Tomasz Dąbrowski received a prestigious commission to craft a composition for the grand finale of the Lodz Summer Jazz Festival, a tribute concert honoring the legendary trumpeter, Tomasz Stanko. Stanko, an internationally renowned figure in the jazz world, served as an extraordinary muse for Dąbrowski, who eloquently captures the enchanting elements that elevated Stanko to his revered status as a musical hero within the jazz realm.

Dąbrowski meticulously curated a remarkable ensemble for this project, aptly named "Tomasz Dąbrowski and the Individual Beings." Notably, the ensemble features Norwegian drummer Knut Finsrud, and beneath the surface, one can discern the hidden gem of their genuine friendship, forged while both residing in the tranquil Swedish town of Malmo.

Knut's deep appreciation for Tomasz's composing prowess harmonizes seamlessly with Tomasz's admiration for Knut's childlike and insatiable curiosity when it comes to music—an organic connection that envisions them effortlessly riffing alongside one another.

In their conversations, a subtle spirituality permeates their words, resonating with the very essence of the music we hear in "JR." This poignant composition emerged after the birth of Dąbrowski's son in 2020, serving as a heartfelt dedication to this newfound joy in his life. This profoundly human motivation adds a unique depth to the album, complemented by the use of one of Stanko's own trumpets, generously loaned to Dąbrowski by Stanko's daughter—an emblematic connection to the ever-evolving legacy of Polish jazz musicians.

Music by: Tomasz Dabrowski and the Individual Beings. Copyright - April Records.

Track: 'JR'

Further Reading

• Tomasz Dąbrowski / bio on culture.pl 

• Tomasz Dąbrowski & The Individual Beings album review / on Downbeat.com 

• Tomasz Dąbrowski seeks new contexts / on Downbeat.com

• Tomasz Dąbrowski's website

Further Watching

• JR

• Tomasz Dąbrowski & the Individual Beings full album

• 30th Birthday/30 concerts/30 cities

Credits

This episode of Rebel Spirits was hosted by Derba Richards. The show is brought to you by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute. 

Written and produced and scored by Monika Proba

Executive production by Move Me Media

Edited and mixed by Wojciech Oleksiak

Copyrights

The publisher would like to thank all copyright owners for their kind permission to reproduce their material. Should, despite our intensive research, any person entitled to rights have been overlooked, legitimate claims shall be compensated within the usual provisions.