Jazz Songs: Piotr Wojtasik Quintet & Wrocław String Quartet

November evenings have their own special, unique atmosphere that prompts you to stop and catch a deeper breath. In the Polish musical tradition, this time has for years been inextricably linked with one of the most beautiful phenomena — the Jazz Zaduszki. This format will take place on 2 November in Firlej, where the Piotr Wojtasik Quintet and the Wrocław String Quartet will meet.

When we think of Polish jazz trumpet, Piotr Wojtasik's name comes up immediately. He is an indisputable virtuoso and outstanding improviser, who for more than four decades has been speaking to the audience in his own instantly recognizable musical language. His craftsmanship has been appreciated by the biggest giants of the world format — Wojtasik has toured and recorded with such legends as Kenny Garrett, Joe Lovano or Archie Shepp, and the legendary saxophonist Billy Harper regularly invites him to collaborate.

The two-time Fryderyk winner (including for Jazz Musician of the Year) and multiple winner of the prestigious Jazz Top ranking of Jazz Forum magazine comes to Firlej with his flagship line-up. Next to the leader, prominent representatives of the Polish scene will stand on the stage.

They are a band that understands each other without words on stage, creating a monolithic and at the same time extremely flexible structure ready for the boldest improvisations.

Piotr Wojtasik's latest program is a bold, innovative approach to the role of strings in contemporary improvised music. Expanding the jazz quintet with the sound of string instruments is something special. The Wrocław String Quartet will not perform here in the role of a traditional, quiet background.

The music of modal jazz, rooted in the post-Coltrane tradition, enriched with elements of free jazz, acquires a completely new dimension. Modern arrangements and original harmonic and sonoristic solutions will make the sounds almost physically resonate in Firlej's space.

Jazz Zaduszki in Wrocław is a moment in which music becomes a bridge between memory and pure joy of experiencing “here and now”. Piotr Wojtasik Quintet and Wrocław String Quartet are a unique musical fusion. If you are looking for an event that will allow you to break away from the daily rush and immerse yourself in a multidimensional, beautiful story written with the sound of trumpets and strings, Firlej is already waiting for you.