One of the highlights of Poznań's music scene last summer were the Blue Summer Jazz Festival concerts held at the Blue Note club and in the Castle Courtyard. This year, the organisers are aiming to surprise not only with the lineup, but also with the event venue and format. That is why the festival will now extend over two days on the final weekend of July in the Old Brewery Park.

A Thrilling Encounter

One standout moment on day one of the festival is likely to be a concert by the iconic (although often overused, this word seems to be most appropriate) band EABS alongside Brian Jackson, hailed as a legend of American jazz. EABS are without a doubt one of the most exciting and innovative bands to emerge from the Polish jazz scene in recent years. Their influence in fact extends far beyond jazz. They first appeared in Poznań at the CK Zamek's Grand Hall during Spring Break 2017, quickly becoming one of the event's biggest draws and sensations.

Each of the band's subsequent albums has proven to be an artistic success, earning the band acclaim from both jazz aficionados and fans of what might loosely be called the alternative music scene. Their 2017 debut "Repetitions (Letters to Krzysztof Komeda)" featured reinterpretations of works by Komeda and was also released in a powerful live version. This was followed by the widely praised "Slavic Spirits". Next came a bold musical dialogue with the work of the eccentric but deeply respected composer and bandleader Sun Ra, whose cosmic persona included the claim that he came to Earth from Saturn. His compositions filled the phenomenal album "Discipline of Sun Ra". Then came another original and well-received project: "2061". Their growing discography also includes a collaboration with Pakistani artists from the band Jaubi, and last year's "Reflections of Purple Sun" featuring original takes on the music of Tomasz Stańko.

Notably, EABS are closely associated with the near-legendary Astigmatic Records, and share ties with acts such as Błoto, Latarnik, and Zima Stulecia. They have also topped the "Jazz Top" critics' poll by the "Jazz Forum" monthly in the electric band category, while member Marek Pędziwiatr won in the synthesizer player category. This time, they will be joined by the legendary Brian Jackson, master of the keys, and contributor to the classic albums of the celebrated musician and poet Gil Scott-Heron. Jackson's own discography includes solo work and collaborations with artists ranging from Kool & the Gang to Roy Ayers to Les Nubians. His partnership with EABS promises to be electrifying.

From Soul to Fusion

Plenty of buzz will also most likely surround the concert by Mica Millar, described as "the sultry queen of British soul". She wowed the Blue Note crowd back in April. Three years ago, she made her debut with the album "Heaven Knows", a blend of soul, gospel, and jazz. The release garnered glowing reviews, and the media quickly dubbed her a rising star. Millar has performed on prestigious stages and at respected festivals, sharing the bill with such heavyweights as Lionel Richie and Gregory Porter.

Representing jazz with a hip-hop groove will be the Hungarian trio Jazzbois, one of the core acts on the current Budapest jazz, hip-hop, and improvisation scene. Their combo of bass, keyboard instruments, and drums comes to life powerfully during live concerts. Their discography includes critically noted releases like "Jazzbois Goes Blunt" and "Higher Dimension Waiting Room". They cite artists such as Yussef Dayes, Moses Boyd, Robert Glasper, and Madlib as inspirations, while tipping their hats to jazz-fusion legends, including Azymuth, Chick Corea, and Weather Report. Last year, they successfully toured Europe, including the iconic Montreux Jazz Festival.

Anna Maria Takes to the Skies

The star of day two of the Blue Summer Jazz Festival is none other than Anna Maria Jopek, a name that needs no introduction. Poland's leading vocalist will present her brand-new premiere project, "Przestworza" ("The Skies)". She's assembled a veritable constellation of instrumentalists from the worlds of jazz and improvised music. Performing with her will be trumpet virtuoso Piotr Wojtasik, pianist Dominik Wania, saxophonist Maciej Sikała, pianist as well as multi-instrumentalist Piotr Nazaruk, bassist Robert Kubiszyn, drummer Paweł Dobrowolski - and that's not even the full lineup! Joining them also will be members of the renowned Atom String Quartet.

Jopek herself has this to say about the project: "The title for "Przestworza" came to me almost immediately, as soon as I saw the space I was searching for in my mind's eye. Before that came the key part - the people - my dream crew. I was able to bring artists whose performance and musical ethos embody everything I stand for and constantly long for. I'm waiting to see what kind of equation music will write for this lineup of people and repertoire. And I know deep down that this is as strong as my yearning for freedom and that it will be unlike anything that has come before." So, what music will be played by this stellar ensemble? According to the official teaser, the programme draws on modern popular songs, 17th-century sacral music, traditional folk songs, and Jopek's own recent material. Intriguing, isn't it? The entire suite has been "adapted, recomposed, and arranged" by Piotr Wojtasik.

Rhythm and Orchestra

Also taking the stage will be Elipsis - an "international trio of rhythm masters." The group features extraordinary talent: Michael League, multi-instrumentalist and leader of the renowned Snarky Puppy; Antonio Sánchez, member of the Pat Metheny Group who has made his name as composer of the score for the Oscar-winning motion picture "Birdman" (the composer himself has also been nominated for Golden Globe); and Pedrito Martínez, a towering figure in Cuban percussion.

Rounding off the programme for day two is the Blue Jazz Orchestra, well known to Poznań audiences. Led by outstanding guitarist Piotr Scholz, the ensemble comprises top jazz musicians from the Poznań scene, all award-winning players who have appeared at top jazz festivals in Poland and abroad. They are Poland's only professional jazz orchestra operating at a music club.

It is definitely a good idea to mark your calendar for those two July evenings of incredible music.

Tomasz Janas

translation: Krzysztof Kotkowski

Blue Summer Jazz Festival
Old Brewery (Stary Browar) Park
26-27 July, 6pm
Day tickets: PLN 149-169, two-day pass: PLN 249-269
Children up to 6 years of age: free admission; children aged 7-12: half price

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