Jazz Without Borders: A Weekend of Adventurous Sounds in Warsaw

The light in Warsaw this autumn is a soft golden glow, casting a warm hue over the cobblestone streets as I make my way to Jassmine. The air carries the faintest hint of autumn, a crispness that signals the city’s transition from summer's heat to cooler evenings. Tonight, October 18, marks the opening night of JAZZ PO POLSKU, an event that showcases the restless spirit of Polish jazz.

Fryderyk-winning Michał Aftyka Quintet kicks off the evening with intricate rhythms and collective improvisation. The music is a delicate dance, the interplay between notes and silence creating a tension that builds and resolves with each movement. The stage is a canvas, and the band members paint with their instruments, each stroke adding to the overall picture.

Then, the evening takes a turn. Piotr Damasiewicz and Pranshu Chatur Lal come together to explore a meeting of Indian raga and Western improvisation. Their collaboration is a blend of cultural influences, the tabla’s rhythmic pulse meeting the trumpet’s sharp notes. It’s a dialogue that transcends boundaries, a conversation that neither instrument can fully own but that together, they make stunning.

The festival continues with a series of performances that delve deep into the Polish jazz scene, each concert offering a unique perspective. On October 25, the highlight is undoubtedly the jazz interpretation of Cyprian Kamil Norwid’s works. Pianist Kasia Pietrzko and saxophonist Maciej Kądziela lead a moving performance, with actor Andrzej Chyra’s voice adding a layer of poignancy to the poet’s words. Later, London-based guitarist Jakub Klimiuk brings his international quintet, and Lemańczyk / Golicki / Sarnecki Trio closes the festival with a hauntingly beautiful set.

The festival is not just about the music. Running alongside are an exhibition of Izabella Kędzierska’s photography and short films that document JAZZ PO POLSKU’s international travels. It’s a celebration of the festival’s journey, a snapshot of the diverse community that Polish jazz has become.