Kaja Draksler Octet
Modern Creative
Björk Níelsdóttir, Laura Polence (vocals); Ab Baars, Ada Rave (reeds); George Dumitriu (violin, viola); Kaja Draksler (piano); Lennart Heyndels (bass); Onno Govaert (drums).
Fri 13 July 2018 19:15 - 20:30 Madeira
[trans_artistinfo_about]
Exciting, powerful free improvisations and modern-classic influences define the work of pianist and composer Kaja Draksler. She was born in a small town in Slovenia but moved to The Netherlands at age 18. Originally to study Latin and ancient Greek, but she discovered music and was immersed into Amsterdam’s improvised music scene. In a relatively short period of time Draksler made a name in the European jazz scene. She released seven successful albums as a bandleader and a well-received solo album in 2013: The Lives Of Many Others. At the moment Draksler tours as a soloist, as a duo with fellow pianist Eve Risser (they recently released their album To Pianos) as well as with her own octet, in which she combines songs and improvisations with modern-classic inspired compositions. Last year the debut album Gledalec was released. Kaja Draksler is the winner of this year’s Paul Acket Award, a prize awarded by the festival to an artist deserving wider recognition for their extraordinary musicianship.
