Martin Kratochvíl
Martin Kratochvíl is a Czech jazz / jazz fusion keyboardist and businessman born in Prague. He cofounded the Jazz Q quartet in 1964. During his career, he has performed in various countries around the world, launched his own record label, opened a recording studio, and released numerous albums both as a solo artist and with other musicians.
Career
In 1964, Kratochvíl cofounded the band Jazz Q with flautist Jiří Stivín; the group was later rounded out by guitarist Luboš Andršt and bassist Vladimír Padrůněk during their most successful era.In 1970, they collaborated with the rock band Blue Effect on the fusion album Coniunctio. Kratochvíl has also performed and released a number of albums with American guitarist Tony Ackerman.
Being a successful musician both in Czechoslovakia and overseas, Kratochvíl saved enough money so that when the communist regime collapsed in 1989, he became a successful businessman, owner of an airport, several factories, and other ventures. The same year, he founded the record label Bonton Music. Kratochvíl also has his own recording studio, Studio Budíkov.