Joanna Knitter Blues & Folk Connection - Aretha (2020)

Joanna Knitter is acclaimed singer who works in many musical styles. As a lecturer at the Academy of Music in Gdansk (a jazz dump, jazz improvised, interpretation of the song, interpretation of the literary text with the diction) is also an excellent teacher for himself. The singer, gaining popularity and recognition, gives concerts at the biggest music festivals in Poland and in the world (from Gevarenwinkel Blues & Roots Festival and Rawa Blues to Rockabilly Day, Baltic Music Festival or jazz festivals in Sopot and Krakow). Her discography includes eight albums, of which "Jo & Lazy Fellow - My Own Place", "Przemek Dyakowski: Take It Easy - Swing", "The Sound of Christmas" (with the Polish Chamber Philharmonic under the direction of Wojciech Rajski), "Love Songs" (with Leszek Kulakowski) and three albums with an author's band from Blues & Folk Connection gained an excellent reception of fans.

Her band Blues & Folk Connection is a project that draws on the “ roots” – the tradition of American music of the beginning of the 20th century, not avoiding exploration among contemporary sounds. The ensemble consists of musicians with different personalities, coming from other musical cultures: the drummer Piotr Góra, jazz double bassist Adam Zuchowski, versatile pianist Artur Jurek and guitarist Krzysztof Paul. Joanna Knitter leads this excellent band, with which she has made three albums so far: Cruel, Cruel World, Hard Times and the latest "Aretha". “This album is my blues tribute to the First Lady of Soul,” says Joanna Knitter. Aretha Franklin was a musical genius. Her technique, color and great plasticity of voice were a phenomenon. The passion and emotions she put into each song – whether it was a musical hit, jazz standard or gospel song. Whatever she sang, she gave her all of herself to it, and she could turn even a banal piece into a masterpiece. This album is my blues tribute to First Lady Soul.”