Hudba Praha

Hudba Praha

Company type	Rock band
Industry	Music
Founded	1984
Founder	Michal Ambrož
Defunct	2015 (split into two bands)
Headquarters	Czech Republic
Products	Studio albums, live albums, EPs, compilations

Hudba Praha emerged as a Czech rock ensemble in 1984, established by Michal Ambrož after the Communist authorities in Czechoslovakia prohibited his former band, Jasná Páka. The group remained active until 2015, aside from a break between 1996 and 1999. In 2015, it divided into two separate formations: Hudba Praha Band and Michal Ambrož a Hudba Praha. Throughout its career, the band produced five studio albums, one double EP, three live recordings, and two compilation albums; each offshoot released one album independently. Michal Ambrož passed away in 2022.

Jasná Páka: 1981–1984

In 1981, Michal Ambrož co-founded Jasná Páka alongside painter Vladimír "Dáda" Albrecht. The initial lineup featured drummer David Koller, bassist Jan Ivan Wünsch, guitarists Bohumil and Vladimír Zatloukal, as well as backing vocalists Zdena Pištěková and Markéta Vojtěchová. After Jasná Páka was banned from performing publicly in 1984, Ambrož retired the band’s name and launched Hudba Praha. Koller and Bohumil Zatloukal departed to join Luboš Pospíšil’s group 5P, while Albrecht returned his focus to painting. Remaining members Wünsch, Vladimír Zatloukal, Vojtěchová, and Pištěková continued with the new project.

First phase of Hudba Praha: 1984–1996

To circumvent the prior ban, the band reassembled under a new name and incorporated a third female vocalist, Alena Daňková. Drummer Libor Kubánek joined in 1985 but was quickly succeeded by Ludvík "Eman ET" Kandl. The ensemble expanded its sound by adding Tomáš "Bond" Volák on keyboards, Vítek Malinovský on tenor saxophone, and Karel Malík on alto saxophone. By the late 1980s, vocalist Jarmila "Jamajka" Koblicová had become part of the group, and Bohumil Zatloukal returned to the fold. Hudba Praha performed widely throughout Czechoslovakia in various venues including clubs, cultural centers, pubs, and traditional country dance events.

In 1988, they released a self-titled double EP which was reissued later that year as a full-length album. The live album 10 let Hudby Praha / Jasná páka, recorded at Prague’s Lucerna venue, followed in 1992.

During the early 1990s, the female vocal lineup was reduced to Koblicová and newcomer Daniela Čelková. Their second studio album Maelström was launched in 1993 through EMI/Monitor. Reflex Records issued the compilation Starý pecky (a tak dál...) in 1994, succeeded by their third studio album Maják in 1995 via Bonton Music.

The initial era of Hudba Praha concluded in 1996 as members began focusing on individual projects. That year saw the release of their fourth studio album Divoký srdce by Bonton; Ambrož later adopted this title for a separate venture. Supporting this release, the band embarked on a nationwide tour culminating with a concert at Prague’s Lucerna on 6 November 1996. The final performance was recorded and published in 1997 as the double live album Nashledanou.

Second phase: 1999–2009

On 1 June 1999, shortly before a charity event for Kosovo following a three-year hiatus, bassist Jan Ivan Wünsch passed away. His replacement Jiří Jelínek enabled Hudba Praha to perform at this concert. This reunion spurred the band to continue their activities.

Over subsequent years they toured extensively. By 2006, performing under the combined name Jasná Páka/Hudba Praha, they marked their 25th anniversary and were inducted into the Beat Hall of Fame. In December 2007, they released 25 pecek, a double live album recorded at Prague’s Acropolis Palace on 6 December 2006. This package included a DVD of the concert along with Oliver Malina Morgenstern’s documentary Společenství Jasná páka.

In 2008, Michal Ambrož and Vladimír Zatloukal officially revived Jasná Páka as an independent group featuring David Koller and new musicians. Meanwhile, Hudba Praha underwent lineup changes: Ludvík Kandl was succeeded by Michael "Šimon" Šimůnek on drums; Karolina Skalníková replaced Daniela Čelková; Petra Studená took over from Skalníková; and singer-artist Petr Váša became a frequent guest collaborator. Early in 2009 saw departures of Studená followed shortly by Koblicová and Zatloukal.

Third phase and division: 2009–2015

Following the departure of several band members, Hudba Praha brought in young vocal talents Kristýna "Týna" Peteříková and Alena "Álla" Sudová, both conservatory students. To mark the tenth anniversary of Jan Ivan Wünsch's passing, a tribute event was held at Prague's Acropolis, featuring live performances alongside the release of Vojtěch Lindaur's biography, Bav se s volem o sobotě. The occasion also showcased appearances by Vladimír Mišík, Jaroslav Olin Nejezchleba, Pavel Skála, and former saxophonist Vítek Malinovský, who returned to the ensemble.

In 2009, Hudba Praha commenced work on their first studio album in fourteen years. The 2010 release, De Generace, combined refreshed versions of classic tracks with newly composed material. The band maintained an active touring schedule and in 2013 issued the compilation ...all the best, which incorporated a number of fresh songs.

The year 2014 saw Michal Ambrož unveil Černá deska with Jasná Páka, marking that group's inaugural studio album. However, internal conflicts coupled with Ambrož’s serious illness brought all activities to a halt. After undergoing treatment and recuperation, Ambrož attempted to resume rehearsals, but momentum waned and Hudba Praha ultimately dissolved in 2015.

