Ed Vokurka - Violin Swing & Jazz Ensemble

The VIOLIN SWING & JAZZ ENSEMBLE (established 1997) performs in the following instrumental configuration: Violin + Piano + Guitar + Bass+ Drums. The selection of tunes is predominantly reflective of the "Swing Golden Era "with a special attention to the "GYPSY SWING" of Django Reinhardt as well to the style of musical performances as represented by Oscar Peterson & Stephane Grappelli "GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC STANDARDS" recording collaboration. The leader of the group, ED VOKURKA was recognized as the WINNER in the prestigious Canadian National Jazz Award 2006, the category "VIOLINIST OF THE YEAR". The illustrious musical path of Ed Vokurka had culminated already early in his professional career, when in 1957 he was declared in his native Czechoslovakia, in the city of Prague, the All State WINNER in the youth competition for classical Piano/Violin Duo, performing the "Violin Concerto in A-maj by Charles Auguste de Beriot". Due to the Ed's original training as the classical violinist, there is a tendecy in the band to utilize much broader spectrum of tunes selected for Jazz Festivals and similar Jazz Concerts & Show programs, or television appearances. Ed Vokurka is a "seasoned performer" who is at home at the large concert halls and at the significant International Jazz Festivals, as well as at small intimate jazz clubs......! Ed had been directly and greately influenced by the virtuoso and the "King of the Swing Violin", maestro JOE VENUTI, with whom Ed had a golden opportunity to play in early 70's! During his past "performances tenure", Ed was invited to perform for several internationally recognized personalities, including a participation in the welcoming concerts for the Czechoslovak first post-communist President Vaclav Havel, His Royal Highness the Prince Edward & the Countess Sophie, during their respective official visits to Canada........, and at several other similar occasions. The recent successful 2008 concert tour in the Capital City of Prague, Czech Republic, was characterized with a great public response, supportive media attention, and the sold-out houses at all scheduled venues on Ed's itinerary. One of the Ed's concert venues was the legendary Reduta Jazz Club. The Reduta is one of the oldest European jazz clubs continuously operating since 1924. It is the most prestigious place to perform jazz, and it attracts "Who is Who" not only in the European artistic community, but it is also frequented by many important domestic as well as internationally known public life personalities. The President Clinton had demonstrated here his sax playing skill during his European capital cities official tour.Another remarkable feature of this Ensemble performances is the continuous interaction with an audience due to the introductory narrative story to the each of the performed tunes. It is provided effectively, with a touch of sensetive humor by the bassist and simultaneously the MC of the group, Abbey Sholzberg. Ed's second, a smaller group, usualy the Trio with the name "CAFE SOCIETY" (established 1984), specializes more in the"SHOW-BIZ" part of the musical entertainment field.For more information and additional photos, please see Ed's alternative thumbnail image on this web-site with the label "ED VOKURKA-JAZZ VIOLINIST WINNER", or visit: www.myspace.com/119827749www.edvokurka.com. (PS: If the video breaks up, let it fully load before playing. Depending on your Internet connection speed, it may take few minutes.)