Sunday the 13th of July
Herak/Bulatkin Quartet “Elysium”
21.30
7,50
Lineup:
Miro Herak – vibraphone
Daniel Bulatkin – piano, keys & samples
Johannes Fend – double bass
Martin Hafizi – drum
“The Quartet plays a mix of jazz and central European folk music with an occasional drone-like character, which explodes into impressive soundscapes. Herak is a magician on his instrument, and Bulatkin gets the most improbable sounds from the grand piano.” – Jazzism (NL)
“There is a density to the soundscape, like walking through an enchanted forest…”“Refreshing and uplifting – highly recommended!” – Wendy McEwan, North West End (UK)
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Dutch vibraphonist of Czechoslovak descent Miro Herak joins forces with leading Czech pianist Daniel Bulatkin in their up-and-coming project. They are joined by a top-notch Netherlands-based rhythm section – Johannes Fend (AT, double bass) and Martin Hafizi (BG, drums).
The music of this group reflects the shared Central European roots of both leaders. It is strongly influenced by Slavic and Gypsy folklore, as well as impressionist classical music and rhythms from the Balkan. Compositions by Herak and Bulatkin blend wild rhythms, lush soundscapes and strong memorable melodies. In combination with the particular sound of the vibraphone, light electronics and the use of extended techniques on the double bass, this makes Herak/Bulatkin Quartet one of the most interesting new acts on the European jazz scene.
The project has been selected as ambassadors of Czech jazz for the “Year of Czech Music” in 2024, during which the band performed on big stages all over the world, including festivals in Tbilisi, Budapest, Jerusalem, and even at the prestigious Jarasum Jazz Festival in South Korea. The group’s single “The Simple Things”, featuring master saxophonist Seamus Blake, earned the OSA award for “Best Czech Jazz Composition of 2024”. Since then the group has toured in the Netherlands and the UK, including notable performances at TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht and the PizzaExpress Jazz Club in London (the latter featuring acclaimed saxophonist Will Vinson).
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