tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52502016465739596192024-02-19T06:01:49.303+01:00(Free) Jazz AlchemistSome ramblings about the music I love, about the concerts in Krakow or elsewhere I get to witness, about cds I manage to get my hands on and particularly like. Stay tuned.
Jazz Alchemistjazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.comBlogger661125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-3305830318248322372015-10-13T15:29:00.000+02:002015-10-13T15:29:02.161+02:00Xth Ad Libitum Festival (Warsaw; 15-17.10)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aXnvFbScYDS3RYR_hO7vre5rdiKbfvZEHGzIz6eDZ2nclQdZhTWGIYrEVXt-6AvyevLsEWGsj7DnIJlIHgT8ZPGZKTPRs1ltNSxA2ACftsxSqfqoIxKL9AZwkFe2F4sKLRO-iHf9Qqs/s1600/ad+libitum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aXnvFbScYDS3RYR_hO7vre5rdiKbfvZEHGzIz6eDZ2nclQdZhTWGIYrEVXt-6AvyevLsEWGsj7DnIJlIHgT8ZPGZKTPRs1ltNSxA2ACftsxSqfqoIxKL9AZwkFe2F4sKLRO-iHf9Qqs/s400/ad+libitum.jpg" width="276" /></a>Ad Libitum celebrates its Xth edition with a program that's both coincise and packed with excitement. The festival will present few insights into the polish improvisation scene, features few living legends of the genre and will show a broad spectrum of modern improvisation - from a piano solo recital to a big band.<br />
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The resident artist will be Alex Von Schlippenbach who will perform three times during the festival - solo, with his legendary trio (Evan Parker and Paul Lovens) and leading Globe Unity Orchestra (joined by an old camrade Tomasz Stanko). Peter Brotzmann will appear with his recently most active quartet featuring Jason Adasiewicz on vibes and the powerful combo John Edwards - Steve Noble. Barry Guy Blue Shroud Band will perform the magnificent piece "Guernica" which was premiered last year in Krakow - which is probably the performance I look forward the most.<br />
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See below the full program. Fans of of free jazz - Unite!<br />
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<b>15.10 </b> g. 19.30, Laboratorium CSW, Sala im. W. Krukowskiego </div>
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<strong><a href="http://ad-libitum.pl/artysci/cybulski-palosz-wojciechowski-trio/" style="border: none; color: black; text-decoration: none;">CYBULSKI – PAŁOSZ – WOJCIECHOWSKI TRIO</a></strong></h4>
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Krzysztof Cybulski – bass guitar, electronics,<br />
Mikołaj Pałosz – cello, electronics<br />
Sławomir Wojciechowski – cello, electronics</div>
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<strong><a href="http://ad-libitum.pl/artysci/sejnenska-spoldzielnia-jazzowa/" style="border: none; color: black; text-decoration: none;">SEJNEŃSKA SPÓŁDZIELNIA JAZZOWA</a></strong></h4>
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gościnnie:<br />
Mikołaj Trzaska – saxophone,<br />
Evan Parker - saxophone,<br />
Tomasz Dąbrowski - trumpet<br />
Mike Majkowski - double bass</div>
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<strong><a href="http://ad-libitum.pl/artysci/peter-brotzmann-quartet/" style="border: none; color: black; text-decoration: none;">PETER BRÖTZMANN QUARTET</a></strong></h4>
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Peter Brötzmann – saxophone, clarinet, torogato,<br />
Jason Adasiewicz – vibes<br />
John Edwards – double bass<br />
Steve Noble – drums</div>
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<b>16.10 </b>g. 19.30, Studio Koncertowe Polskiego Radia im. W. Lutosławskiego </div>
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<strong><a href="http://ad-libitum.pl/artysci/kawalerowie-blotni/" style="border: none; color: black; text-decoration: none;">KAWALEROWIE BŁOTNI</a></strong></h4>
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Jerzy Kornowicz – fortepian,<br />
Tadeusz Wielecki – kontrabas,<br />
Ryszard Latecki trąbka,<br />
Mieczysław Litwiński – głos, instrumenty strunowe,<br />
Tadeusz Sudnik – media elektroniczne,<br />
Krzysztof Knittel – instrumenty elektroniczne<br />
oraz gościnnie:<br />
Wojciech Błażejczyk -gitara, elektronika</div>
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<strong><a href="http://ad-libitum.pl/artysci/alexander-von-schlippenbach-trio/" style="border: none; color: black; text-decoration: none;">ALEXANDER VON SCHLIPPENBACH TRIO</a></strong></h4>
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Alexander von Schlippenbach – piano<br />
Evan Parker – saxophone<br />
Paul Lovens – drums</div>
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<b>17.10</b></div>
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g. 19.30, Studio Koncertowe Polskiego Radia im. W. Lutosławskiego </div>
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<strong><a href="http://ad-libitum.pl/artysci/barry-guy-blue-shroud/" style="border: none; color: black; text-decoration: none;">BARRY GUY – THE BLUE SHROUD</a><i><br /></i></strong></h4>
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Barry Guy – double bass, conducting,</div>
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Savina Yannatou – voice, Maya Homburger – violin, Fanny Paccoud -viola, Ben Dwyer – guitar, Per Texas Johansson – clarinet, saxophones, Michael Niesemann – oboe, saxophones, Percy Pursglove – trumpet, Julius Gabriel – saxophones,</div>
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Torben Sneakedstadt – trumpet, saxophones, Agustí Fernández – piano, Michel Godard – tuba, serpent, Ramon Lopez, Lucas Niggli – drums</div>
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<strong><a href="http://ad-libitum.pl/artysci/alexander-von-schlippenbach-twelve-tone-tales/" style="border: none; color: black; text-decoration: none;">ALEXANDER VON SCHLIPPENBACH – <i>TWELVE TONE TALES</i></a></strong></h4>
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Alexander von Schlippenbach – piano</div>
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<strong><a href="http://ad-libitum.pl/artysci/globe-unity-orchestra/" style="border: none; color: black; text-decoration: none;">GLOBE UNITY ORCHESTRA</a></strong></h4>
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Alexander von Schlippenbach – piano, leader,</div>
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Tomasz Stańko, JeanLuc Capozzo, Axel Dörner – trumpets</div>
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Evan Parker, Gerd Dudek, Henrik Walsdorff – saxophones,</div>
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Rudi Mahall – bass clarinet,</div>
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Gerhard Gschlößl, Christoph Thewes – trombones,</div>
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Paul Lovens, Paul Lytton – drums</div>
jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-17529892691279080782015-10-12T10:34:00.001+02:002015-10-13T14:45:45.435+02:00Krakow Concert Schedule 12-18.10 / Xth Krakow Autumn Jazz FestivalIt may seem winter has arrived. But make no mistake, it's autumn. More importantly. It's jazz autumn. The season of jazz festivals. Xth Krakow Autumn Jazz Festival. Jazz Jantar in Gdansk. Autumn Jazz in Bielsko Biala. Jazztopad in Wroclaw etc. I'll try to cover closely two festivals both of which start this week. The condensed three-days Ad Libitum in Warsaw (more about which tomorrow) and extended for a few weeks Xth Krakow Autumn Jazz in Krakow. Here's where to be in Krakow this week.<br />
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Honestly, the week is full-packed so I'll try to as brief as possibly.<br />
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<b>12.10 Aga Derlak Trio at Piec'ART</b></div>
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Aga Derlak's Trio is a young ensemble that nonetheless has quite a few successes under their belt, they're part of the polish jazz offensive in the slovachian label Hevhetia that has recently published their debut cd that presents their personal take on the modern jazz piano trio idiom.</div>
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<b>14.10 Angles 9 at Alchemia (Xth Krakow Autumn Jazz)</b></div>
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The band led by Martin Kuchen is among the among the best in modern jazz. Brilliant arrangements, striking melodies and inspiring improvisations - it's definitely among the most well balanced acts of the kind and I can't imagine how one could miss the chance to see them live (incidentally roughly the half of their recorded output is live registered). If you don't know them yet, you should.</div>
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<b>14.10 Opalinska & Whates at Piec'ART</b></div>
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I believe this is a classic case of Murphy's law. This piano - bass duo plays wonderfully intimate music, often inspired by classic cinema themes (Preisner, Morricone, Kilar, Komeda) which is always a pleasure to listen to.</div>
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<b>15.10 Waclaw Zimpel solo / Zbigniew Chojnacki solo at Alchemia (Xth Krakow Autumn Jazz)</b></div>
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If you're in any way interested in creative music nowadays, you should be familiar with Waclaw Zimpel's name by now who is a wonderful clarinet player, and even more accomplished composer and bandleader. Ever searching for new sounds and inspirations, a wanderer, he will share with the audience the results of his recent musical journeys.</div>
