The band's concert concept and the minimal amount of instruments (drums, double bass and trumpet) give an opportunity to find new means of expression. It allows the musicians to create collective sound while being relatively independent. As a result, each concert is different. The bands own pieces are written specially to let the artists improvise, which guarantees intense emotions and the tremendous amount of energetic jazz.
The trombonist, Maciej Fortuna, is one of the most dynamic jazzmen of the young generation. He completed law and jazz studies (the latter with honours); his jazz teacher was Piotr Wojtasik. For the past 2 years he has performed with many groups, both Polish and international (Mack Goldsbury, Stefan Weeke, Ray Blue, Frank Parker, Norwegian band Urban Tunnels). He is still looking for new means of expression in jazz and related musical areas. Under the influence of Scandinavian music (Norway and Iceland concerts), he started to experiment with the sound of trumpet.
2011 is a special year for him – in January he was given a New Hope award by the readers of Jazz Forum and his first album „Lost Keys” was nominated for 2011 Fryderyk award. His other albums, recorded with various bands (Mack Goldsbury&The Polish Conncetion and Switch On Quintet) are beginning to appear, too.
www.maciejfortuna.pl
www.myspace.com/maciejfortuna
Andrzej Święs, a double bass player, is a musician playing with the lead of the Polish jazz scene: Zbigniew Namysłowski and Grzegorz Nagórski. He has also cooperated with Jan Ptaszyn Wróblewski, Adam Pierończyk, Joachim Mencel, Kuba Stankiewicz and Jacek Kochan. However, he is most involved in his work with Soundcheck band. A graduate from Academy of Music in Poznań and Academy of Music in Katowice (2008) began his jazz career when he took part in Jazz Juniors contest in Cracow. Together with Tomaszewski/Święs/Dobrowolski band he received the second (2004) and then the first award (2005). They also won the first place during “Bielska Zadymka Jazzowa” in 2006. He has also received many other awards: “Klucz do kariery” (Key to Career Success) at “XXX Pomorska Jesień Jazzowa” with Paweł Kaczmarczyk trio; the first place at the International Jazz-Blues Contest in Usti nad Labem (2004) and Grand Prix at “Jazz nad Odrą” festival in Wrocław (2005) with Soundcheck quartet; the individual prize at 2008 “Jazz nad Odrą” festival.
Frank Parker comes from Chicago, where he was known not only as a drummer but also as a music producer. He graduated from Western Illinois University, where he used to play in Jazz Studio Orchestra. During that time (1990s) one of his compositions was nominated for Grammy award. As a performer, Frank cooperated with the lead of world jazz scene: Patricia Barber, Kurt Elling, Chris Potter, Benny Carter, Freddie Hubbard, Jon Faddis, Randy Brecker, Joe Lovano and many others. At the same time he was working as a producer and experimenting with club and pop music. When he came to Poznań together with American vocalist Dee Alexander, he met Maciej Fortuna. Since that moment he has visited Poland frequently and has become more and more recognised by our audience. Right now, he's working mainly with Maciej Fortuna and Mateusz Pospieszalski.
www.myspace.com/frankparkermusicgroup
Free entrance.
