Alice Zawadzki, Fred Thomas, Misha Mullov-Abbado
Biography Alice Zawadzki, Fred Thomas, Misha Mullov-Abbado
Fred Thomas
who has been called a “boundary-blurring composer and improviser” by Gramophone magazine, made his leader-debut for the label on ECM’s New Series with the recording of Bach transcriptions for violin, violoncello and piano on 2021’s Three Or One, alongside Aisha Orazbayeva and Lucy Railton. In connection with that album, BBC Music Magazine said he “has consolidated his credentials as an illuminating, idiosyncratic Bachian.” A much sought-after pianist with qualities on a wide array of additional instruments, Fred also appears on the label as part of Elina Duni’s group, captured on Lost Ships and A Time To Remember, with contributions on piano and drums. Among his various collaborations beyond the trio with Alice and Misha, Fred regularly plays with the South African cellist Abel Selaocoe.
Misha Mullov-Abbado
The Guardian has suggested that the London-based jazz bass player, composer and arranger Misha Mullov-Abbado’s “composing talents and his propulsive bass-playing are currently such hot UK jazz news”, and the bassist’s prolific output with a variety of artists in seemingly disparate genres emphasize his many talents in any given context. He has released leader recordings for Edition records and collaborated with the likes of Tim Garland, Rob Luft, the violinist Viktoria Mullova (who is his mother) and more. Za Górami marks his first time recording for ECM.
Alice Zawadzki
Dubbed “a force to be reckoned with,” and “loosely connected to the jazz world but realistically inhabiting her own realm” by CLASH magazine, London-based vocalist, composer and violinist Alice Zawadzki has made a mark on the improvised music scene. Trained in jazz singing and composition as well as having completed studies in classical violin at the Royal Northern College of Music, Zawadzki’s stylistic grasp bridges gaps between genres and idioms. Her rich musical background and “whimsical hyper-creativity” (MOJO Magazine) draw upon her early exposure to New Orleans jazz and gospel, the extensive classical training as a violinist, and a continuous exploration of improvisation, poetry, and folk music from diverse traditions. Her trio collaboration with Fred Thomas and Misha Mullov-Abbado has been her main vehicle for the past couple of years – reviewing their live show in 2024, London Jazz News called them “a ‘supergroup’ trio of mesmerising intensity".
