About Me
After the fall of the Iron Curtain, Martin Jan Stransky (Dr. M), a descendant of a prominent Czech family who fought against communism, set about assembling a team of international musicians who returned to Prague. G8 is that team - eight musicians from around the globe bringing you the music of our world.
The name G8, a parody on the 8 economic superpowers, denotes the band’s 8 members. Listening to the CD takes you on a wild trip around the world that combines native beats with NYC jazz, R&B, funk and rap.
Vocal harmonies, incredible percussions and beautiful rhythm backings form the group’s 3D trademark sound. The songs are sung in several languages, drawing attention to poverty and suffering as well as joy and dance, while showing the unity of music that lies beneath different cultures. “We play two or even three distinct musical styles or rhythms in each song,†says Renata Vitova, who also sings lead for the Czech National Opera. And the integration goes deeper - “Our Bossanova takes place in France, but the guy speaks English, the girl Spanish,†notes Dr.M.
The debut CD “G8 Transglobal†was snapped up for distribution by SONY BMG. After debuting in several major festivals and participating in sound tracks and TV performances, G8 is now scheduled to tour the US as well as Europe next year.
G8. The rhythm of life. The music of your world.
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"G8 - THE UMBRELLA OF WORLD BANDS"
LUCIE KOSTELECKÃ - vocals
A professional singer in Prague for 8 years, Lucie moved to South Africa to study at the music school in Johannesburg, where she performed with many of the country’s top bands. She returns to G8 as our lead singer.
ALENA KAISEROVÃ vocals, flute
A graduate of Prague’s Music Conservatory and one of the country’s best flute players, this blonde babe brings her Turkish rhythms and vocal harmonies to round out the group.
JUWANA JENKINS vocals
Known for her trademark “feel goodâ€, smiling, energetic performances, Juwana Jenkins of Philadelphia delights and uplifts audiences with her unmistakable soulful, gospel-influenced voice and “distinctive, very rich deliveryâ€.
Dr. M. - keyboards, vocals and da rap
Musician, physician, and G8 frontman. After studying classical music as a private pupil of Prof. Cornfield from the Juliard School of Music, Dr M honed his funk-rap style in NYC’s Harlem Jazz scene, Grenada and Africa, as well on European and US tours with the group SPYDER.
SONY B. - electric and accoustic guitars
The youngest member of the band, our guitar player, student of the Czech Music Conservatory, brings his precocious talent to G8.
TOKHI MAA - percussions
One of the country’s most popular and sought-after percussionists for both the local and international scene. His teachers include Janos Crecelius (Berlin), Hearn Gadbois (New York) and Aldo Ferrara (Rome).
VIKTOR CERMÃK - bass
This talented bass player has been active on the Czech music scene since he was 15 years old. He now joins G8 as our most recent addition.
WILFRIED VON HIRT - drums
Since he was eleven, Willie has played the drums, playing in virtually every West European country along the way. A graduate of Prague’s Music Conservatory, he also played with the famous jay artist Milan Svoboda.