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<b>15.10 Festen at Piec'ART</b></div>
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Festen is a quartet comprised of Isak Hedtjarn (soprano sax, clarinet), Elsa Bergman (double bass), Ole Mofjell (drums) and Lisa Ullen (piano) - I admit only the last name sounds familiar. But you can usually trust in the young scandinavian generation to deliver some fierce improvisation (some of the best concerts in Piec'ART I've seen from scandinavian youngsters I'd never heard of before).<br />
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<b>18.10 Ida Zalewska & Kuba Pluzek at Piec'ART</b></div>
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With her soulful voice and Kuba Pluzek's on piano by her side, Ida Zalewska can tackle blues, jazz standards and even some Stevie Wonder tunes. Whichever way the go, they can relax you after a long week.<br />
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<b>18-21.10 Joelle Leandre / Zlatko Kaucic / Evan Parker / Augusti Fernandez - Masters of Improvisation at Alchemia</b></div>
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Four giants of free improvisation will engage in a multiform conversation over the course of few evenings (with some additional delights in the meantime - we'll delve into more details next week). On the first day we'll listen to de Parker / Fernandez duo, and Parker / Fernandez / Kaucic trio. </div>
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EDITS:<br />
on 18th and 19th Zlatko Kaucic will conduct improvisation workshops.<br />
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to confuse you even more there are some last minute additions:<br />
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<b>14.10 Michal Dymny - Rafal Mazur at Piekny Pies (Opening of Agata Kus paintings exhibitions).</b><br />
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<b>16.10 Festen at Galeria i! (Xth Krakow Autumn Jazz) </b>additional concert by the group<br />
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<b>10-18.10 Unsound Festival</b> - this festival is usually dedicated to electronic/experimental music, the line-up is rather cryptic for me, but there are some incredible intriguing concerts, including the likes of <b>Matana Roberts</b> and <b>Rob Mazurek</b>.</div>
jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-74625432195235393562015-09-28T10:29:00.000+02:002015-09-28T10:29:02.143+02:00Krakow Concert Schedule 28.09-05.10The big news is that Krakow Autumn Jazz Festival program is ready! Before we get to enjoy that, we still have some other concerts we might wanna see. We have one experiment and three modern mainstream jazz nights to offer.<br />
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<strong>28.09 Martyna Poznańska at Środmiejski Osrodek Kultury in Mikolajska street</strong><br />
Martyna Poznanska is a sound artist, performer, who explores the subject of sound in space. She used to live in Krakow but she's travels between London and Berlin mostly, where she's continuing her studies at the Univeristy Of Arts.<br />
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<strong>30.09 Ori Dakari at Piec'ART</strong><br />
Ori Dakari is a guitarist and composer, whose debut cd was released by the esteemed Tzadik label which is a recommendation in itself. He will be joined by Krakow's young and talented crew: Mateusz Palka on piano, Alan Wykpisz on bass and Grzegorz Palka on drums.<br />
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<strong>01.10 Quantum Trio </strong><br />
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Quantum Trio is (mostly) polish jazz trio that was born in Holland, it is comprised by Michal Jan Ciesielski on saxophone, Kamil Zawiślak on piano and percussionist Luis Mora Matus from Chile. The band plays jazz with strong classical influences, but is also inspired by rock or electronic sounds.<br />
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jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-12389729611239390752015-09-22T16:28:00.000+02:002015-09-22T16:28:20.066+02:00Krakow Concert Schedule 22-27.09So far there's still no concrete dates for Autumn Jazz Festivals although some leaks I got are really exciting. In the meantime you can celebrate John Coltrane's birthday this week, witness birds' conference or enjoy your weekend with a flash. More details below:<br />
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<b>23.09. Tyto Alba - musical performance in Srodmiejski Dom Kultury (Mikolajska street)</b><br />
A musical performance about melancholy and birds. The concept art is by Michal Libera. The opera will be performed by the author in the company of Martin Kuchen on saxophones (who I hope needs no introduction), sound engineer Ralf Meinz and singer Barbara Kinga Majewska.<br />
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<b>23.09. John Coltrane's birthday party at Piec'ART</b><br />
The one and only will be remembered by some of the Krakow's young cats: Slawek Pezda, Mateusz Gaweda, Mike Parker and Grzegorz Palka who will tackle Coltrane's own compositions during the night.<br />
(the clip below is is not related directly to the band playing this week. It is however a great Coltrane tribute, a composition from the first cd by Milosc - a legendary polish formation that stormed polish jazz scene in 90's).<br />
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<b>26.09. The Flash! at Alchemia</b><br />
The Flash! is a young band with Slawek Pezda (tenor sax) Kuba Dworak (bass) and Max Olszewski (drums) that rocks hard on stage, combining punk attitude and avant jazz. The band is really a blast to here live.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SpfqtylMXkc" width="560"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-18634615389424401752015-09-07T14:10:00.002+02:002015-09-07T14:10:33.898+02:00Krakow Concert Schedule 07-13.09 / Fire! at Pardon To TuBelow the weekly line-up of concert recommendations with two events of particular interest. Firstly, Krakow Autumn Jazz Festival is near and we'll have finally a taste this week. Secondly, Fire! will play a double-night in Pardon To Tu in Warsaw which became an amazingly active stage for creative music in the last few years and hopefully many more to come.<br />
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<b>08.09 Pat Thomas / Joel Grip / Antonin Gerbal at Alchemia (Krakow Autumn Jazz Festival Preview)</b></div>
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Pat Thomas is clearly one of the most important if under-appreciated figures of british improv scene. In all honesty I'm not a big fan of his keyboards, but I'm very curious about what he'll cook up with the young cats to tease the upcoming Krakow Atumn Jazz Festival!</div>
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<b>08-09.09 Eyot at Piec'ART</b></div>
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Eyot is a quartet from Serbia led by Dejan Ijilic on piano. They fuse elements of jazz, classical, balkan and rock music. In fact they do cite Pink Floyd and Radiohead among their influences which sounds quite intriguing.</div>
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<b>10.09 Jacek Kochan / Gavin Ahearn / Michal Kapczuk at Piec'ART</b></div>
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The band calls themselves "Third of the three", apart from which there's literally no additional info to be found on the club's webpage. Either way, with Jacek Kochan at the helm, you can expect some solid modern jazz to played there that night.</div>
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<b>13-14.09 Fire! at Pardon To Tu</b></div>
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Fire! is a kraut-rock-psychodelia-trance-improv-jazz trio that plays some scary stuff, not really a surprise if you have the prince of saxophone noise Mats Gustafsson on board along with monster rhythm section Johan Berthling and Andreas Werlin. The concerts are even more special with the fact this is the only two-night residency of their tour.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T9s5h96PJsQ" width="560"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-4040388842392841352015-08-31T10:05:00.000+02:002015-08-31T10:05:01.688+02:00Krakow Concert Schedule 31.08-06.09There's some sad news to put here: summer is over. At least it will be over today. But there's some good news as well, autumn is coming. And that means a plenty of jazz festivals to choose from. In the meantime, you can enjoy the evenings with some good music.<br />
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<b>31.08 3Kings at Main Square - Summer Goodbye party.</b></div>
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Disco-punk-jazz street welfare unit with Slawek Pezda on tenor, Jakub Tybuszczuk on baritone and Max Olszewski on drums. These guys sound crazy lotta fun and they will entertain you tonight in the midst of the market square, street style jazz assault.</div>
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<b>02.09 Opalinska & Whates at Piec'ART</b></div>
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Piano and bass. I've recommended this duo's music on the blog in the past and I stand by this recommendation. Intimate, melancholic, sublime and heartfelt music.</div>
