Skalpel: a wide-ranging set in the electroacoustic sound of the duo associated with Ninja Tune

From the outset, Marcin Cichy and Igor Pudło painstakingly created sonic mosaics, sampling cult Polish and Eastern European jazz recordings and giving them exciting new life. DJ Vadim loved their ideas, leading to a shared tour and the “Polish Jazz” demo, which immediately attracted Britain’s famous Ninja Tune. Skalpel sounded fresh and extraordinarily mature, their erudite music, underpinned by unease, challenging rather than lulling listeners.

The “Sculpture” EP appeared in 2003, followed by the full-length “Skalpel” a year later. Both were enormously successful, regularly appearing in album-of-the-year polls and receiving prestigious nominations worldwide. They are considered among the decade’s finest records. Skalpel revived interest in somewhat forgotten Polish jazz of the 1960s and 1970s, with fans worldwide patiently identifying samples and hunting recordings by Krzysztof Komeda and Novi Singers.

“Konfusion” appeared in 2005, earning an excellent reception from audiences, critics and the jury of the prestigious Paszporty Polityki awards, who recognised the band’s free and creative crossing of musical boundaries. The “Simple” EP followed in May 2014, and “Transit”, full of atmospheric, sophisticated electronics, on 10 October. Skalpel also returned to the stage, radically changing the format of their shows. The memorable performance at Wrocław’s Eter club promoting both releases has become legendary.

Marcin and Igor currently present their music using sequencers and synthesisers, accompanied on drums by the talented Rafał Dutkiewicz, a permanent member of the live line-up. Radek Janicki, well known in Wrocław as Luminator, generates the visuals.

November's Stary Klasztor concert is the finest opportunity to encounter the legend anew. The Wrocław duo already have their place in the pantheon of global electronica, but refuse to rest on their laurels, adding new chapters to music history. See you in November!

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