GRAZYNA AUGUSCIK GROUP
Man Behind the Sun,
songs of Nick Drake
Sunday, October 19th, 2014 at 8PM
DROM
85 Ave A (b/w 5th & 6th)
New York City, 10009
(212) 777-1157
Grazyna Auguscik (grah-ZHIN-a ow-GOOSH-cheek), the Polish-born singer, composer, arranger, and producer, has been winning the praise and admiration of music critics with a singular voice that speaks a universal language. With an elusive style that challenges the traditional definitions of jazz, she is one of the most intriguing vocalists on the jazz scene today. Her unorthodox approach to rewriting classic works is at once a tribute to its authors as well as an adventure into uncharted territory, while her originals have an uncanny flavor of their own.
Having already trained and performed in Europe, Auguscik completed her studies in 1992 at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. Since 1994 Grazyna has made Chicago her home, where she performs at the legendary Green Mill, with memorable appearances at the 1998 and 2002 Chicago Jazz Festivals.
Her professional music career she began in Europe, completed her studies in 1992 at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, and has since become a prolific collaborator sharing the stage with such jazz notables as Toots Thielemans, Bobby Enriquez, Urszula Dudziak, John Medeski, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Michal Urbaniak, Terry Callier and many others.
Since 1994, Grazyna has made Chicago her home where she performs at the legendary Green Mill, the Chicago Cultural Center, the Millennium Park, all the jazz festivals around the city, US and abroad. Amidst her active schedule of worldwide performances, Grazyna has managed to record, produce and distribute 17 albums, 10 under her own record label, GMA Records, and appearing on as many projects as a guest.
”She’s a music machine” – Christopher Loudon, Jazz Times
”a strikingly original vocal style, hauntingly beautiful” – Bill Milkowski, JAZZIZ
“Grazyna Auguscik is emerging as an individual voice in a world of sound-alike singers … Auguscik approaches the art of jazz singing with fervor and intensity. She treats even the most well-worn fare with a spirit of adventure.” – Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune
“Her name is Grazyna Auguscik and she is one of the hottest jazz talents in the country.” – American Jazz Scene
“Jazz Innovator Singer Grazyna Auguscik a fresh voice on a jazz scene … powerful statements.” – Mark Guarino, Daily Herald
“ Celestial jazz vocalist ” — Dr. Judith Schlesinger > All About Jazz
Grazyna Auguscik Group
Grazyna Auguscik-voc
Rob Clearfield-piano
Jon Deitemyer-drums
John Kregor-guitar
Matt Ulery-bass
About NICK DRAKE:
Just like many tragic poets and musicians before him, Nick Drake didn’t achieve fame during his lifetime, but became very popular after his death. He is admired for his poetic, sad, mournful lyrics, gentle voice, the melancholic charm of his music. Nick Drake became an inspiration for many contemporary artists, such as R.E.M, Robert Smith, Brian Molko, Devendra Banhart, Beth Gibbons, Norah Jones, or Brad Mehldau.
This is how Grazyna Auguscik decribes her artistic interpretation of Nick Drake songs:
The music of Drake is haunting. When you start to listen to him, you can’t stop. It’s just addictive. In his music, we can find sorrow and disappointment, but at the same time there is a longing for love and freedom. There are the goodbyes and hellos , and there are the battles of the two worlds of life and death. Beautiful, irresistible music full of emotions. I recorded it in collaboration with wonderful, musicians. They are the co-creators of this magical adventure. I am glad that through this project we can bring this music to the next generations.
You can find a recording from the concert here.
PARTNERS: DROM NYC, POLISH CULTURAL INSTITUTE NYC