Bluegrass in Czechia has unusual roots. It didn’t arrive as a passing trend, but as music people shared with one another – at festivals, in pubs, around campfires, and at home in the kitchen or living room. And that’s still how it’s played today, bringing lovers of this music together into an amazing community.
We even took our name from that living room spirit. Obejváci – something like “the ones from the living room” or “living room pickers.” A band that grew out of playing at home, we still hold onto that foundation. Rehearsals by the couch, more voices than cables, and songs that stand strong even without amplification.
We see our Mixtape of the bluegrass of Czechia as a small cross-section of a scene that is surprisingly vibrant and diverse. There are bands that keep the traditional sound alive and others that naturally bend it in their own direction. We’re sometimes surprised, ourselves – and very proud – of how many wonderful musicians in this genre our small country has.
A chapter of its own could be written about Czech bluegrass instrument makers: Krishot, Vláďa Ptáček, Průcha, Zdeněk Roh, Jaromír Jahoda, Čapek, Karel Začal, Stanislav Štol, Ondřej Holoubek… the list would probably be very long. Our guitarist and frontman Luboš Barchini took his love of bluegrass so far that just a short distance from that original living room he started building his own bluegrass guitars.
This year we released a new EP, Tisíc let. It’s our current chapter – a handful of new songs about time, relationships, and the landscape we know so well. We’re adding tracks from the EP to the playlist as a natural part of this theme. Because in our view, the best way to understand Czech bluegrass is by simply pressing play. – Obejváci
“Spring in the Old Country” – Slávek Hanzlík with Béla Fleck, Stuart Duncan, Mark Schatz
Slávek Hanzlík is one of the most prominent Czech acoustic guitarists and composers whose musical life has been closely connected with the bluegrass and instrumental scene both abroad and at home. Born in Prague, he spent many years in Canada and the United States, recorded several original albums with leading international players, and was shortlisted for the GRAMMYs twice in the Instrumental Album of the Year category. For us, though, Slávek is, above all, a good friend and a great inspiration. His approach to melody, his playing, and the way he connects tradition with his own experience have opened new horizons for us in how we think about acoustic music.
“Letní romance” (“Summer Romance”) – Robert Křesťan a Druhá Tráva
Deep lyrics, beautiful vocals, and masterful musicianship. Robert Křesťan and Druhá Tráva are among the most popular Czech bands and in recent years have been reaching far beyond the boundaries of bluegrass. They are definitely a Czech band worth knowing. This year, they are celebrating 35 years together with a special tour in the Czech Republic joined by Tim O’Brien.
“Ty víš” (“You Know”) – Obejváci
One of the songs from our new EP. We recorded it at SONO Records, one of the best recording studios in Europe. We recorded it live, almost the same way we play at home in our living room.
“Už se blíží svítání” (“Dawn Is Coming”) – Petr Kůs a Fámy
Songwriter, musician, and singer Petr Kůs has long been one of the leading figures of the Czech (not only) bluegrass scene. He has always surrounded himself with outstanding musicians and his songs are a must at any bluegrass jam session.
“Twin Peaks/ Happygrass Medley” – Radim Zenkl & Ondra Kozák
A duo of musicians with a strong cross-genre reach. In their program, they present original instrumental pieces and songs written by both players and complemented by bluegrass, Celtic, and world music traditional tunes in distinctive, personal arrangements. They began their collaboration in 2020 and have since performed a number of successful concerts around the world.
“Ještě ne” (“Not Yet”) – Pavlína Braunová & Minesengři
Minnesengři were a progressive folk band from České Budějovice, founded as early as 1968. They quickly became one of the most distinctive folk groups of their time. Their early recordings of South Bohemian folk songs, as well as their later original material, are still regarded as legends of Czech folk music. For anyone who knows Minnesengři, listening to their music carries a special meaning – not only because of the songs themselves, but also because of the mysterious disappearance of their singer Pavlína Braunová. Although the band disbanded in 1989, their legacy and the inspiration they drew from South Bohemia continue to live on.
“Tisíc let” (“A Thousand Years”) – Obejváci
The song “A Thousand Years” captures a moment when a person pauses and tries to take a breath even in the middle of chaos. It speaks about closeness that can keep you afloat, yet also hurt, and about the hope that even after darkness, light can be found again.
