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Fran Kursztejn

Southern writer, filmmaker, & jazz freak.

About Me

I'm a writer and filmmaker based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Most of the time, I write about a variety of new and old films that have somehow piqued my interest, along with fiction and creative writing for a number of online literary magazines. I'm also a terminal jazz addict. Always have been, since I was twelve and my grandfather played me all those “Genius of Charlie Parker” records. I also offer commissions on musician bios, liner notes, press releases, and copywriting needs. If you like what I write here, and are interested in work for your group, label, or publication, you can reach me at [email protected]. Shoot me a message, I always love talking jazz with new friends.

My Articles | Year End Picks | Album Reviews
My preferred album format: CD/Vinyl

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My Jazz Story

My grandfather, Wojciech Kursztejn, was a (very minor) trumpet player in Kraków from 1965-1968. His professional days were long behind him by the time I was born, but his devotion and admiration for the music never ceased, and eventually trickled down to me. He loved the Americans -- Davis, Coltrane, Ella & Billie -- about as much as he revered the more local Komeda and Stanko. Through him, I became enamored by the global history of the music I loved so much, then reflected in the history of New York and the performers still up and running in the late '00s. I count myself enormously lucky to have had his corrupting influence so early in life, and anything I write here and elsewhere is forever dedicated to his memory.