Wynton Marsalishe will perform the function of Artist-in-residence of Bielska Zadymka Jazzowa 2021. He is one of the most important figures in contemporary jazz. This world-famous trumpeter and composer is also a highly respected teacher and activist for music education. Called the ambassador of American culture, he was awarded honorary doctorates by several dozen universities. He is known for his interpretations of both jazz and classical music and is the only instrumentalist to receive Grammy Awards in one year for recordings in these two categories. He is also the managing and artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center - a cultural center which carries out its mission of promoting jazz, among other things, by leading its own orchestra, with which he performs all over the world.

 

Bielsko-Biała Rondo Jazzu - the wheel of history has turned

The wheel of history has spun. On November 17, 1994, Wynton Marsalis Septet performed in Bielsko-Biała. It was the first great concert of a world jazz star in Bielsko-Biała. The Polish audience met this outstanding musician during the Jazz Jamboree in 1983, and when  after eleven years his next three concerts in our country were announced, it was obvious that he performed in such prestigious venues as the National Philharmonic in Warsaw and the University Hall in Poznań, but the place of inauguration of this route was a complete surprise: the Church of St. Maximilian Kolbe in Bielsko-Biała. This is a historic moment that marked the beginning of the golden era of jazz in the city, which until then was known from the film heroes of Bolek and Lolek and Mały Fiat, and is now considered one of the most thriving jazz centers in Poland and Central Europe.

The wheel of history has spun. After 27 years, Wynton Marsalis will come to Bielsko-Biała again. As a Resident Artist, LOTOS Jazz Festival of the 23. Bielska Zadymka Jazzowej  will perform on June 25, as in the memorable 1994 with his septet, and a day later he will present his famous Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. During his stay, additional meetings with musicians, journalists and the audience are planned.

 

The European premiere of the suite Democracy!

"Jazz music is the perfect metaphor for democracy," says Wynton Marsalis. At a time when America - or the entire world - is at a crossroads, the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer was inspired to write his poignant work, The Democracy! Suite ”which proves that ​​ the joy and beauty of jazz can bring us all closer.

The song was recorded live on September 27, 2020 during the first concert that after the lockdown in New York took place at the Jazz at Lincoln Center's Appel Room.   It was also an artistic voice in the ongoing US presidential campaign. Songs such as "Out Amongst the People (For J Bat)" and "Be Present" reflect a turbulent time in which musicians form a harmonious community, inviting us to reflect on the past and rethink the future. "The question facing our nation now is: Do we want to find a better way?" Marsalis said after the premiere. The Democracy! Suite ”is an instrumental piece, but it has a clear message: it calls us to action - to actively fight for the world we believe in.  
 

Wynton Marsalis Septevol
Obed Calvaire - drums, tambourine
Carlos Henriquez - double bass
Dan Nimmer - pianoChris Crenshaw - trombone Walter Blanding - tenor soprano saxophone, clarinet Victor Goines - tenor soprano saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet
Wynton Marsalis - trumpet

Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra

Make up the groupJazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton MarsalisFifteen of the best contemporary jazz soloists and members are included. JLCO is an extremely versatile orchestra - under the leadership of Wynton Marsalis, managing and artistic director at Jazz at Lincoln Center, it performs a wide repertoire: from original compositions and jazz pieces commissioned by the Lincoln Center, to unusual, historical compositions and masterpieces by artists such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Charles Mingus. JLCO, residing at Jazz at Lincoln Center since 1988, performs and conducts educational events in New York, the United States and around the world. As part of numerous concert tours, the musicians visited over three hundred cities on six continents. For four years in a row (2013-2016) JLCO was chosen as the best Big Band in the annual "Down Beat" readers' poll.
 

Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

Obed Calvaire - drums, tambourine
Carlos Henriquez - double bass
Dan Nimmer - piano
Victor Goines - tenor, soprano saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet
Ted Nash - alto and soprano saxophone, clarinet, flute, piccolo
Sherman Irby - alto and soprano saxophone, clarinet, flute
Walter Blanding - tenor, soprano saxophone, clarinet
Paul Nedzela - baritone saxophone, bass clarinet
Chris Crenshaw - trombone
Vincent Gardner - trombone
Elliot Mason - trombone
Ryan Kisor - trumpet
Kenny Rampton - trumpet
Marcus Printup - trumpet
Wynton Marsalis - trumpet