ANTYKWARIAT JAZZ GROUP icon of european-american progressive jazz

Antykwariat Jazz Group was founded by Slawomir Bielawiec and Jan Zienko in 1976 and was active in until 1980. Beginning as a quartet and later expanding to a septet, the group developed its own approach to mainstream and contemporary jazz.

The original lineup included Slawomir Bielawiec – piano, Jan Zieńko – guitar, Jerzy Nowicki – drums, Zbigniew Richter – bass, Piotr Zielik – alto saxophone, Waldemar Pszczoch – tenor saxophone, and Eugeniusz Jasiński – trumpet. Other musicians associated with the group during this period included Jerzy Opalinski – bass and Janusz Żukowski – tenor saxophone.

Music critic Jacek Grun praised the early Antykwariat for its musicianship, sensitivity, and natural connection with jazz audiences, particularly in the intimate atmosphere of jazz clubs.

Antykwariat in Chicago

Antykwariat was reformed in Chicago in 2006, bringing together its European musical roots with the language and energy of American jazz. Over the years, the group has performed both original compositions and selected jazz repertoire while continuing to develop its own musical identity.

Composer of all Antykwariat tunes: Slawomir Bielawiec w swoich utworach połączył European lyricism and romanticism with modern and contemporary jazz, emphasizing melody, sophisticated harmony, improvisation, interaction, and musical storytelling. Rather than being confined to one jazz style, the group continually explores new musical ideas and sources of inspiration.

Many accomplished musicians have been associated with Antykwariat during its Chicago years, including Chris Pabian, Jarek Lukomski, Andy Grzelak, Rob Denty, Art Davis, Mieczyslaw Wolny, Przemyslaw Pahl, Jacek Berlin.

Chicago Tribune jazz critic Howard Reich described Antykwariat as a group that combines the lyricism of Polish and European music with contemporary jazz vocabulary, noting its ability to balance substantive improvisation with accessible melody and praising the subtlety and integrity of its performances.

Today, Antykwariat Jazz Group continues this musical journey with a renewed lineup, original compositions, and a modern contemporary jazz sound.