Atom Goes Funky (Polish Jazz, Vol. 91) Atom String Quartet

• 1 Bez ograniczeń energii 03:55
• 2 Funky dla Franki 03:25
• 3 Basia 04:50
• 4 Nasty Gal 06:40
• 5 Kujaviak Goes Funky 06:24
• 6 Coś specjalnego 05:00
• 7 Sprzedaż Glonów 04:44
• 8 Tiritaka 03:14
• 9 Winobranie 07:16
• 10 Torpedo 02:56
• 11 Taniec Maryny 04:38
• 12 Jak na lotni 04:44
• 13 Body Rub 04:30
• 14 Funky dla Pani Hanki 04:33
• 15 Ale wkoło jest wesoło 03:51
• Total Runtime 01:10:40

Info for Atom Goes Funky (Polish Jazz, Vol. 91)

The album "Atom Goes Funky" is the 91st installment in the legendary Polish Jazz series. For the first time in the series’ history, its prestigious logo adorns an album recorded by a string quartet!

The Atom String Quartet—a group that has been pushing the boundaries of classical instruments for years—is now challenging the very foundations of funk, proving that groove doesn’t need electricity to get people dancing. Atom Goes Funky - Polish Jazz vol. 91

The quartet takes listeners on a journey to a unique era of Polish music from the 1970s and 1980s—decades in which jazz met funk and the sounds of new, often electric instruments in the unique atmosphere of a country behind the Iron Curtain, standing on the threshold of great social and political changes. This is an album for listeners seeking jazz finesse infused with energy. Without the use of loopers, effects, or electronics, the musicians have translated the pulsating language of funk directly onto four wooden soundboxes. The cello parts masterfully mimic an expressive bass, and the “chops” technique (chopped bow strokes) replaces the drums and rhythm guitar. It’s pure, acoustic virtuosity that sounds like a full-fledged funk band. The quartet draws on compositions by giants of Polish jazz such as Zbigniew Seifert, Krzesimir Dębski, Zbigniew Namysłowski, Michał Urbaniak, Władysław Sendecki, Andrzej Zaucha, and the Novi Singers, but also the hit “Bez ograniczeń energii” by Sławomir Łosowski and Kombi (the memorable theme song for the children’s program “5-10-15”), as well as the rather unexpected—though in the ASQ version simply funky—“Ale wkoło jest wesoło” by Perfect. Atom String Quartet - Bez ograniczeń energii

Although not all of the songs fit the literal definition of funk, they are united by a common pulse, energy, groove, and the characteristic sound of those years. In this new material, the ensemble has found room for its own string-based reinterpretations, bringing out the color, rhythm, and freedom of that era through the language of a contemporary quartet. Although the repertoire draws from diverse stylistic poles, it is united by a common thread: groove, energy, and the distinctive “Polish” flair of those years.

“Atom Goes Funky” is the perfect choice for playlists in the Jazz Fusion, Modern Classical, and Crossover Jazz genres, as well as for fans of Polish Groove. It’s music that blurs the lines between classical music lovers and fans of jazz and rock. “Polish Jazz” and Polish funk are thriving—here and now, in an interpretation that redefines the string quartet and jazz.

Atom String Quartet:
Dawid Lubowicz, violin
Mateusz Smoczyński, violin
Michał Zaborski, viola
Krzysztof Lenczowski, cello

Atom String Quartet
is one of the most original chamber ensembles in the world. It combines the tremendous skills of a classical string quartet with broadly understood improvisation, inspired by Polish folklore, world music, as well as contemporary and classical music. In its repertoire the group constantly blazes new paths, looking for their own sound and formal solutions that escape any classification.

All musicians received a thorough classical education – they are graduates of the Warsaw Chopin University of Music. They all compose and successfully lead their own solo projects.

Since winning the Grand Prix at the 13th Bielska Zadymka Jazzowa in 2011, the ensemble has been regularly performing on the most important Polish and international music stages.

The musicians of Atom String Quartet are regularly invited to recording sessions and collaborate with leading Polish and international artists and orchestras. Their musical partners include artists and bands such as: Branford Marsalis, Bobby McFerrin, Gil Goldstein, Vladislav „Adzik” Sendecki, Mino Cinelu, Paolo Fresu, Leszek Możdżer, Lars Danielsson, Zohar Fresco, Jerzy Maksymiuk, André Ochodlo, Urszula Dudziak, Anna Maria Jopek, Marek Moś, Natalia Kukulska, Kayah, Aga Zaryan, Adam Sztaba, Grzech Piotrowski, Krzysztof Herdzin, Andrzej Smolik, Orkiestra AUKSO, NFM, Orkiestra Symfoniczna Filharmonii Szczecińskiej, Orkiestra NFM Leopoldinum, Sinfonia Varsovia, Sinfonietta Cracovia, Sinfonia Iuventus.

In the 2017/2018 season, Atom String Quartet was artist-in-residence at the Mieczysław Karłowicz Philharmonic in Szczecin.

In March 2021, Atom String Quartet, together with pianist Hania Rani, performed Max Richter’s piece „Testament”. Commissioned by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, the composition was written and dedicated to the artists as a tribute to Krzysztof Penderecki, who passed away in 2020. The premiere performance was recorded by TVP Kultura.

This album contains no booklet.