Zlatko Kaučič Kombo: Courage of the brave “Free Palestine”

Slovenian percussion virtuoso Zlatko Kaučič and his ten-member ensemble present their new album Courage of the Brave — a tribute to strong-willed people who have shown extraordinary perseverance in difficult times. The work was named Best Project of the Festival by journalists at Italy’s Jazz & Wine Festival.

Courage of the Brave is a musical suite by the acclaimed Slovenian percussionist Zlatko Kaučič, dedicated to individuals who, despite obstacles, demonstrate remarkable determination and strength — people such as Francesca Albanese, Greta Thunberg, Julian Assange, Black Lives Matter activists, and medical workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Zlatko Kaučič is renowned for his extensive discography and for performing with some of the world’s most celebrated musicians, including Steve Lacy, Alexander Balanescu, Evan Parker, Peter Brötzmann, Paul Bley, Kenny Wheeler, Ab Baars, and Paul McCandless.
In 2011, he received the Prešeren Fund Award, Slovenia’s highest national honor for artistic achievement. With over 55 critically acclaimed albums to his name, Kaučič continues to shape Slovenia’s jazz scene. He currently resides in Slovenia, where he also runs his own music school — having mentored a generation of influential Slovenian musicians. For his outstanding pedagogical work, he received the JSKD Lifetime Achievement Award.

The cross-border ensemble features Kaučič’s former students alongside renowned Italian guests:

• Žiga Ipavec, Tomi Novak, Robi Erzetič – drums & percussion

• Jan Jarni, Anton Lorenzutti – electric guitar

• Timi Vremec – electric bass

• Jure Boršič – saxophone

• Ivan Pilat – baritone saxophone

• Francesco Ivone – trumpet

“A vital and authentic music in which irregularities and imperfections merge to reveal meaning. A political music — not only to express identity and difference, but to propose a social, communal, and participatory practice.”
(Flavio Massarutto, Il Manifesto)