Daniel Buletkin's "Elysium" (Thor Jazz Sessions)

“Complex, but precisely because of that, utterly fascinating. Time and again, they push boundaries.” – Koen Edeling, musiek-recensie (NL)

"There is a density to the soundscape, like walking through an enchanted forest..." "Refreshing and uplifting – highly recommended!" – Wendy McEwan, North West End (UK)

"Herak is a magician on his instrument, and Bulatkin gets the most improbable sounds from the grand piano." – Jazzism (NL)

Dutch vibraphonist of Czechoslovak descent Miro Herak joins forces with leading Czech pianist Daniel Bulatkin in a project that is making waves across Europe and beyond. The music of this group is strongly influenced by Slavic and Gypsy folk, as well as impressionist classical music and rhythms from the Balkan, reflecting the shared Central European roots of both leaders. The compositions by Bulatkin and Herak blend wild rhythms, lush soundscapes and strong memorable melodies. The sound of the vibraphone, light electronics and the use of extended techniques on the double bass make “Elysium” into one of the most exciting new outfits on the European jazz scene.

The project has been selected as jazz ambassadors for the “Year of Czech Music” in 2024, thanks to which the band performed on big stages all over the world, including major festivals in Taiwan, South Korea, Georgia, China and many other countries. Their piece “The Simple Things” featuring saxophonist Seamus Blake was named “Best Czech Jazz Composition of 2024”. Without exaggeration, tens of thousands of listeners around the world have been enjoying the music of this project.

De middag begint met een openingsconcert van drie kwartier tot een uur. Na een korte pauze gaat het over in een open jamsessie, waarin de band van het openingsconcert samenspeelt met musici uit de zaal. Rond 17:30 uur sluiten we af.

Wil je meespelen? Schrijf je dan bij binnenkomst in aan de deur. De sessieleider roept je vanzelf naar het podium wanneer je aan de beurt bent. Verder hoef je niets te regelen. Er is een backline aanwezig, dus je hoeft alleen je eigen instrument mee te nemen. Voor musici die inzitten is de toegang gratis.

Bezetting

• Daniel Bulatkin · Hammond
• Miro Herak · Vibrafoon
• Johannes Fend · Contrabas
• Nikolas Tsangaris · Drums