Biography
Miroslav Vitouš, born December 6, 1947 in Prague, Czech Republic, is a renowned jazz bassist and composer whose innovative approach has left a lasting mark on jazz and fusion music. He began his musical journey studying violin at age six before transitioning to the double bass, quickly demonstrating prodigious talent. His early classical training and exposure to jazz in Prague set the stage for his future explorations in improvisation and genre-blending[1][2].
Vitouš moved to the United States in the late 1960s after winning a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music, where he was influenced by leading jazz educators and musicians. He soon became a sought-after collaborator, performing with jazz luminaries such as Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Miles Davis. In 1970, Vitouš co-founded the legendary jazz fusion band Weather Report alongside Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter, helping to pioneer a new sound that fused jazz, funk, and world music elements[3]. His melodic bass lines and adventurous improvisations were central to the band's early identity.
Throughout his career, Vitouš has released numerous solo albums and worked as a bandleader, educator, and composer. His style is distinguished by its lyrical phrasing, technical mastery, and openness to experimentation, bridging free jazz, fusion, and classical influences. Vitouš's legacy is evident in the generations of bassists and jazz musicians who cite his work as foundational to modern jazz.
Fun Facts
- Vitouš originally studied violin before switching to double bass at age fourteen[2].
- He won first prize at the International Jazz Competition in Vienna in 1966, which launched his international career[1].
- Vitouš was one of the few European musicians to become a founding member of a major American jazz fusion band (Weather Report)[3].
- He has taught jazz and improvisation at prestigious institutions, influencing a new generation of musicians.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- František Pošta - Vitouš's double bass teacher at the Prague Conservatory (Classical studies and technique development) [1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Joe Zawinul - Co-founder of Weather Report; frequent collaborator (Weather Report albums (1971–1974)) [1970s]
- Wayne Shorter - Co-founder of Weather Report; frequent collaborator (Weather Report albums (1971–1974)) [1970s]
- Chick Corea - Collaborated on jazz projects and recordings (Now He Sings, Now He Sobs (1968)) [1968]
- Herbie Hancock - Collaborated on jazz recordings (Various live and studio projects) [1970s]
Artists Influenced
- Jaco Pastorius - Successor in Weather Report; cited Vitouš's melodic approach as influential (Weather Report albums post-1976) [1976 onward]
- Avishai Cohen - Modern jazz bassist inspired by Vitouš's fusion and improvisational style (Solo albums and performances) [1990s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Trio Music | 1982-10-04 | Album |
| Star | 1991-10-01 | Album |
| Terje Rypdal / Miroslav Vitous / Jack DeJohnette | 1979-01-01 | Album |
| Infinite Search | 2005-02-08 | Album |
| Emergence | 1986-10-01 | Album |
| Magical Shepherd | 2005 | Album |
| Trio Music, Live In Europe | 1984 | Album |
| Universal Syncopations | 2003-09-29 | Album |
| Living | 2001-05-23 | Album |
| Atmos | 1993-05-01 | Album |
| Moravian Romance Live at JazzFest Brno 2018 | 2018-10-17 | Album |
| First Meeting | 1980-01-01 | Album |
| In Search of a Dream | 1978 | Album |
Top Tracks
- I Hear A Rhapsody - Live (Selected Recordings)
- Think Of One (Trio Music)
- Lamenting (Star)
- Rhythm-A-Ning (Trio Music)
- Star (Star)
- Sunrise (Terje Rypdal / Miroslav Vitous / Jack DeJohnette)
- New York City (Magical Shepherd)
- Variations On Spanish Themes (Emergence)
- Freedom Jazz Dance (Infinite Search)
- Will (Terje Rypdal / Miroslav Vitous / Jack DeJohnette)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Miroslav Vitou has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 14, 2025 | 06:37 | Infinite Searchfrom The Infinite Search | The Morning Setw/ Fox Duhon or Mark LaMaire |