr will also be present. The former playing on piano, the latter occupying the organ.
Smigmator himself made his first mark on the music scene at the age of 14, when he won the Golden nut (Zlatý oříšek) competition, a talent show for Czech children. His first album, Swing Is Back, came out in 2013, followed two years later by Time To Swing, which featured a bonus track in the form of My Way – the legendary song made famous by Frank Sinatra.
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Author: Thomas McEnchroe