Bartek Miarka is one of the best-known guitarists from Bolesławiec. He has worked with Jurek Styczyński, Sebastian Riedel, blues-folk singer Anika, and the jazz-rock band Electric Groove Gang. He has performed alongside American bluesman Carlos Johnson and composed music for theater productions.
He is currently co-creating HooDoo Band. The Wrocław band plays music at the crossroads of funk, soul, and rhythm and blues. The musicians draw inspiration from the work of, among others, Sly and the Family Stone, the Rolling Stones, Buddy Guy, and Carlos Johnson.
“My fascination with guitar playing began with my father, who infected me with a love of 1960s music. I listened to Cream, Pink Floyd, and blues masters,” says Bartek Miarka. “When I heard Eric Clapton’s ‘Unplugged,’ however, I wanted to play guitar myself.
He first performed onstage at the Blues nad Bobrem festival. “That was a breakthrough. I remember that I couldn’t sleep afterward. I was 17 at the time,” he recalls.
He has lived in Wrocław for seven years. That is also where the story of HooDoo Band began. “During one of the jam sessions, I met Bartek Niebielecki and Tomek Nitribitt. From the very first notes, we knew that we had exactly the same musical wavelength and that we shared a unique energy,” says Bartek Miarka.
The band’s current lineup took shape about a year ago. “We are a group of friends. But the gems in the lineup are two excellent vocalists: Alicja Janosz [zwyciężczyni pierwszej edycji „Idola” – przyp. red.] and Patrycja Łacina-Miarka,” the guitarist says.
More than two years ago, HooDoo Band was hailed as the hope of Polish blues. “Our music has evolved, but blues will always remain our love,” emphasizes our fellow townsman. “Tomek Nitribitt, the vocalist, once wanted to play only blues. Today, his soul and funk fascinations lead the band in other musical directions. The drummer plays funk, while the keyboardist is drawn to jazz. My guitar is blues-oriented, and the vocals are soulful. This blend means that every one of our concerts is different.
The band’s debut album, simply titled ‘HooDoo Band,’ will be released on January 15, 2010. “This album will feature music that speaks about true values and evokes many emotions,” says Bartek Miarka. “The point is to grow and move forward. To play, play, and play some more. I am very lucky to be able to do what I love.
(BM/ii information; the quotations come from an interview that Bartek Miarka gave to the monthly magazine ‘Top Guitar’. The full interview with our fellow townsman will appear in the periodical’s February issue)