Tomasz Szukalski


Tomasz Szukalski was a Polish jazz saxophonist, composer and improviser. Szukalski worked with Tomasz Stańko, Edward Vesala and Zbigniew Namysłowski. Awarded Magister of Music at Fryderyk Chopin University of Music, Warsaw. Szukalski was a revered master of tenor saxophone and his style was often compared to that of John Coltrane and Ben Webster.

Life and career

Early years

Szukalski studied clarinet but preferred to perform on tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone and on special occasions on bass clarinet or baritone saxophone. Being experiment friendly, he once tried a chainsaw.
Szukalski began his career in the jazz orchestras of Zbigniew Namysłowski and Jan Ptaszyn Wróblewski. Other members of the bands included Tomasz Stańko, Zbigniew Seifert, Adam Makowicz, Włodzimierz Nahorny, Janusz Muniak, Michał Urbaniak and Tomasz's lifelong mate Wojciech Karolak.

Tomasz Stańko, ECM and SBB

In the 1970s, Szukalski's performances became more avant-garde and free. While he continued to perform with Tomasz Stańko, he also worked with Peter Warren and Edward Vesala as well as Arild Andersen, Dave Holland, Palle Danielsson, Palle Mikkelborg, Terje Rypdal, Juhani Aaltonen and Antti Hytti.
During this period, in 1975, he recorded with Stańko on the trumpeter's album entitled "Balladyna" for ECM. Parallel to touring Scandinavia and West Europe with other jazz musicians, Szukalski performed in Poland with the Silesian rockband SBB.

The Quartet and Józef Skrzek

In 1977, Szukalski consolidated his own band The Quartet, which soon gained high reputation. His bandmates were Sławomir Kulpowicz, Paweł Jarzębski and Janusz Stefański. Some of the last concerts of this famous constellation were performed according to various sources in 1979 or 1980 at Village Vanguard in New York. In the years 1980-1981 Szukalski continued a duo cooperation with SBB's leader Józef Skrzek. The planned bookings for autumn 1981 joint performance of SBB and his own The Quartet at the Jazz Jamboree festival, due to the tense political situation in Poland, were not finalized. The duo realized the album "Ambitus Extended" and Szukalski also performed with Józef Skrzek and his short living project Józef Skrzek Formation. They toured across Polish People's Republic and Czechoslovakia and performed the soundtrack for the science-fiction movie "The War of the Worlds: Next Century".
Just weeks before the onset of martial law in Poland Tomasz performed with Józef Skrzek, Andrzej Ryszka, Sławomir Piwowar, Andrzej Urny, Dean Brown and Gil Goldstein in Warsaw and with his The Quartet mates at a workshop in memory of John Coltrane "We'll Remember Coltrane" , organised by Joachim-Ernst Berendt at Südwestfunk in Baden-Baden, where also Tomasz Stańko, Albert Mangelsdorff and John Coltrane's drummer Rashied Ali were present. During his stay in Vienna, following December 1981 Czechoslovakia tour, martial law was imposed and Szukalski returned home.

Martial law - Time killers

To survive the martial law in Poland Szukalski re-joined the orchestra of Jan Ptaszyn Wróblewski playing known American standards. In 1984, he recorded with his old mates Wojciech Karolak and Czesław Bartkowski the groovy "Time Killers", which instantly became a hit. In 1985, Tomasz consolidated his new quartet with Piotr Biskupski, Andrzej Cudzich and Andrzej Jagodziński and eventually his friend and neighbour, the drummer Marek Stach, but the new quartet did not survive due lack of performances and the atmosphere of martial law. Tomasz's custom made Henri Selmer Paris tenor saxophone and Julius Keilwerth soprano saxophone have been stolen in Warsaw a couple of months before he moved to his cabin outside Warsaw.

Artur, Alain, Antti, Apostolis, Arild

After 1990, Szukalski performed in various constellations, recorded as sideman and special guest, and started a long lasting cooperation with the young pianist Artur Dutkiewicz.
During the last decade of the 20th century and the first of the 21st century, Tomasz performed with Artur Dutkiewicz, Wojciech Karolak, Alain Brunet, Tadeusz Nalepa, Piotr Wojtasik, Wojciech Majewski, Tomasz Stańko, Palle Danielsson, Janusz Skowron, Karin Krog and Antti Hytti and again as special guest of the reunited rockband SBB. During 2007 and 2008 Szukalski with his young Polish drummer Krzysztof Dziedzic and his Norwegian friend, the bassist Arild Andersen, toured with Apostolis Anthimos as Apostolis Anthimos Quartet. At his hermitage cabin outside Warsaw Tomasz was visited by his friends and musicians inviting him to their recording sessions and performances, most often by the pianists Artur Dutkiewicz and Wojciech Majewski who always relied on "uncle Tom's" advice. Tomasz only occasionally visited Warsaw, e.g. to meet the ill Czesław Niemen just a couple of weeks before his death.

