TOPOĽANA
Mária's London-based sextet, TOPOL'ANA, is a jazz folk fusion ensemble that melds tradition with innovation. Drawing inspiration from her formative years in a Slovak folklore ensemble, TOPOĽANA transcends geographical borders, carving a distinct place within the London jazz scene. With a repertoire that bridges the gap between jazz's improvisational spirit and the melodies and rhythms of Slovak folk music, the sextet showcases emerging talents and captures the essence of Mária's musical evolution. Their debut album "TOPOL'ANA," released on the 20th October 2023, has garnered widespread acclaim and regular airplay on Jazz FM (UK), Rádio Devín (SK) and more.
“Mária has a strong individual voice as a flautist, singer and composer and has crafted something unique with this project; featuring highly inventive compositions and arrangements for the unusual flute/sax/clarinet frontline, and her warm, engaging playing is rich with ideas.“
Gareth Lockrane
British Jazz Flautist
“Jazz improv and Slovak folk melodies dance effortlessly together in happy union. You can’t help but feel positive and uplifted after you discover Topoľana.“
Chris Phillips
Jazz FM UK
About the band
Line up
Mária Reháková (SK) - flutes, voice
Sam Knight (UK) - tenor saxophone
Gustavo Clayton Marucci (UK) - clarinets
Eddie Lee (UK) - piano
Peter Korman (SK) - double bass
Floyer Sydenham (UK) - drums
Notable performances
United Kingdom:
Cambridge Jazz Festival
Jazz In the Round
The Vortex,
The Spice of Life
London Jazz East Festival
Slovakia:
Bratislava Jazz Days
One Day Jazz Festival
Open Jazz Fest
Esprit Jazz Awards
World Music Festival
Slovak Folk Expo
We've played more than 40 live performances across 6 different countries.
The album also extends its creative reach into the visual realm. Collaborating with a dress designer, graphic artist, and painter, the project boasts a striking visual identity that offers a contemporary interpretation of folk culture within a jazz context. Mária's father, Pavol Rehák, an integral part of the collaboration, contributed album artwork and six paintings that complement each track, augmenting the album's emotional depth. This personal collaboration with her father adds an intimate and profound layer to the project. Physical copies of the album include lyric-adorned painting cards, inviting listeners to engage with the music on multiple levels and forging a truly immersive experience.
About the album
Mária's debut album, "TOPOL'ANA," blends folk and jazz influences, offering a deeply personal exploration of her cross-cultural journey. It merges two countries, two musical traditions, and two ways of life into a single work of art. Recorded in 2022, the album takes its name from the Slovak word for "poplar tree"—a symbol of solitude and resilience in Slovak poetry. "TOPOL'ANA," a fictional feminine form of the word, reflects Mária's solitary experience in London, intertwining it with her unwavering determination for artistic exploration.