Europe’s Herak/Bulatkin 'Elysium', ft/ Sax Visionary David Binney

Cinematic European jazz where Slavic folk, Balkan rhythm, impressionist color, electronics, and modern improvisation meet.

Vibraphonist Miro Herak and pianist Daniel Bulatkin bring their acclaimed Elysium project to Black Cat, joined by visionary saxophonist David Binney. Built around vivid melodies, shifting rhythms, atmospheric electronics, and the shared Central European roots of its leaders, the music moves between contemporary jazz, folk tradition, classical impressionism, and expansive soundscape.

Herak/Bulatkin have taken Elysium to major stages across Europe and Asia, including the Jarasum, JZ Shanghai, Taichung, and Amersfoort jazz festivals. Their Seamus Blake collaboration “The Simple Things” won Best Czech Jazz Composition of 2024, while critics have praised the group as “refreshing and uplifting” and “utterly fascinating.”

Binney adds one of contemporary jazz’s most distinctive saxophone voices. A three-time DownBeat Critics Poll winner with 30+ albums as a leader, he has worked with Bill Frisell, Chris Potter, Norah Jones, Antonio Sanchez, Maria Schneider, and countless others, and created the Donny McCaslin group that became the band behind David Bowie’s Blackstar.

Band Lineup

Miro Herak, vibraphone

Daniel Bulatkin, piano, keys & samples

Mikailo Kasha, acoustic & electric bass

Miles Turk, drums

David Binney, alto saxophone