Death

Szukalski lost his father's home, divorced and spent nearly two decades in his primitive cabin outside Warsaw, where he lived permanently since 2003. Even at his rural hermitage the soviet provocations, invigilation and robberies didn't stop and Tomasz was even visited by a policeman demanding to teach him playing a trumpet and staying at Tomasz's cabin overnight. After one such visit Tomasz's driving licence was revoked. The Quartet reunited and performed a few concerts across Europe in 2006 and 2007 but soon Sławomir Kulpowicz died. Around 2009, homeless and ill, Szukalski gained some attention from friends, especially from Artur Dutkiewicz, who organised "The Day of The Jackal" benefit concerts in several major Polish cities. The last and most extensive, organised in Warsaw on November 21, 2010, became the greatest jazz performance of this year in Poland, outperforming even the venerated Jazz Jamboree. The following musicians performed at the last benefit and some of them helped Tomasz find a place at an artists asylum in Skolimów outside Warsaw:
After a couple of months spent at artists asylum, Szukalski died on August 2, 2012, at a hospital in Piaseczno, Poland His funeral was held on August 8, 2012, at Bródno Cemetery, just one kilometre, less than a mile, from his family's stolen and occupied home.
In 2012, Szukalski was posthumously awarded with the Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis for his achievements for the Polish culture and in 2013 with Fryderyk, the Polish equivalent of the Grammy Award, for the works of his lifetime.

Heritage

Influence

Tomasz and Artur Dutkiewicz also sometimes offered jazz workshops for children. Tomasz was able to present his enormous wisdom, which would otherwise afford many years of education in a very condensed and simple form, which attracted many young jazz musicians consulting "uncle Tom" at every possible occasion, most often backstage after his performances or in jazz clubs, to gain some knowledge and practical advice. Tomasz also picked up and educated young jazz talents, who otherwise wouldn't be noticed and often performed as special guest promoting their debut recordings. Also aspiring singers like Anna Maria Jopek or Agnieszka Skrzypek alias Aga Zaryan profited from Tomasz's support and promotion, therefore in the Polish jazz community he was often called "uncle Tom". Szukalski was probably the youngest member of a jury of a few professional musicians, who decided about the professional qualifications needed to officially perform in the political reality of the late Polish People's Republic and therefore some, who were forced by the soviet authorities to be checked by that jury, e.g. Mateusz Pospieszalski may remember him as a strong teacher.

In popular culture

Tomasz Stańko wrote about Tomasz Szukalski in his 2010 autobiography:
Also some of Szukalski's other friends e.g. Jarosław Śmietana, Wojciech Karolak, Krzysztof Dziedzic and others often made references to Tomasz Szukalski's impact on Polish Jazz. Their popular clip "A Story of Polish Jazz" covers all great Polish jazz musicians often referring to Szukalski.
Szukalski appears in the Polish science-fiction movie "Wojna Światów - następne stulecie" by Piotr Szulkin and in some jazz documentaries by Andrzej Wasylewski, e.g. "We'll Remember Coltrane" and the recent multimedia publication "Jazzowe dzieje Polaków" . Although being co-composer of the "Wojna Światów - następne stulecie" soundtrack and even shortly appearing in one scene, performing "Interception" from the soundtrack album, Szukalski remains uncredited in this pre-martial law production.
Szukalski's popular pseudonym Szakal , may also refer to his playing style since the word is derived from the Persian شغال , which is in turn derived from the Sanskrit शृगाल śṛgāla meaning "the howler". The pseudonym used by his younger close friends was wujek Tomek or simple wujek , this is because his relations were very direct, whole-hearted and uncompromised. Some of his best friends, e.g. The Quartet musicians and two SBB technicians were able to communicate with Jackal/Uncle nonverbally - a gift very helpful during performances.

