Meet Martin Uherek
Martin Uherek is a Slovak jazz saxophonist, composer, and educator, known for his warm tone, deep swing feel, and melodic storytelling. His playing grows out of bebop and hard bop roots into a modern, personal voice, always aiming for an honest connection with the listener.
His work spans from intimate projects to large ensembles. His arrangements have been performed by the Lukáš Oravec Orchestra and the legendary Gustav Brom Orchestra, while his original music for saxophone quintet was recorded by Deux Sax Machina.
As an educator, Martin teaches at the conservatory in Banská Bystrica, inspiring a new generation of jazz musicians to explore both tradition and innovation.
In 2025, Martin released Two Boddies, a duo album with pianist Klaudius Kováč — capturing the rare chemistry between former teacher and student that has grown into a lasting musical partnership.
For more stories and behind-the-scenes notes,
subscribe to my newsletter on Substack
subscribe to my newsletter on Substack
Press & News
Two Boddies - Swinging, with a mature and authentic rhythmic feel… an album that stands up to many listens.”
— Andy Middleton, saxophonist, liner notes to Two Boddies
Reviews of Two Boddies
www.jazz.sk
Kováč & Uherek: Two Boddies | www.jazz.sk
Niekedy (hoci nie vždy) sa sen stane skutočnosťou. Tandem saxofonistu Martina Uhereka s klaviristom (a jeho niekdajším mentorom) Klaudiusom Kováčom, konkrétne ich spoločná nahrávka, sa však skutočnosťou stali. Obaja sa koncom minulého roka snažili prostredníctvom crowfoundingového portálu Donio osloviť svojich priaznivcov a potenciálnych poslucháčov a vyšlo im to. Teda nie len samotný plán, ale...
“Years of playing together and sharing the same musical sensibility have grown into a partnership where they often react as if they already knew what the other was going to play.”
Peter Motyčka, jazz.sk (Aug 2025)
"The album Two Boddies comes across to me as very thoughtful and organized. The music feels structured, as if it had been pre-arranged."
Marek Danko, hudba.sk (Sep 2025)
"Two Boddies contains eleven tracks, originals and standards, recorded without embellishments, spontaneously, with a pure heart, with creative humility and emotion."
Ján Hocek, skJazz.sk (Sep 2025)
Discography
Walkin' My Own Way (2015)
Delve into Martin Uherek’s debut album “Walkin’ My Own Way,” released in 2015. This album captures the essence of his early artistry, laying the groundwork for his distinctive approach to jazz composition and performance.
Príbehy jazzu (2016)
Released in 2016, “Príbehy jazzu” is the first in a series of albums combining quality jazz music with insightful storytelling. This album provides a brief cross-section of jazz history, from the early 20th century to the present. By blending music and narrative, Martin brings the secrets of jazz closer to listeners, offering a unique educational and auditory experience that highlights his dedication to the art form and its rich history.
Príbehy jazzu vol. 2 (2018)
“Príbehy jazzu vol. 2 - Ako vznikal jazz,” released in 2018, focuses on the origins and rise of jazz in the 1930s and the bebop experiments of the 1940s. Through a mix of performances and storytelling, this album delves into the early days of jazz, showcasing Martin’s ability to convey the genre’s evolution and the innovative spirit of its pioneers.
Peter Korman - Root System (2019)
On “Root System,” Martin Uherek contributes his sophisticated saxophone playing to Peter Korman’s intricate compositions. His melodic lines and thoughtful improvisations add depth and nuance to the album, enhancing its rich, textured soundscape. This collaboration showcases Martin’s ability to seamlessly integrate into diverse musical contexts, adding his unique voice to the ensemble.
Peter Palaj - News For Peter (2019)
“News For Peter” features Martin Uherek as a sideman, where his saxophone performance adds a layer of complexity and sophistication to Peter Palaj’s compositions. Martin’s contributions to this album reflect his melodic sensibility and his capacity to elevate the music with his deep, logical approach to jazz improvisation.
Príbehy jazzu vol. 3 (2021)
The third volume, “Príbehy jazzu vol. 3 - Začiatky moderného jazzu,” was released in 2021 and explores the dynamic developments of the 1950s and early 1960s. This album continues Martin’s tradition of combining jazz performances with engaging narratives, offering insights into the new concepts and artistic revolutions that defined this vibrant period in jazz history.
Matúš Jakabčic CZ/SK bigband - Room #555 (2022)
In “Room #555,” Martin Uherek’s involvement with the Matúš Jakabčic CZ/SK Big Band highlights his versatility and skill as a saxophonist. His performance on this album underscores his ability to contribute to large ensemble settings, bringing his refined, thoughtful playing to the forefront of the big band’s dynamic arrangements.
Deus Sax Machina - Hommage to Arnošt Coufal (2023)
“Hommage to Arnošt Coufal” by Deus Sax Machina features Martin Uherek, whose contributions to this album demonstrate his prowess as a composer and performer. His pieces for sax quintet are a highlight, showcasing his sophisticated, melodic compositions and his ability to craft intricate musical narratives. This album is a testament to Martin’s talent and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of jazz music.
Juraj Bartoš - (N)everGreens II (2024)
Juraj Bartoš shines as a composer, arranger, and soloist on his latest album,
”(N)everGreens II”. Featuring a blend of Czechoslovak film music, Slovak traditionals, and original compositions arranged with a string orchestra, this album has it all. Martin Uherek is a featured tenor saxophonist, alongside the rhythm section of Ľuboš Šrámek, Juraj Griglák, and Peter Solárik.
”(N)everGreens II”. Featuring a blend of Czechoslovak film music, Slovak traditionals, and original compositions arranged with a string orchestra, this album has it all. Martin Uherek is a featured tenor saxophonist, alongside the rhythm section of Ľuboš Šrámek, Juraj Griglák, and Peter Solárik.
Martin Uherek & Klaudius Kováč - Two Boddies (2025)
“Two Boddies” is a captivating duo recording that celebrates the jazz tradition with fresh energy and deep mutual understanding. Filled with swinging rhythms, finely crafted originals, and inventive takes on standards, the album flows with seamless interplay, from delicate counterpoint to hard-driving intensity. Martin's warm, open saxophone sound finds its perfect partner in Klaudius' harmonically rich and stylistically varied piano, creating music that invites repeated listening and reveals new details each time.
Get in Touch with Martin Uherek
Connect with Martin
Have questions about upcoming events, interested in booking Martin Uherek for a performance, or simply want to share your thoughts and feedback? Reach out to us at info@martinuherek.com! Our team is here to provide you with prompt and personalized assistance, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Stay Updated (Social networks, Substack…)
Stay in the loop with Martin Uherek’s latest news, releases, and upcoming events by following him on social media. From Instagram to Twitter, be the first to know about his musical journey and connect with a vibrant community of jazz enthusiasts.
