Wojtek Justyna

Thrice

September 15, 2022

Release: 15th September, 2022

“Funk on the bottom, Worldjazz on top” is how Polish magazine Jazzpress billed guitarist Wojtek Justyna whose upcoming album THRICE, out September 15th.

Following the group’s well-received first two studio albums and extensive festival touring, the Wojtek Justyna TreeOh! returns with their brand of guitar-led jazz, fusion and funk.

Formed in The Netherlands by Polish guitar player Wojtek Justyna, it’s a truly European band; Austrian bassist Daniel Lottersberger’s heavy groove is supported by a festival of rhythm courtesy of German drummer extraordinaire Alex Bernath and Portuguese percussion wizard Diogo Carvalho who commands the balafon, vibraphone and Moog synthesizer.

But whilst it’s a top quality studio album (note mixing by New York legend Brian Montgomery), the group is undoubtedly built on their electrifying live show.

Their impressive touring history includes renowned jazz festivals such as Jazz in Daegu (South Korea) Delft Jazz Festival, State-X New Forms, Bevrijdingsfestival & So What’s Next Festival (The Netherlands), Jazzmeile Thüringen, Jazzahead! (Germany) and Letni Festiwal Jazzowy (Poland) and has earned the TreeOh! a reputation as an act full of dynamics, colorful and fiery interplay.

This live energy is captured beautifully, and finished with a touch of the effects, overdubs and wizardry that modern production affords.

Wojtek’s attitude-filled guitar playing leads the ensemble, whether it be through a searing, rock-fueled improvisation or a tender, jazz-grounded solo introduction. Carvalo’s balafon playing offers a welcome timbral shift and enhances the West African influence already prevalent in the ensemble’s sound.

The bonus track features the incredible organ playing of Larry Goldings, a world-renowned New York keyboard player who studied with the great Keith Jarrett. Drawing from a wide range of styles sauch the blues, fusion, gospel, world music, rock, and more, the record is a joyous and playful celebration of groove.