JAREK KOSTKA

JAZZ PIANIST, ARRANGER, ORGANIST, COMPOSER

JAREK KOSTKA

JAZZ PIANIST, ARRANGER, ORGANIST, COMPOSER

JAREK KOSTKA

JAZZ PIANIST, ARRANGER, ORGANIST, COMPOSER

MONIUSZKO

Moniuszko“Music draws on other existing music” is still true. Jarek Kostka repeatedly chose the “starting material” from classic and folk patterns, creating a jazz idiom from it. This time he faced the work of Stanisław Moniuszko, a composer who, like Wagner or Rossini, created music mostly in coexistence with the text. He arranged the songs and arias of our romantic in a modern, jazz convention for choir, soloists, orchestra, rhythm section, and saxophone.
Although the musical form and style change a lot, Jarek Kostka is aware of the literary layer of Moniuszko songs. Works of poets such as Mickiewicz, W. Syrokomla, J. I. Kraszewski, V. Hugo, W. Goethe, and their nineteenth-century overtones, obliged to keep the limits of interference in the original and good taste. From many of Moniuszko’s works, he chose those lyrical, ballad and contemplative, which incline to “swinging nostalgia”. Regarding the musical form, he changes it, brings out a jazz idiom, creates a structure of jazz themes on the basis of which the musicians improvise or strictly implement.
The idea of ​​a jazz concert based on Moniuszko’s “themes” is a tribute to the composer on the 200th anniversary of his birth. All this is a truly personal and contemporary convention, in which the separateness of the two periods of the 19th and 21st centuries is blurred. The restraint and lyricism of Moniuszko’s music, its romantic background with mythical and real characters deeply touches the sensitivity of the artists – the performers of the project. The stigma of Moniuszko’s work does not affect the musical expression of the artists. The “Swinging Chimes” project is proof that music intended for home music-making in the nineteenth century, it doesn’t lose its value currently – it can be popular and recognisable.

MONIUSZKO

Moniuszko
“Music draws on other existing music” is still true. Jarek Kostka repeatedly chose the “starting material” from classic and folk patterns, creating a jazz idiom from it. This time he faced the work of Stanisław Moniuszko, a composer who, like Wagner or Rossini, created music mostly in coexistence with the text. He arranged the songs and arias of our romantic in a modern, jazz convention for choir, soloists, orchestra, rhythm section, and saxophone.
Although the musical form and style change a lot, Jarek Kostka is aware of the literary layer of Moniuszko songs. Works of poets such as Mickiewicz, W. Syrokomla, J. I. Kraszewski, V. Hugo, W. Goethe, and their nineteenth-century overtones, obliged to keep the limits of interference in the original and good taste. From many of Moniuszko’s works, he chose those lyrical, ballad and contemplative, which incline to “swinging nostalgia”. Regarding the musical form, he changes it, brings out a jazz idiom, creates a structure of jazz themes on the basis of which the musicians improvise or strictly implement.
The idea of ​​a jazz concert based on Moniuszko’s “themes” is a tribute to the composer on the 200th anniversary of his birth. All this is a truly personal and contemporary convention, in which the separateness of the two periods of the 19th and 21st centuries is blurred. The restraint and lyricism of Moniuszko’s music, its romantic background with mythical and real characters deeply touches the sensitivity of the artists – the performers of the project. The stigma of Moniuszko’s work does not affect the musical expression of the artists. The “Swinging Chimes” project is proof that music intended for home music-making in the nineteenth century, it doesn’t lose its value currently – it can be popular and recognisable.

JAZZ CONTRA BACH

Jazz contra BachAs a jazz pianist and organist at the same time, when playing baroque music, I discovered that Bach is Jazz – there is no need to change much – as his music swings naturally! Is not basso continuo a baroque “rhythm section”? And the author’s identity as an artist and composer? Improvisation, interchangeability of instruments, intimacy – these are not only similarities – this is pure unity and harmony! Although Bach is present at any given moment on this CD, he would be very surprised to hear how much he influenced and inspired us…

Musicians: Jarek Kostka, Jan Adamczewski, Piotr “Max” Wiśniewski, Waldemar Franczyk

If you are interested in buying the CD, please contact me.

