Sachal Vasandani + Marta Kloučková & David Dorůžka

Although two prominent figures of the contemporary Czech jazz scene—vocalist Marta Kloučková and guitarist David Dorůžka — have repeatedly shared stages and recording studios, for instance within Kloučková’s established quintet, their current project marks a significant turning point.

Their joint album How Little We Dream is their debut in the intimate setting of a jazz duo. The choice of such a stripped-down format was no coincidence; it arose from both artists’ natural desire for maximum creative freedom and deep musical connection. For Marta Kloučková, performing as a duo with David Dorůžka represents an exceptionally free approach to singing, opening up space for vocal experimentation as well as expressive interpretations distinct from those she employs in larger ensembles. Unlike her original work with a band, here she can fully focus on interpreting songs and lyrics by other authors, ranging from simple, song-like forms to dramatically intense expressions. David Dorůžka, an internationally acclaimed guitarist with a refined sense for tone color, likewise regards the duo format as one of his favorite artistic disciplines, seeing it as the purest form of musical dialogue.

The repertoire for this album brings together compositions that cross genres and decades, spanning the entire last century of music. As a result, both the concert program and the album itself are remarkably diverse and bold. Audiences can expect a journey to interwar standards from the late 1920s, as well as visits to iconic songwriters such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Paul Simon. A surprising and refreshing moment comes with the inclusion of the contemporary pop hit Wildflower by Billie Eilish (2025), demonstrating that Kloučková & Dorůžka recognize no artificial boundaries in music. Alongside these names, their repertoire also features works by jazz greats such as Thelonious Monk and Wayne Shorter, as well as the psychedelic legacy of Grace Slick from Jefferson Airplane.
Adding to the sense of a truly special occasion, the concert will also feature the ceremonial launch of the album How Little We Dream.


Sachal Vasandani is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive jazz vocalists of his generation. In his hands, the jazz tradition comes alive in a fresh, soulful guise, appealing not only to devoted jazz listeners but also to fans of contemporary songwriting.

Vasandani possesses a rare gift: he can step in front of a roaring big band with unwavering swing confidence, only to strip everything down moments later and reveal the deepest emotions in a classic ballad. This vulnerability, combined with his ability to improvise fluidly across melodic lines and rhythmic structures, has made him a sought-after collaborator for some of the world’s leading artists. Over the course of his career, he has shared the stage with icons such as Wynton Marsalis, Bobby McFerrin, Bill Charlap, and Milton Nascimento.

Vasandani arrives in Brno in peak creative form, supported by his latest album Best Life Now. To give his stories of modern love—with all their light and shadow—the right pulse, he invited drummer, visionary, and master of groove Nate Smith to produce the album. Smith, who performed at JazzFestBrno last year, helped shape a sound in which Vasandani’s captivating voice is surrounded by inventive beats and memorable melodies. It is jazz infused with soul and funk, yet firmly rooted in the depth of the genre.

Beyond his performing career, Vasandani is also recognized as one of today’s leading jazz educators and advocates of the genre. His workshops and masterclasses around the world are known for combining rigorous technical foundations with an open, creative spirit. This analytical approach to music is reflected in his own compositions and lyrics, making his performances both technically refined and deeply human.

At JazzFestBrno, technical precision will meet raw emotion. Sachal Vasandani proves that jazz improvisation can be a living, breathing language—one capable of telling stories of our everyday joys and struggles, just as it has in the work of the greatest vocalists in jazz history and today.