Ratko Zjaca is an award winning and critically acclaimed Croatian guitarist, composer and recording artist residing in the Netherlands with 18 critically acclaimed recordings under his name. He has recorded and performed with some of the most influential musicians in jazz and modern improvised music.
Triology is a newly founded collaboration between three outstanding artists: Ratko Zjaca, an internationally awarded guitarist and composer behind a large international discography, Roland Abreu, the Cuban-born bassist who found his second home in Europe, and Jože Zadravec, Zjaca’s long-standing accomplice at the drums. Together, they perform original compositions in a trio format. The peerless combination of guitar, acoustic bass and drums leads to stunning results in terms of sound and arrangement, sparkled with rhythmic ideas, texture and space. The three artists’ enthusiasm, passion, intensity and warmth can be experienced in every moment of their live performance, presenting an inspiring and enjoyable powerhouse of original compositions.
Ratko Zjaca’s new solo guitar album “Archtop Avenue” was chosen to be on the 33rd place of the best 100 jazz albums in 2023 selected for the “American Jazz Journalists Association”.
Ratko Zjaca Triology
Ratko Zjaca – guitar
Roland Abreu – acoustic bass
Joze Zadravec – drums
Ratko Zjaca – guitar / compositions
www.ratkozjaca.com
The naked solo instrumental albums are always a tremendous challenge to any musician, and the courage needed to attempt such projects is often as bold as the talent and performance skills needed to realize them. Zjaca, who is one of the most prolific and busy European Jazz musicians, certainly has all the ingredients needed to undertake a solo guitar recording, backed by his extensive experience, but no less importantly his love of Jazz and the guitar. All of this is immediately apparent when the music starts to play.
It will take several repeated listening sessions to discover all the layers of this album, as it is rich in ideas and clever arrangements; a delightful musical experience for sure, for anybody who truly loves Jazz, improvisation and the sweet sound of guitar in the hands of a Master musician.
Overall, this is a deeply rewarding listening experience, for all Jazz lovers and certainly for guitar connoisseurs, who will find here a whole world of music, that never stops to amaze. Once you are through with digesting the tunes, you are welcome to compare the intricate sound subtleties between the twelve instruments Zjaca utilizes here. Enjoy the trip!
Adam Burach, jazz critic/journalist/biographer
I’ve never heard a guitarist so atmospherically correct Pianist Thelonious Monk’s fascinatingly angular, slightly rumbling approach is transferred to the six strings of the guitar. Ratko Ziaca’s game is an experience. His openness, versatility and playful spontaneity as an improviser and also as a composer are a rare stroke of luck in the guitar scene. A musician that you should discover, because with this solo album Ratko Zjaca has finally moved into the top league, where he shines in the shadow of the really big names.
Lothar Trampert, Jazzthetik Jazz Magazine
Twelve solo compositions by a top guitarist virtuoso performed on 12 different guitars make up, without any doubt, a unique album, both in terms of idea and concept, and because of the fact that after Pass, few guitarists has courage to compose and record guitar solo jazz albums. With his quiet, sincere, passionate and emotional approach, Ziaca breathed a new life into the sound of guitars. This album also gave recognition to their builders greater than any award or monument. A superb piece of music for all true guitar jazz lovers.
Dubravko Jagatic, National Magazine
Archtop Avenue is a compelling addition to the canon of solo guitar and a crowning achievement in Zjaca’s career to date.
Bill Milkowski, american jazz critic/journalist/biographer
Guitarist Ratko Zjaca stands out again and again with his musical language that has long become unmistakable, situated between European influences and American improvisation culture, between small, flickering acoustic flashes and violent storms.
All About Jazz, USA
Joined by Romanian cimbalom player Marius Preda, who is widely regarded as the world’s first jazz soloist on that trapezoidal stringed instrument that is the distant cousin of a hammered dulcimer, along with British-born upright bassist Nick McGuire and the innovative, groundbreaking percussionist Trilok Gurtu, Ratko Zjaca and his interactive crew strike an uncanny accord on the eight delightful originals presented on Touching Minds.
