Pianist and composer Kristina Barta introduces her international quartet, featuring the acclaimed Jure Pukl.

Album Release Date: October 10, 2023

In 2022, pianist Kristina Barta assembled her quartet, a pivotal decision spurred by her experience performing at Jazzahead! in 2021. This transformation encompassed both her composition style and the selection of her band members. During this period, she embarked on a quest for a new label, ultimately finding her artistic home with the Austrian label Alessa Records and establishing a new partnership with Second Records.

Barta elaborates on her latest endeavour, stating, “This album embodies a progressive evolution in my music, inspired by the resonance of acoustic sound and reflective of my newfound sense of personal freedom. It also explores the intricate emotions stemming from the ceaseless exploration of questions and the discovery of answers”.

The line-up for “Endless Questions and Answers” represents an exciting blend of longstanding musical partnerships, including her husband, the drummer Marek Urbánek, as well as a new connection with one of the Czech and Slovakian music scene's finest bass players, Peter Korman. A pivotal moment in Kristina's musical journey is her collaboration with the internationally acclaimed tenor saxophonist, Jure Pukl, a Slovenian musician now based in New York. Pukl’s fresh and highly professional approach played a crucial role in the creation of this outstanding album. This collaboration with one of the jazz world’s luminaries injected international energy into the entire band, leaving a profound impact on the recording process for all musicians involved in the studio. Pukl, a bandleader known for his collaborations with esteemed musicians like Joe Sanders and Kendrick Scott, infuses the album with his unmistakable sound. His captivating solos, particularly in tracks like “Losses”, stand out as the defining moments of this recording.

Barta’s songwriting serves as a poignant reflection of her emotions, stemming from her profound and impactful experiences. It not only delves into her personal inner world but also offers a glimpse into her perspective on life in our interconnected global society. In her poignant solo performance within the song “Break Through Some Border”, she expressed the feeling of breaking down mental barriers to discover the radiant light beyond.

With her current quartet, Barta has discovered the perfect canvas to paint her artistic vision, creating an enriching musical journey for both her and her listeners.

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Track listing:

Break Through Some Border

The One Who Believes

No Time Ritual

Everything’s Changed

Without Anxiety

Fictional Trips

It Is a Folly To Take Comfort In The Past

Losses

Impro D19

Personnel:

Kristina Barta, piano

Jure Pukl, tenor saxophone

Peter Korman, bass

Marek Urbánek, drums

 Production Credits:

Produced by Kristina Barta

Recorded on March 19th and 20th, 2023, at Sono Doupě Records in Nouzov, Czechia

Recording Engineer: Adam Karlík

Mixed by Matias Kiiveri / Hollywood House Studios, Finland

Mastered by Pauli Saastamoinen / Finnvox Studios, Finland

Photography by Michal Kubelka

Graphic Design by Zuzana Malá

All compositions © 2023 Kristina Barta (OSA)

 Links:

Website: https://www.kristinabarta.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinabarta

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristina_barta/