The Jambalaya Band originated in the Summer of 2002 through the acquaintanace of two musicians, Ed Gacek and Bob Kozak.
The combined sound of the accordion and the saxophone brought back to them memories of festive music and dancing from their country of origin, Poland. During their brief association, their complementary abilities have produced a very exciting repertoire, featuring a number of original compositions.
Their performances encompass a wide variety of music ranging from Latin and European rhythms to Dixieland and Blues; altogether a very entertaining mix.
The compelling sound of their band has been popular with the multicultural population in Vancouver's lower mainland and south of the border in Washington state and Oregon.
Polish born Robert Kozak discovered his passion for music at the age of nine during his initiation to the sounds of the accordian by his childhood music professor, Wojciech Dudzik.
He focused and trained in music for several years throughout his schooling, and became part of a polish folk dance troupe at that time. During his studies at the Marine Academy in Poland, his popularity as a musician increased as he performed with his instrumental band during numerous dance events.
On the local front, he has been featured playing solo accordian at the Il Corsaro Italian Restaurant in the late 1980's. Diverse in his talents, he instructed others in Latin dance during this period. Having attained a black belt in martial arts, Bob at one time organized security detail for the high profile boxer Muhammad Ali during his visit to Vancouver in 1998, taking on the role of Mr. Ali's personal bodyguard.
Ever active, he has joined the Vancouver based Polish folk dance group, Polonez. Currently, together with saxophonist Ed Gacek, they recreate some beautiful, compelling music for the multicultural population in the lower Mainland.
Bob also is a Member of Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) |
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