Bill Milkowski, Jazz journalist
It is my pleasure to hear that Ratko’s music continues to reveal, striving to establish and present his own personal style. After listening album “Touching minds” I can clearly hear the direction that Ratko’s music is headed. Clearly he has chosen to surround with a strong and diverse group of supporting musicians from various cultures. This recording confirms a unique vision of great and creative musicians going forward. Keep going Ratko.
Reggie Workman, Bassist and educator
In this album, the extraordinary chemistry between the musicians, coupled with Marius Preda’s masterful arrangements, offers listeners a fresh and innovative way to explore music. Marius’s unique approach to Ratko’s compositions creates an experience that transcends conventional boundaries, allowing each performance to resonate on a deeper, more profound level.
Arturo Sandoval, jazz trumpeter, pianist, composer
Ratko Zjaca had made a number of great recording but “Touching Minds” is like a breathe of fresh mountain air. The ensemble with guitar cimbalom, tabla and bass creates a special texture and brings a beautiful transparency to Ratko’s music.
John Riley, Jazz drummer and educator
Ratko Zjaca – is an award winning guitarist, composer and recording artist with 18 critically acclaimed recordings under his name, he has recorded and performed with some of the most influential musicians in jazz and modern improvisation music. He studied and graduated from Zagreb University. In his drive for the necessary knowledge and the enormous need for studies he sought his refuge in The Netherlands at the Rotterdam Conservatory, famous for its studies of modern music. . He also followed masterclasses and personal courses with Joe Pass, Jim Hall, Pat Metheny, Mick Goodrick, Mike Stern, Bo Brookmayer, John Abercrombie and many others. After completing his study at the Rotterdam Conservatory, he also studied at New York University School of Music.
Ratko Zjaca is known for his innovative style and versatility in blending various genres such as jazz and world music. He is highly respected in the jazz community for his improvisational skills and ability to craft complex, emotive compositions. Zjaca has collaborated with a many of renowned jazz artists, including John Patitucci, Al Foster, Steve Gadd , Miroslav Vitous , Reggie Workman, Antonio Sanchez, Adam Nussbaum, Randy Brecker , Jeff Tain Watts, John Riley, Trilok Gurtu , Marius Preda , Simone Zanchini and many others,showcasing his ability to adapt and interact with some of the top musicians in the field. Ratko has released 18 albums as a bandleader.
Zjaca’s guitar style is often characterized by its lyrical phrasing, harmonic sophistication, and technical proficiency adding his own distinct voice. Beyond his performance career, he has also contributed to music education, conducting workshops and masterclasses at many music academy’s all around the world.
Ratko Zjaca has performed at numerous international jazz festivals and venues in France, Austria, Germany, England, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Norway, Switzerland, Luxemburg, Croatia, Macedonia, Spain, Italy, Tunisia, Serbia, Montenegro, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Lebanon, Suriname, India, Brasil, Japan, USA etc. showcasing his versatile musical style and innovative approach to jazz.His collaborations often push the boundaries of traditional jazz, creating new and exciting musical experiences.
His new solo guitar album “Archtop Avenue” was chosen to be on the 33rd place of the best 100 jazz albums in 2023 selected for the “American Jazz Journalists Association”.
Ratko endorses Mirabella Guitars.
Ratko Zjaca is nominated for best jazz guitarist in South American El Intruso New Creative Music Critics Poll Award for 2010.
The CD “Don’t try this anywhere” has won the Orpheus Award for 2016 – the best Italian production for jazz music.
