Tomasz Stańko
Polish trumpeter and composer
Died when: 76 years 18 days (912 months)Star Sign: Cancer
Tomasz Ludwik Stanko (11 July 1942 – 29 July 2018) was a Polish trumpeter and composer.Stanko was associated with free jazz and the avant-garde.
In 1962, Tomasz Stanko formed his first band, the Jazz Darings, with saxophonist Janusz Muniak, pianist Adam Makowicz, bassist Jacek Ostaszewski, drummer Wiktor Perelmuter.
Inspired by Ornette Coleman and the innovations of John Coltrane, Miles Davis and George Russell, the group is often cited by music historians as the first European group to play free jazz.
In his later years, he collaborated with pianist Krzysztof Komeda on Komeda's album Astigmatic, recorded in late 1965.In 1968, Stanko formed a quintet whose members were Janusz Muniak (tenor and soprano saxophones, flute), Zbigniew Seifert (alto sax and violin), Bronislaw Suchanek (bass), Janusz Stefanski (drums, percussion).
In 1975, he formed the Tomasz Stanko-Adam Makowicz Unit.Stanko established a reputation as a leading figure not only in Polish jazz, but internationally as well, working with musicians including Jack DeJohnette, Dave Holland, Reggie Workman, Rufus Reid, Lester Bowie, David Murray, Manu Katché and Chico Freeman.
From 1984, he was a member of Cecil Taylor's big band.