KACZMARCZYK/MIKA/KOWALEWSKI/CZERWIŃSKI – DIRECTIONS IN MUSIC: JAROSŁAW ŚMIETANA

Szymon Mika – guitar

Paweł Kaczmarczyk – piano

Adam Kowalewski – double bass

Adam Czerwiński – drums

Tickets: 30 pln ( presale, students)/40 pln

DIRECTIONS IN MUSIC

Directions In Music is a project launched by Paweł Kaczmarczyk in September 2010, that is a tribute to works of the greatest jazz musicians. The rhythm section is created by the musicians of the Audiofeeling Band, whereas the guests are thematically related to the work of the artist that is presented. Each concert serves not only a meeting with the history of jazz music but also gives a unique opportunity to listen to (live!) the outstanding guests of Paweł Kaczmarczyk.

JAROSŁAW ŚMIETANA 

(1951-2013)

Jarosław Śmietana graduated from The Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice, where he studied jazz and entertainment music. He made his debut with the amateur blues band Hall, with whom he won an award at the Jazz nad Odrą Festival in 1972. He has also played with the Cracow band Dżamble, and has recorded with the German Klaus Lenz Big Band.

In 1973 Śmietana founded the legendary band Extra Ball, followed by Sounds, Polish Jazz Stars and the Symphonic Orchestra.

During his student days, he played in the Big Band at the Academy of Music, with whom he took part in a number of jazz festivals. The group performed at the Jazz nad Odrą festival in Wrocław in 1975 and 1976, and in 1975 they participated in the Jazz Jamboree in Warsaw. He also helped found the Namysłowski – Śmietana Band.

Śmietana has given concerts and performed at festivals across the globe, playing alongside some of the greatest jazz musicians in Poland and, indeed, in the world. He has shared a stage with names like Art Farmer, Freddie Hubbard, Eddie Henderson, Joe Zawinul, Gary Bartz, Carter Jefferson, Vince Mendoza, John Abercrombie, Hamiet Bluiett, Idris Muhammad and Ronnie Burrage. He has also composed and written over 200 jazz tracks, and has recorded over 20 albums as a bandleader.

PAWEŁ KACZMARCZYK

b. February 8, 1984 in Krakow, Poland – Polish pianist, arranger, composer and sideman.

“Listening to the way Paweł Kaczmarczyk gets sounds out of the keys, we can understand what full-blooded, completely engaged jazz piano playing is all about.”Howard Reich – CHICAGO TRIBUNE

The artist’s third album “Complexity in Simplicity”, issued by the prestigious label ACT Music, opened the door to an international career for the pianist. The album was recognized as “Album of The Year”, and Paweł Kaczmarczyk named “Pianist of The Year”. (JAZZ FORUM)

Winner of the “Gazeta Wyborcza’s Cultural Flights” award, in the“Artist of The Year 2009” category, and recipient of the Jazz Music Lovers’ Grand Prix “Jazz Oscars”in the New Hope, Artist and Album of The Yearcategories.

Twice nominated for a “FRYDERYK” award, in the Jazz Musician of The Year and Phonographic Debut of The Yearcategories.

Actively performs in every part of the world, including Europe, the USA, India, Africa, Asia and the Arabian Peninsula.

Has appeared and worked with many world-renowned artists, including Lee Konitz, Jon Christensen, Mino Cinelu, Emil Mangelsdorff, Poogie Bell, Hadrien Feraud, Eivind Aarset, Arild Andersen, Theodosii Spassov, Janusz Muniak, Piotr Wojtasik, Adam Pierończyk, and Zbigniew Namysłowski, among others.

http://www.pawelkaczmarczyk.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paweł-Kaczmarczyk-Audiofeeling-Band/10150151196775217

SZYMON MIKA

One of the most talented guitarists of young generation, prizewinner of International Jarek Śmietana Jazz Guitar Competition, Grand Prix Jazz Nad Odrą and many more.

Recognized for great technique and sound he also delights audience with uncommon maturity. Great personalities such as Peter Bernstein, Mark Stern and John Abercrombie have expressed their admiration for his talent.

Szymon has played on numerous national and international festivals (for example Montreux Jazz Festival, Summer Jazz Festival in Krakow) and participated in many jazz workshops. Hetook lessons from Peter Bernstein, Nelson Veras, Ed Cherry, David Doruzka

On daily basis he shares the stage with top Polish jazz musicians, being a part of originalmusic projects such as Joachim Mencel Artisena, Piotr Budniak Essential Group, Adam Kawończyk Quartet.

He’s also a composer, two CD with some of his original music has been released up to now – “Organ Spot” by Organ Spot and “Popyt” by Mateusz Pałka/Szymon Mika Quartet.

http://www.szymonmika.com/

http://www.adamczerwinski.com/