Paul Novotny and Robi Botos
were introduced in 1998 through a letter writing campaign intending to persuade the department of Canadian immigration to accept the Botos family as Canadian citizens. Paul was attuned to the difficulties facing the Botos family, since his own family settled in Canada after fleeing Prague in the late 40’s. In the years that followed Paul and Robi discovered their natural musical connection. In February of 2015 they recorded Look Ahead, a sublime and majestic duo performance, and are now set to perform concerts and clinics. Together, they are weaving a new musical fabric drawn from some great individual experiences.

Robi has performed with Branford Marsalis, Chaka Khan and Al Jarreau and won numerous international music competitions. He has opened for Wayne Shorter and Danilo Perez and continues to perform and record in commemoration of Oscar Peterson. Robi performs with Molly Johnson and his own latest group recording, which is a 2016 Juno award winner, featuring Jeff “Tain” Watts and Robert Hurst. Robi also wrote the score for A People Uncounted, a film that documents the struggles and the rich artistry of the Romani people. Robi has just completed music for the Canadian feature film, Jean of The Jonses, which Paul did with him, and Robi’s song Budapest, (from Look Ahead) has just been licensed for use in the film Mishka.

Paul has performed with Cedar Walton, Geoff Keezer, Junior Mance, Kenny Wheeler, Joe Sealy, Carol Welsman, Jackie Richardson, Holly Cole and others. As a composer for media Paul wrote themes for CBC National News, CBC The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos and CBC News Now. Paul’s long time association with Joe Sealy has garnered 3 Juno nominations; their work together on The Africville Suite resulted in a Juno win and this recording is regarded as a substantial contribution to Canadian Culture.

Paul and Robi not play and create music together, for film and media, but they are also committed to sharing their unique stories and inspiring audiences through their duo clinics, concert performances and recordings.

Robi Botos is endorsed by Yamaha and Nord.
Paul Novotny is endorsed by Universal Audio and HHB Communications Canada.