Selected discography

RecordedIssuedTitlePerformerKindLabel-
1970-19722018On Stage 1970/1972Niemenlive bootlegNew Music - Green Tree – GTR 170-
19721974Koncert podwójny na 5 solistów i orkiestrę
Zbigniew NamysłowskiPN Muza SXL 0952-
1973Rien ne va plusNovi SingersPN Muza SXL 1009-
1973Night Jam Session in Warsaw 1973All Stars After HourslivePN Muza SXL 1033-
1973Interjazz 3Tomasz Szukalski, John McLaughlin and otherslive, compilationSupraphon 1 15 1739-
1974Easy!Wojciech KarolakPN Muza SXL 1069-
1974ChałturnikS.P.P.T. ChałturnikPN Muza SXL 1079-
1974TWETTomasz Stańko, Peter Warren, Edward Vesala, Tomasz Szukalskilive in studioPN Muza SXL 1138-
1974Sprzedawcy glonów
Jan Ptaszyn Wróblewskilive in studioPN Muza SXL 1141-
1975Kujaviak Goes FunkyZbigniew Namysłowski QuintetPN Muza SX 1230-
1975Three Thousands PointsKrzysztof SadowskiPN Muza SX 1277-
19752004Sikorki
SBBlive in studioMetal Mind Productions-
1975Jazz Jamboree 75 Vol. 2Karin Krog & Zbigniew Namysłowski QuintetlivePN Muza SX 1340-
19751976
1993
2008		BalladynaTomasz Stańko, Tomasz Szukalski, Dave Holland, Edward Vesalalive in studioECM Records 1071, 1777597-
1976Ach! Jak PrzyjemnieSami Swoilive in studioPN Muza SX 1353-
1972-19762009A Double Concerto For Five Soloists And OrchestraS.P.P.T. Chałturnik / Polish Radio Jazz Studio Orchestralive in studio, compilation / decompilation of previously released materialPoljazz / ANEX 312-
1976Drums DreamCzesław BartkowskiPN Muza SX 1419-
19762004Anthology, Vol. 05SBBlive in studioMetal Mind Productions-
1976RodinaEdward Vesala, Tomasz Szukalski, Tomasz Stańko, Juhani Aaltonen, Pekka Poyry and othersLove Records LRLP 189-
1976SatuEdward Vesala, Tomasz Szukalski, Palle Mikkelborg, Terje Rypdal, Palle Danielsson, Tomasz Stańko, Juhani Aaltonen and othersECM 1088-
19761978Live at RemontTomasz Stańko - Edward Vesala QuartetliveHelicon HR 1002-
1977Love ChantJan Wallgren - Bengt Ernryd QuartetDragon-
19781979Almost GreenTomasz Stańko, Tomasz Szukalski, Palle Danielsson, Edward Vesalalive in studioLeo 008-
1978Jasmine LadyZbigniew NamysłowskiPN Muza-
19781979
2009		The QuartetThe Quartetlive in studioPoljazz Z-SX 0688
Anex AN 302		-
1979LoadedThe Quartetlive in studio-
1979Swing PartyKrzysztof SadowskiPN Muza SX 1796-
1979Neitsytmatka
Edward Vesala, Tomasz Szukalski, Sławomir Kulpowicz, Paweł Jarzębski, Tomasz StańkoPolarvox LJLP 1014-
1977-19792012The QuartetThe Quartetpreviously unrealised 1977-1979 Polish Radio live sessions and a 1979 concert at National Philharmonic in WarsawPolskie Radio 1246-47-
1980Józefina Józef SkrzekWiFon LP 037-
1981Wojna Światów
- następne stulecie
Józef Skrzek, Tomasz Szukalski, Robert Gola, Janusz Ziomber, Jan SkrzekPN Muza SX 2342-
1981Ambitus ExtendedJózef Skrzek & Tomasz SzukalskiHelicon HR 1006-
1981Wojna Światów - Live
Józef Skrzek Formationlive in CzechoslovakiaWydawnictwo 21 21.014-
1981Kolędy
Józef Skrzek & Tomasz Szukalskiold Polish X-mas carols
single 45 RPM		Helicon HR 001-
1982Matko, która nas znasz...Stanisław Sojka feat. Tomasz Szukalskilive in studioHelicon HR 1009-
1983Kolędy
Józef Skrzek & Tomasz Szukalskiold Polish X-mas carols
single 45 RPM		Helicon HR 002-
1984Ewa Bem Loves The BeatlesEwa BemPolish Jazz Vol.84 DeluxePN Muza-
