Ondrej J. Zlabek is based in Prague, Czech Republic since he was born in 1995. As a child he used to play the trombone for some years. During his teens O.J. got into blues and soon started to play the harp. At the first he played with supportive musicians Hans Bricks, Jiri Marsicek and other friends interested in blues. Soon after, O.J. became a regular guest of blues jam sessions, especially hosted by Rene Trossman in U Maleho Glena.
In late 2017 O.J. established his own band. On 10th May 2018 they performed as The Harpriders their 1st gig in Blues Sklep. Since that time O.J. Zlabek Band has played in many jazz & blues clubs in the city.
O.J. had also an opportunity to play with the Chicago blues singer Lorenzo Thompson on his latest album I Got Your Back.
In June 2020 O.J. Zlabek Band took part in Prague Music Festival, which is the biggest festival of the live music in the streets of Prague.
ln May 2023 O.J. Zlabek Blues Band is the winner of the Czech Blues Challenge competition!
Members of the Band
Vocals & Harp: O.J. Zlabek
Guitar & Vocals: Jiri Marsicek / Adam Weis
Bass: Jan Svornik
Drums: Marcus Jurkovič
Piano/Hammond: Jan Korinek
Saxophone: Osian Roberts
Contrabass: Taras Voloshchuk / Pavel Novak
The band always welcome special guests!