The Home of Jazz

Kraków is much more than a home to historical monuments! The city is also the capital of Polish jazz. Jazz traditions in Kraków date back to before the Second World War. It was also here that during the grim post-war reality of the 1950s one of the world’s longest running jazz festivals was born: the All Souls “Zaduszki” Jazz Festival. It was here that Poland’s jazz giants such as Andrzej Trzaskowski and Wojciech Karolak took their first musical steps, and ensembles were led by musicians including Jerzy Harald, Kazimierz Turewicz and Jerzy “Duduś” Matuszkiewicz. When we add the legendary club Helikon, which has hosted stars such as Krzysztof Komeda and Zbigniew Seifert, it’s no exaggeration to say that Kraków is the cradle of jazz. And what’s more the cradle is still rocking to a syncopated beat. Just take a look at events hosted in the city this year. In March, Billy Cobham was the first star appearing as part of the new cycle ICE Jazz. The lively performance by the king of fusion percussion was a worthy prelude to what’s to come in the next few months. The stage at ICE Kraków welcomes Bobby McFerrin (11 June) with his project Bobby McFerrin Loves Brasil, and the Pat Metheny Quartet (26 June). The guitarist’s ensemble features the percussionist Antonio Sánchez, winner of the most recent Grammy Award for the soundtrack to Birdman. And we’ll be able to hear the inspired artist from Mexico before then: the music and composer is one of the stars of the 22nd International Young and Old, or Jazz in Kraków Festival in April. We already know that the celebrations of the International Jazz Day on 30 April feature musicians from the John McLaughlin The 4th Dimension ensemble, with the Apostolis Anthimos/Étienne M’Bappé/Gary Husband Trio. Fans of jazz usually spend the long Mayday weekend in the Tatras. Spring Jazz in Zakopane (30 April – 3 May) has rich traditions and many dedicated fans. And straight afterwards, we will hear a world-class musical dialogue by one of the best jazz trumpeters working today, appearing alongside a trio of Cracovian instrumentalists. On 4 May, ICE Kraków hosts a premiere concert by Kroke & Tomasz Stańko. Klezmer, ethno sounds, jazz, improvisations… The Summer Jazz Festival at Piwnica Pod Baranami is a paradise for all jazz fans. Let’s recall that last year the event brought together such jazz giants as Herbie Hancock and Robert Glasper. Concerts, film screenings, exhibitions, dance evenings – almost every day throughout July! The International Zbigniew Seifert Jazz Violin Competition is held for the second time as a homage to the Paganini of jazz violin. The Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music in Lusławice hosts reviews between 24 and 27 August, with the finale concert coming to Kraków. And of course we can expect powerful improvised sounds during this year’s Krakow Jazz Autumn. “There is no place for mainstream jazz here. I find it dull and uninspiring. It’s all about free jazz and improvisation – that’s what we stick to,” says the festival’s artistic director Marek Winiarski. Hosted at Alchemia, Poland’s music critics have hailed the festival as the most important jazz event of recent years. And while we’re on the subject of clubs, we can always hear excellent jazz at Harris Piano Jazz Bar, Piec Art, Chicago Jazz Live Music and Dali Club. Last year, the All Souls “Zaduszki” Jazz Festival celebrated a major anniversary. In October and November, the festival was held for the 60th time, so we can’t imagine the event would be missing from this year’s cultural events calendar. Finally, in early December, Rotunda hosts Jazz Juniors – the only international European competition focusing on the most talented young jazz performers. It’s the cradle of future talents. (Artur Jackowski, "Karnet" monthly)