There is within jazz a certain pulse that cannot be reduced to tempo, meter or stylistic lineage. It is something more elemental – a shared vibration of human experience, translated somehow into emotion through sound.Pulse’n Jazz is not merely a title. It is rather an invocation of that invisible thread that binds geographies, histories and identities into a common aesthetic language.

Jazz has always been more than music. It is a system of coexistence, a well-negotiated space between discipline and freedom, memory and invention, the individual and collective consciousness. For over a century, it has functioned as a living archive of dignity of expression throughthe inner voice reclaimed and reshaped in real time.

To speak of a„global musical aesthetic“is often to risk abstraction. Yet jazz makes this idea tangible. It travels without losing itself, it absorbs without dissolving and it remains rooted while constantly in motion. From New Orleans to Bucharest, from Bremen to Tokyo, jazz carries with it a grammar of listening – and, perhaps more importantly, a grammar of mutual recognition.

Pulse’n Jazzlives precisely in this tension between the local and the universal. Romanian jazz, with its century-long sediment of influences, stands today within the global bloodstream. Its voice is distinct, yet intelligible everywhere and its stories resonate beyond borders while remaining firmly rooted in its own rich cultural ecosystem of inherited values.

What emerges now is a generation that understands this implicitly. They do not seek validation through imitation, but through articulation. Their work is not about entering the global conversation – it is about contributing to it authentically, courageously and without compromise. This is where the pulse intensifies, because jazz, at its core, is not about preservation, it is about continuity and about transmission. Each performance is an act of renewal. Each encounter is a redefinition of space and meaning.

Pulse’n Jazz is, therefore,a call to attunement. Toaccept and assume that beneath stylistic differences lies a shared human frequency. That improvisation is not chaos, but a form of deep listening. That unity, in jazz, is not imposed – it is discovered.

In a world increasingly fragmented by noise, speed and superficial alignment, jazz offers something profoundly different. It is a model of coexistence grounded in respect, risk and responsiveness. It reminds us that true connection is not about sameness, but about the capacity to remain present within difference.

Let jazz remain what it has always been: a sanctuary of spirit, a laboratory of freedom, and a soundtrack not only of our lives – but of our becoming.

Pulse’n Jazz is that becoming.>>

AG Weinberger, PhD

Vice President, Romanian Cultural Institute

1. ESSENTIAL NOTES

Essential Notes is a project born from the desire to translate raw emotion into complex sonic textures. From the very first chords to today’s atmospheric compositions, the project’s artistic journey has been defined by a continuous search for authenticity.

The Roots: Introspection (2017)

The debut arrived with the first album, „Introspection“, a record that laid the foundation for the Essential Notes identity. An exploration of the synergy between acoustic and electronic sounds, it was met with enthusiasm for its sincere approach to themes such as connection and self-discovery. The success of this debut proved that audiences resonate with music that refuses commercial compromise in favor of depth and genuineness.

HALF MOON: A Sonic Journey Between Light and Shadow

Essential Notes returns to the spotlight with a definitive new musical chapter: the album „Half Moon“, scheduled for release on April 10, 2026.

The project represents a mature fusion of organic sounds and electronic exploration, mirroring the contrasts that define us. „Half Moon” is not merely a collection of tracks, but an introspective journey through phases of change, reflection and rediscovery.

The Starting Point: „Caravan”

The path to the new album is paved by the single „Caravan”. The track serves as a manifesto for the entire record, capturing the raw energy of live performances and translating it into a refined studio production. It is an invitation to movement – both physical and spiritual – offering the listener a first encounter with the visual and sonic aesthetic of the new Essential Notes era.

About the album „Half Moon” (Release: 10.04.2026)

· Concept: The album explores duality (symbolized by the halfmoon) – the balance between what we reveal to the world and what we keep within.

· Sound: A bold evolution where atmospheric textures meet pulsing rhythms, creating an immersive sonic space.

