Laco Déczi (born 29 March 1938 in Bernolákovo, Slovakia) is a Slovak-American jazz trumpeter, composer and amateur painter who has lived in the United States since 1985. In the 1960s he played in Karel Velebný's legendary S+HQ in Prague, championing hard bop in the style of Clifford Brown at a time when West Coast jazz dominated Czechoslovakia. After emigrating he founded Jazz Celula New York, fusing that hard-bop foundation with the electric jazz-rock of Miles Davis - a sound he has kept evolving ever since. He has toured the Czech Republic and Slovakia regularly since 1990.
Déczi performed on May 1, 2026 in Ústí nad Labem in a duo with Jakub Zomer.
The autumn tour 2025 included stops in Prague (Bez zábradlí Theatre, Jazz Dock), Nová Paka, Zlín, Nové Mesto nad Váhom and Šternberk.
In May 2025, Déczi performed a concert with the band New York Celula at Prague's Jazz Dock.
In November 2024, Déczi performed at the Brno Theatre Bolka Polívky - Bílý dům.
In March 2023, Laco Déczi celebrated his 85th birthday; Radio Prague International marked his career with an extensive profile.
in progress
The 11th Summer Stage festival of Bolka Polívka Theatre runs June 15 - August 22, 2026 in Brno and Mikulov, featuring dozens of theatrical productions and concerts.
Trumpeter and composer Laco Déczi presents his ensemble Celula New York at a summer concert in Brno.
Slovak jazz saxophonist and composer Laco Deczi performs with his ensemble New York Celula at Jazz Dock.
in 2 days
Legendary trumpeter Laco Deczi returns to Prague with his New York ensemble. A pioneer of explosive hard bop inspired by Clifford Brown and Miles Davis's electric jazz-rock fusion.
Legendary Slovak-American jazz trumpeter Laco Déczi returns with Celula New York to showcase his unique fusion of hard bop and jazz-rock.
Slovak comedian and musician Laco Deczi performs with his band Celula New York in Boskovice.
Slovak composer and keyboardist Laco Déczi performs with his New York-based ensemble Celula New York in Plzeň.
Legendary trumpeter Laco Deczi returns to the Czech Republic with his Celula New York project. Over fifty years on stage, hard bop inspired by Clifford Brown and the jazz fusion of Miles Davis.
Slovak saxophonist Laco Déczi brings his energetic and improvisational jazz sound to Liberec with his quintet.
Laco Deczi's band performs his compositions with saxophonist Petr Kroutil stepping in for the absent trumpeter due to health reasons.
A legendary street festival on Krymská Street in Prague 10 featuring live music, children's theatre, and street food. Free admission.
Slovak-American jazz trumpeter Laco Déczi and his New York ensemble Celula New York deliver explosive hard bop and jazz-rock fusion. A concert full of virtuosic playing, humor, and unforgettable stories.
Slovak-American jazz trumpeter Laco Déczi and his New York-based band Celula New York bring energetic fusion jazz infused with funk and Latin American influences.
(3 days)
The fourth edition of the Spring wine festival runs 15–17 May in Prague 6 with free entry, wines from over 30 wineries, live music and children's activities.