Extempore

The brainchild of singer/songwriter Jaroslav Jeronym Neduha, the Czech group Extempore went on to become one of the country's most influential avant-rock bands. First started as a folk-rock outfit in 1972, it leaned more and more toward experimental rock as Neduha began structuring his compositions into live programs (extended suites). Under Mikolás Chadima's direction, the group steered ever more toward rock-in-opposition, playing gloomy avant-rock. Forced out of the professional folk-rock scene by the authorities in 1971, Neduha started Extempore in the small town of Dóbris as an amateur band. By 1974, the group has coalesced around Jirí Hradec (guitar), Jerry Tomásek (bass), Vlasta Marek (drums), and Petr Krecan (percussion). Neduha was granted permission to perform and "the Naive Extempore Band" performed its first "program," "Plesnivé Embryo." In late 1975, Hradec turned to a mainstream career and Vlasta Marek joined Elektrobus. They were replaced by guitarist extraordinaire Jirí Marek and drummer Miris Toman. Under the name "the Rock and Jokes Extempore Band" (a way to render their social commentary and use of happening-like elements more acceptable for the Communist regime), the group performed Neduha's "Stehlik," a sci-fi adventure. But the "classic" era of the group began the next year when Elektrobus saxophonist Mikolás Chadima joined. A songwriter with a strong identity, Chadima challenged in a positive way Neduha's hold of the band. Their collaboration resulted in Milá Ctyr Viselcu, still considered the group's best effort. After a couple more programs and a few changes in lineups, the group disbanded in early 1978. Neduha was forced into exile by the political regime; Chadima performed his military service. Meanwhile, percussionist Marta...