George Mraz Obituary – Death: Czech-born bassist Jiří Mráz, known by his stage name George Mraz, passed away unexpected on Thursday, September 16, 2021 in Prague. He was 77 years old. A cause of death has not been disclosed. Mráz was born September 9, 1944 in Písek, Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.
“On September 9, the extraordinary Czech double bass player George Mraz had just turned 77 and today he is no longer with us. Irreparable loss to the world of music. What days … On Monday they will listen in #ElPulsoDelJazz a heartfelt tribute with some of his music.”
Mráz was a member of Oscar Peterson’s group, where he worked with many important jazz musicians like Pepper Adams, Stan Getz, Michel Petrucciani and Joe Henderson.
In the 1970s, Mráz was a member of the New York Jazz Quartet and The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, and also a member of Quest in the 1980s.
Condolences – Comments & Tributes
George Mraz R.I.P. a fabulous combination of tone, mobility, nous and presence on double bass across a huge discography but for the Village Vanguard albums with Art Pepper alone, thank you.
— Rob Adams (@rabjourno) September 16, 2021
If we have any George Mraz albums in the studio, I will do a tribute next week. RIP.
— Prof. Gavin Yamey MD MPH (@GYamey) September 16, 2021
Gorgeous tone, perfect time, technique to die for, impeccable taste in his choice of walking lines and solos — Czech-born bassist George Mraz had it all. Mraz, who never quite got the appreciation he deserved, reportedly has died at age 77 in Prague.
— Philip Booth (@PBoothMedia) September 16, 2021