Pax Wallace Trio w/Honza Kourimsky

Innovative pianist Pax Wallace returns to Ott & Hunter with his trio built for exploration—an ensemble ready to stretch harmony, color, and groove into new territory. His evening of original jazz invites listeners into a sound world that’s both daring and deeply expressive. For this performance, guitarist Honza Kourimsky joins the lineup, adding his distinctive voice to the mix for what promises to be a truly must-see experience!  Holding down the bass and propelling the groove are Scott Swanberg (bass) and George Bullis (drums).

Steve “Pax” Wallace is a composer, pianist, and an intrepid musical adventurer. Inspired by the likes of Wayne Shorter, Ralph Towner, Kenny Wheeler, Keith Jarrett, and Chick Corea, Wallace marries influence and curiosity into his compositions. “A lot of my music sounds like it’s written by different people because every composition has its own individual identity. I try to be of service to that composition. Sometimes I don’t have an adequate vocabulary to complete a composition, so I table it and come back to it later, sometimes years later. Composition is an act of musical inquiry.” While being aware of and loving the traditions of his predecessors, he doesn’t feel a strong desire to replicate them in his compositions. “I have always been drawn into a set of personal aesthetics and criterion drawn from odd sources.”

https://www.paxwallacejazz.com/home

Honza Kourimsky is a Czech-born guitarist and composer whose work moves fluidly between jazz, fusion, and modern improvisation. He began his musical journey in the Czech Republic and continued his studies in Edinburgh, where he quickly emerged as a creative force: forming ensembles, writing original material, and becoming a fixture on the local stage. Over several years in the UK, Honza toured widely, played major festivals, and made radio appearances supporting rising artists across the scene. Notable performances include a live session on BBC Radio Scotland and an appearance at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London. Now based on Whidbey Island, Honza brings his finely honed technique, compositional depth, and collaborative energy to the Pacific Northwest—working with local artists and inviting audiences into music that’s both thoughtful and electrifying.

https://honzakourimsky.wixsite.com/mahuki