BIOGRAPHY
Mateusz Pulawski is a half-Dutch, half-Polish guitarist, composer, producer, and educator. He has been active in the Dutch and European (jazz) scenes for many years. In 2012, he completed his studies with honors at the WSJiMR Conservatory in Wrocław, Poland, and in 2016, he graduated with high honors from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
Pulawski (born 1991) stands out for his virtuoso playing and the freedom with which his compositions move. Sometimes captivated by Romanticism, the Polish-Dutch composer by no means avoids confrontation with challenging, sketchy improvisations. In the shelter of the jazz tradition, Pulawski doses his jazzy orchestral chord work with melodically pointed solos, his fabulous technique reminiscent of the legendary Wim Overgaauw.
Erno Elsinga, Jazzenzo, November 2017
photo: Nadia Pulawski
The moon is a recurring theme in his music. Mateusz therefore founded the Lunar Quartet, and with this group he released his debut album, "Half Moon Heart," in December 2014, which attracted the attention of the jazz press.
Guitarist Pulawski accompanies with beautiful chord work and a strong jazz feel. His solos are sharp and melodic, alternating single notes with harmonies.
Jan Jasper Tamboer, Het Parool, August 2014
As a bandleader, Mateusz Pulawski has released eight albums and three EPs to date, including "The 13th Heron," released in October 2020 (recorded and produced with YenTing Lo), which won the Golden Indie Music Award in Taiwan (the "Taiwanese Grammy") in 2021. Pulawski has also toured the Netherlands in recent years (including at 't Bimhuis, 't Concertgebouw, Paradox, LantarenVenster), Belgium, France, Germany, and Poland.
Since 2007, Mateusz has been teaching guitar, music theory, and later piano, bass guitar, and music production. He has worked for several music schools, cultural institutions, and as a private instructor in Amsterdam, The Hague, Haarlem, Hilversum, and Zeist, among others. He also leads band and vocal improvisation workshops. Read more about his teaching practice on the lessons subpage.
Moreover, Mateusz Pulawski has been very active in the field of sound, mixing, and recording engineering (also music production) since 2006—his other great passion. In 2015, he began offering this work professionally and commercially. One of his most recent albums, "The 13th Heron," showcases his many affiliations, particularly as a producer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist. In 2022, Pulawski finally opened his own studio, where he continues his productions.
Pulawski's inspirations include Clifford Brown, Fred Hersch, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Pat Metheny, Chris Potter, Brad Mehldau, Queen, Deep Purple, Frank Gambale, Bill Evans, Will Vinson, Sting, Avishai Cohen, Joey Calderazzo, Jeff Tain Watts, and Lage Lund.
Awards:
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Finalist 'Jazz Nad Odra 2012' jazz prize in Wroclaw, Poland
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Finalist 'Jazz Nad Odra 2013' jazz prize in Wroclaw, Poland
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First Prize at 'Jazz in Duketown' Competition 2013 with Esther Van Hees
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Semi-Finalist 'Keep en Eye International Jazz Award 2014' in Amsterdam
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Incentive Prize at 'Keep an Eye International Jazz Award 2015' in Amsterdam
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Third Prize at the 'Dortse Sena Jazz Prize 2015' in Dordrecht
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Golden Indie Music Award 2021 in Taiwan (“Taiwanese Grammy”) for “The 13th Heron”
Important Dutch venues where Pulawski performed:
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Bimhuis (Amsterdam)
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The Concertgebouw (Amsterdam)
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North Sea Jazz Club (Amsterdam)
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LantarenVenster (Rotterdam)
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Bird (Rotterdam)
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Paradox (Tilburg)
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Guitar salon (Enkhuizen)
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Brinkhuis (Laren)
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Cultural ship Thor (Zwolle)
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Miles (Amersfoort)
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Goethe Institute (Amsterdam)
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Goois Jazz Festival (Bussum)
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More Jazz Festival (Hoofddorp)
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Canal Festival (Amsterdam)
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Jazz Day/ Injazz (Rotterdam)
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Big Rivers Festival (Dordrecht)
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Jazz in the Canal Festival (The Hague)
Drive and an irresistible experience. This music, which can be classified as acoustic jazz, is a pure stream of emotions amplified by the quartet's skillful playing on a deeply grounded structure. Based on respect for tradition, the shared vision elevates to freedom of expression and interpretation. This interplay breaks through all existing conventions and connects improvising musicians with the audience, enriching both sides.
Mateusz about his quartet
