Eli Bennett Quartet - Breakthrough: Live in Poland! Release date: May 23, 2026! (SJRecords 093)
New release on SJRecords – Eli Bennett Quartet - Breakthrough: Live in Poland! Out on May 23, 2026!
“Breakthrough: Live in Poland” is a unique live recording by Canadian saxophonist Eli Bennett, captured during the Jazz w Ruinach Festival 2024 in Gliwice, Poland. The album presents the artist in outstanding form – full of energy, improvisational freedom, and a modern approach to acoustic jazz, deeply rooted both in the tradition of the American mainstream and in the contemporary language of improvisation.
Joining him are outstanding Polish musicians:
- Paweł Tomaszewski – piano
- Robert Kubiszyn – double bass
- Paweł Dobrowolski – drums
The result of this international collaboration is music that is highly communicative, yet filled with virtuosity and the spontaneity of a live performance. This album perfectly captures the atmosphere of one special evening – the energy of the stage, the dialogue between the musicians, and the emotions of the audience gathered during one of the most remarkable editions of the Jazz w Ruinach Festival.
Eli Bennett is considered one of the most respected contemporary jazz musicians of his generation in Canada. The tenor saxophonist, composer, and producer has been nominated for Juno Awards, performed twice at the GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles, and shared the stage with legends including Oscar Peterson, Terrence Blanchard, and The Neville Brothers, while opening concerts for Herbie Hancock and McCoy Tyner. Among his many honors are the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award and a Leo Award for film music. He has also been recognized by the Crown on three occasions: the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
His debut album “Breakthrough” received international acclaim and was nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award in the Jazz Album of the Year category.
“Breakthrough: Live in Poland” is, however, much more than another live recording. It is a meeting of two worlds – the Canadian and Polish jazz scenes – and a document of a unique concert that is now being released officially for the very first time.
The album will be available on CD and on all streaming platforms.
