As a bassist, composer and group leader, he is one of the key figures in Lithuanian jazz. His virtuoso bass playing is distinguished for exceptional sensuousness and melodic richness. The bass in his hands can act as a sensitive rhythmic background and a responsive companion to other instruments, as an authoritative leader, as a narrator and a lyric character. As for his original compositions, he is best known for gripping romantic ballads. He made his debut in 1981 with the Vladimir Chekasin Quartet (Chekasin was his teacher). Since then he has performed with many musicians coming from different musical backgrounds. In 1997 he made his debut as a leader with Leonid Shinkarenko Jazz 4 that later became a basis for his other formations, such as Jazz 5 and Jazz 7. All of them perform his original compositions. He currently plays with his own bands and appears with the Lithuanian Jazz Trio and Dainius Pulauskas Group. Besides performing and composing, he also teaches and organises the annual Nida Jazz Festival.
Jūratė Kučinskaitė
Website:www.jazztrio.lt
