Krzak
Krzak is one of the most important bands in the history of Polish music – a group that, in the second half of the 1970s, created its own unmistakable musical language, combining blues-rock energy with jazz-rock virtuosity. The band became known for performing exclusively instrumental music, earned two gold records, and permanently changed the face of the Polish guitar scene.
The first incarnation of Krzak was formed in 1972 in Katowice, but the band’s true history began in 1975, when Jan Błędowski, Jerzy Kawalec, Leszek Winder, and Janusz Ziomber created a new formation that quickly adopted the name Krzak. From their earliest concerts, the group impressed audiences with energy, precision, and a unique sound based on the dialogue between violin and guitar.
In the following years, Krzak became one of the most important live bands in Poland. They performed at major festivals – Jazz nad Odrą, Pop Session, Rock Jamboree – as well as on international stages, receiving excellent reviews in, among others, West Germany and Czechoslovakia.
At the beginning of the 1980s, Krzak was at the peak of its popularity. The band earned two gold records for the albums Blues Rock Band and Kawa Blues, recorded the cult albums Paczka and Krzak’i, and their concerts were considered among the most spectacular in the country.
During this time, outstanding musicians passed through the lineup, including Ryszard Skibiński, Apostolis Anthimos, Leszek Dranicki, Jorgos Skolias, and guest performers such as Ryszard Riedel, Krzesimir Dębski, Antoni Gralak, Wojciech Karolak, and Józef Skrzek.
After the death of Ryszard Skibiński in 1983, the band suspended its activity.
In 2001, Krzak returned in a legendary lineup: Błędowski – Winder – Kawalec – Ryszka, recording the live album Live in Waltrop. After the death of Jerzy Kawalec, the activity was interrupted again, but the musicians continued collaborating in the Błędowski–Winder Band project, recording the award-winning album 3 Numer.
Since 2006, Krzak has been active in an open formula, touring and recording with various musicians. In 2008, the album Extrim was released, and in 2011 the album 4 Basy, recorded with the participation of four outstanding bassists. For this release, the band received a Fryderyk award.
On October 13, 2025, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary, the Krzak Star was unveiled on Staromiejska Street in Katowice, commemorating the band and its contribution to the region’s musical culture. The event was supported by the City of Katowice. On the same day, the concert “50 Years with Krzak” took place, and an expanded reissue of the debut album Blues Rock Band was released.
Krzak’s output includes several dozen studio, live, and compilation albums, including:
- Blues Rock Band (1981) – gold record
- Kawa Blues (1981) – gold record
- Paczka (1983)
- Krzak’i (1983)
- Ostatni koncert (1987)
- Extrim (2008)
- 4 Basy (2011) – Fryderyk award
- Experience (2013)
- Blues Rock Band + bonus tracks (2025)
The full discography also includes numerous singles, EPs, compilations, and live recordings documenting different stages of the band’s activity.
The band members are:
- Jan Błędowski – violin
- Andrzej Ryszka – drums
- Leszek Winder – guitar
The band remains active, touring and recording, and its music continues to inspire new generations. Krzak is not just a legend – it is a living history of Polish blues and jazz-rock that still resonates with full force.
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