Hailing from the crossroads of jazz and traditional dance music from central Poland, the Polish-French ensemble Lumpeks is back with a new repertoire. Following the critical and popular acclaim of their debut album, the group presents “POLONEZ,” a collection of melodies gathered directly from local musicians during their travels through the Polish countryside.
The band was founded by Warsaw-based French double bassist Sébastien Beliah, who enlisted the talents of two acclaimed jazz improvisers: Pierre Borel (saxophone) and Louis Laurain (trumpet). Completing the quartet is the gifted vocalist and baraban player Olga Kozieł.
The group’s name aptly captures the essence of their music: “It’s like going to a thrift store,” explains Olga Kozieł. “You search for hidden gems, transform them into your own unique style, and make them fit your personal taste. That’s how Lumpeks works too. We curate melodies from various musicians and archives that inspire us. We trim a bit here, add a bit there, and infuse our own flair into the music.”
Lumpeks’ freewheeling, daring, and imaginative interpretations of traditional music have earned them the Grand Prix at the 22nd Polish Radio Folk Festival “New Tradition” Folk Music Competition.
Members:
Olga Kozieł – vocal, frame drum, baraban Sébastien Beliah – double bass Pierre Borel – saxophone Louis Laurain – trumpet
