Kroke ("Cracow" in Yiddish) was formed in 1992 by three friends: Tomasz Kukurba, Jerzy Bawoł and Tomasz Lato. The band, initially associated solely with klezmer music, in their current works draw inspiration from ethnic music using their own improvisations.
This way they create their unique style which floates across borders, forms and time, which was not only noticed by the audience, but also appreciated by artists around the world.
Steven Spielberg, delighted with Kroke's concert, invited the band to Jerusalem to perform at Survivors Reunion ceremony. Thanks to Peter Gabriel the band took part in WOMAD Festival in the United Kingdom. 'The Secrets of The Life Tree' piece, performed by Kroke, featured on the soundtrack of David Lynch's movie Inland Empire. The meeting of Kroke and Nigel Kennedy resulted in a joint work – the 'East Meets East' album. In recent years the band also collaborated with Anna Maria Jopek, Edyta Geppert, Maja Sikorowska, Norwegian band Tindra, Spanish violinist Diego Galaz, Mongolian singer Urna Chahar-Tugchi and Sinfonietta Cracovia orchestra. They appeared on the most prestigious music festivals around the world.
Kroke is celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year (2017). In March they released a new album 'Traveller'. As the musicians say: "Kroke is a traveller who for 25 years not only enjoys excursions but also learns a lesson from them and strives to share it with others. So, welcome to the travel around Kroke's quarter century's experience of musical space through listening to our new album".
Band:
Tomasz Kukurba – viola
Jerzy Bawoł – accordion
Tomasz Lato – double bass
Discography:
2017 - "25 The Best Of" 2017 - "Traveller" 2016 - "Box: Ten" 2016 - "Ten" - reedition 2015 - "Cabaret of Death" 2014 - "Ten" 2012 - "Feelharmony" 2011 - "Avra" – Maja Sikorowska & KROKE 2009 - "Out of Sight" 2006 - "Śpiewam życie" - E.Geppert & KROKE (released in Europe in 2007 as "I Sing Life") 2004 - "Quartet – Live At Home" 2003 - "East Meets East – Nigel Kennedy & KROKE" 2003 - "Ten Pieces To Save The World" 1999 - "Sounds of the Vanishing World" 1998 - "Live at The Pit" 1997 - "Eden" 1996 - "Trio"