The love for improvised music and a dream to have his own band have been a part of Piotr Budniak’s life as long as he can remember. The vision which was born in his youth quickly came into fruition and he debuted on the professional jazz scene at the age of 15. Together with his first band, Piotr Budniak Quintet, he won second place at one of the most prestigious Polish jazz competitions – Jazz Juniors.

The continuation of his youthful dreams, however, gained real momentum during his studies at the Academies of Music in Katowice and Krakow. This was where, in 2014, he gathered around him the most distinctive sounding jazz improvisers of his generation, he founded Piotr Budniak Essential Group.

Piotr Budniak Essential Group performed at many festivals in Poland, and also gave concerts in Czech Republic, Hungary and Ukraine.

Over the years, the group has collaborated with many renowned artists, such as: Peter Evans, Piotr Wojtasik, Jacques Kuba Sequin, David Dorůžka, Adam Kowalewski, Michal Sobierajski. The band performs Piotr’s original compositions balancing on the borderline of contemporary jazz, indie, film and improvised music, successfully combining high artistic quality which is easy on the listener.

Wojciech Lichtański – saxophones & flute

Kajetan Borowski – piano

Piotr Narajowski – double bass

Piotr Budniak – drums