During his career, he has performed in various countries around the world, launched his own record label, opened a recording studio, and released numerous albums both as a solo artist and with other musicians.

In 1964, Kratochvíl cofounded the band Jazz Q with flautist Jiří Stivín; the group was later rounded out by guitarist Luboš Andršt and bassist Vladimír Padrůněk during their most successful era.

[1] In 1970, they collaborated with the rock band Blue Effect on the fusion album Coniunctio.

[2] Kratochvíl has also performed and released a number of albums with American guitarist Tony Ackerman.

[6] Kratochvíl's first wife was Magdalena Kocábová, sister of musician and activist Michael Kocáb.