EU@DCJazzFest: SAKOBI at EU Minifest
SAKOBI features Radek Zapadlo (saxophone), Vilém Spilka (double bass), and Martin Kleibl
(drums). Having played together for years in various groups, they share a deep musical
connection and intuitive onstage chemistry. Radek Zapadlo has been a strong presence on
the Czech jazz scene for over two decades, collaborating with artists such as Matej Benko
and Ondřej Ruml, performing with the Cotatcha Orchestra, leading his own group Four in
Blue, and working extensively with the Vilém Spilka Quartet. After eight years with the Brno
Philharmonic, drummer Martin Kleibl moves effortlessly between classical, jazz, and pop.
He performs in the OK Percussion duo with internationally acclaimed marimbist Martin
Opršál, collaborates with singer Petr Bende, and is a key creative force behind the Vilém
Spilka Quartet. For SAKOBI, Vilém Spilka made a bold move—switching from his primary
instrument, guitar, to double bass, which he began seriously pursuing during the COVID
pandemic. This shift brought a fresh sonic identity and new compositional direction to the
trio.
SAKOBI’s set combines jazz standards with original music from their two albums, released
on Bivak Records. All three members contribute with their songs while Spilka composes
most of the repertoire, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources—from his
hometown of Brno to Japan, subtly referenced in the band’s name. In that spirit, the trio’s
debut album was titled Banzai!—an exclamation meaning something like “Hooray!” or
“Long live!” and their fresh outing San - meaning three in Japanese.
Stylistically, SAKOBI resists easy categorization. Their music draws from the jazz tradition
and other African American styles, while also weaving in influences from Moravian and
broader folk music. The result is dynamic, colorful, and full of personality.