songwriter
Star of Piwnica pod Baranami, Agata Ślazyk’s New Album and Tour:
DON'T LET YOURSELF BE EATEN
(NIE DAJ SIĘ ZJEŚĆ)
Her concert set list is mingled with Piwnica pod Baranami classics and new songs from her upcoming album. The concert runs over an hour and contains a mix of dynamic rock pieces and subtle lyrical ballads. The meaty guitar arrangements of Agata’s songs may surprise even some seasoned jazz musicians.
A fresh take on standards with composer and pianist, Tomek Kmiecik, who accompanies Agata on stage. Simple, direct and strong lyrics. There are also a few carefully selected covers in the performance. This allows the artist to present the full spectrum of her emotions and her exceptional range, from ballads to dynamic rock anthems. From self-irony to protest songs. And all without even a hint of in-authenticity or showmanship.
Plenty of Agata’s trademark staples, some important some playful, are included in the program. During the concert the artist shares engaging and humorous details associated with particular tracks and her creative process.
“I have known Agata for many years and have witnessed how the rebellion evident in this album has been growing in her for a long time, to finally break through her shyness. The way this is manifested is surprisingly consistent in form and uncompromising in content.”
Tomasz Kmiecik, composer, pianist at Piwnica pod Baranami
“There is something I admire in your work, Agata, in your singing. Your guitar sings along with you. It is simple, ascetic, and restrained in its delivery. I love this in music. Your singing has a lot in common with American folk music. But the most beautiful thing is that you sing who you are, you sing what you really feel. This is sincere, real and remarkable.”
Antoni Krupa, musician, composer, music critic at Radio Cracow
“The album, NIE DAJ SIĘ ZJEŚĆ recorded by Piwnica pod Baranami’s graceful artist is a surprise. It is a brave effort – Agata decided to show herself without any musical enhancements or decorations. Only herself, her voice and her guitar. The guitar sounds like rock at times! We have here the full range of her emotional and musical abilities in order to analyze her work. The guitar sounds perfect, the voice, sometimes strong, sometimes delicate, leave no doubt about the purity of her sound. Also, there is no lack of emotion, some melancholy, and anger, distance and irony. Simply excellent material.”
Teresa Drozda, Polish Radio (Program 3 and RDC) journalist and an editor of a poetic song review portal STREFA PIOSENKI