trumpeter Tomasz Stanko New York Quartet

“Tomasz Stanko Trumpets Freedom, in Spirit, Thought and Jazz !”
–The New York Times

Stanko’s current ECM recording Wislawa is inspired by the poetry of Wisława Symborska, the Polish poet, essayist and Nobel Laureate.

“One of the world’s most original and inventive jazz trumpeters” –The New Yorker. Polish trumpet legend Tomasz Stanko always keeps company with the most formidable young players on the scene. Dividing his time between Warsaw and New York City, he’s recorded a series of taut, lyrically expansive sessions for ECM, alternating between emerging European stars and heavyweight Gotham improvisers. The all-star New York Quartet he brings to The Jazz Bakery’s Movable Feast includes pianist David Virelles, drummer Gerald Cleaver and bassist Reuben Rogers. “The presence of the New Yorkers infuses Stanko’s music with a rustling, probing energy that perfectly complements the trumpeter’s dark, wistful, intensely human sound”. –London Jazz News

A standout talent since the early 1960s, Tomasz eagerly absorbed concepts introduced by Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor and George Russell. He credits pianist Krzysztof Komeda (composer of memorable scores for Roman Polanski’s films Knife In the Water and Rosemary’s Baby) with honing his harmonic sensibility. “No matter what the project, Stanko creates a sense of depth and spaciousness. Even at his most abstract he infuses each note with tenderness and sorrow, a master storyteller who never gets lost in his tale.” –Jazz Times

Stanko's tone, with its characteristic grit, speaks of a lifetime of experiences good and bad; and his ability to levy visceral moments almost instantly contrasting with passages of revealing vulnerability remain unparalleled to this day. Just as striking is Stanko’s ability to push into a more assertive, wide-awake style, rhythmically as well as melodically, without sacrificing the dark-glowing, middle-of-the-night emotion for which he’s known… there is plenty of fire here !! –All About Jazz