Pieces on the CD:
1. Jesu bleibet meine Freude
2. Preludium et fuge c minor
3. Bouree
4. Arie
5. Wachet auf! ruft uns die Stimme
6. Ich ruf zu dir Herr Jesu Christ
7. Toccata et fuga d minor 


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Jazz Contra Bach – Bouree


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Jazz Contra Bach – Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude


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Jazz Contra Bach – Toccata Et Fuga 

JAZZ CONTRA BACH

Jazz contra Bach

As a jazz pianist and organist at the same time, when playing baroque music, I discovered that Bach is Jazz – there is no need to change much – as his music swings naturally! Is not basso continuo a baroque “rhythm section”? And the author’s identity as an artist and composer? Improvisation, interchangeability of instruments, intimacy – these are not only similarities – this is pure unity and harmony! Although Bach is present at any given moment on this CD, he would be very surprised to hear how much he influenced and inspired us…

Musicians: Jarek Kostka, Jan Adamczewski, Piotr “Max” Wiśniewski, Waldemar Franczyk Jeśli jesteś zainteresowany kupieniem płyty, zapraszam do kontaktu.

Pieces on the CD:
1. Jesu bleibet meine Freude
2. Preludium et fuge c minor
3. Bouree
4. Arie
5. Wachet auf! ruft uns die Stimme
6. Ich ruf zu dir Herr Jesu Christ
7. Toccata et fuga d minor 


Download

Jazz Contra Bach – Bouree


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Jazz Contra Bach – Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude


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Jazz Contra Bach – Toccata Et Fuga  

NORDIC SOUNDS

Nordic Sounds

We would like to introduce a new and interesting music project of Polish jazzmen gathered around Jarosław Kostka – pianist, arranger, and author of the concept. Riding the wave of success of the album “Chopin Profanum” published in 2010 in tribute to Chopin, the artist searched for new ideas in the musical legacy of Edvard Grieg. When analyzing his work, he turned his attention towards the Norwegian folk music, from which Edward Grieg drew his inspirations – after all, this is the reason why Grieg is called by Polish musicologists the “Chopin of the North”.
Confirming timeliness of the adage known to Chopin and Grieg – “The music draws from another existing music” Jarek Kostka reached into “Per Gynt” suite and songs, orchestral pieces and piano by Edvard Grieg. He made a selection, some musical pieces were deliberately shortened and he pulled out of them this “something special”, which is required for the impulse to jazz improvisation. And so it was created some musical material which became the base for further transformations and sound exploration.
All this is a tribute to the next, great Romantic from the North. “Nordic Jazz Project” is another, just the more mature and creative stage of the author of “Chopin Profanum.” Moderation and lyricism of Grieg deeply move musical sensitivity in many musicians and opens for them and for the listeners a wide range of artistic experiences.

The band consists of:
Jarek Kostka – piano
Jan Adamczewski – saxophones
Piotr Wiśniewski – bass
Waldemar Franczyk – drums


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Edvard Grieg – Solveig’s Song / In the Hall of the Mountain King


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Edvard Grieg – Anitra’s dance 


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Finlandia


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Ievan Polkka


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Jean Sibelius – Valse Triste 

NORDIC SOUNDS

Nordic Sounds

Pragniemy przedstawić nowy, ciekawy projekt muzyczny polskich jazzmanów, skupionych wokół Jarosława Kostki – pianisty, aranżera i autora pomysłu „Nordic Sounds”. Tym razem artysta ten poszukał nowej idei w spuściźnie muzycznej Edwarda Griega, Jeana Sibeliusa i muzyce ludowej narodów skandynawskich. Potwierdzając aktualność maksymy – „Muzyka czerpie z innej istniejącej już muzyki”, Jarek Kostka dokonał selekcji w bogatej spuściźnie muzycznej północy, niektóre z utworów świadomie skrócił, przerobił i wydobył z nich to “coś”, co stanowi potrzebny dla jazzmanów impuls do improwizacji. Tak powstało tworzywo muzyczne będące bazą do dalszych przekształceń i poszukiwań dźwiękowych. “Nordic Jazz Project” to kolejny, dojrzalszy etap twórczy autora „Chopin Profanum”. Powściągliwość i liryzm muzyki skandynawskiej głęboko porusza wrażliwość muzyków i otwiera szerokie spektrum.

