Ksawery Wójciński is an absolutely compelling double bassist. Whether he is performing solo or with others, from the very first note played, you get the overwhelming impression that these sounds were meant to be heard here and now, that in this particular situation it would be impossible to imagine anything different. Xhosa Cole is undoubtedly enjoying the status of a new star in British jazz, and there is every indication that he will shine brightly in this firmament for many years to come, as his creative zenith is still ahead of him. Is this the most surprising duo of the year?

Regarding the upcoming concert, the double bassist says: “This is our first performance together, initiated by Piotr Turkiewicz, the driving force behind Jazztopad Festival. We have no prior arrangements; the idea behind this meeting is to discover each other in real time. I don’t even want to study Xhosa Cole’s work too closely, so as not to have any associations or be influenced by anything. I believe it will be a very good, spontaneous, and thoughtful meeting.” Wójciński grew up in a family of musicians. For years, he was a member of the now legendary band Hera, which he formed with Wacław Zimpel, Paweł Postaremczak and Paweł Szpura. He has also collaborated with Nicole Mitchell, Uri Caine, Charles Gayle, Hamid Drak, and Michael Zerang. His versatility has enabled him to become a pillar of projects creatively developing ideas drawn from Polish (and other) traditional music. From time to time, he also writes and performs songs, and the albums showcasing this side of his personality are certainly worthy of attention.

The other half of the duo is an intriguing figure. Xhosa Cole grew up in Birmingham, where he completed his music studies, and at twenty-two he was named a BBC Young Musician of the Year. Today – still under thirty – he has three solo albums to his name. His recording debut, K(no)w Them, K(no)w Us (2021), features brilliant versions of songs by Ornette Coleman, Woody Shaw, Lee Morgan, and Tadd Dameron. Here, you can already hear Cole’s respect for jazz history and maturity, on the one hand, and an incredible ease, reminiscent of James Carter’s style – if only Carter had that warm Joe Henderson sound. The second album, Ibeji (2022), is a series of duets with drummers of African descent who not only play but also discuss the nature of rhythm, the origins of clave, and the social significance of music. The third and most recent album, On A Modern Genius Vol. 1 (2025), is filled with haunting versions of songs by Thelonious Monk, for whom Xhosa Cole holds immense respect.