Martin Uherek found music early — singing in a church choir led by his father — and soon reached for the saxophone. Formal studies followed at the J. L. Bella Conservatory and the Academy of Arts in Banská Bystrica, as well as his jazz studies with pianist Klaudius Kováč who became a key mentor and, later, a close musical partner.
Finding a Voice
Rooted in swing, bebop, and hard bop, Martin’s sound favors warmth, time, and narrative clarity. He gravitates toward melodies that sing and stories that unfold logically — whether in intimate duo settings or inside a driving rhythm section.
Early Milestones
In 2008, Martin founded the Martin Uherek Quartet; the group won 2nd prize at the 1st Tarnów International Jazz Contest (Poland), and Martin received a soloist award. That same year, the band was named laureate of New Faces of Slovak Jazz — early markers of a developing voice grounded in tradition and intent on growth.
Projects & Albums
- Walkin’ My Own Way (2015) — a debut that distilled years of listening and learning into a personal statement for saxophone trio with special guests.
- Stories of Jazz (2013–) — Martin’s long-running concert series blending live performance with storytelling. The project has appeared on three albums: Stories of Jazz (2016), Stories of Jazz Vol. 2 – The Birth of Jazz (2018), and Stories of Jazz Vol. 3 – The Beginnings of Modern Jazz (2021).
- Two Boddies (2025) — a duo album with pianist Klaudius Kováč: eleven pieces (originals and standards) captured as an unplanned, real-time dialogue. Highlights range from the finger-snapping bite of “Pink Monk” to the meditative drift of “Stella by Starlight,” with the title track freely improvised as a nod to “Body & Soul.”
Composer & Arranger
Alongside performance, Martin composes and arranges for a range of ensembles. His arrangements have been performed by the Lukáš Oravec Orchestra and the Gustav Brom Orchestra, and his original music for saxophone quintet has been recorded by Deux Sax Machina.
Educator & Advocate
Martin teaches at the conservatory in Banská Bystrica and leads workshops and masterclasses, helping young musicians connect the language of jazz with their own voices. Education, for him, is part craft, part conversation — a way to keep the music living and shared.
Selected Collaborations & Recordings
Regular collaborations include Klaudius Kováč, Róbert Ragan, Peter Solárik, Matúš Jakabčic CZ/SK Big Band, Juraj Bartoš Quintet, SO-UH-RA trio, and Swingin’ Gentlemen.
Guest and sideman appearances: Peter Korman – Root System (2019), Peter Palaj – News For Peter (2019), Matúš Jakabčic CZ/SK Big Band – Room #555 (2022), Deus Sax Machina – Hommage to Arnošt Coufal (2023), Juraj Bartoš – (N)evergreens II (2024).
What others say
“Uherek draws from the soprano warmth, lyrical melodicism, and sincerity — opening the music fully. With the tenor, he, brightens the mood, and never burdens the music with cheap sentiment. His tone can be Webster-warm, but never sugary." — Ján Hocek, skjazz.sk
“Swinging, with a mature and authentic rhythmic feel… an album that stands up to many listens.”
— Andy Middleton on Two Boddies
About Martin Uherek