With the release of his first cd as composer and leader, Jack Zorawski is fulfilling a desire to express a musical palette that is his own. First Train is a compilation of eleven of Jack's original compositions partially influenced by nature and train travel. He takes the sparest of traditional jazz ensembles, piano, drums and bass, and what he calls his “black and white canvas” to which he has added his particular shadings.

Jack first appeared on the Toronto jazz scene in 1986 after professional classical double bass training, a stint as a folk singer-songwriter, and as an actor-vocalist in experimental musical theatre. Since then, he has become an “in-demand” freelance bassist working locally and touring with a number of notable musicians. Jack is also a studio musician as well as having his compostions recorded by other artists.

Sideman Appearances – Michael Urbaniak, Bernie Senensky, Brian Dickinson, Big Rude Jake, Norman Marshall Villenueve, Kirk McDonald, Peter Appleyard, Jake Langley and many others.

Club Appearances - “Top of the Senator” Toronto, “Montreal Bistro” Toronto, “Rex Jazz Bar” Toronto, “Fillmore” San Francisco, “House of Blues” Los Angeles and Chicago, “CBGB” New York City, “Red Room” New Orleans. Clubs in the Netherlands, France, Belgium and Germany.

Festival/Concert Appearances – Concerts in Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Winnipeg, Calgary, Red Deer, Saskatoon. Various Ontario Festivals, “Jam Potatoes Jazz Festival” France, “Arachon Jazz Festival” France, “Blue Balls Festival” Switzerland, “Hot Jazz 2000” Germany, “Cognac Jazz Festival” France.

Studio Recordings (as sideman) - “Loose Changes” Tony Quarrington, “Notes From Home” Doreen Smith, “Swinging the Blues” Glenn Anderson, “Slims Joint” Melissa Stilianou, “Moon Glow” Hot Club Trio.

WHAT THE PRESS IS SAYING
Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star, January 11, 2007
Bassist Zorawski's debut as leader and composer (11 original tunes) is appealing both for his big sound and the versatile approach he's developed over the past two decades in Toronto, and for the neat simplicity of his tasty compositions. It's not easy for a bassman to lead a threesome in differing formats but pianist Richard Whiteman and drummer Kevin Coady are sympathetic, indeed. They effectively accompany Zorawski's strong soloing and working over loosely-linked themes of journeying and waiting that underscore his ability to lead, be a supporting voice and team player. Tunes of note include "Awenda," "Road To Wawa" and "Midnight Prayer."