Lithuania Kęstutis Malskis – ts, ss The group was formed in 2021 by four Kaunas Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Music Academy’s fellow students from different Lithuanian cities. Soon after, they presented themselves at jazz festivals in Birštonas, Panevėžys, Jonava and Linkuva, started performing in jazz clubs in Vilnius and Klaipėda. This year they debuted at JazzFest in Klaipėda and Kelkis ir džiazuok festival in Vilkija. 207 Collective has already participated in the VJYP competition, winning last year’s special prize for the best interpretation of a standard. The ensemble has recently renewed its line-up with the addition of guitarist A. Kudaba, whose original composition Mandarinai will be performed in the competition finals. Kęstutis Malskis, the leader of the quartet, started his musical studies at music school in Vilkaviškis, later graduated from Juozas Gruodis Conservatoire in Kaunas, and is currently pursuing his Master’s studies at the VMU Jazz Department. He is an active participant of the jazz scene and has taken part in many Lithuanian jazz festivals. Keyboardist Deividas Pileckas’ path to music began at the Song Music School in Šiauliai. He is currently combining his Master’s studies at the VMU Jazz Department with his work as a performer and accompanist at Juozas Gruodis Conservatoire in Kaunas. Deividas participates in TV projects, performs at various jazz and pop music events. Andrijus Kudaba came to Kaunas after graduating from Juozas Karosas School of Music in Klaipėda and is now a third-year student at the VMU Jazz Department. The guitarist is a multiple winner of the international festival-competition Jazz Fontanas and a former member of the band Stop Jazz. After joining 207 Collective, he also started composing for the group. Andrijus has been interested in composing since his teenage years. He likes to incorporate elements of fusion and modern jazz into his compositions. Bassist Vytautas Kavoliūnas is a graduate of Anykščiai Art School, currently seeking a Bachelor’s degree at the VMU Jazz Department. He has been a multiple prize winner of the International Festival-Competition Jazz Fontanas as a soloist. Vytautas performs in both jazz and pop music bands. Drummer Julijus Sipavičius graduated from Aleksandras Kačanauskas School of Music in Kaunas, Juozas Gruodis Conservatoire in Kaunas, and completed his Bachelor studies at VMU Music Academy. Since this autumn, he has been seeking Master’s degree at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. He has performed at many Lithuanian jazz festivals and events, and has participated in the international projects Apulskis Meets Leichtfried and Pavel Arakelian & The Outsiders. Currently, Julijus is the visionary and coordinator of 207 Collective. |
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