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<b>03.09 Surreal Players at Piec'ART</b></div>
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Another duo, cello and piano, and more of the intimate and intriguing chamber sound.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MPogslYknio" width="560"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-79587721931909634162015-08-21T10:54:00.000+02:002015-08-21T10:54:34.647+02:00Krakow Concert Schedule -23.08 / Singer Jazz FestivalI didn't put up the post for the whole week earlier since there's only one jazz related concert this week that I'd like to recommend. Most of the music fans in Krakow are probably enjoying now the indie-pop-electronica Krakow Live Festival anyway.<br />
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For the next week I'd like to invite you to Warsaw for its 12th Jewish Culture Festival called Singer which has a very inviting jazz section of the program.<br />
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<b>22.08 Aga Derlak Trio at Piec'ART</b><br />
Aga Derlak's trio is a young band, but their talent has already been recognized, they have gathered quite a few festival recognitions (Krakow's Jazz Juniors among them) and have recently released a debut cd in slovacchian Hevhetia label that has become very active in promoting polish jazz. The trio is certainly an intriguing new voice and deserves more attention.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqJ5Mcq3q3k1SkYmDktZLenMPJtPFoYyqtVvTnqbXLSyFmNw4HKUNAgKEWTRJn7elt_Updp8UuXTDyqmY_QLO7p7DaWBhII-EvsOxycWVa3nEsPTqampFKKi945qbMlB0YQ14ODUdZ0k/s1600/festiwal-singera-2015_209x297_2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqJ5Mcq3q3k1SkYmDktZLenMPJtPFoYyqtVvTnqbXLSyFmNw4HKUNAgKEWTRJn7elt_Updp8UuXTDyqmY_QLO7p7DaWBhII-EvsOxycWVa3nEsPTqampFKKi945qbMlB0YQ14ODUdZ0k/s1600/festiwal-singera-2015_209x297_2004.jpg" /></a><b>22-30.08 Singer Jazz Festival</b><br />
Jazz part of Singer Festival in Warsaw is curated by an esteemed critic Adam Baruch. The main thread of this year's edition is the presence of Albert Beger who will perform a series of concerts with polish jazz musicians and bands (among them the acclaimed rhythm section Oles Brothers, the promising free jazz duo Pezda - Gaweda). There will also be other performances including Paul Brody's Sadawi band and kosher gospel (had no idea there even is such a thing).<br />
Next week in Warsaw should give plenty of musical and cultural satisfaction.<br />
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More information can be found at:<br />
<a href="http://festiwalsingera.pl/index.php/programme">http://festiwalsingera.pl/index.php/programme</a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1E5ibIQZ4ZM" width="560"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-58594035868998831252015-08-02T13:02:00.000+02:002015-08-02T13:02:03.999+02:00Krakow Concert Schedule 03-09.08IT's going to be a very hot week, according the weather channels, which makes a great occasion to chill down with some excellent music on a couple of evenings:<br />
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<b>03.08 Free The Dance - Duos at Sunset at BAL</b><br />
Another installment of the Free The Dance series, this time a minimal setting with Malgorzata Haduch (dance) and Paulina Owczarek (baritone sax). The meeting of arts for the open-minded.<br />
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<b>05-06/08 Janusz Zdunek & Marienburg at Piec'ART</b><br />
Janusz Zdunek is one of the musicians who were part of the yass revolution that tried to overthrew the status quo of polish jazz scene in the 90's. With his Marienburg band he continues his postmodernism approach to music as they merge electronica, jazz, chillout, post-rock and other stuff. Minimalistic and hypnotic and quite accessible.<br />
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<b>06.08 Bothur / Kowalewski / Skolik Trio at Harris Piano Jazz Bar</b><br />
This a great sax trio that operates within the margin of mainstream jazz but taking advantage of the freedom that the format gives. With the classy veterans Adam Kowalewski and Arek Skolik taking care of the swing Jaroslaw Bothur tackles the material that ranges from Billy Strayhorn to Ornette Coleman. Their 2012 cd "Ramblin'" was a true pleasure to listen to, as I'm certain will be this concert as well.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xstNRt_lCQs" width="560"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-61054775447700395522015-07-29T10:00:00.000+02:002015-07-29T10:00:02.202+02:00Ola Bilinska - Berjozkele (Yiddish Lullabies) [Jewish Historical Institute]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Berjozkele:<br />
Ola Bilińska - vocal, OP1 synth, electric guitar, vibes, Moogerfooger delay<br />
Michał Moniuszko - double bass<br />
Kacper Szroeder - trumpet, flugelhorn, bielarussian dulcimer<br />
Mikołaj Trzaska - bass clarinet<br />
Raphael Rogiński - electric guitar<br />
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The Emanuel Ringelblum Jewish Historical Institute 2014<br />
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I have recently written shortly about Berjozkele's concert during the Jewish Culture Festival and I promised to write more about the group and their music, available on cd thanks to the support of Jewish Historical Institute. Bilinska's project is in fact of great etnographic, historical interest, in many ways a dive into the past. The album is a collection of yiddish songs of yonder times, before the tragic disappearance of jewish culture in Europe. Thankfully, it's not only a recollection of a lost culture but a modern interpretation of it, an example of its recent revitalization. The presence of Raphael Roginski and Mikołaj Trzaska on the record is somehow symbolic, given the two are greatly responsible for the phenomenon of polish new jewish music.<br />
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Berjozkele's music, however, is not only a journey into the past. All the songs are connected by the common theme of night and dream. It's a collection of lullabies, songs that dwell in-between the light of the day and the pitch dark of the night. On the border, following the fine line between real and surreal, tragic and comic, a dream and a nightmare.<br />
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This is apparent in the musical narration - hauling clarinet, slow tempos, long, suspended tones with plenty of reverb, echo. Musicians do an excellent job of enhancing that surreal atmosphere of suspense led by Bilinska's hypnotic, haunting vocals, quite often filtered through echo and delay effects as well on its own (ie "A jingele, a mejdele" where a few loops create a multi-layered effect of a small choir).<br />
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The last two songs on the album represent perfectly the emotional and narrative scope of the whole album. "Di Berjozkele" (Birch Tree) is a tragic and sorrow tale of immigrant in the new place, the story sung for the most part a'cappela, with the vocals augmented by a lot of reverb and echo, which creates an impression of being lost in a vast open space (the eerie, sci-fi synth adds to the effect).<br />
"I have come here all alone and from a distant land.<br />
Alien is you God to me and foreign is his tongue.<br />
He won't understand my words, nor will he see my sorrow,<br />
even though I pray so hard, as ardent as I can."<br />
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"Sztejt in feld a bejmele" ("In a Meadow Stands a Tree") is similarly minimalistic, with the Bilinska's singing surrounded only by sounds of cicada's, hooting owls, frogs and other night creatures that all calm down as the warm, enchanting melody lulls them to sleep"<br />
"On the branches, long and green,<br />
All the birds are fast asleep.<br />
Their mother's singing: a-a-a<br />
It's such a quiet night, a-a"<br />
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Yiddish lullabies by Berjozkele are oneiric, magical stories of joy and sadness. Let yourself get under their spell.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KiHsWDsFtDA" width="560"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-29150979606451734932015-07-28T14:32:00.001+02:002015-07-28T14:32:08.751+02:00Krakow Concert Schedule 27.07-02.08Apologies for the short delay in presenting the concert recommendations for the upcoming week. As the month of the festivals is nearing its end, there won't be this much live music to follow, but no worries, you won't be left without it either.<br />
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<b>29.07. Owczarek / Kolodziejczyk / Ogorek at Galeria i!</b><br />
A trio session by Cracow's improvisers that will include Paulina Owczarek on baritone, Malwina Kołodziejczyk on tenor saxophone and Ernest Ogorek on bass guitar.<br />
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<b>30.07. D.R.A.G at Tak Było</b><br />
Quartet led by Dominika Rusinowska playing the violin that includes other young and talented musicians as well: Mateusz Gaweda on piano, Jakub Mielcarek on double bass and Józef Rusinowski. The band cites Eric Dolphy, McCoy Tyner, Zbigniew Seifert and John Zorn among their most important inspirations.<br />
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<b>02.08. The Blessed Beat at Piec'ART</b><br />
