The music of this group reflects the shared Central European roots of both leaders. It is strongly influenced by Slavic and Gypsy folk music, as well as impressionist classical music and rhythms from the Balkan.
QUOTES
"The Quartet plays a mix of jazz and central European folk music with an occasional drone-like character, which explodes into impressive soundscapes. Herak is a magician on his instrument, and Bulatkin gets the most improbable sounds from the grand piano." – Jazzism (NL)
"There is a density to the soundscape, like walking through an enchanted forest..." "Refreshing and uplifting – highly recommended!" – Wendy McEwan, North West End (UK)
Dutch vibraphonist of Czechoslovak descent Miro Herak joins forces with leading Czech pianist Daniel Bulatkin in their up-and-coming project. They are joined by a top-notch Netherlands-based rhythm section – Johannes Fend (AT, double bass) and Martin Hafizi (BG, drums).
Compositions of Herak and Bulatkin blend wild rhythms, lush soundscapes and strong memorable melodies. In combination with the particular sound of the vibraphone, light electronics and the use of extended techniques on the double bass, this makes Herak/Bulatkin Quartet one of the most interesting new acts on the European jazz scene.
The project has been selected as ambassadors of Czech jazz for the “Year of Czech Music” in 2024, during which the band performed on big stages all over the world, including festivals in Tbilisi, Budapest, Jerusalem, even at the prestigious Jarasum Jazz Festival in South Korea. The group’s single “The Simple Things” featuring master saxophonist Seamus Blake, earned the OSA award for “Best Czech Jazz Composition of 2024”. At the beginning of 2025 the band finished their successful UK tour during which they performed also at the famous PizzaExpress club in London.
Miro Herak, faculty member at the renowned Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, belongs to a small group of elite European jazz vibraphonists. After spending several years as a member of the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Miro moved to the Netherlands, where he quickly became a sought-after performer and composer across genres, known from projects such as Atlantic Road Trip, AsGuests, KuVenda & The Hague Ethospheric Orchestra. During his career he’s also collaborated with musicians such as Norma Winstone, Alex Sipiagin, Eric Vloeimans, or Anton Goudsmit.
Daniel Bulatkin is one of the leading voices of young Czech jazz. At only 25 years of age, he plays not only with the stars of his domestic scene, but also performs over Europe as a sideman for countless international groups. His contemporaries, as well as publicists, refer to him as a “rising star” and “extreme talent". In addition to concert collaborations with jazz and fusion icons such as Ulf Wakenius, Justin Faulkner, Gergo Borlai, Gary Husband, Tineke Postma, Daniel has three critically acclaimed records to his name as co-leader. The fourth album is scheduled for release in Fall 2025.
Contact: info@danielbulatkin.com, miroherakmusic@gmail.com