Czech jazz-folk legend Viklicky to play The Seasons

Not many musicians can mix intricate jazz piano arrangements with traditional Czech folk music, and even fewer do it well.

Musical legend Emil Viklicky, 62, does it wonderfully, and he's bringing his musical stylings all the way to Yakima when he plays The Seasons on July 8.

Viklicky is best known for taking Moravian (a historical region in eastern Czech Republic) folk melodies and blending them with a more modern, improvisational style.

"He's a very, very good jazz player, but the unique thing is that he incorporates traditional Czech music into his jazz," said local jazz journalist and critic Doug Ramsey, who recommended Viklicky to The Seasons. "It's a unique approach to jazz given his national background and the culture of his own country."

In addition to his own material, Viklicky is likely to perform interpretations of famed Czech composer Leos Janacek, a favorite among audiences and an act that references his primary musical inspiration. Viklicky has been called the "Janacek of jazz."

"I am trying to do the same while playing in a jazz trio format," Viklicky said in an e-mail interview.

His performance at The Seasons is preceded by a stop at the National Conference of the American Harp Society in Tacoma. Czech harpist Jana Bouskova will perform and premiere Viklicky's latest composition, "Double Concerto for Harp and Oboe."

"Well, I can't play that with (the) jazz trio only, but certainly there will be a certain similarity in motives I use in my improvisations," Viklicky said.

The performing trio for the Yakima show includes Don Kinney, head of the percussion section for the Yakima Symphony, on drums, and Seattle bassist Clipper Anderson on the upright.

Pat Strosahl, president of The Seasons Music Festival, said Viklicky's appearance in Yakima is indicative of a growing desire for high-caliber cultured events in the area.

"I believe Yakima is becoming a music town," he said.

Strosahl said guests can expect something they've never heard before: "You can expect to hear a unique kind of music that is categorized under jazz, but really is just good music."

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15. The Seasons is at 101 N. Naches Ave.

-- Ryan Ricigliano