The Blessed Beat are a trio with David Kollar on guitar, Paolo Raineri on trumpet and Simone Cavina on drums. The group uses plenty of electronics. Those who like the Miles Davis psychodely and surrealism should be satisfied.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZiR8CyAdxAQ" width="560"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-9257436207517246952015-07-20T09:54:00.001+02:002015-07-20T12:15:28.602+02:00Krakow Concert Schedule 20-26.07Summer break mode is on these days, whether it's sizzling sun or a tropical rain. Fortunately, some good music is still around to keep you company while you try to relax in the evening trying to chill.<br />
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<b>20.07. Pawel Kaczmarczyk Audiofeeling Trio at Pod Baranami (Summer Jazz Festival)</b></div>
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Kaczmarczyk's Audiofeeling Trio is definitely one of the most respected jazz piano trio's on a polish stage and is deserves a wider recognition. Which will hopefully happen with their fresh of the press "Something Personal" cd which already has gathered some more than positive reviews.</div>
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<b>21.07 Herbie Hancock at ICE Krakow (Summer Jazz Festival)</b><br />
I admit Herbie Hancock's band at Warsaw Summer Jazz Days was one of the most disappointing concerts I've seen, still the most precious moment of that evening was Hancock's solo recital so his solo performance at ICE Krakow might actually be quite rewarding.<br />
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<b>23.07. Nat Osborn Band at Alchemia</b></div>
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A goodbye concert by the soulful vocalist Nat Osborn after an extensive tour in Europe. The singer will also <b>solo on 25.07 in Piec'ART</b>.</div>
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<b>23.07. Tymon & The Transistors at Piekny Pies play "Polskie Gowno"</b></div>
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Tymoin & The Transistors is a rock'n'roll group led by one of the most charismatic and original figures of polish music business - Tymon Tymański, known well to jazz fans as well thanks to legendary Milosc group (which launched the carriers of Mikolaj Trzaska, Leszek Mozdzer and Maciej Sikala). The group will play the music featured in a satirical musical "Polish Shit" written by Tymanski. The movie will be screened before the show.</div>
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<b>24.07. Janusz Muniak Trio at Pod Baranami (Summer Jazz Festival)</b></div>
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Janusz Muniak is one of the greats of polish jazz scene, ferocious improviser back at the day with the likes of Stanko or Namyslowski, he mellowed down a bit, becoming a truly masterful lyricist as well (a path not dissimilar to Archie Shepp and Pharaoh Sanders).<br />
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<b>24.07 Piotr Orzechowski at Filharmonia Krakowska (Piano Solo Weekend - Summer Jazz Festival)</b><br />
One of the traditions of the festival are piano recitals, this year the first day of the Piano Solo Weekend will feature Pianohooliga Piotr Orzechowski, I've been greatly impressed with his take on polish folklore music recently. The second evening will feature<br />
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<b>26.07. Marcin Wasilewski Trio at Pod Baranami (Summer Jazz Festival)</b><br />
Used to be know as the Simple Acoustic Trio, a core of the brilliant Tomasz Stanko Quartet, they broke free and remain only the second polish jazz act to record for the prestigious ECM.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bqhPBEJt7Yc" width="560"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-29242088902485063592015-07-16T10:00:00.000+02:002015-08-02T12:40:48.821+02:00Warsaw Summer Jazz Days 2015 SummaryI have and undisputed pleasure to follow closely Warsaw Summer Jazz Days in the last few years and it is clear it is one of the main jazz events in the calendar. There are clear difficulties in creating a line-up that will hold a mainstream commercial appeal necessary for the event of the kind, while mantaining some artistic validity. There are only a few household names in jazz today that can guarantee both, and you can't bring Wayne Shorter Quartet every year (although I, personally, wouldn't mind that).<br />
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That being said this year's festival, while quite promising, was for me a bit of disappointment. There were not true "wow" and "yeaah" moments that I remember fondly from the previous years (Sun Ra Arkestra, Gregory Porter, Gary Peacock, Matana Roberts or the aforementioned Wayne Shorter to name just a few). I don't like and I don't feel like writing a negative review unless I feel it's necessary to give a true picture of the event. I'll try to focus on the positive in the brief, selective rundown below (chronological order).<br />
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<b>Ambrose Akinmusire Quartet</b><br />
His concert 3 years ago at the festival was, for me, a completely unexpected marvel. He came back to Warsaw with a quartet and confirmed the impression - a brilliant trumpet player with an original sound and forward-thinking composer and leader. He finds great support in the band with Harish Raghavan on bass and Justin Brown on drums. His ballad duo with Sam Harris on the piano was hearbreaking.<br />
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<b>Vijay Ier Trio</b><br />
Possibly the best concert of the festival. I found Vijay's style bit too intellectual, but the harmonic structures he builds are astonishing and the dynamic section brings energy and emotion to the mix (especially the ever surprising drum breaks by Marcus Gilmore). The trio's language is very modern, with some stylistical twists (like nods to trance electronica musica). A monumental and majestic discourse between intellect and energy.<br />
At the end of the evening the trio invited Ambrose back to stage and they've played some amazingly deep and adventurous set of music.<br />
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<b>Brad Mehldau Trio</b><br />
This band, for good and bad, has shaped the standards for the piano trio formula in the last 30 years. Their ability to deconstruct any musical idea is quite fascinating. In fact it's so impeccable, so picture perfect it's almost inhumane. It was a bit of sentimental trip for me as I've admired the trio early on my jazz listening adventure. Ironically, as the adventure continued, I grew tired with the kind of focus on technical virtuosity the group showcases. You're bound to be impressed, but not necessarily emotionally engaged.<br />
If the band's forte is deconstruction, it works the best if the audience is familiar with the source material (which is why Mehldau's take on Radiohead or Beatles songs are such a fascinating listening experience). My favourite part of the performance was a Sidney Bechet's blues ballad which the trio played with utmost elegance, but once they've finished, Brad took off alone, and his solo mini recital was a little masterpiece, a study of classical counterpoint and harmony.<br />
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<b>James Carter Organ Trio</b><br />
One of the most versatile saxophone players around. James Carter seems to can't make up his mind about what to play. The organ trio is a soulful unit with a plenty of hammond-driven grooves and funky drum beats. Carter can play it all, possibly even too much. Yet his energetic honks and saxophone shouts and general swagger can be a lot of fun to watch if you're into vintage soul-jazz sound.<br />
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<b>Bill Laswell Material with Master Musicians of Jajouka</b><br />
I waited a long for this concert. Among Laswell's cohorts Hamid Drake, Graham Haynes and Peter Apfelbaum (on reeds and piano). The core band joined by the Master Musicians of Jajouka. A merger of two distant worlds, of two eras. It could all have been so powerful experience, with the sounds organically mixing the Maroccan folklore with a groovy fusion sauce not unlike Bitches Brew era of Miles Davis. It was all there, the ingredients at hand, and yet it all failed, thanks to the overpowering, muddy sound of bass. With ten musicians on stage you could barely hear anything else but Laswell's playing. Which you couldn't even hear well enough, as it sounded like bootleg recording in a deep well. While duduk's shrieking sound and Drake's funky drumming came through a bit, the horn solos and piano were completely lost. This could have been great and it was a mess.jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-828277625955361312015-07-15T10:00:00.000+02:002015-07-15T10:00:01.682+02:00Shlomo Bar & Kutiman Orchestra at Krakow Jewish Culture FestivalI've written in the previous post about two concerts of the Festival that I loved for the sense of the intimacy that the concerts created, showing the different side of this big festival. But the big stage has its merits as well and this post is dedicated to the two bands I believe played the best, both in Tempel Synagogue and during the grande finale at Szeroka Street.<br />
