SOUL ENCOUNTERS feat. ANA BEZJAK

Soul Encounters is a jazz project that erases boundaries, merging the tradition of the organ trio with saxophone lines, the emotional depth of vocals, and distinctive rhythmic patterns. Inspired by the playfulness and sharpness of Thelonious Monk, the group creates a modern, emotionally charged sound that both honors the jazz tradition and looks boldly toward the future.

The ensemble consists of internationally acclaimed and highly regarded Slovenian and international jazz musicians – all three instrumentalists have spent many years living, working, and performing in New York City, the world capital of jazz. Their experiences on the American jazz scene infuse every note with authenticity, breadth, and depth.

LINE-UP
Ana Bezjak (vocals) • Renato Chicco (Hammond organ) • Jure Pukl (saxophone) • Chris Smith (drums)

Artists

Ana Bezjak began her musical path studying classical piano. During high school, she became a member of the English Student Theatre, a successful music-theatre group where she performed in musicals and later worked for many years as musical director and choir arranger. She studied singing at the University of Maribor, the Landeskonservatorium Klagenfurt, and earned her master’s degree in jazz singing from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.

Ana is a versatile vocalist, passionate about teaching and constantly exploring different musical styles and vocal techniques. In addition to improvised jazz, she has extensive experience with traditional and contemporary tango music, as well as soul, gospel, R&B, and Slovenian popular music. She has collaborated with numerous Slovenian jazz musicians such as Marko Črnčec, Igor Bezget, Tadej Kampl, Tomaž Gajšt, Kristijan Krajnčan, frequently performed with the RTV Slovenia Big Band (including the projects Brazil and Ana Bezjak Sings Thelonious Monk), and appeared with other big bands. Ana currently teaches jazz vocals at the Conservatory of Music and Ballet Maribor and at the Jazz Department of the Academy of Music in Ljubljana.

Jure Pukl is the recipient of Slovenia’s highest national recognition for the arts, the Prešeren Fund Award (2015), and is one of the most prolific and creative saxophonists of the younger Slovenian jazz generation. He studied classical and jazz saxophone at the University of Vienna and the Royal Conservatoire The Hague before earning a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where he studied with Joe Lovano and George Garzone. He completed his master’s degree at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz.

Throughout his career, Pukl has performed and recorded extensively – both as a bandleader and as a collaborator – with world-class musicians such as Dave Liebman, Branford Marsalis, Esperanza Spalding, George Lewis, Maceo Parker, Vijay Iyer, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Gregory Hutchinson, and with ensembles including RTV Slovenia Big Band, European Jazz Orchestra, European Movement Jazz Orchestra, and Vienna Saxophone Quartet. He has performed across the U.S., Asia, and Europe, appearing at prestigious festivals including Vienna Jazz Festival, Pori Jazz Festival, Berlin Jazz Festival, Jazz à Vienne, and many others.

Renato Chicco, pianist and organist, studied at the University of Music in Graz, Austria, and Berklee College of Music in Boston. During his years in New York (1990–1998), he was a member of the Lionel Hampton Orchestra (1990–1991) and served as pianist and musical director for Jon Hendricks & Company (1991–1997).

He has performed at legendary clubs such as Blue Note, Birdland, and Village Gate, appeared on radio and television (with Lionel Hampton and Jon Hendricks), and played festivals and clubs across the USA, Europe, Asia, and South America. Renato has shared the stage with jazz icons including Lou Donaldson, Woody Shaw, Freddie Hubbard, Clark Terry, Benny Golson, Red Holloway, Joe Williams, Wynton Marsalis, Gary Burton, Milt Hinton, Reggie Workman, Jerry Bergonzi, Steve Grossman, Al Foster, Sheila Jordan, Michele Hendricks, Duško Gojković, and many others.

As a bandleader, Renato has released two highly successful albums featuring jazz arrangements of Slovenian folk songs (on piano), and recently recorded a large ensemble project featuring his own original compositions (on organ). As a sideman, he has contributed to over 50 recordings, most recently appearing on two organ trio albums with Jerry Bergonzi (Spotlight on Standards and Nearly Blue). Renato is currently Professor of Jazz Improvisation at the University of Music in Graz and continues to perform worldwide.

Chris Smith holds a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from Northern Illinois University, a Master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music, and a Doctor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado.

His recent performances include appearances with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Bob Mintzer, Dick Oatts Quintet, Troy Roberts, Randy Brecker, and the Birdland Big Band. He has performed at New York venues including The Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club, and Smalls, as well as the Chicago Jazz Festival, Telluride Jazz Festival, and more. Chris is currently Professor of Jazz Drums at the University of Music in Graz and actively tours and performs across Europe.