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.
Dutch vibraphonist of Czechoslovak descent Miro Herak joins forces with a leading Czech pianist Daniel Bulatkin in their brand new unique project Herak/Bulatkin Quartet. Here 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 to represent Czech jazz as a part of the “Year of Czech Music” in 2024, during which the band will perform on stages all over the world, including in Tbilisi, London, Budapest, Rome, Amersfoort, and even at the prestigious Jarasum Jazz Festival in South Korea. The group also recorded 2 singles featuring master saxophonist Seamus Blake, which will be released in the coming months.
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 24 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 2024.
Contact: info@danielbulatkin.com