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Bodek Janke

Bodek Janke is one of today´s most sought after drummers and percussionists of the international jazz and world music scenes. His unique and outstanding way of playing the drums, Indian tabla and various percussion instruments has given him opportunities to collaborate with Yo-Yo Ma, Lars Danielsson, Bill Evans, Bobo Stenson, Leszek Możdżer, Gilad Hekselman, Nuria Rial, the WDR, NDR & HR Radio Bigbands, Jasper van´t Hof, Kinan Azmeh, Kristjan Randalu, Petros Klampanis, Tarek Yamani, the Turtle Island & Atom String Quartets, and many others.

Dubbed as ´a master of many dialects´ by New York´s drum legend John Riley, Bodek´s distinctive sound was recorded on more than 200 albums as a sideman. He has also recorded 10 albums under his own name.

His current quartet, SONG, with its first released recording in 2019 has already spread enthusiasm among international audiences; with the second album, SONG2 to be released in February 2020. It features the Namibian vocalist Shishani Vranckx, Estonian pianist Kristjan Randalu, British bassist Philip Donkin, the Atom String Quartet from Poland, plus guest appearances of saxophonist Bill Evans, guitarist Gilad Hekselman and trumpeter Sebastian Studnitzky.

Besides his travels and work as a musician, Bodek writes music for large ensembles & orchestras. A snippet from his first symphonic piece The Mantra Suite was premiered and critically acclaimed in March 2019 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Source: Stan Kelberg

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Bodek Janke Drums tabla Berlin percussion Groove drummer jazz drummer odd meter World Music

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”Infectious groove” — ALL ABOUT JAZZ

“Above-average. A magic moment of improvised music. Janke makes drums and cymbals sing.” — SUEDKURIER

“The brilliant percussionist Bodek Janke was inspired and thrilling throughout the performance.” — LONDON JAZZ NEWS

“Bodek is a great drummer and percussionist: subtle, groovy and precise.” — DJANGO BATES

“Pure rhythm... a dazzling representation of jazz.” — MAIN POST

“Janke’s drumming is a masterpiece, his distinct and emotional playing is surpassing.” — BERND KONRAD

“A drummer of the highest category.” — WESTFÄLISCHE NACHRICHTEN

“Janke is truly among the good ones...” — JAZZPAGES

“Bodek is making his own rules and that´s a good way to go.” — PETER ERSKINE

“This is truly a musical masterpiece! Fantastic drumming.” — WOLFGANG HAFFNER

Michael Brecker
saxophone, tenor

Vinnie Colaiuta
drums

Trilok Gurtu
tablas

Zakir Hussain
tablas

Al Jarreau
voice / vocals

Bobby McFerrin
voice / vocals

Dave Weckl
drums

Joe Zawinul
keyboards

Dennis Chambers
drums

Manolo Badrena
percussion

Photos

Albums

Recent Releases

Album SONG2 by Bodek Janke

SONG2

Dreyer Gaido
2020

Album SONG by Bodek Janke

SONG

Dreyer Gaido
2018

Folksongs 2

Trios Enoteca
2013

Album Live by Bodek Janke

Live

Jazz'N'Arts Records
2008

Album Grupa Janke Randalu - live by Bodek Janke

Grupa Janke Randalu -...

Unknown label
2008

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voice / vocals

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