· Message: „Half Moon” marks a stage of artistic maturity for Essential Notes, consolidating a musical identity that refuses to be confined to a single genre.

Line-up:

· Kányádi Robert – Acoustic Drums

· Simion Bărnuțiu – Keyboards

Collaborator:

· Alex Munteanu – Saxophone

Links:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/essentialnotes/caravan

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/essentialnotes/half-moon

https://essentialnotes.bandcamp.com/album/introspection

https://www.facebook.com/EssentialNotesOfficial

https://www.instagram.com/essential_notes/

https://www.youtube.com/@essentialnotesofficial

https://open.spotify.com/artist/33xtVPJpqLdDchoYqykIQA

Contact:contact@essentialnotes.ro

Mobile: +40 744 618 212
Web: www.essentialnotes.ro

2. A-C Leonte ( Ana Cristina Leonte)

Romanian jazz singer/ songwriter

A-C Leonte is a Romanian singer, composer and performer exploring the space where sound becomes consciousness. Her music moves fluidly between improvisation, poetry and electronic textures – a living bridge between ritual and play, silence and pulse.
Rooted in presence and transformation, her work blurs the boundaries of genre, crafting immersive soundscapes that feel both ancient and futuristic.
Her latest project, „NOW to NOW”, is a large live ensemble for 10 musicians blending contemporary jazz, spoken word and electronic elements into a powerful stage experience conceived for festival contexts and interdisciplinary stages.
FESTIVALS

• Jazz in the Park (Romania)
• Electric Castle (Romania)
• UNTOLD (Romania)
• Bucharest JAZZ Festival (Romania)
• JAZZ TM (Romania)
• BraşovJazz Festival (Romania)
• International GreenFest (Serbia)
• MediaWave (Hungary)
• Girona Accappella Fest (Spain)

Contact Info:anacristinaleonte@gmail.com

3. Sorina Enea

Sorina Enea, one of the beloved and well-regarded Romanian jazz voices of recent years, has been passionate about music since childhood, is self-taught and began playing the guitar at age 6. Her dream of being on stage came true by singing „folk music”, music that she composed and recorded at the time. She continued her studies in music, moving to Bucharest at the „Dinu Lipatti” Music High School and later, to study Classical Singing at the National University of Music in Bucharest, within the Faculty of Musical Interpretation. The versatility of her voice made her able to easily move from classical music scores to jazz, to traditional Romanian music, and even to play in Musical pieces – „God Spell” at the „George Ciprian” Theater in Buzau or the National Theater in Bucharest.

She recorded a collection of Romanian songs composed between the years 1930 - 1960, reorchestrated in jazz style.

„When I sing, I let myself be carried away into a deeper, more complex, more nuanced world. Music guides me, helps me rediscover myself with every moment, making me whole. I invite you to listen to my music and enjoy everything it can bring you.”

Repertory

2025 - Zetta Gala 2025 - Romanian Broadcasting Radio - Radio Hall - recital together with Big Band Radio - conductor Simona Strungaru

2023 - Luceafarul Hall Concert „Romantico Live Tour” - with Veronica Liberati and Jonathan Cilia Faro

2022 - Pop Opera Hall Concert - with Monica Anghel, Marcel Pavel, Cezar Ouatu, Jonathan Cilia Faro and Veronica Liberati

2018 - Open Air Blues Festival Brezoi - recital together with the band Groovin High Project – Alexandru Borsan, Adian Flautistu, Cirpian Pop, Ovidiu Cristian

- Jazz Awards Gala - Muzza Foundation – „Revelation of the Year in Jazz 2018” Award – recital together with pianist Puiu Pascu

2014 - Collaboration with Discovery Networks CEEMEA „Dynamo” – 2014

2013 - Offshore World Championship - 2nd stage Terracina 2013 (Italy) - recital with musicians Carlo Scandozza and Roberto Ciotti

2012 - Bucharest Comedy Theatre - play „Parfum de viață” by Cristina Keresztez, directed by Sorin Militari with Teorora Stanciu & Sorina Enea - 2012 season

• Oradea Short Theatre Festival 2012 - play „Parfum de viata” by Cristina Keresztez, directed by Sorin Militari with Teorora Stanciu & Sorina Enea

2006 - Adelaide Fringe Festival 2006 (Australia) - Margento project of which the following were part: Valentin Baicu - piano; Costin Dumitrache - guitar; Sorina Enea - voice; Grigore Negrescu - painting; Chris Tanasescu - recitation.