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<b>Shlomo Bar & Habrera Hativet</b> come first, a concert that was part of "classical" side of the program, but that sounded nothing like the visit in a museum. Shlomo Bar is a charismatic vocalist with a voice strong as a bell. But also a true showman, a percussionist with a gift for stage gesture. The music by the band combines the musical traditions of sephardic Andalusian Jews' mysticism and middle-Easter flavours. The music was full of life, vivid, and managed to make the opposites meet. Majestic and fun. A meditation in the desert. A wedding party in oasis.<br />
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The kind of music that has the power to transcend the millenias, as proven by the thousands of people dancing to it this year at Szeroka Street.<br />
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<b>Kutiman Orchestra</b> was the last band on stage this year (before the festival's all-star orchestra closed the night) and the deserved this honor without any doubts. A ten man strong unit on stage with plenty of percussion, horns and the leader behind a set of synthesizers that would make any vintage electronica fan drool.<br />
Even as the band hit the first notes, they captured the crowd immediately and filled the space (either Synagore and Szeroka Street) with non-stop grooves, horn sections' punch, funky basslines, psychodelic guitar (with occasional hard rock riff) and and spaced out synth. The Orchestra is an unstoppable dance machine ("What's going down? We're grooving this town"). I believe the Godfather of Soul himself mr. James Brown would say the are bad mothe*uckers.<br />
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Fantastic show, if you ever got a chance to see them, don't miss out. Otherwise hunt for the records.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eHqWiCDbc40" width="560"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-91787570047761451082015-07-14T10:00:00.000+02:002015-07-14T10:00:01.274+02:00Ori and Berjozkele at Krakow Jewish Culture FestivalThe time is running in a fast forward mode, but before I jump to Warsaw Summer Jazz Days festival I have to bring back some music from the last week and a half in Krakow.<br />
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Krakow Jewish Culture Festival is a beautiful, massive event, with a grande finale at Szeroka Street, with the daily, majestic concerts at Tempel Synagogue and the handfull of workshops, lectures ecc to go around. Which may be I found two concerts in particular of great value. Both took place in the small and cosy Cheder Cafe which allowed for more intimate musical experience.<br />
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And it's hard to be more musically intimate than during the festival's first live concert by an artist from Berlin - <b>ORI.</b> Alone on the small stage, barefoot, probably to get more real feel of the space, with just a mike a small sampler and a keyboard.<br />
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Ori's music is an atmospheric mixture of minimal electronica with trippy beats and charming voice. Delicate and intimate, soulfull and nostalgic. Taking inspiration in both folk pop ballad and neo soul music, Ori often loops his own voice in order to create intricately layered arrangements, sings with a lot of feedback to give even more otherworldly quality to his music which seems fit somewhere between the melancholic songs of Bon Iver and ethereal quality of songs by Sigur Ros.<br />
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Hypnotizing performance by the songwriter which you should most definitely check out.<br />
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<b>Berjozkele </b> is a project led by Olga Bilinska (vocals, piano, loops), with Michał Moniuszko on double bass, Kacper Szroeder on trumpet and dulcimer and Raphael Roginski on guitar. They play and sing jidysz lullabies, surreal tales of dreams and mysteries. The music is esoteric, it had the me the feeling the Grimm's fables have - that of magical space full of wonder but where terror and sadness lingers in the shadow.<br />
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It was truly the music of the night, a mesmerizing performance by the band.<br />
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(I'll try to write more soon about them and their debut cd released december last year)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KiHsWDsFtDA" width="560"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-67574496093696025792015-07-13T16:25:00.000+02:002015-07-13T16:27:44.115+02:00Krakow Concert Schedule 13-19.07Just got back from Warsaw Summer Jazz Days which was rather disappointing and makes the memories of Krakow Jewish Culture festival even more precious. I'll get back to both festivals in the next few posts. The main musical events for the following days are related to Summer Jazz Festival with the daily concerts at Piwnica Pod Baranami and Harris Piano Jazz Bar.<br />
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Last but not least, Saturday Night is officially the Night of Jazz in Krakow, with plenty of venues participating in the event (also part of the Summer Jazz Festival).<br />
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<b>15.07 Joachim Mencel Artisena at Harris Piano Jazz Bar (Summer Jazz Festival)</b><br />
When Joachim Mencel played with this new project at Starzy i Mlodzi Festival I felt immensely happy - he's back. Artisena features Mencel on piano and hurdy-gurdy playing inspired music with the kind of spiritual energy that I've been waiting for from the pianist for ages.<br />
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<b>17.07 Poet AF Black at Piekny Pies</b><br />
For something completely different. Poetry, hip-hop, electronica. Poet AF Black's music seems to be full of surprises.<br />
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<b>18.07 Jazz Night in Krakow</b><br />
a night full of music with <b>Big Band Malopolski & Kuba Badach</b> concert at Maly Rynek open-air stage (should be a lof of fun and swing) and almost 20 club sessions. The most promising seem to be:<br />
<b>Wlodek Gogolewski Trio at Piec'ART </b>(evening dedicated to jazz in polish cinema history) and<br />
<b>Jacek Kochan MusiConspiracy at Alchemia</b>, a strange line-up with guitar (Fabrizo Brusca from Italy) along the accordio and the bass & drums rhythm section.<br />
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<b>19.07 Jorgos Skolias & Oleś brothers at Harris Piano Jazz Bar (Summer Jazz Festival)</b><br />
Project Sefardix is dedicated to the music of the sephardic jews culture, exotic and spiritual, mysterious. Jorgos Skolias fascination with ancient vocal techniques, combined with his sense of humour and Oles brothers virtuosity and musical sensibilty is a great match.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OPUFXJZpm74" width="560"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-75041183205216351852015-07-08T19:26:00.000+02:002015-07-08T19:26:02.082+02:00Warsaw Summer Jazz Days 2015 part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Admittedly it's the first half of the festival to feature the household names, but one can be sure there will be some great music in the latter half as well.</div>
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3rd day focuses on polish jazz and presents two young piano trios (winners of a national jazz debut competition), and the music of Krzysztof Kobylinski, a talented pianist and composer whose music is appreciated by the likes of Adam Makowicz, Mike Stern or Randy Brecker.</div>
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The final evening bring the most alternative lineup to the stage, starting with the improbable mix of reggae warm and northern chill. The temperature will rise with the percussion and passion filled performance with Master Musicians of Jajouka. Last but not least another piano trio, winner of Open Jazz competion for the spot at the festival's schedule, with Mateusz Kolakowski behind the piano, a talented pianist who emerged on polish jazz scene as barely a teenager, has kept under the radar since but seems to be coming back to great form.</div>
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It seems to me the last day could be very well the unexpected winner of the festival.</div>
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11.07</div>
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<b>Franciszek Raczkowski Trio</b></div>
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<b>Paweł Wszołek Trio</b></div>
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<b>Joey Calderazzo Trio plays Kobyliński</b></div>
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<b>Krzysztof Kobyliński EtnoJazz Orchestra</b></div>
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3rd day focuses on polish jazz and presents two young piano trios (winners of a national jazz debut competition), and the music of Krzysztof Kobylinski, a talented pianist and composer whose music is appreciated by the likes of Adam Makowicz, Mike Stern or Randy Brecker.</div>
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12.07 </div>
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<b>Sly & Robbie meet Nils Petter Molvaer</b></div>
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<b>Bill Laswell Material and the Master Musicians of Jajouka</b></div>
