Polish jazz

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Polish jazz has a history that spans periods of both acceptance and political repression.

Contents

[edit] Polish jazz before Communism

The beginning of jazz in Poland is difficult to determine. Still by the 1930s clubs in Warsaw, Kraków, or Poznań would play some jazz. This tended to be swing (genre) and some of it was influenced by more classical influences like George Gershwin.[1] Eddie Rosner might be one of the first jazz musicians of significance in Poland. A great many Polish jazz musicians in this era were Jewish, German, or members of other ethnic minorities.

[edit] Stalinist repression

The period of Communist takeover saw initial repression of jazz. Although groups like Melomani existed jazz was officially condemned and forbidden from the radio.[2]

[edit] Liberalization

After the death of Stalin jazz in Poland gained renewed freedom. In 1958 Dave Brubeck visited Poland and the nation's jazz scene became influenced by cool jazz. By the sixties three strands had emerged as dominant; trad jazz, "mainstream", and free jazz.

[edit] Polish jazz musicians

[edit] Web sources

[edit] External links