Ratko Zjaca receive The Award for achievement ,the authorship and artistic creation in jazz music from the Croatian Composer Society – 2019
Ratko received the European discography award for the artistic creation in jazz music from the biggest east European jazz festival-Nisville jazz Festival Organization 2021
Selected discography:
Ratko Zjaca Nocturnal Mission Quartet
“The Bag is Packed” – Benny Bailey Group
Ratko Zjaca Quartet “live” at jazz festival
“A Day in Manhattan” – Ratko Zjaca, Reggie Workman, Al Foster
“Live” – Reggie Workman and Jim Cobb Sextet
“Shades of Spirit”, Fretless Guitar Project – Ratko Zjaca and Stanislav Mitrovic
“Crossing The Border” – Ratko Zjaca, Stan Mitrovic, John Pattituci, Al Foster
“Continental Talk” – Ratko Zjaca, John Patitucci, Steve Gadd, Stan Mitrovic, Randy Brecker
“The Way We Talk” – Ratko Zjaca, Simone Zanchini, Adam Nussbaum, Martin Gjakonovski
“Now and Then” – Ratko Zjaca with Simone Zanchini, Miroslav Vitous, John Patitucci, Reggie Workman, Adam Nussbaum, Steve Gadd, Al Foster and others
“Beyond the Lines” – Ratko Zjaca, Simone Zanchini, Adam Nussbaum, Martin Gjakonovski
“Dont try this anywhere” – Ratko Zjaca,Simone Zanchini,John Patitucci,Adam Nussbaum and Stefano Bedetti
“Life on earth” – Ratko Zjaca with Antonio Sanchez,Renato Chicco and Stefano Bedetti
“Light in the world” – Ratko Zjaca with John Riley ,Renato Chicco and Stefano Bedetti
“The places you will go“ Ratko Zjaca with John Riley, Antonio Sanchez, Renato Chicco, Simone Zanchini, Miroslav Vitous, John Patitucci, Reggie Workman, Adam Nussbaum, Steve Gadd, Al Foster and others
“Midnight in Europe“ Live – Ratko Zjaca, Simone Zanchini, Adam Nussbaum, Martin Gjakonovski
“Archtop Avenue” – Ratko Zjaca solo guitar
“Touching minds” – Ratko Zjaca with Trilok Gurtu, Marius Preda and Nick McGuire
Roland Abreu – acoustic bass
Roland Abreu graduated from one of the most prestigious music conservatories in Cuba: the Guillermo Tomás Bouffartigues Conservatory in Havana. During his school years, he was a member of the Coro Azul choir, with which he participated in numerous festivals and competitions, such as the Cantorías Nacionales. He was also part of the school’s symphony orchestra, performing at the National Festival of Symphony Orchestras.
At the age of 15, he began performing in a jazz quintet with classmates, where he started experimenting with jazz and discovered his passion for improvisation and musical fusion.
He was later invited by renowned Cuban musician and composer Bobby Carcassés to join his band, a pivotal experience in his artistic development that allowed him to perform on numerous stages, especially at the prestigious Jazz Plaza Festival in Havana.
During his time in Cuba, he also had the opportunity to attend masterclasses with legendary trumpeter and educator Wynton Marsalis, which had a significant influence on his musical vision.
After moving to Poland, he continued his studies at the Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław, where he graduated with honors. He completed his classical music training under the guidance of the esteemed double bassist Irena Olkiewicz, and later completed his jazz studies with renowned bassist Jacek Niedziela-Meira. He had the opportunity to perform under the baton of conductors such as Tomasz Bugaj, Marek Pijarowski, Jacek Rogala, and Tadeusz Zathey. During his training, he also attended masterclasses with Roman Patkolo, Miloslav Gajdoš, and Miloslav Jelinek.
Since 2013, he has been a member of Habana Tradicional, a Cuban traditional music orchestra with which he performs a repertoire rooted in Afro-Cuban heritage, son, danzón, and other classical genres of Cuban musical tradition.