2007 – ”Margento 2” album releasehttp://www.softrecords.ro/index.php/album/margento2/

Contact info:

Phone: +40 720 700 757

E-mail:sorenea1@gmail.com

4. Sorin Zlat Trio – Changing Times

Sorin Zlat – Piano
Adrian Flautistu – Double Bass
Iulian Nicolau – Drums

Led by award-winning pianist and composer Sorin Zlat, one of the most internationally recognized Romanian jazz artists of his generation, the Sorin Zlat Trio brings together Adrian Flautistu (double bass) and Iulian Nicolau (drums) in a dynamic contemporary jazz ensemble.

With more than 30 international awards – including the Grand Prize at the Montreux Jazz Competition, Monaco Jazz Competition and the Great American Jazz Piano Competition – Sorin Zlat has performed at major venues and festivals worldwide, such as the London Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Blue Note Jazz Club, Birdland and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club.

The trio’s project Changing Times presents original compositions blending post-bop, contemporary jazz, cinematic influences and modern sound design, creating a vibrant musical dialogue between lyricism, improvisation and rhythmic energy. It marks a new stage of artistic maturity and previews Sorin Zlat’s upcoming album. The repertoire consists of original compositions and arrangements written by Sorin Zlat, blending influences of cool jazz, post-bop, contemporary jazz, cinematic (film) music, electronic music and avant-garde accents, integrated into a coherent, modern and expressive musical discourse.

Built on constant dialogue between piano, double bass and drums, the trio proposes original compositions that combine melodic lyricism with improvisational freedom and flexible rhythm, characteristic of contemporary jazz. The music oscillates between introspective moments and passages of intense energy, always maintaining a balance between structure and spontaneity.

A distinctive element of the project is the integration of electronic textures and sound design, which expands the trio’s timbral palette and creates a cinematic sonic universe while preserving the organic and improvisational character of jazz.

Sorin Zlat Trio is one of the most active and appreciated contemporary jazz projects from Romania, with a constant presence on prestigious international stages. Founded in 2008, the trio has performed at major international jazz festivals and reference venues such as the London Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Jacksonville Jazz Festival (USA), Monaco Jazz Festival, Izmir Jazz Festival, Brussels Jazz Festival, Getxo Jazz Festival (Spain), and Baku Jazz Festival, as well as in emblematic clubs and concert halls such as Blue Note Jazz Club, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Birdland Jazz Club and Kings Place (London).

On the national scene, Sorin Zlat Trio has been present on all major Romanian jazz festival stages, with constant appearances at landmark events such as Bucharest Jazz Festival, JazzTM, Jazz in the Park, Ploiești Jazz Festival and Garana Jazz Festival, among many other festivals and cultural contexts.

Over time, Sorin Zlat Trio has released the albums Endurance and The Land of Dreams. Changing Times continues this artistic evolution, proposing living, current and deeply communicative music, connected to the present.

Sorin Zlat (Piano) is a jazz pianist, composer, Yamaha Jazz Artist and university professor at the National University of Music Bucharest, Jazz Piano Department. He holds over 30 national and international awards and is one of the most representative jazz pianists of the new generation of Romanian artists. In recent years, he has received distinctions such as the Grand Prize at the Jacksonville Jazz Competition, Florida (2015), the Grand Prize at the Monaco Jazz Competition (2013), the Grand Prize at the Montreux Jazz Competition (2015), and the award for “Best Jazz Musician.”

