Composer and flutist Damjan Krajacic is an artist characterized by a unique sound in his work that reflects a blend of styles and a naturally rhythmic yet lyrical performance.
A native of Zagreb, Croatia, Damjan holds a Master of Music degree from the California State University Los Angeles in Afro-Latin Music. He studied Charanga, Jazz, Brazilian and Classical flute with the world-renowned flutist Danilo Lozano in addition to studying Jazz flute with the award-winning flutist and composer James Newton. He has performed and/or recorded with such renowned artists as Barbara Morrison, Claudia Acuña, Poncho Sanchez, Coky Garcia, Joey De Leon, Serge Kasimoff, Rigoberto Lopez, Robert Thies, Matija Dedic, Paul De Castro, and Eldad Tarmu, among others.
With three CD releases under his name, Damjan is beginning to show the diversity of his compositional and stylistic approach. Damjan's first release "In Retrospect", features seven original compositions and two re-touched standards that contribute Eastern European charm to Latin Jazz. The record features an all-star Cuban rhythm section and grooves from beginning to end.
Damjan’s second collaborative release “Difference”, with pianist Robert Thies, features passionate, delicate and highly original music for flute and piano that combines Classical music and Jazz with influences of various world music. The individual tunes started mostly as lead sheets, some developing into complex forms with beautiful introductions, and extensive and inspired improvisations. The music speaks lyricism and nuance in contrast to the groove-packed “In Retrospect”.
Damjan’s most recent release “Glide” speaks, swings, and grooves. It is Damjan’s most ambitious project to date with carefully selected compositions and thoughtful arrangements. The songs reflect Afro-Brazilian, Jazz, Cuban, Funk and Eastern European compositional and stylistic influences. The music is diverse and yet it is thematically and sonically unified. The result is a mix of highly organic and original work that is at the same time as dedicated to the groove as it is to the subtleties and delicateness of the music.
As described in a review by Cantus Magazine, “Damjan expresses himself with extreme ease, successfully builds his own style defined by the immediacy, intensity, quality and sophistication of sound, gentle, warm and rounded sonority, clean intonation, likeable and fluid phrasing, sophisticated alterations between softness and forcefulness, lyricism, and persistence within the melodic structure. He is strong and powerful in fast tempos, while in slower ones achieves an impressive and introverted lyricism. His improvisations are inspired, lively and refined.”
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