Search - Zbigniew Seifert :: Man Of The Light

Starting his brilliant career in late 1960's, Stanko Quartet's alumni Zbigniew Seifert, quickly became leading European Jazz voice and the first violist capable to transcend the spirit of Coltrane music. Born June 6th, 1946, he began studying the violin at the age of six and ten years later also took up the saxophone. He studied violin at the University of Krakow, while also playing alto in his jazz group. The music of John Coltrane proved to be a strong influence throughout Seifert's career. As Scott Yanow observed: "Zbigniew Seifert was the violin what John Coltrane was to the saxophone". From an early age and later on as a member of Stanko's Quintet (1969-1973), he had made a name for himself in Europe. As a leader Seifert (who was affectionately known as Zbiggy) performed music that ranged from free Jazz to fusion. During his short life he thankfully was able to collaborate with some of the brightest stars of both American and European Jazz, including Hans Koller, Joachim Kuhn, Billy Hart, Michael Brecker, John Scofield, Eddie Gomez, Charlie Mariano, Jack DeJohnette, and band Oregon with whom he recorded masterpiece album "Violin". In the mid to late seventies, Seifert recorded a series of albums as a leader, that established him as one of the most unique voices in jazz, and one of the most sophisticated improvisers on the violin. Tragically, his promising American and world career abruptly ended with his death to leukemia in 1979.
Excerpt from 1976 interview with Seifert by Antoni Krupa:
A. Krupa: What do you think about records you made so far and which one satisfies you most?
Z.Seifert: It is the record made in Europe in Germany for MPS. It is simply the record on which I placed all my musical dreams and desires from recent time. I m absolutely proud of this record.
A. Krupa: It is titled...
Z.Seifert: Man of the light
A. Krupa: Who is playing on it with you?
Z.Seifert: Billy Hart (percussion), Cecil McBee (bass), Joachim Kuehn (acoustic piano) Jasper van Hoef (Yamaha keyboard)