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Czarakcziew and the Jazz Cats

Czarakcziew and the Jazz Cats is a quartet that has been exploring the boundaries of jazz since 2020, adding a unique element of the cello to this fascinating musical narrative. Founded by cellist Paweł Czarakcziew, the group seamlessly fuses classical, film music, and avant-garde influences with modern jazz improvisation, resulting in an authentic yet refreshingly innovative sound.

The ensemble’s members are distinguished graduates of top music academies in Poland, recognized for their accomplishments in national and international competitions. Whether delivering original compositions or reimagining classic jazz standards, they exude synergy and spontaneity that captivate audiences. Their creative approach draws inspiration from pioneering figures like Fred Katz, Buddy Collette, and Chico Hamilton.

This distinctive style has drawn the attention of icons like John Densmore (The Doors), who lauded their work for integrating a traditionally classical instrument into a “swingin’ jazz ensemble.” The band’s commitment to breaking musical barriers led them to Los Angeles in 2023, where they recorded a project in homage to Fred Katz, bridging jazz history with contemporary exploration.

members:
Paweł Czarakcziew - cello
Przemysław Stefańczyk - piano
Mikołaj Sikora - double bass
Tomasz Starowicz - drums

Czarakcziew and the Jazz Cats: A Tribute to Fred Katz

by Pawel Czarakcziew
May 20, 2025

I've always thought that musicians (if they are sincere), draw from the same source. No matter what genre (classical, jazz, rock) they are in, it's the same well. In my book The Seekers--Meetings with Remarkable Musicians, I write a chapter on Fred Katz, my old college professor and more importantly, the cello player in the Chico Hamilton Jazz Quintet. You heard that correctly --a cello in a jazz setting. My young mind was blown by the way Prof Katz integrated ...

"My young mind was blown by the way Prof Katz integrated a traditionally classical instrument, into a swingin’ jazz ensemble. My mind has been blown again, by Pawel doing the same thing. His trio consists of musicians of the highest caliber. They are extremely tight, which is the key to any ensemble, whether it be a duet or a symphony orchestra." - John Densmore (The Doors)