Invited to numerous festivals, Sorin Zlat has performed on the same stage with Chick Corea, Dave Weckl, Chucho Valdes, Joey Alexander, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Lee Ritenour, Gregory Porter, Howard Levy & The Flecktones, Kamasi Washington, and many others. In 2019, in recognition of his contributions, Sorin was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of his hometown, Bacau. He has collaborated with musicians such as Rick Margitza, Woody Witt, Gianni Gagliardi, Riley Stone Lonergan, Gianluca Renzi, David Craig, Daniel Dufour, Dennis Marks, Clyde Connor, Mikele Montolli, Andy Trim, Catalin Milea, Michael Acker, Iulian Nicolau, Laurentiu Stefan, Alex Man, Luiza Zan.

Adrian Flautistu (Double Bass) is a graduate of the National University of Music Bucharest, where he studied double bass under Professor Ioan Cheptea. He later completed a Master’s degree in jazz under Professor Mircea Tiberian at the same university. Together with Sorin Zlat Trio, he won the Grand Prize at the Târgu Mureș Jazz Festival, the Grand Prize at the Sibiu Jazz Festival, and the Audience Award at the Getxo Jazz Festival in Bilbao. He also won the Grand Prize at the Targu Mures Jazz Festival with the project Jazz Challenge. He has collaborated with important instrumental soloists and vocalists such as Cristian Soleanu, Mircea Tiberian, Garbis Dedeian, Petrica Andrei, Johnny Raducanu, Marius Pop, Luiza Zan, and Aura Urziceanu. He is part of the trio active in the Jazz Season at Teatrul Act, alongside George Natsis and Vlad Popescu. He is also part of the band accompanying the Johnny Raducanu Jazz Festival in Braila, together with Andrei Tudor, Sebastian Burneci, Laurentiu Zmau, and Liviu Negru.

Iulian Nicolau (Drums) is a graduate of the National University of Music Bucharest. He came into contact with improvised music and jazz through his encounters with Borislav Petrov, Catalin Milea, and Alex Man. He is a very active musician on the Romanian jazz scene, frequently invited to various projects, which makes him a complex and versatile artist. He has performed alongside well-known musicians from the Romanian jazz scene at numerous festivals, seasons, and clubs, including Bucharest Jazz Festival, Garana Jazz Festival, Sibiu Jazz Festival, Jazz in the Church, Vittadini Jazz Festival, Budapest Music Center, Artist in Residence Bucharest, Sala Radio Bucharest, Jazz in the Park Cluj, etc.

He has collaborated with Gianni Gagliardi, Gianluca Renzi, Daniel Torres, Nicolas Simion, Mircea Tiberian, Catalin Milea, Sorin Zlat, Sorin Romanescu, Luiza Zan, Alex Man, Paolo Profeti, and Sebastian Burneci. He is currently a first-year Master’s student at the National University of Music Bucharest, Faculty of Composition, Musicology and Music Pedagogy, Jazz and Popular Music Cultures Department.

Sorin Zlat Trio - London Jazz Festival

Involution by Sorin Zlat

https://youtu.be/bqKRPEldbwU?si=M4MFmBAp21cYDCZi

Sorin Zlat Trio feat Tony Lakatos - Sofia/Bulgaria "In The Mood Jazz Club"

Bye, Bye Sparrow by Sorin Zlathttps://youtu.be/yzwFFwM5SaY?si=N1V4Bs3-DVapLJFe

Sorin Zlat Trio - Arcub Concert Hall Bucharest

Changing Times by Sorin Zlathttps://youtu.be/s7UX4uVrekI?si=pDDoJcRGw3BU_DGA

The Land Of Dreams Album on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/album/7w0X8tazTAN6Pc6LawUj8Z?si=ktEPwUf3TYqI9FWDSGc4Lg

Contact info:

Sorin Zlat

Phone number: +40 741 907 936

Mail:sorinzlat2007@yahoo.com/

info@sorinzlat.com

Web:sorinzlat.com

Facebook Page:http://www.facebook.com/SorinZlatJazz/

SoundCloud:soundcloud.com/zlatescoro/sets/sorin-zlat-trio-endurance

5. Tulip Jazz Festival

„Tulip Jazz Festival” is a new musical event for Pitești, with its first edition held in 2025, dedicated to high-quality jazz and organized by the Pitești Philharmonic.

