Today, July 29, 2024, marks the sixth anniversary of the death of Tomasz Stańko, one of the greatest musicians in the history of Polish jazz.
Stańko passed away in the early morning of July 29, 2018, at the age of 76, after a long battle with lung cancer. His passing left a profound void in the hearts of jazz enthusiasts worldwide.
Tomasz Stańko was an exceptional figure, a trumpeter, composer, and arranger whose talent and passion have been etched in gold in the annals of music history. His body of work includes around 40 albums and scores for numerous films and theatrical productions. His compositions for films such as “Farewell to Maria,” “Reich,” and “The Executioner,” as well as theater productions like “Balladyna,” “Insatiability,” and “Liberation,” showcase the wide range of Stańko’s talent.
His musical career was not confined to Poland. Stańko was highly regarded on the European jazz scene and also in the United States, where he regularly collaborated with American musicians and lived in New York City for several years. His international acclaim earned him the title of one of the most important jazz musicians of his generation.
In 2003, Tomasz Stańko became the first Polish artist to be honored with the European Jazz Prize.
In remembering Tomasz Stańko, it is worth recalling his words: “Music is more than just sounds. It is emotions that transport us to other worlds.” His life and work were the best testament to this belief.