About
PAUL NOVOTNY
1960s-1970s
Grew up in Prague, Czechoslovakia and got the first taste of guitar and jazz from my father who gave me lessons throughout my childhood.
1980s
Performed with musicians from various parts of Southeast Europe and the Middle East while living in the multicultural environment of the Austrian capital of Vienna.
Immigrated to Canada. Spent some time in Vancouver before moving to Toronto to study jazz at Humber College. Lived in the Trinidadian community and played in a number of soca and calypso bands.
1990s
Moved to Florida to join the Universe Orchestra and play Broadway shows and standard big band repertoire on the Fantasy, the world's largest cruise ship at the time.
Settled in Montreal to perform with various English and French artists. Pursued jazz, ethnomusicology, and classical music studies at Concordia University and Université de Montréal. Studied and performed the music of various cultures from around the world, such as Gamelan music from Bali.
2000s
Returned to Prague in late 1990s when the city was vibrant with energy after the Velvet Revolution. Made Prague my home once again after several years of traveling between Canada and the Czech Republic. Played with numerous local musicians and formed several international groups. Released CD Joie de Vivre in 2006 and toured the Central European region.
2010s
Following a musical hiatus, teamed up with violin virtuoso Vitek Nermut to form Jazz Gypsy N Tango to play a potpourri of Tango Nuevo, jazz manouche, Latin, and flamenco. Renewed the jazz trio with bass and drums/percussion to play my compositions and contemporary jazz standards. Performed in jazz clubs in Prague and at venues in France and the UK.