The pilot edition featured a rich program with the participation of outstanding artists from Romania, Japan, and Bulgaria, educational activities for children, and thematic concerts that created a dialogue between jazz and other musical genres. Special guests included the Radio Big Band with vocalist Christiana Uikiza, the renowned Japanese trio composed of Yoichi Kobayashi (drums), Kanji Ota (piano) and Takumi Awaya (double bass), the charismatic Bulgarian group Noise Linguistix and the beloved band Nightlosers, known for their unique style blending blues, rock and Romanian folk elements.

The festival also highlighted performances by Ana Maria Galea Band, the Pitesti Jazz Band together with Luiza Zan, as well as local and national groups such as Florin Pana Band and the Răzvan Florescu Quartet. For younger audiences, the festival offers creative workshops and interactive performances presented by saxophonist Cătălin Milea („Caruselul Vesel”) and pianist Mădălina Pașol (Art Avenue).

Events took place at the Philharmonic Hall and at the „Gheorghe Zamfir” Summer Theatre, contributing to the diversification of Pitești’s cultural offer and promoting jazz as an accessible and expressive art form.

„Tulip Jazz Festival” aims to provide the general public with access to high-quality concerts performed by Romanian and international artists, while also creating an educational and interactive framework for children and young people.

Through its curatorial approach – combining classical and contemporary jazz with elements from other musical genres – the project contributes to the development of an informed and loyal audience, the revitalization of local cultural venues, and the strengthening of Pitești’s cultural identity within the national and European festival landscape.

„Tulip Jazz Festival” is conceived as an annual event with a medium and long-term development strategy. Starting in 2026, the festival will be integrated into the annual program of the Pitești Philharmonic, with support from the local administration and through the attraction of complementary funding sources (sponsorships, international partnerships and European co-funding).

The partnership with UCIMR, an organization with expertise in implementing major cultural projects and a member of the Europe Jazz Network, provides strong premises for the festival’s development within international networks.

Additionally, the educational component and its outreach to diverse audiences contribute to the creation of an active and loyal cultural ecosystem that will support the continuity and relevance of the event in the years to come.

Contact info:

sebastian.gheorghiu@excesmusic.ro

Phone number: +40 723 350 176

6. Amphitrio

Amphitrio is a contemporary jazz project initiated in 2020, featuring pianist and composer Andrei Petrache, bassist Mike Alex and percussionist Philip Goron, all musicians with a solid foundation in classical and alternative music. The story behind this trio speaks of friendship, the joy of playing and improvising in a well-knit group, despite each member simultaneously being involved in multiple other projects.

Amphitrio’s repertoire consists of original pieces written by Andrei Petrache, within the realm of modern jazz, infused with influences from contemporary Nordic jazz and Balkan-Oriental colors, as well as elements of heavy rock and electronic music. With the release of their two debut albums, „Points” and „Seasons” (2023), Amphitrio began exploring more subgenres within the electro-groove domain, thus continuing to expand their creative horizon. With the launch of their third album, „Timelines” (2024), the trio further broadens their stylistic range.

To date, the trio has performed at renowned festivals such as Jazz in the Park (2022, 2023, 2024), Gărâna Jazz Festival (2024), JazzX (2023), Sepsi Jazz&Blues Festival (2022, 2024), Oradea Festifall (2023), JazzCave (2023, 2024), Waha Festival (2024), Jazz On The Rooftop (2024), Vadoo Fest (2024) and has given dozens of other jazz concerts in Bucharest and across the country.

Among the trio's achievements is winning the Best Composition award at the Jazz in the Park Competition (2023).