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<b>Kolakowski / Korelus / Wykpisz</b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F9xgR2-lq_o" width="560"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-25859490709345042802015-07-07T15:44:00.002+02:002015-07-07T15:44:19.566+02:00Warsaw Summer Jazz Days 2015 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0b4QqSsCxGKA4n3msa0iM-49S5jW9PJqpPmlDqlBJtWxZcIhBx02mocVWEShPNnWtmW7SMhybY6FmCiPm37miU_5tJdaCd8Fqmsj4kxO4V_MTqdAiXQQ-1Nk_pzmlfbWnnzb5Hk5jLEs/s1600/adamiak-2015-druk-620x885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0b4QqSsCxGKA4n3msa0iM-49S5jW9PJqpPmlDqlBJtWxZcIhBx02mocVWEShPNnWtmW7SMhybY6FmCiPm37miU_5tJdaCd8Fqmsj4kxO4V_MTqdAiXQQ-1Nk_pzmlfbWnnzb5Hk5jLEs/s400/adamiak-2015-druk-620x885.jpg" width="280" /></a>Warsaw Summer Jazz Days remains one of the most important jazz events in Poland, quite successfully balancing the delicate line between commercial and artistic validity. This year's program seems to do that perfectly and I honestly can't wait to be there.<br />
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Here's what awaits you in Warsaw on the first two days of the festival at the Soho Factory.<br />
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09.07<br />
<b>Giovanni Guido Trio </b><br />
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<b>Ambrose Akinmusire Quartet</b><br />
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<b>Vijay Iyer Trio</b><br />
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10.07<br />
<b>Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet</b><br />
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<b>James Carter Organ Trio</b><br />
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<b>Brad Mehldau Trio</b><br />
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A correspondence battle between three piano trios, an upcoming star Giovanni Guido, one of the most intriguing pianists around Vijay Iyer and one of the most established musicians of the genre Brad Mehldau. How will the informal competion turn out? We'll see.<br />
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Apart from that you'll have the explosive James Carter with his organ trio, the sophisticated Ambrose Akinmusire (!!! <a href="http://jazzalchemist.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/warsaw-summer-jazz-days-day-3-ambrose.html">he's performance 3 years ago at the festival</a> was truly fantastic) and, from Marsalis clan, Jason on vibes. Sounds like a recipe for amazing two days.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bTo27SMyH9o" width="560"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-37549794633163616962015-07-06T19:10:00.000+02:002015-07-07T15:44:37.660+02:00Krakow Concert Schedule 06-12/07 / Warsaw Summer Jazz Days25th Krakow Jewish Culture Festival is barely over, yet there's no time to rest (alhtough there will be time to reminiscence - I'll write about my four favourite performances of the festival in the next few days).<br />
The Heat is on, Summer is here, which means plenty of festivals of all sorts. Krakow's Summer Jazz Festival continues with some strong moments this week, Rozstaje / Crossroads has joined Euroradio Folk Festival for a week-long run. Plus Warsaw Summer JAzz Days this year looks mightily fine (I'll cover this festival in a separate post tomorrow). Buckle up, summer is no time to be lazy.<br />
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<b>05-12.07 Rozstaje / Crossroads Festival (and Euroradio Folk Festival)</b><br />
Two mighty folk festivals has joined forces in Krakow this year. 200 musicians, 50 concerts, 4 coninents represented. Any world music afficionado will be satisfied.<br />
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Check the program closely at festival's webpage <a href="http://www.rozstaje.pl/rozstaje-2015--crossroads-2015.html">Rozstaje / Crossroads 2015</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
Any examples? Manou Gallo Groove Orchestra from Ivory Coast sound like a perfect plan for Saturday evening.<br />
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<b>09.07. Nat Osborn & Mike Parker at Tak Było</b><br />
Nat Osborn and Mike Parker have been playing together for a while now. Only recently they started to playing in a duo though, with Nat switching from piano to a guitar. You might expect soulful original songs and some surprising covers.<br />
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<b>12.07 Robert Glasper Trio at Kijow Centrum (Summer Jazz Festival)</b><br />
Robert Glasper has become part of the recent Blue Note revival, a young jazz artist pushing the boundaries. His "Black Radio" albums are amazing tributes to the history of black music, great examples of music that remain accessible while mantaining its artistic integrity and ambition. His trio is equally proof that mainstream jazz music can remain a valid language of expression in modern world.<br />
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This is one of the "poster" concerts of the festival, you can check their entire schedule, some noble representants of polish jazz scene appear this week - Wlodzimierz Nahorny, Andrzej Jagodzinski, Ewa Bem, Adam Baldych and more.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2g6MsY8vD1A" width="560"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-6469210411984964472015-06-29T10:45:00.001+02:002015-06-29T10:45:29.559+02:0025th Krakow Jewish Culture Festival - 2nd weekAnd the 2nd week of the festival begins today. Lots and lots of great music awaits you.<br />
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Important notes - events at Dajwor are open-air and free admission<br />
Midnite sessions start at midnight, last often till early morning hours, tickets are 10 PLN<br />
All the concerts from Tempel Synagogue are transmitted live via streaming available on festival's website!<br />
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<b>29.06. Frank London, Michael Winograd & Yaako Lemmer - Ahava Raba at Synagogue Tempel (8pm)</b><br />
<b>Gelada DJ Set - Bob Dylan & other jewish hippies at Dajwor Quarter (8.30pm)</b><br />
<b>Frank London & La Mar Enfortuna - Midnite Session at Alchemia</b><br />
We start with some classic sounds by the festival's omnipresent Frank Longon, Michael Winograd and kantor singer Yaako Lemmer. Alternatively you can listen to the dj set by Yaron Mandelovici. The night will end with more of Frank London and the exquisite La Mar Enfortuna.<br />
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<b>30.06. OFF Radio Krakow - Only Vinyl Set DJ Kfjatek & Herbaciarz at Dajwor Quarter (8.30pm)</b><br />
<b>La Mar Enfortuna at Synagogue Tempel (10pm)</b><br />
<b>The Klezmatics & Guests - Midnite Session at Alchemia</b><br />
Two diggers behind the decks wchich means more funky, etno rare grooves from vinyls. The evening continue with the graceful sounds by La Mar Enfortuna led by Oeren Bloedow and Jennifer Charles who will tackle the sephardic tradition of Andalusia. The night will end with a crazy klezmer jam led by The Klezmatics (who have their own concert at Synagoge Tempel as well at 7pm).<br />
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<b>01.07. Alte Zachen at Synagogue Tempel (7pm)</b><br />
<b>Chris Silver DJ Set - Sheikh it Baby at Dajwor Quarter (8.30pm)</b><br />
<b>Shai Tsabari & The Future Orchestra feat. Ahuva Ozeri at Synagogue Tempel (10pm)</b><br />
<b>Alte Zachen & Kutiman - Midnite Session at Alchemia</b><br />
The busiest day of the week, especially with Szmanda / Wojcinski Quartet and Elysian Fields (with Oeren Bloedow) added to the mix. Anyway one starts with jewish surf rock courtesy of Alte Zachen and then can alternate between between improv jazz (Szmanda / Wojcinski), melancholy rock (Elysian Fields), maroccan grooves (Sheikh it baby), oriental mizrahit grooves by the Future Orchestra any Shai Tsabari (a monster vocalist on stage) and one ends the evening with more surf craziness with Alte Zachen and Kutiman. Phew.<br />
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<b>02.07. Shlomo Bar & Habreera Hativeet at Synagoge Tempel (7pm)</b><br />
<b>Garden City Movement at Dajwor Quarter (8.30pm)</b><br />
<b>Kutiman Orchestra at Synagogue Tempel (10pm)</b><br />
<b>Shai Tsabari & Shlomo Bar - Midnite Session at Alchemia</b><br />
Shlomo Bar with his band were among the first mix elements of sephardic with both western and easter (arabic) elements. Garden City Movement follows with some spacious and hypnotic electronica grooves. The funky psychodelia by Kutiman Orchestra could well prove to be one of the best concerts of the festival (their bandcamp sample of the new vinyl release Space Cassava sounds quite awesome). The night will end with two master vocalists Shai Tsabari and Shlomo Bar meeting in Alchemia - the alchemistry should be there as well.<br />
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<b>03.07. David Krakauer & Ancestral Groove at Synagogue Tempel (6pm)</b><br />
<b>Bemet at Alchemia (11pm)</b><br />
David Krakauer (who keeps Krakow not only in his ancestor's history by directly in his family name) is one of the most acknowledged clarinetits of modern wold. Ancestral Groove will find the traditional clarinet klezmer tone mixed with a funky line-up and live DJing which should be an immense fun.<br />
