Monika Borzym in Madrid

24 abril, 2025

Monika Borzym in Madrid

Interview: David Aladro-Vico – Photos: Berta Delgado

Monika Borzym is a Polish jazz singer who studied at the Los Angeles Academy of Music. Her debut album, Girl Talk, released in 2011, was certified platinum in Poland. A few weeks ago, she performed in Madrid at the Sala Clamores as part of the Ellas Crean Festival, where she presented Lullabies for Adults, which combines the singer’s two passions: music and psychosexology. She was accompanied at the concert by renowned virtuosos Krzysztof Dys (piano), Maciej Matysiak (double bass), and Marcin Ułanowski (drums). This concert is part of the cultural activities that the Polish Institute of Culture is organizing to commemorate Poland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Monika Borzym has a velvety voice, with a special sensitivity for nuances that connects with her musicians and audience. Her performance also brought a smile to the audience’s faces on numerous occasions with her sense of humor and irony about the themes the songs addressed: love, heartbreak, sexuality, and the body.

We spoke with her to learn about her career.

– When did you discover you wanted to dedicate yourself to music, and specifically to jazz?

Around the age of 16 when I went for a year to American High School in the state of Illinois and was invited to be a part of a jazz big band as a piano player. It was an awesome, powerful experience sitting in with them.

– You are Polish and you trained in Poland and the US. What is the relationship between Polish culture and North American jazz?

I’d say not much. Polish jazz musicians, especially the ones I studied from in Poland, glorify North American jazz and their legendary jazz musicians. I’ve been tought about the legacy and style of the jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan, transcribed their solos and have been advised to listen, listen, listen and try to analyze and mimic what they do.

– How do you prepare for each concert and what relationship do you seek with the audience?

I am always looking for an organic and true mutual engagement. This is the real magic force of each exciting concert, the pixie dust. I try to always be aware of the audience and what they react to. Staying open-minded and well connected with my band allows us to respond to each other and the audience as well. Atmosfere in the band is priceless here.

– Your last concert in Madrid was at the Clamores venue, where you presentedLullabies for Adults, compositions that addressed themes such as loneliness, relationships, the body, and sex. What led you to compose these songs?

I didn’t compose them. Most of them are pretty obscure, less known jazz standards and some songs, the ones in Polish, were written for me by Polish authors. But the topics of love, body and sex are very important and personal to me. I also work as a psychologist – sexologist and that profession is a great passion of mine.

– This concert showed a special connection with your musicians. How many years have you been working together and how did you put together the band?

Marcin Ułanowski who played the drums was in my very first band back in 2012 when I was touring my first record «Girl Talk»- we’ve been friends ever since but we don’t always play together. Maciek Matysiak playing the bass has been a friend of mine since music school. We played together in many projects and on many occasions. I adore what they both do in other bands they play with as well. I’m their true fan. They actually don’t always play jazz. They often play with extremely popular Polish Artists of different genres. Krzysztof Dys on the piano is my musical husband. We’ve been unbreakable since we started playing together 6 years ago.

– This concert was part of the Ellas Crean Festival. What special value does women’s creations have, and how did you feel about your performance in Madrid?

Female artists embody heart, emotions, honesty. Female artist are strong, commited and powerfull. I was proud to be a part of such a beautiful festival, such a great initiative.

– What advice would you give to a young woman musician who wants to pursue jazz professionally?

Have a second job or profession. That allows you to keep the relationship with music pure and full of joy.