The International Tour „What Freedom Sounds Like” (co-financed by the National Cultural Fund Administration), held in October-November 2024, marks the trio’s first appearance on jazz stages across Europe and Asia. Amphitrio performs in Berlin, Baku, Vienna, Bratislava, Brno, Belgrade, Sofia, Budapest, Krakow, Aalborg, Cologne, Frøstrup, and Mönchengladbach.

Contact:

Phone number +40732441194/ Philip Goron

+40727558432/ Andrei Petrache

E-mail contact@amphitrio.com

7.THE JAZZ CAVE FESTIVAL

2–5 July 2026 · Râmnicu Vâlcea · Vâlcea County

An international cultural event that transforms Râmnicu Vâlcea into a destination for jazz, art, and unique sensory experiences. Over four days, the festival invites visitors to explore three distinctive concept zones:

INNERLAND – Ocnele Mari Salt Mine

Jazz concerts in spectacular underground spaces, enriched by the mine’s natural acoustics and therapeutic environment.

DREAMLAND – Zăvoi Park

Family‑friendly activities and open‑air performances in one of the city’s most iconic green areas.

ARTS DISTRICT – “Aurelian Sacerdoteanu” Art Museum

A space where jazz meets visual arts, hosting exhibitions and cultural events that highlight the region’s heritage.

After its early editions in the Ialomița Cave, the festival has been reimagined in Vâlcea, showcasing remarkable natural and cultural landmarks and strengthening the city’s profile as a contemporary cultural hub.

The 6th edition brings together renowned international artists and emerging young musicians, creating a memorable blend of music, history, and healing spaces. A festival for jazz lovers, art enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and families — an accessible, vibrant experience open to everyone.

Contact:

Phone number +40768417517/ Manuela Clapon

E-mail manuela.clapon@ucimr.ro

8.MINDTHEGAP

MINDTHEGAP is an instrumental piano trio born in Transylvania that belongs to the new generation of cross -genre Romanian jazz groups, with a unique style defined by a complex sound reminiscent of film music, nu jazz, fusion and progressive rock. Despite the classic format of the trio (keys, bass and drums), MINDTHEGAP’s music creates a genuine blend of varied genres by using a modern approach of playing classical instruments, but also by adding different elements from electronic, rock and world music. Created by Ştefan ORMENIŞAN (composer, keys) in 2023 together with two young musicians, Alex CIOATÃ (composer, bass) and Tamás ISZLAI (drums), MINDTHEGAP has quickly gained recognition, playing at prestigious festivals in Romania, such as Garana Jazz Fest, Electric Castle and Jazz in the Park Competition, when they have been awarded for Best Romanian Act, and many others. The band has released two albums so far, Distant Signals and Motherland (live album), with the second studio album, Unspoken, coming by the end of 2025.

The story of the band starts in beautiful Transylvania, where Ştefan grew up playing piano since early childhood and being part of different local bands. After a long musical sabbatical period, while he became an award-winning creative director, Ştefan decides to restart his musical career by creating his first trio, trying to find the right musicians to express his artistic beliefs. This is how a very talented string musician - Alex CIOATÃ - and a creative drummer - Tamás ISZLAI - join MINDTHEGAP Trio to form a bold and fervent group. Whether performing on the stage or in the studio, the trio’s ability to mix together different sounds and musical influences results in immersive experiences that are both unexpected and captivating.

Their compositions are inspired by the multicultural diversity of Transylvania, with raw and emotional harmonic schemes blending improvised solos and complex rhythms, allowing the audience to enjoy a diverse and unique soundscape. MINDTHEGAP Trio stands out of the crowd on the contemporary jazz scene by showing an ensemble leading rather than the traditional single leader scheme, allowing the music to benefit from the shared creative development and the concept of unity through diversity.

Contact>

Ştefan ORMENIŞAN

Phone: +40-723 210101

E-mail: stefan@mindthegaptrio.com
www.MINDTHEGAPTRIO.com