Hudba Praha Band

After Hudba Praha's dissolution, two separate ensembles carrying the same name sought to preserve the original band's heritage. The first incarnation, Hudba Praha Band, included former members from both Hudba Praha and Jasná Páka—with the exception of Michal Ambrož. This lineup featured Vladimír and Bohumil Zatloukal on guitar and vocals; Jiří Jelínek on bass; Ludvík Kandl (later succeeded by Pavel Skála and Tomáš Stoukal) on drums; Jakub Douda on tenor saxophone; vocalists Michaela Šponar Fojtová and Lucie Jandová (subsequently replaced by Jarmila Koblicová and Daniela Litváková Čelková); as well as Zdeněk Hnyk handling guitar and lead vocals. Their repertoire consisted of songs originally performed by both Hudba Praha and Jasná Páka.

In November 2021, Hudba Praha Band issued their debut studio album titled Barevný sny, which featured material initially composed for Hudba Praha and Jasná Páka alongside new compositions.

Michal Ambrož a Hudba Praha

In the wake of Hudba Praha's breakup, Michal Ambrož established a new ensemble named Michal Ambrož a Hudba Praha. This group included guest drummer David Koller; guitarists Michal Pelant and Radovan Jelínek; bassist Jakub Vejnar; drummer Martin Kopřiva; guitarist and keyboardist Matěj Belko; tenor saxophonist Jakub Doležal; as well as vocalists Markéta Tošovská Foukalová and Tereza Kopáčková. Their 2019 release was the album Hudba Praha & Michal Ambrož.

Michal Ambrož: 1954–2022

Born on 23 January 1954 in Havlíčkův Brod, Michal Ambrož was the leading figure behind Jasná Páka, Hudba Praha, Divoký srdce, and Michal Ambrož a Hudba Praha. He also served as host for the radio programs Kalumet and Naděje Beatu on Radio Beat. In 2016, he recorded the album Srdeční příběh, produced by David Koller and featuring collaborators such as violinist Radovan Jelínek; vocalists Magdaléna Krištofeková, Pavla Táboříková, Jarmila Koblicová; drummer Martin Valihora; and singer Richard Müller. Michal Ambrož passed away on 31 October 2022.

Hudba Praha

• Michal Ambrož – vocals, guitar (1984–1996; 1999–2015; deceased 2022)
• Jan Ivan Wünsch – bass guitar (1984–1999 [deceased])
• Vladimír Zatloukal – guitar, backing vocals (1984–1996; 1999–2015)
• Tomáš "Bond" Volák – keyboards (1984–1988)
• Zdena Pištěková – backing vocals (1984–1991)
• Markéta Vojtěchová – backing vocals (1984–1991)
• Alena Daňková – backing vocals (1984–1991)
• Libor Kubánek – drums (1985)
• Ludvík "Eman ET" Kandl – drums (1985–1996; 1999–2006)
• Vítek Malinovský – tenor saxophone, harmonica, backing vocals (1985–1996; 1999–2015)
• Karel Malík – alto saxophone, backing vocals (1987–1996; 1999–2015; deceased 2025)
• Bohumil Zatloukal – guitar, backing vocals (1989–1996; 1999–2009)
• Jarmila "Jamajka" Koblicová – backing vocals (1989–1996; 1999–2009)
• Eva Mišíková – keyboards (1990–1993)
• Daniela Litváková Čelková – backing vocals (1991–1996; 1999–2006)
• Jiří Jelínek – bass guitar (1999–2015)
• Karolina Skalníková – backing vocals (2006)
• Petra Studená – backing vocals (2006–2009)
• Michael "Šimon" Šimůnek – drums (2006–2015)
• Kristýna "Týna" Peteříková – backing vocals (2009–2015)
• Alena "Álla" Sudová – backing vocals (2009–2015)

Hudba Praha Band

Current members

• Vladimír Zatloukal – guitar, backing vocals
• Bohumil Zatloukal – guitar, backing vocals
• Jiří Jelínek – bass guitar
• Zdeněk Hnyk – guitar, lead vocals
• Tomáš Stoukal – drums
• Jakub Douda – tenor saxophone
• Jarmila Koblicová – backing vocals
• Daniela Litváková Čelková – backing vocals

Former members

• Ludvík Kandl – drums
• Pavel Skála – drums
• Michaela Šponar Fojtová – backing vocals
• Lucie Lu Jandová – backing vocals

Michal Ambrož a Hudba Praha

Current lineup

• Jiří Šimek – guitar, backing vocals
• Radovan Jelínek – guitar, backing vocals
• Jakub Vejnar – bass, Chapman Stick
• Jakub Doležal – saxophone
• Veronika Vítová – backing vocals
• Terezy Kopáčková – backing vocals
• Martin Kopřiva – drums

Previous members

• Michal Ambrož – lead vocals (deceased 2022)
• Michal Pelant – guitar
• Matěj Belko – guitar, keyboards
• Markéta Tošovská Foukalová – backing vocals

Hudba Praha

Studio albums

• Hudba Praha (1990)
• Maelström (1993)
• Maják (1995)
• Divoký srdce (1996)
• De Generace (2010)

EPs

• Hudba Praha (1988)

Live recordings

• 10 let Hudby Praha / Jasná páka (1992)
• Nashledanou (1997)
• 25 pecek (2007)

Compilation albums

• Starý pecky (a tak dál...) (1994)
• ...all the Best (2013)

Hudba Praha Band

• Barevný sny (2021)

Michal Ambrož a Hudba Praha

• Hudba Praha & Michal Ambrož (2019)

Michal Ambrož

• Srdeční příběh (2016)

External links

• Hudba Praha Band official website
• Michal Ambrož a Hudba Praha official website