For decades, Jan Garbarek has drawn inspiration from folk and traditional music, particularly Norwegian and, more broadly, Scandinavian sounds, while also incorporating elements of world music from other cultures. On the other hand, Marsalis' concert will offer a blend of classic American jazz and Hungarian influences, as evidenced by the announced performance of seven local artists! Need more reasons to attend?
One of Garbarek's most envied traits among musicians, not just jazz improvisers, is his unmistakable and distinctive tone. The warm, melodic sound of his saxophone (he's also played flute, keyboards, and percussion) highlights his originality. He is not only a symbol of Scandinavian and European jazz, but also a key figure in shaping the unique sound that defines the renowned ECM label from Munich.
Garbarek recorded groundbreaking albums for ECM, including his work with Keith Jarrett's iconic Scandinavian quartet, featured on albums like Belonging, Personal Mountains, and Nude Ants. Since the early 1970s, Garbarek has been associated with ECM, releasing a series of beautiful albums such as Afric Pepperbird, Witchi-Tai-To, It's OK to Listen to the Gray Voice, Legend of Seven Dreams, I Took Up the Runes, and Twelve Moons. His ability to weave traditional music into his jazz is remarkable, as seen on albums like Rosensfole, with Agnes Buen Garnås, which delves into medieval Norwegian traditions, and Ragas and Sagas, in collaboration with Pakistani musicians. Garbarek has also worked with notable artists such as Egberto Gismonti, Charlie Haden, Zakir Hussain, L. Shankar, Gary Peacock, and Eberhard Weber. A frequent visitor to Poznań, he has previously performed both as a bandleader and alongside the renowned vocal quartet, The Hilliard Ensemble. This time, Garbarek will bring his own band, featuring the legendary Indian percussionist Trilok Gurtu.
Branford Marsalis, hailing from a renowned musical family, began his career under the mentorship of the legendary Art Blakey, before joining his brother Wynton's band in the early 1980s. He has performed with jazz giants like Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, and Herbie Hancock. Over time, Marsalis expanded his musical exploration, most notably through his band Buckshot LeFonque, which blended jazz with hip-hop, funk, and rock. His long-term collaboration with Sting, starting with Sting's early solo albums, also boosted his popularity. Marsalis has worked with a wide range of artists, from Bruce Hornsby and Béla Fleck to Tina Turner, and even rock legends like the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers.
Marsalis has been releasing his own albums since 1984, with highly acclaimed records such as I Heard You Twice the First Time and Contemporary Jazz. The heart of his jazz work is his quartet, with whom he will be performing in Poznań. The lineup includes Joey Calderazzo on piano, Eric Revis on bass, and Justin Faulkner on drums. Adding to the excitement, a group of Hungarian folk musicians will join the quartet on stage, promising a night of rich emotions and musical diversity.
Tomasz Janas
translation: Krzysztof Kotkowski
Jan Garbarek Group
Earth Hall, Poznań International Fairgrounds,
October 1, 8:00 PM,
Tickets: PLN 138-309
Branford Marsalis & Friends
Earth Hall, Poznań International Fairgrounds,
October 23, 8:00 PM,
Tickets: PLN 266-490
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