# Herak & Bulatkin Jazz Quartet from the Czech at Tbilisi Jazz Festival 2024: Video, Photos

- Link: https://jazzblues.eu/2024/06/02/herak-bulatkin-jazz-quartet-from-the-czech-at-tbilisi-jazz-festival/
- Published: 2024-06-02T00:06:50+01:00
- Author: https://JazzBlues.EU

**The 27th year Tbilisi Jazz Festival is the most significant and the most luxurious
in the Caucasus. This year it was held on May 22 – 24, 2024, in the center of Tbilisi,
on the stage of the Rustaveli Academic Theater, in a historical and beautiful hall.**

In general, as every year, the Tbilisi Jazz Festival emphasizes and stands out with
the fireworks of jazz legends. This year was no exception. Bill Frisell – Thomas
Morgan, Rudy Royston Trio, Joey Calderazzo – John Patitucci – Dave Weckle Trio and
Stacey Kent – Jim Tomlinson – Art Hirahara Trio.

This year’s festival line up is truly stunning, so we are sure that for the audience,
it will be another breathtaking journey into the world of incredible creativity 
and improvisation. So special about jazz music is the public education it shares,
not necessarily through words, but through sounds. I believe it is very important
to get the audience familiar with not only modern tendencies of today’s international
musical industry, but to share with the audience the philosophy of jazz – freedom,
solidarity, equality and dialogue between people despite any differences. The Tbilisi
Jazz festival brings a positive international image for Georgia, making it attractive
for tourists and investors, while also showing the world that the country is safe
and technologically advanced enough to hold events of such a high nature. ,- interview
with us said Mikheil Giorgadze.

In addition, the Czech Embassy in Georgia presented the Herak & Bulatkin Jazz Quartet
from the Czech Republic as the opening act of the festival. The third year that 
Czech music has been featured in the festival lineup. However, it is extra special
because the performing group, the Herak/Bulatkin Quartet, will be doing so as a 
part of the Year of Czech Music.

The Quartet, led by Dutch vibraphonist of Czechoslovak descent Miro Herak and Czech
pianist Daniel Bulatkin, Johannes Fend – bass, Martin Hafizi – drums.

They made an interesting playlist, among which, in order to attract and like the
Georgian audience, they also performed the song Tbilisabo in their performance and
enjoyed the enthusiastic applause.

Herak/Bulatkin Quartet – an electrifying convergence of four distinct musical voices
thriving in the vibrant Dutch music scene.

Co-led by the prodigious young talent, Daniel Bulatkin, at the helm of the piano
and keys, this quartet weaves a tapestry of musical innovation. Joined by the formidable
and inventive rhythm section featuring Johannes Fend on bass and the dynamic Martin
Hafizi on drums, the Herak/Bulatkin Quartet promises an unparalleled musical journey.

The Herak/Bulatkin Quartet draws inspiration from a diverse array of influences,
with original compositions reflecting their deep connection to Slavic heritage and
Central-Eastern European folk music. This cultural fusion extends into the realms
of improvised music, contemporary compositions, and the ever-evolving language of
jazz.

The quartet’s repertoire is a celebration of rhythmic freedom and seamless interaction,
creating a sonic landscape that is both rich and dynamic. Their performances are
an invitation to explore the intersections of tradition and innovation, where each
note tells a story deeply rooted in heritage yet boldly embracing the future.

Bursíková noted the group is influenced by Slavic and Gypsy folk music, while also
incorporating classical music and rhythms from the Balkan area. The quartet uses
various rhythms created by a vibraphone, light electronics, and extended techniques
on the double bass.

### _Related_