“Signal Jammer” – New Aliquot
In our view, New Aliquot are currently at the very top of the Czech acoustic scene. Instrumentally, they are among the finest bands you can hear in the country. They play bluegrass, new acoustic, and folk music, combining original songs, instrumental pieces, and distinctive arrangements of roots music. The band was formed in 2016 on the foundations of the group Křeni and has since toured across the Czech Republic and Europe — from Germany to Sweden to France.
“If You Break My Heart” – Fragment
Fragment were one of the jewels of the Czechoslovak and later Czech bluegrass scene – a band that recorded numerous albums in the 1990s and toured across Europe and the United States. Their sound blended bluegrass with new acoustic influences, highlighted by strong instrumental passages and distinctive vocals, especially thanks to Jana Mougin Doláková. Although Fragment are no longer active, their legacy lives on in their recordings, in the memories of fans, and in the generations of musicians they inspired. Jana later moved to the United States, where she and her husband Stephen Mougin run a studio and label and continue to devote themselves to music.
“Osud nikdo nezmění” (“No One Can Change Fate”) – Monogram
Monogram are a Prague-based bluegrass band active on the Czech and European scene for more than 30 years. Acoustic music fans associate them with quality and instrumental precision. Their repertoire consists mainly of original songs and instrumentals, which they regularly perform at festivals at home and abroad – from Porto to IBMA in Nashville.
“Balada pro čistou duši” (“Ballad for a Pure Soul”) – Obejváci
This song is dedicated to a friend who chose to leave this world. It is not about tragedy, but about a quiet passage and the peace the soul finds. Images of nature – darkness, flowers, cold, snow – underline the fragility of life while also reminding us of its beauty. It is more a gentle celebration of life than a mourning elegy.
“America” – Milkeaters
Until recently, Milkeaters were one of the distinctive names on the Czech bluegrass scene. Formed in 2014, their common denominator was bluegrass, energy, and humor. They played both covers and original songs, always bringing drive and joy to the stage. For us, Milkeaters have an even more personal meaning – it was at their musicians’ camp that Obejváci first came together. The band ended its activity in 2024, but its members, songs, and spirit continue in new projects and in the people they inspired.
“Stokrát” (“A Hundred Times”) – COP
COP are one of the most essential names in Czech bluegrass – and there is probably no bluegrass fan in the country who doesn’t know them. The band was founded in 1978 and despite the emigration of most members in the early 1980s, they found new life thanks to frontman Míša Leicht and continued on. Over time, they became festival mainstays; in 2023 they celebrated 45 years, still playing with their characteristic energy. For our guitarist Luboš, this band is an especially personal chapter – as a teenager, it was COP who led him to bluegrass and indirectly to today’s Obejváci.
“Až Uslyším Hvízdání” (“When I Hear the Whistle”) – Poutníci
The more banjo, the more happiness! Poutníci were founded in 1970 and their sound and approach influenced an entire generation of musicians. Their most distinctive era came between 1979 and 1991, when Robert Křesťan was a member along with banjo player Luboš Malina, considered one of the best Czech banjo players.
“Deeper than the Holler” – G-runs ‘n Roses
The name G-runs ‘n Roses might suggest tough guys with tattoos and long hair. The reality is a bit different – but the energy is definitely there. They are a distinctive Czech bluegrass band built on a solid rhythm section, tight vocal harmonies, and expressive instrumental solos. They perform both original songs and covers, all in thoughtful arrangements with respect for traditional bluegrass.
“Traveling Shoes” – Loes van Schaijk
Originally from the Netherlands, van Schaijk has put down roots in Prague. She is a singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist appreciated on the European bluegrass and folk scene for her sincere vocals, natural sound, and sensitive playing on bass, guitar, and bodhrán. She performs in many different musical projects.
“Every Breath You Take” – The Jumper Cables
The Jumper Cables came together simply to make music. With their acoustic instruments, they create convincing and powerful arrangements of both original compositions and cover songs.
Photo Credit: Gwendoleena – Vendula Koloušková