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Szymon Mika

Szymon Mika (pronounced Shi-mon) – one of the most talented guitarists of young generation/composer/educator, prizewinner of International Jarek Śmietana Jazz Guitar Competition, Grand Prix Jazz Nad Odrą and many more.

Recognized for great technique and sound he also delights audience with uncommon maturity. Great personalities such as Peter Bernstein, Mike Stern and John Abercrombie have expressed their admiration for his talent.

Szymon has played on numerous national and international festivals (for example Montreux Jazz Festival, Jazz Fest Wien) and participated in many jazz workshops.

In 2016 he graduated with master degree from Music Academy in Katowice, he continued his studies in Basel at Jazz Campus. In 2017-2018 he participated in Fousyear program where he was working on music and performing with Avishai Cohen, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Dave Holland, Mark Turner, Joshua Redman to name a few.

On daily basis he shares the stage with top Polish jazz musicians, being a part of original music projects. He also composes original music, which has so far been included on 8 albums including two – “Unseen” and “Togetherness” – recorded with an original trio with Ziv Ravitz and Max Mucha. In addition, he has been a part of more than 20 albums as a session musician, and also performs and composes music for films.

Awards

First Prize at the Jarek Śmietana International Jazz Guitar Competition (2015)
Special Award at the Bielska Zadymka Jazzowa Festival (2015)
Special Award at the Krokus Jazz Festival (2014)
Grand Prix at the Grupa Azoty Jazz Contest with the original project Pałka/Mika Quartet, and Special Award for Outstanding Talent (2013)
1st Prize at the Young Best Jazz competition with the band Organ Spot, and an honorable mention for Best Soloist (2012)
2nd Prize at the 5th Azoty Tarnów International Jazz Contest with Organ Spot (2012)
Grand Prix – Jazz Personality at the Jazz on the Odra Festival (2012)

Gear

Szymon uses handcrafted guitar made by master luthiers Stefan Schottmuller, Jakob Biehler, Jacek Śliwa and many more.

Tags

"On guitar, the real sensation and discovery of the festival – Szymon Mika (...) A perfection in attention to detail, flawlessly executed improvisation, a strong blues background, freedom across all registers with brilliant nuances in phrasing. (...) I must admit, I haven’t heard jazz guitar like this in Poland (when it comes to our musicians) in a long time!"

– Jazz Forum

"In the last decade Mika managed to create a substantial recording legacy, which includes over two dozen albums, recorded as leader, co-leader and sideman, firmly establishing his position as one of the leaders of the young Polish Jazz generation, an impressive composer and highly talented performer."