1984Time KillersWojciech Karolak - Tomasz Szukalski - Czesław BartkowskiPolish Jazz Vol.89 DeluxeHelicon HR 1012-
1985Tina KamilaTomasz Szukalskifor daughterPN Muza SX 2250-
1986Tina BluesTomasz Szukalski QuartetlivePoljazz PSJ 172, Wipe 7084-
1986Interjazz 5Milan Svoboda & The Polish - Czech Big Bandlive in studioSupraphon-
1986Music from Poland at MIDEM '86various artistsPN Muza SX 2292-
1987Polish Jazz Vol. 1Wipe 7081-
19871987Sen szaleńca
Tadeusz NalepaPN Muza 2437-
1983-19881988Radioaktywny
Stanisław SojkaPN Muza SX 2661-
1988Sunrise SunsetGrażyna AuguścikPN Muza SX 2615-
1989Mulatu Astatke Plays Ethio-JazzMulatu AstatkePoljazz PSJ 252-
1989Blues Duo SZ - SZ /
Sz-Sz Blues		Tomasz Szukalski - Janusz Szprotlive in studioWipe 7079-
1989Borżomski Wąwóz /
Body And Soul		Jazz Chorał & Tomasz Szukalski Quartetwith a band from GeorgiaPN Muza-
1991Absolutnie
Tadeusz NalepaPN Muza SX 3011-
1991Body and SoulTomasz Szukalski QuartetlivePolonia Records CD 003-
19931994A Farewell to MariaTomasz StańkoGOWI Records CDG 12-
19941994Balladyna
- Theatre Play Compositions		Tomasz StańkoGOWI Records CDG 16-
1997Gadające Drzewo
Stół Pański feat. Tomasz Szukalski, Sławomir Kulpowicz & Andrzej PrzybielskiZBIG Records 001-
1975-19981998Selected Recordings Tomasz StańkocompilationECM Records 8017-
1999Lady WalkingArtur DutkiewiczUniversal Music Polska 546070-2-
1999EscapePiotr Wojtasik Quintet-
19992004Anthology, Vol. 14SBBliveMetal Mind Productions-
20002001ReinkarnasjaGrzegorz KarnasNot Two-
2000Phone ConsultationsTomasz Szukalski, Wojciech Karolak, Jarosław Śmietana Quartet-
2000BarefootAnna Maria JopekEmArcy 016 299-2-
2000O co tyle milczenia
'		Anna Maria JopekUniversal Music Polska-
2001GrechutaWojciech Majewski QuintetSony Music Polska-
1999-20022003Made in Poland Presented in [UkraineTomasz Stańko Quartet, Jarek Śmietana / Tomasz Szukalski Quartetexcerpts from live performances in UkraineLemma – 03011-12/2-
2002My LullabyAgnieszka Skrzypek alias Aga ZaryanNot Two/ Cosmopolis MW 737-2-
20032018Zamyślenie
Wojciech Majewski QuintetSony Music Polska-
20032003Live in Warsaw
Karin Krog & Tomasz Szukalski Quartetlive
50 copies for invited guests of the Embassy of Norway in Poland		Mariusz Zych & Embassy of Norway in Poland-
2004Sny
Grzegorz KarnasDeBies 002-
2005O Panie przebacz mej myśli, że nie dość jeszcze MiłujęJózef Skrzekcompilation-
20052006Wolność w sierpniu Tomasz Stańko, Tomasz Szukalski, Marcin Wasilewski, Apostolis Anthimos, Sławomir Kurkiewicz, Michał Miśkiewicz, Janusz Skowroncontribution for the
Warsaw Uprising Museum		FIRe 001-
2005Session Natural Irish & JazzCarrantuohillCelt / Rockers Publishing CC08-
2005The Best of Polish Jazz 2005-
2009Opowieść Wojciech Majewski Quintet4EVERMUSIC 130-
1978-20062012Sławomir Kulpowicz - Complete EditionSławomir Kulpowicz, In-Formation, The Quartet, Sławomir Kulpowicz & Shujaat Khan5-CD box--
1981-20072010The Day of The JackalTomasz Szukalski', Apostolis Anthimos, Arild Andersen, Andrzej Cudzich, Artur Dutkiewicz, Paweł Jarzębski, Kazimierz Jonkisz, Sławomir Kulpowicz, Józef Skrzek, Janusz Stefański, Zbigniew Wiatrlive compilation
100 copies contributed to support the "Dzień Szakala" benefit		Mariusz Zych limited private edition
2011The Masters of Polish Jazz''Piotr Wojtasik--