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The Keyboard Conclave

From Miroslav Vitouš to The Keyboard Conclave: Czech Jazz, Electric and Alive

 

Yesterday, I shared something from the great Miroslav Vitouš—a true Czech legend whose work helped shape the sound of modern jazz. Today, I’m staying in the Czech jazz scene, but shifting focus to a deep-cut treasure that deserves the spotlight: The Keyboard Conclave, a self-titled album by a group of powerhouse musicians built around, as the name promises, keys.

 

This instrumental album is a masterclass in post-bop, fusion, and Latin jazz grooves. At its core are three keyboardists—two electric piano players, Emil Viklický and Karel Růžička, and pianist Gabriel Jonáš—each with their own unique voice and touch. They don’t compete; they converse, creating a rich, layered sound that stays rhythmically tight and harmonically adventurous.

 

Supporting them is a solid rhythm section: drums, percussion, and bass—each player doing exactly what’s needed to give space for the keys to shine, but with enough energy to keep everything moving. The band may be called The Keyboard Conclave, but it's very much a full-band effort, with chemistry you can feel in every track.

 

My personal favorite on the album? 'Shooting-Gallery Rose'. It’s a standout—a tense, propulsive piece that balances sharp rhythmic interplay with deep harmonic color. No words, no vocals—just instruments speaking volumes.

 

Today I’m sharing the 1978 repress of the album, which came out with a different sleeve design than the original. Still the same powerful sound, still just as fresh decades later.

 

If you're into electric jazz with edge, groove, and that distinct Central European twist—The Keyboard Conclave is a must-hear.

 

Bass Guitar – #PetrKořínek

Congas – #JiříTomek

Drums – #JosefVejvoda

Electric Piano [Left Channel] – #EmilViklický (tracks: A1 to B1, B3)

Electric Piano [Right Channel] – #KarelRůžička

Piano – #GabrielJonáš (tracks: A1 to B1, B3)

 

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Uploaded on August 3, 2025
Taken on August 3, 2025