The band consists of:
Jarek Kostka – piano
Jan Adamczewski – saxophones
Piotr Wiśniewski – bass
Waldemar Franczyk – drums 


Download

Edvard Grieg – Solveig’s Song / In the Hall of the Mountain King


Download

Edvard Grieg – Anitra’s dance


Download

Finlandia


Download

Ievan Polkka


Download

Jean Sibelius – Valse Triste 

CHOPIN PROFANUM

Chopin Profanum

After a few years spent on thinking about the compositions of Fryderyk Chopin, there emerged in us the temptation to come to grips with his works. The 200th anniversary of the composer’s birth was a good occasion and pretext to put the idea into life, although it was not the only reason since Chopin’s music was so inspiring and deeply rooted in us. Chopin is “sacrum” and hence we took it seriously and did our best in using all our knowledge, talent and experience.
The author of  ”CHOPIN PROFANUM” is our pianist and leader Jarosław Kostka who arranged all the pieces on which we based and created some open forms without limiting free jazz narration. Though all rhythmical and melody details of Chopin’s compositions were defined, his music is still a “written improvisation”. This improvisation is rooted in Polish folk and XVIIth and XVIIIth century European music. Chopin frequently referred to both of these traditions. He is also commonly known to have been a very skillful improviser.
Can this freedom in creating musical matter, so natural for jazz, be a bridge connecting classical music and jazz? Isn’t it a good idea to play Chopin in a jazz style? Let our CD “CHOPIN PROFANUM” be the answer to the above question. While working on it we introduced some changes of rhythm, harmony and phrasing. The project is not only our tribute to the great Polish composer but also our wish for showing the fact that his music is timeless, supranational and thought-provoking.

Musicians:
Jarek Kostka
Jan Adamczewski
Jakub Olejnik
Przemysław Jarosz

Pieces on the CD:
Mazurek C-dur op.67 nr 3
Mazurek a-moll op. 17 nr 4
Preludium As-dur op.24 nr 17
Preludium e-moll op. 24 nr 4
Mazurek fis-moll op. 59 nr 3
Mazurek a-moll op.68 nr 2
Etiuda E-dur op. 10 nr 3
Fantaisie Impromptus cis-moll op. 66
Preludium Fis-dur op. 24 nr 13
Mazurek F-dur op. 68 nr 3


Download

Mazurek a-moll op.17 nr 4


Download

Preludium As-dur op.24 nr 17


Download

Mazurek fis-moll op. 59 nr 3

If you are interested in buying the CD, please contact me. 

CHOPIN PROFANUM

Chopin Profanum

After a few years spent on thinking about the compositions of Fryderyk Chopin, there emerged in us the temptation to come to grips with his works. The 200th anniversary of the composer’s birth was a good occasion and pretext to put the idea into life, although it was not the only reason since Chopin’s music was so inspiring and deeply rooted in us. Chopin is “sacrum” and hence we took it seriously and did our best in using all our knowledge, talent and experience.
The author of ”CHOPIN PROFANUM” is our pianist and leader Jarosław Kostka who arranged all the pieces on which we based and created some open forms without limiting free jazz narration. Though all rhythmical and melody details of Chopin’s compositions were defined, his music is still a “written improvisation”. This improvisation is rooted in Polish folk and XVIIth and XVIIIth century European music. Chopin frequently referred to both of these traditions. He is also commonly known to have been a very skillful improviser.
Can this freedom in creating musical matter, so natural for jazz, be a bridge connecting classical music and jazz? Isn’t it a good idea to play Chopin in a jazz style? Let our CD “CHOPIN PROFANUM” be the answer to the above question. While working on it we introduced some changes of rhythm, harmony and phrasing. The project is not only our tribute to the great Polish composer but also our wish for showing the fact that his music is timeless, supranational and thought-provoking.

Musicians:
Jarek Kostka
Jan Adamczewski
Jakub Olejnik
Przemysław Jarosz

Pieces on the CD:
Mazurek C-dur op.67 nr 3
Mazurek a-moll op. 17 nr 4
Preludium As-dur op.24 nr 17
Preludium e-moll op. 24 nr 4
Mazurek fis-moll op. 59 nr 3
Mazurek a-moll op.68 nr 2
Etiuda E-dur op. 10 nr 3
Fantaisie Impromptus cis-moll op. 66
Preludium Fis-dur op. 24 nr 13
Mazurek F-dur op. 68 nr 3


Download

Mazurek a-moll op.17 nr 4


Download

Preludium As-dur op.24 nr 17


Download

Mazurek fis-moll op. 59 nr 3

If you are interested in buying the CD, please contact me. 

FLAMENCO MEETS JAZZ

Flamenco meets JazzThe Con Alma duo is an extremely original flamenco encounter with jazz. Such a connection has basically no prototype, it is unique. Flamenco is Andalusian folk music, once mistakenly associated with the music of all of Spain. It is completely hermetic art and very rarely merges with other styles.
The Con Alma duo consists of Jarek Kostka – an outstanding jazz pianist and Przemysław Hałuszczak – an outstanding flamenco guitarist. The musicians have known each other for a long time, and their musical activity proves that through imagination, you can make an extremely interesting combination of two completely different musical genres. They have been playing together for a year, and thanks to this combination they experience an amazing adventure in the world of music. The duo invites the third musician – drummer (cajon).