Bemet is a far out-there strange duo line-up of keyboards (or keytars) and drums that mixes in a musical stew rock, psychodelia, heavy disco, jazz, etno and more.<br />
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<b>04.07 SHALOM</b><br />
The Grande Finale, the multihour long marathon of music, nicknamed Jewish Woodstock. Some of the bands that have appeared earlier in the week might come back, some other will play, one thing is sure - Shalom at Szeroka street remains a magical night in Krakow.<br />
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<b>05.07 Lola Marsh at Cheder Cafe (8pm)</b><br />
And we come to the end. The final concert of the festival is Lola Marsh, a folk pop duet which has performed on the acclaimed festivals Primavera Sound and Pohoda. The sound of nostalgia which will only foreshadow the nostalgia for the Jewish Culture Festival after it's over and we'll need to wait whole year for the next one.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AQbL9GK4bCM" width="560"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-45487756894397249112015-06-28T14:02:00.003+02:002015-06-28T14:02:54.962+02:00Krakow Concert Schedule 29.06-05.07 / Krakow Jewish FestivalThe Summer has come (although it's a bit rainy at the moment), but the Summer Festivals has come. The main recommendation goes for the Krakow Jewish Festival and I'll outline some of the music schedule tomorrow. Below you can find some recommenations for musical events<br />
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<b>01.03 Wójcinski / Szmanda Quartet at Piec'ART.</b><br />
The Quartet boasts three Wojcinskis and one Szmanda - Szymon on piano, Maurycy on trumpet, Ksawery on bass and Pawel (the only Szmanda) on drums. A dark horse of the week - a concert that should not go unnoticed.<br />
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<b>01.07 Elysian Fields at Alchemia</b><br />
Straight from New York, melancholic rock from the band that started in the legendary Knitting Factory.<br />
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<b>02.07 Rotem Sivan Trio at Piec'ART</b><br />
For jazz guitar fans, Rotem Sivan sounds and his cohorts sound like a treat.<br />
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Starting 1st of July - <b>20th Summer Jazz Festival</b>, with daily concerts in Pod Baranami and Harris Piano Jazz Bar. Of notice this week:<br />
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<b>01.07 High Definition Quartet at Harris Piano Jazz Bar</b><br />
<b>03.07 NSI Quartet at Harris Piano Jazz Bar</b><br />
<b>04.07 Kuba Płuzet Trio at Harris Piano Jazz Bar</b><br />
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also, there's more for jazz guitar fans, a competition will be held between 01-04.07 (a tribute to late Jarek Smietana) with its grand finale Guitar Summit (featuring Mike Stern, John Abercrombie among others).<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hI_uP-c73Ik" width="560"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-50581171200784290972015-06-24T10:00:00.000+02:002015-06-24T10:00:07.133+02:0025th Krakow Jewish Culture Festival - 1st weekThis is the 25th edition of the Festival which has grown to be one of the most important cultural events in Krakow's yearly calendar, one of the biggest events dedicated to jewish culture (battling Jerusalem and New York for the title), is one of the most complex and complete experience, a total immersion into judaic world (concerts, lectures, films, museum tours, food, guests from all over the world) whose rich program fills up 10 days of activities and leads up to the grand finale, the Shalom concert, an multi-hour marathon of joy and music nicknamed Jewish Woodstock.<br />
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Ladies and Gentleman, below is a summary of the OFF part of the festival's program (first 4 days only!) which is focused on jewish traditional music in the prism of modern pop/indie/rock/jazz/electronica culture. I wholeheartedly invite the entire program - you'll bound to find something to your particular liking.<br />
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Apart from from the traditional main concerts in Tempel Synagogue and the Midnight Jam Sessions at Alchemia there are plenty of open air events (free admission) at new space called Kwartal - Quarter (Dajwor street, on the back fo the Old Synagogue).<br />
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<b>25.06. MLDVA at Dajwor Kwartal (8.30 PM)</b><br />
<b> Congo Beat The Drum (movie projection) (9.30 PM)</b><br />
MLDVA is a live dj act the grooves freely mixing ethnic rhythms (klezmer, turkish, chasidic) with modern aesthetics of dub and trip-hop.<br />
Congo Beat the Drum is a move that tells a story of two jewish musicians travelling to Jamaica to record their songs with local musicians. Klezmer meets reggae - sounds like a lot of fun.<br />
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<b>26.06. Ori at Cheder Cafe (8 PM)</b><br />
<b> OFF Radio Krakow - Only Vinyl Set with Daniel Drumz and Good Paul at Dajwor Quarter (8.30 PM)</b><br />
<b> Teder Presents a night in Tel Aviv at Barka (10 PM)</b><br />
Ori is an original songwriter, born in Jerusalem, living and working in Berlin. Eclectic and unorthodox, his music shows influences of folk, neo-soul, trip-hop and minimalism. Music for a peaceful dream.<br />
For something slightly different and more upbeat you have two DJ events. Firstly a double set curated by OFF Radio Krakow, secondly a whole night party with some of Tel Aviv's greatest.<br />
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<b>27.06. Buttering Trio at Dajwor Quarter (8.30 PM)</b><br />
A Triphop trio from Tel Aviv. Romantic melodies and party rhythms. Recognized as a band on the rise by the Electronic Sound Magazine.<br />
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<b>28.06. </b><b>Berjozkele at Dajwor Quarter (8.30 PM)</b><br />
Berjozkele is a musical projected created by the vocalist Olga Bilinska that is focused on "yiddish lullabies and night songs" and the group's music does sound like it's born in this mysterious moment of time between night and day, dream and reality, where magic starts to happen. I'd say this one is not to miss.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r1kCY19YwE0" width="560"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-19627643736774064412015-06-23T10:38:00.002+02:002015-06-23T10:38:55.557+02:00Krakow Concert Schedule 22-28.06 / 25th Krakow Jewish FestivalThe 25th Krakow Jewish Culture Festival starts this thurdsay, to which I'll dedicate a separate post tomorrow. Accordingly to one of the Murphy's laws, if there are two good parties this week they'll definitely be on the same day. Which is why you'll have to make some hard choices. Below the concert proposals for the upcoming days which are not festival-related.<br />
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<b>23.06. King Ayisoba & Band at Klub RE</b><br />
Straight from Ghana, King Ayisoba and his crew, with traditional rhythms and some modern twists. A must-see to anyone interested in world / roots music.<br />
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<b>26.08 Jr Robinson & Joachim Mencel Piec'ART</b><br />
Jr Robinson is a british gospel / soul / rnb singer, Joachim Mencel is a great pianist and it should be a a very soulful and inspired evening of music. On that not I love the occasion to re-post this tune from Interludium cd which remains in my ears one of the most beautiful polish records in history.<br />
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<b>27.09 Pawel Kaczmarczyk Direction In Music - Esbjorn Svennson Trio at Harris Piano Jazz Bar</b><br />
Another installment in Pawel Kaczmarczyk's series of tributes, this time with his Audiofeeling Trio will play the music from the repertoire of the acclaimed EST, commemorating the anniversary of the tragic and untimely death of its leader.<br />
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<b>28.08 Nat Osborn at Piec'ART</b><br />
Soulful singer and song-writer straight from New York to Krakow, usually playing with a small band, this time he'll try to charm the evening on his own and it sounds he has the chops to do it.<br />
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<b>28.08 Mateusz Gaweda Standards Trio at Harris Piano Jazz Bar</b><br />
Among young generation of pianists Mateusz Gaweda remains one of the most active if still relatively under-appreciated (hopefully it'll change with the PeGaPoFo Quartet's debut cd getting some positive reception). His take on the standards repertoire should be quite interesting to hear.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i0gG5rMUy3A" width="560"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-20253812758812234332015-06-17T16:59:00.001+02:002015-06-17T17:17:57.125+02:00Mike Parker Unified Theory - Embrace The Wild <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFk7oPuJbBogC_KAAgIPYF9AvUM_nbFlOI_jtr-0YnGwXDHbtK02ZhgSR05bqGwEHLQ9tuG-xfb57bWe1x-BiYKIrZ_avYDa3XeoeaKrJxPkmnWSjIqRhNPV0z1AbGJt_zenYZwlNoL5M/s1600/parker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFk7oPuJbBogC_KAAgIPYF9AvUM_nbFlOI_jtr-0YnGwXDHbtK02ZhgSR05bqGwEHLQ9tuG-xfb57bWe1x-BiYKIrZ_avYDa3XeoeaKrJxPkmnWSjIqRhNPV0z1AbGJt_zenYZwlNoL5M/s320/parker.jpg" width="320" /></a>Mike Parker's Unified Theory<br />
Mike Parker - double bass<br />
Dawid Fortuna - drums<br />
Bartek Prucnal - alto saxophone<br />
