LEMPLUGGED / Premiere

LEMPLUGGED is a new musical experiment by Lublin guitarist Grzegorz Lesiak, who collaborates with the six-member vocal group Ruty from the Low Beskids, known for traditional Lemko songs, with Katarzyna Karpowicz, who experiments with the sound of the Japanese koto, and with renowned trumpeter and composer Piotr Damasiewicz. The project merges the history of songs, the gritty sound of avant-garde rock, jazz, and free trumpet, guitar, and koto improvisation, challenging the musicians to explore and create unique sounds.

The artistic vision of this collaboration allows for storytelling in an original manner, focusing on the universal cycle of human life in harmony with nature. Through their compositions, the musicians immerse listeners in a world of emotional narratives, crafting eclectic magic that fuses different musical traditions and styles.

Ensemble:

Joanna Zając – voice
Iwona Iskra Krynicka – voice
Marlena Moździńska – voice
Małgorzata Lewek – voice
Izabela Weiner – voice
Małgorzata Kural-Mech – voice
Katarzyna Karpowicz – koto
Grzegorz Lesiak – guitar
Piotr Damasiewicz – trumpet, melodica

GRZEGORZ LESIAK is an acclaimed guitarist, composer, and producer from Lublin, actively involved in the cultural life of the region. From 1998-2003, he was part of key folk bands like Orkiestra św. Mikołaja and Ania z Zielonego Wzgórza. He won the “New Tradition” award in 2001 and has organized numerous international tours. He has released 13 albums, including work under the American label Cuneiform and Polish labels. Lesiak is also the founder of the Muzyka Ucha Trzeciego festival, collaborating with many avant-garde artists. He initiated projects such as “Wieża Mistrzów” and the band Tatvamasi. Since 2022, he has led the Grzegorz Lesiak Essence band and works with Piotr Damasiewicz in the L.A.S. Listening and Sounding foundation to promote new artistic connections.

PIOTR DAMASIEWICZ is a trumpeter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist who travels the world collaborating with leading jazz musicians. He completed studies in trumpet, double bass, piano, and conducting. His music spans genres from jazz to ethnic and experimental music. Damasiewicz has recorded over 20 albums and leads the L.A.S. Listening and Sounding foundation and publishing house.

RUTY is a female vocal ensemble founded in 2017 under the guidance of Julia Doszna. Currently comprising ten members, the group explores and revives traditional Lemko songs, focusing on lesser-known pieces. The group rehearses in the Maziarska Homestead Museum in Łosie, practicing authentic singing techniques. Ruty has released their first album, “Pieśni kobiet,” and an upcoming one, “Meryndia.” Collaborating with Lesiak and Damasiewicz, Ruty continues their mission of reviving forgotten songs, blending tradition with modernity.

KATARZYNA KARPOWICZ is an instrumentalist and improviser. She graduated in Japanese studies, specializing in Japanese aesthetics, and studied koto with Michiyo Yagi and gagaku music with shō under Kō Ishikawa during government scholarships in Tokyo. While performing traditional compositions is a significant part of her work, her own artistic voice is influenced by contemporary music, Japan’s avant-garde scene, noise, free improvisation, and onkyo. She places traditional instruments in new contexts and genres, exploring extended techniques and enriching soundscapes with vocals, electronics, and other instruments. She has worked with musicians like Michael Zerang, Piotr Damasiewicz, and Lutto Lento and regularly performs with butoh dancers.