Laco Déczi

protagonist Steam On The River, musician Apero Jazz

Laco Déczi

Laco Déczi, born in Bernolákovo (Slovakia) in 1938, is a trumpet player, composer and band leader. In 1962 he relocated to Prague where he performed in top jazz ensembles and orchestras, including Karel Velebný's SHQ. In 1967 he founded his own Jazz Celula ensemble and since 1970 he has also been a member of the Czech Radio Jazz Orchestra. He has recorded numerous albums, one of the most well-known being “Sentimental Trumpet” (1970). Laco has also composed a lot of music for film (e.g. Věra Chytilová’s Calamity) and TV productions. In 1985 he emigrated to Germany and later to the U.S. where he has been living ever since, performing with "Jazz Cellula International". Laco has performed throughout the United States with a roster of the finest jazz musicians - Elvin Jones, Bill Watrous, Junior Cook, Dave Weckl, Sonny Costanzo and many more. Every year he returns to Europe playing gigs almost every night.