Slawek Pezda - tenor saxophone<br />
Cyprian Baszczynski - trumpet<br />
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self-release 2014<br />
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New York is (supposedly) the jazz capital of the world. Krakow is (allegedly) the jazz capital of Poland. I won't discuss that now, just wanted to establish some connection :)<br />
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Mike Parker is a New Yorker who has been living in Krakow city for quite a while now and became a well-known and regular presence on jam sessions and variety of projects happening on the stages of city's few but active jazz clubs. </div>
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"Embrace The Wild" is the second release under "Unified Theory" name, but the first one recorded in Krakow and it finds Mike teaming up with some of the young talents of Krakow/Poland jazz scene, to play a set of compositions that balance diversity of styles with the harmony of beautifully crafted melodic layers. </div>
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Double Bass player usually hides somewhere in the back of the sound mix and stage. It takes discipline to be a bass player and lead the group. Now, this is a bass player's album, and bass stays often in the front, thankfully much in the way of Dave Holland or Charles Mingus, none of the flashy MM or SC stuff (you know who I mean). Mike Parker can keep the time in check with funky riffs and fill the bottom with the big sound or play the most melodic base in the 4 voice harmony, with trumpet and two saxes above. Parker's clearly well skilled on the instrument. But for me this is an album of Mike Parker - the composer.</div>
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Unified Theory unites a variety of influences - classical, rock, funk, hip hop, free jazz among them. You can find eight compositions on "Embrace The Wild". Hard driving, funky hard boppers like the kicker start "Kobra Kai Dance Remix", darker in tone "Hermit The Dog", or the energetic and crazy "Piwo i Bona" (possibly my favourite among them, with some wild tenor sax cries by Pezda). The cheerful and sunny song "Hopped.Up.Pop". The more majestic, solemn "Sendoff For Sendak" in which Prucnal's lyrical solo and Baszczynski clear's trumpet sound shine through. </div>
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The album ends with a three part "All Saints" cycle, dedicated respectively to Maurice Ravel (short, chamber - like intro), John Coltrane (spirited playing by Pezda digging deep into the modal harmony) and Miles Davis (soulful and uplifting trumpet solo by Baszczynski leads to positively beautiful harmonies at the end as the two saxes join in the improvisation). </div>
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I love the variety, the tasty riffs, the sweet harmonies, the downright catchiness of the melodies but what I possibly love the most about the compositions is how well the play into the musician's strenghts - (if you follow jazz concerts in Krakow) you know Fortuna loves and know how to groove, you know Pezda can go wild and how well Prucnal and Baszczynski sound together. I don't know whether Parker wrote all the pieces having these musicians in mind but it fits them like a glove. And they're having might fun playing it. And It's contagious.</div>
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This is finely balanced effort, with great compositions and playing throughout. It's not that wild as the title might suggest, but you shouldn't hesitate to embrace it. There's some great, colorful and creative music on it (which, btw, you can listen to on the band's bandcamp site).</div>
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PS. Speaking of colors, what do you think about the cover image? The artwork is by Agata Kotula. </div>
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PS2. This is the first cd review in a long while. With the upcoming coverage of Krakow Jewish Culture Festival I'm hoping to revive the blog and come back to more steady writing.<br />
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<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1340471580/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://mikeparkersunifiedtheory.bandcamp.com/album/embrace-the-wild">Embrace the Wild by Mike Parker's Unified Theory</a></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-39378210160721367062015-06-15T12:27:00.001+02:002015-06-23T11:42:57.574+02:00Krakow Concert Schedule 15-21.06Brace yourself. Summer is coming. Which means there will be a plenty of open air concerts, festivals and other stuff around. We countdown till the next <b>Krakow Jewish Culture Festival</b> begins and right after that <b>Warsaw Summer Jazz Days</b> start with an very intriguing line-up. In the meantime...<br />
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<b>18.06 Hot Tamales at Tak Było</b><br />
For something completely/slightly different. A bluesy acoustic trio with soothing vocals, guitar and harp that has found much appreciation on a variety of blues festivals (including recent Bluesroads in Krakow) will meet you this thursday in Tak Bylo.<br />
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<b>18.06 Free The Dance with Help Me To Crash at Alchemia.</b></div>
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The series supervised by Malgorzata Haduch lives on and brings improvisation, sound and dance together. The evening will feature various line-ups, including a silent solo dance improv and a variety of duo and ensemble pieces by the Help Me To Crash and Cracov improvisers.</div>
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<b>19.06 Poet AF Black at Piekny Pies</b><br />
And for something completely different. A mysteriously wonderful world of electronica sounds, poetry, hip hop, IDM influences and more straight from Philadelphia. Sounds like a great refreshment to kick off your weekend.<br />
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<b>20.06 Wianki - Music Fest (various location)</b><br />
This Saturday Music will rule Krakow city and everyone should find something for their liking. There will be classical music scene, trad jazz, indie rock, silent disco (curated by UnSound festival) and much much more. My personal recommendation goes for the Plac Nowy scene, in the heart of Kazimierz where the evening will end with new Jerzy Mazzoll's project MazzSacre (the recording features the star of Tzadik label Shanir Ezra Blumenkrantz and musicians associated with a popular indie band Innercity Ensemble).<br />
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<b>21.06 Meeting / Discussion about "Skillset" ("Warsztat) at Kawiarnia Naukowa</b><br />
The meeting with Marcin Barski (from the independent label Math-Ka, founder of the Soundscape Institute), Konrad Geca (curator of the Muzykoterapia series) and Rafal Mazur (sound improviser). The discussion will concern the topic of skillset. The meeting is a promotion for the magazine "Fragile" which covers the variety of art-focused subjects. The discussion will be conducted by journalist Tomasz Gregorczyk.jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250201646573959619.post-24887403855687953742015-06-09T15:32:00.001+02:002015-06-23T11:43:05.951+02:00Krakow Concert Schedule 08-14.06Summer is coming. In the meantime...:)<br />
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<b>09.06. Buka & Gase / Kubaterra at Betel Klub (GREEN ZOO Festival)</b><br />
Green Zoo is possible one of the most intriguing musical events taking place in Krakow. Festival dedicated to the often unconventional, unnamed, underground, impossible to classify musical projects from the realms of indie electronica, rock, folk and more. BTW if you haven't done it yet - dig through Tiny Desk Concerts, there's some amazing crazy stuff there.<br />
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<b>11.06 Jacek Kochan & Co at Piec'ART</b><br />
Jacek Kochan is a fine drummer and established leader often experimenting with electronic elements in jazz but equally inspired in acoustic setting. His group will consist of young and talented Alan Wykpisz (bass), Szymon Mika (guitar) and Mateusz Pałka (piano).<br />
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<b>13.06. Owczarek & Olejniczak at Galeria i!</b><br />
Saxophones, electronics and objects in hands of Paulina Owczarek (well known in the Krakow improvising circles) and audio/video performed Marcin Olejniczak. As usual concerts in Galeria i! are made to intrigue and provoke.<br />
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/126237432">Paulina Owczarek, Marcin Olejniczak - RYSY, Poznań (16.04.2014)</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user38179845">maol</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<b>13.06 Tak Brzmi Miasto at Fabryka</b><br />
Tak Brzmi Miasto (How The City Sounds) will gather 7 Krakow-based indie rock groups on stage for an evening filled with music. The line up includes popular groups Straight Jack Cat, Teddy Jr., Patrick The Pan, Badlight District and more. Check the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/443028849185650/">event's page for more info</a>.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I6MfPa4OiBw" width="420"></iframe>jazzowy alchemikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592093928941259093noreply@blogger.com0