Download

Malaguena 


Download

Tico, tico 

FLAMENCO MEETS JAZZ

Flamenco meets Jazz

The Con Alma duo is an extremely original flamenco encounter with jazz. Such a connection has basically no prototype, it is unique. Flamenco is Andalusian folk music, once mistakenly associated with the music of all of Spain. It is completely hermetic art and very rarely merges with other styles.
The Con Alma duo consists of Jarek Kostka – an outstanding jazz pianist and Przemysław Hałuszczak – an outstanding flamenco guitarist. The musicians have known each other for a long time, and their musical activity proves that through imagination, you can make an extremely interesting combination of two completely different musical genres. They have been playing together for a year, and thanks to this combination they experience an amazing adventure in the world of music. The duo invites the third musician – drummer (cajon).

Download Malaguena Download Tico, tico

SEQUENCES

Sekwencje

The new musical idea coming from three musicians from Poznan is my another activity on the border of different styles. It is a balance between the sacred and the profane – it is a jazz improvisation based on themes taken from the liturgy of the Roman – Catholic Church.
The leading material in the project are sequences – according to some musicologists – the first fully copyright singing of the Church in Western Europe. Generally, it can be said that the common feature of all sequences is their rhythm, which imposes text – religious but not biblical. The rhythm and folk sequence opened the way and brought the popularity of later composed church and Christian songs.
Repeatability of so-called “folk rhymes,” (as they’re sometimes maliciously called by their opponents – especially in Rome) can cause a kind of trance. It is a sort of religious and spiritual contemplation, where next to the text the recurring musical themes are the main power. This musical form for us today might be simple, but the simplicity of it inspires – especially jazz improvisers.

Jarek Kostka – organ, piano, artistic concept
Jan Adamczewski – saxophones
Andrzej Mazurek – percussion instruments 


Download

Bogurodzica – live


Download

Victime Paschali Laudes – live


Download

Veni Sancte Spiritus – live 

SEQUENCES

Sekwencje

The new musical idea coming from three musicians from Poznan is my another activity on the border of different styles. It is a balance between the sacred and the profane – it is a jazz improvisation based on themes taken from the liturgy of the Roman – Catholic Church.
The leading material in the project are sequences – according to some musicologists – the first fully copyright singing of the Church in Western Europe. Generally, it can be said that the common feature of all sequences is their rhythm, which imposes text – religious but not biblical. The rhythm and folk sequence opened the way and brought the popularity of later composed church and Christian songs.
Repeatability of so-called “folk rhymes,” (as they’re sometimes maliciously called by their opponents – especially in Rome) can cause a kind of trance. It is a sort of religious and spiritual contemplation, where next to the text the recurring musical themes are the main power. This musical form for us today might be simple, but the simplicity of it inspires – especially jazz improvisers.

Jarek Kostka – organ, piano, artistic concept
Jan Adamczewski – saxophones
Andrzej Mazurek – percussion instruments 

Download Bogurodzica – live Download Victime Paschali Laudes – live Download Veni Sancte Spiritus – live

BIG BAND

Playing in the Big Band is fascinating because of the sound and timing – and let’s not forget, it requires enormous discipline. It is always a good school, not only for beginners. I found myself playing in a Big Band quite late – in 1990 – when I could already be called a mature jazz pianist. I worked with many American musicians on the cruise ship sailing around the Caribbean Islands … and so it began. At present, I am a pianist in the BIG STAN BAND conducted by Stanislaw Gruszka. In 2010 we won the first prize at the Big Band Festival in NowyTomysl. In 2011, this time playing with a different big band – Sharp Eleven we have been also awarded, receiving a distinction for performing the Prelude As Dur op. 24 17 by Chopin in my own arrangement.

BIG BAND

Playing in the Big Band is fascinating because of the sound and timing – and let’s not forget, it requires enormous discipline. It is always a good school, not only for beginners. I found myself playing in a Big Band quite late – in 1990 – when I could already be called a mature jazz pianist. I worked with many American musicians on the cruise ship sailing around the Caribbean Islands … and so it began.
At present, I am a pianist in the BIG STAN BAND conducted by Stanislaw Gruszka. In 2010 we won the first prize at the Big Band Festival in NowyTomysl. In 2011, this time playing with a different big band – Sharp Eleven we have been also awarded, receiving a distinction for performing the Prelude As Dur op. 24 17 by Chopin in my own arrangement.