About Zbigniew Seifert

Zbigniew Seifert (1946-1979) was a Polish jazz violinist who emerged as one of the most promising voices in jazz violin during the 1970s. Born in Kraków, he initially studied saxophone at the Kraków Academy of Music before switching to violin, inspired by Jean-Luc Ponty's groundbreaking work in jazz fusion.

Seifert quickly developed a distinctive style that blended bebop complexity with European classical influences and elements of his Polish heritage. He gained international recognition through his work with Polish jazz groups and later collaborated with notable musicians including Urszula Dudziak, Tomasz Stańko, and the German bassist Eberhard Weber.

His most acclaimed albums include "Man of the Light" (1976) and "Passion" (1978), which showcased his virtuosic technique and innovative approach to the violin in jazz contexts. Seifert was particularly known for his ability to make the violin swing with the intensity of a saxophone, often using extended techniques and electronic effects to expand the instrument's sonic possibilities.

Tragically, Seifert's career was cut short when he died of cancer at age 32 in 1979, just as he was gaining wider international recognition. Despite his brief career, he left a lasting impact on jazz violin and influenced a generation of string players who followed.