Currently, he tours Europe with his band Roland Abreu & The Cuban Latin Jazz, founded in 2017. As the leader, bassist, and composer of most of the repertoire, he has released two albums: Juntos por Siempre (2019) and Roots (2020), both well received on the European jazz scene. In 2021, the group collaborated with the Silesius Chamber Orchestra, performing symphonic arrangements of Roland’s original compositions in a unique fusion of Cuban jazz and classical music. The band has also had the honor of collaborating with acclaimed Puerto Rican saxophonist Miguel Zenón, one of the leading figures in contemporary Latin jazz.
Since 2017, he has also led a collaborative project with Cuban singer Yaremi Kordos, which began by reinterpreting traditional Cuban songs through a jazz lens and later evolved into a repertoire of original compositions.
He has performed at major jazz festivals such as: Borneo Jazz Festival, Jazz nad Odrą, Festival of Pianists in Kalisz, Krokus Jazz Festival, Jazz Bez, Art Jazz Cooperation, Women in Jazz, Vertigo Summer Jazz Festival, Nišville Jazz Festival, Festiwal Green Town of Jazz, and the International Summer Double Bass Academy and many others.
Joze Zadravec – drums
He studied jazz at the Carinthian State Conservatory in Klagenfurt, Austria, with Professors Erich Bachträgl and Klemens Marktl.
Collaboration with musicians and ensembles:
Simone Zanchini, Ratko Zjaca, Ton Risco, Martin Gjakonovski, Stefano Bedetti, Robert Bargard, Michael Erian, Karen Asatrian, Daniel Nösig, Gilad Barakan, Agostino Di Giorgio, Tonč Feinig, Reinhard Summerer, Primož Grašič, Vid Jamnik, Vasko Atanasovski, Maja Keuc, Aleksandra Ilijevski, Elda Viler, Olivija, Karin Zemljič, Ana Bezjak, Peter Lovšin, Tomo Jurak, Jure Ivanušič, Lidija Kodrič, Jaka Kopač, Milan Stanisavljevid, Boris Majcen, Grega Zver, Stane Hebar, Robert Ožinger, Luka Herman Gaiser, Samo Ivačič, Domen Gnezda, Anže Vrabec, Erik Čebokli.
Participation in workshops led by world-renowned musicians and tutors including:
Gregory Hutchinson, Willie Jones III, Billy Hart, Jimmy Cobb, Gary Bartz, Bob Mintzer, Armen Donelian, Don Menza.
Performances at numerous international festivals:
Nišville Jazz Festival (SRB), Osijek Summer of Culture (HR), The International Ethno Jazz Festival Karlovac (HR), Last Minute Jazz Festival Bale/Vale (HR), street festival Špancirfest Varaždin (HR), Swing Festival Zagreb (HR), Swing Festival Graz (AT), Sing mit uns/Sing with us (CH), Jazz unterm Baum/Jazz Under a Tree (AT), Swing Fest Bern (CH), Jazz in Lapidarium Poreč (HR).
Regular appearances at festivals in Slovenia:
Jazz Ravne, Avsenik Festival Begunje, Mozzajik Festival Velenje, Festival Lent Maribor, Jazz at CID Ptuj, Festival Arsana Ptuj, Festival Kanal Bohinj, Swing Festival BLED, Festival Godibodi Ljubljana, re:Pannonia Festival Križevci, PannoniAccordion Festival Murska Sobota, Soboško Poletje Murska Sobota, Trnfest Ljubljana, Slovenski Šanson Ljubljana.
Other performances at cultural events, national celebrations, and television and radio recordings:
Abroad: former cultural venue RAJ Klagenfurt (AT), Jazz Club Kammerlichtspiele Klagenfurt (AT), Le Pirate Rosenheim (DE), Wist (AT);
In Slovenia: The Križanke Summer Theatre, Cankarjev dom Cultural and Congress Centre, The Cankarjev dom Club, The Castle Ljubljanski Grad, The Slovene National Theatre Maribor, Gajo Ljubljana Jazz Club, Jazz Club Postojna (“Jazz hram”), Salon of Applied Arts Maribor, Wetrinsky Club Maribor, the cultural venue Prulček Ljubljana.