"Sculpting mood with a loose modal flow, the Czech bass player and composer
exhibits a firm grasp of the intricacies of modern jazz. Present
Past's significant emotional impact speaks volumes on the abilities of the
musicians with whom Honzák has surrounded himself, and of his strengths as a
musician and composer."
- Paul Ryan, Splendid
"A trusty sideman heard on many jazz productions from the Czech Republic,
bassist Jaromír Honzák commits here a straightforward and rewarding album as a
leader. His writing is elegant and graceful, with an important melodic
input – a nice change from the usual jazz bass player albums, which tend to
be filled with tricky rhythmic patterns that have no meat around the bone."
- François Couture, All Music Guide
"In his group concept Honzák emphasizes harmony and playing with
atmosphere . His playing is sympathetic with drummer Lukasz Zyta and pianist
Michal Tokaj, whose collective performance resembles a painter quietly putting
on layers of tones to complete a picture in sound . Sophisticated harmonies,
long intensifying spaces, decomposing emotions, profound empathy – these are
the moments which characterize a high quality performance of the Honzák
Quintet."
- Roland Kánik, All About Jazz
"With his albums, Honzák has brought a spirit of openness and freshness
into the domestic jazz scene."
- Petr W. Vaněk, Metropolis
"Present Past is the much anticipated release from the Czech leader and his
international band… Honzák's music is exceptionally strong thanks to the
bassist's unique compositional style… Profound, world-class music… One of
the most significant events in the history of Czech jazz"
- Harmonie
"Regardless of the genre or configurations of the projects Honzák has
participated in over the years, a unique quality in his music remains constant.
And it doesn't matter what we call it: a desire to explore the unknown; pleasure
taken in unbounded creativity; or an urge to inspire or be inspired."
- Czech Radio 3 – Vltava