Gordon Haskell | The Orchestral Sessions

He has been present on the music scene for 50 years as a vocalist, bassist and songwriter. The calm, intimate atmosphere of his works keeps seducing listeners around the world. In his low, warm, slightly hoarse voice, Gordon Haskell sings honestly about his thoughts and experiences. Now his voice will sound in the company of the instruments of the Szczecin Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra of the Philharmonic while his compositions arranged by Jacek Kita.

Gordon Haskell released his first solo album, ‘Sail In My Boat’ in 1969, and a year later, at the instigation of his school friend Robert Fripp, he joined King Crimson. Although this cooperation was short, as it lasted only 9 months, resulted in the recording of one of the best records in the output of the band. Namely the album ‘Lizard’, which also considered one of the best records of the progressive rock genre. Haskell, however, knew that this was not his way: "personal and musical honesty did not allow him to stay," as it is mentioned on the artist's website.

Haskell had already been influenced by the works of such artists as Ray Charles, Nat King Cole and J.J. Cale. On this ground, he developed his own style, to which he remained faithful for the decades to come. Over the years, he has gathered a considerable collection of life and professional experience. His compositions are mostly ballads with elements of blues, jazz, folk and country music, among other things hence associations with the sound of Leonard Cohen and Chris Rea. It was thanks to one of the ballads that he gained worldwide publicity. The single ‘How Wonderful You Are’ recorded in the first approach, appeared in 2001 and became one of the most-played songs on BBC Radio 2 at the request of listeners. It is extremely important for Gordon Haskell that the audience noticed his work especially in times when the music market is dominated by large labels.

Responding to the needs of the Szczecin concert, Haskell's songs will be orchestrated by Jacek Kita: pianist, composer and arranger of many concerts and musicals (including ‘Bagdad Café’ directed by Krystyna Janda and ‘Reincarnations’ by Ciechowski), who studied composition in Krzysztof Penderecki's class at the Music Academy in Krakow. An intriguing issue is how the original Haskell song, which seems to be primarily the work that gives listeners sincere, authentic pleasure, will be arranged by Kita, who is creatively embedded in such styles as free -jazz, ambient and minimalism thanks to his activity in the Levity jazz trio and To Tu Orchestra.