We have just witnessed the thrilling finale of one of Poland’s most significant jazz competitions. During the 62nd edition of the Jazz nad Odrą festival, the Jury – comprising Dariusz Oleszkiewicz, Greg Osby, and Jakub Stankiewicz – announced their verdict after listening to five outstanding finalists.
The evening’s top honor – the Grand Prix of the Jazz Individuality Competition, along with a prize of 25,000 PLN funded by the Mayor of Wrocław, Jacek Sutryk – was awarded to the Michał Modrzyński Trio, featuring:
- Michał Modrzyński (keyboards)
- Tymoteusz Wójtewicz (bass guitar)
- Norbert Itrich Aranda (drums)
The scholars of the prestigious Berklee College of Music impressed the jurors with their music, which they describe as dynamic fusion with a complex metric structure.
But that’s not all. The special prize from the Oris brand distributor (zegarki.pl)—a stylish Oris Big Crown Pointer watch—was awarded to pianist Maja Babyszka from the band Solar Wind. Meanwhile, the “Jazz Forum” editorial team presented their special prize (a featured interview with the laureates) to the winning Michał Modrzyński Trio.
Congratulations to the winners and all the finalists for the exceptional artistic level that made this year’s competition a true feast for fans of improvisation!
photo Wojciech Chrubasik