Image: Krajina (Landscape) by artist Antonín Kroča

DAHA presented an afternoon of jazz improvisation and exploration inspired by Czech composer Leoš Janáček and his younger Hungarian contemporary, Bêla Bartók. Plus, original works by the Czech-born pianist and composer Antonín Fajt. Featuring a New York-based jazz quartet – Antonín Fajt, piano, Carmen Quill, double bass, Christopher Carroll, drums, and Greg Sinibaldi, tenor sax.

Both Janáček and Bartók were enamored of nature and embraced the folk songs of their native lands, and both broke new ground with their modernist approaches to composition. In a contemporary conversation, Fajt and his fellow musicians combined various elements of folklore traditions of Eastern Europe with jazz and classical composition, providing new perspectives and pleasures.

PROGRAM

Selections from Béla Bartók For Children, Vol. 1 and 2
Antonín Fajt Dual Natures pt. 1-3

intermission

Antonín Fajt Janáček Dreams
Selections from Leoš Janáček On an Overgrown Path
No. 1 “Our evenings”
No. 10 “The barn owl has not flown away!”
Selections from Leoš Janáček Moravian Folk Poetry in Song
Antonín Fajt Sedlácká (based on trad. Moravian)

About

ANTONÍN FAJT is a pianist and composer, whose work is in developing conversation with multiple traditions of music making, in particular free improvisation, classical composition, jazz, and traditional Eastern European music. Born in the Czech Republic, Antonín’s musical identity is rooted in Moravian and Slovak folklore, particularly in its interpretation in the compositions of Leoš Janáček and Bêla Bartók, but also in the improvisatory languages of Roma folk music and the minimalist rhythms of underground rock bands in the 1980s-90s Czech Republic. After migrating to the U.S. in 2007, Antonín began a deep dive into jazz through a friendship with the great bassist George Mráz. He studied classical composition with Joan Tower at Bard College where he received his BA in music ‘14. He holds a PhD from University of California Irvine, where he studied the ontology of hidden rhythmic structures for improvisers through an intercultural lens in the Integrative Composition, Improvisation, and Technology program ‘23. Themes in his work include the role of folkloric tradition in modern, globalized society; the imagined and real communion between environmental, folkloric, and improvisational musical frameworks; and translation of early 20th century classical music works into compositions for improvisers.

CARMEN QUILL (formerly Carmen Q. Rothwell) is a double bassist, composer, singer and interdisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn, NY. She is recognized for her sound and versatility on the double bass, her captivating performances as a solo artist, and her intuitive sensitivity as an improviser. Her debut solo recording, Don’t Get Comfy / Nowhere (2020), “thrives on the meeting of reservation and vulnerability, and its songs feel as emotional and virtuosic as a power ballad yet are sparse and withholding as a Rembrandt” (Pitchfork). In addition to producing and performing her solo music she performs and releases music as part of the bands tilt, Scree, and a host of other projects and collaborations. Carmen is a regular collaborator with/performs in the bands and projects: tilt (Kalia Vandever, Isabel Crespo Pardo), Scree (Ryan El-Solh, Jason Burger), Citrine (Michael Gebhart, Ivan Arteaga, Greg Sinibaldi, Ryan El-Solh), Asa Horvitz’s GHOST (Wayne Horvitz, Ariadne Randall), Ictus (Chet Doxas, Jacob Sacks, Jesse Simpson), Allan Mednard Trio (Santiago Leibson), and Adeline Hotel (Dan Knishkowy). Carmen has also performed with musicians including David Murray, Chris Cheek, Cuong Vu, Ted Poor, Anna RG, Joey Baron, Ben Monder, Andrew D’Angelo, and Dave Douglas.

CHRISTOPHER CARROLL is a New York City based drummer, composer and tabla player, specializing in improvisational music and sharing creativity with other musicians. Stylistically, his drumming pulses with cross-cultural rhythms. With roots deep in rock music and a love for jazz & improvised music. Chris blends his curiosity for different cultures with an eye (and ear) towards the future. Born in Long Island, starting in elementary school he studied the cello, piano and snare drum. After discovering jazz, he studied music at B.O.C.E.S. Cultural Arts High School in Long Island. He graduated from The New School Jazz Division, majoring in jazz performance.

GREG SINIBALDI is a saxophonist, composer, and a dynamic force in contemporary music. Recognized for his inventive approach, Greg embraces a broad musical spectrum, ranging from acoustic jazz to experimental electronic music. Whether leading his own groups, performing with metal bands, or crafting new sounds on the EWI and NuRAD, he brings a distinctive voice to every project. His improvisational language is both virtuosic and deeply expressive, drawing from a rich palette of sonic textures. Greg's collaborations include work with musical innovators such as Gunther Schuller, Bill Frisell, Wayne Horvitz, and Cuong Vu, and his performances span from small ensembles to genre-defying collectives. His projects include the band burnList, duo with clarinetist Jesse Canterbury, and Citrine, a collaborative group where he contributes tenor and compositions. Originally from Seattle, Greg is based in Broolyn, NY.

This event is organized by Antonín Fajt, jazz musician and DAHA board member, with support of the Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association.