Quidam is a talented Polish symphonic rock band, their name originating from the Latin word quidam- meaning `anonymous, without a name.' The current line-up of the group is: Emilia Derkowska (vocals, cello, acoustic guitar), Zbyszek Florek (keyboards), Rafal Jermakow (drumkit), Radek Scholl (bass), Maciek Meller (guitars) and Jacek Zasada (keys/reeds).
The band's genesis was in 1991, originally named `Deep River;' Maciek Meller, Radek Scholl and Rafal Jermakow met together and was shortly joined by Zbyszek Florek. In 1995, they renamed the group Quidam.
After going through a slew of singers, a vocalist- Ewa Smarzynska, who played flute, resulted in a more complex and sophisticated sound, reminiscent of early King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Renaissance and the like.
Upon receiving many awards for best band and vocalist at music festivals in Europe, the group released their first album in 1996 and was critically received in Poland and abroad.
On 25th January 1997 they finally toured outside Poland, at "Day Of Dreams" festival in Holland and the next year opened up for Camel in April. The same year, they played live in Corbigny, France at the "Proglive'97" festival and received a standing ovation.
In 1998, Ewa Smarzynska was replaced with Jacek Zasada, a student of the Music Academy in Gdansk. Their second album: "Sny Aniolow" ("Angels' Dreams"), was released in two language versions: Polish and English and distributed by the Musea label. They toured Europe spreading their beautiful sounds powered by the sweet voice of Emilia Derkowska, and gained overwhelming high praise.
1999, brought Quidam to Mexico to perform at the Baja Prog festival, and released a live album- `Live in Mexico '99,' which in my opinion is one of the best live CDs of the year.
Quidam are working on their 3rd studio album. Maciek states: "Our new CD will be released in February and in my opinion it'll show another face of our music. But it is still QUIDAM with it's own characteristic climate and melodies.
After a 12-month break the remaining members, Zbyszek Florek, Maciek Meller and Jacek Zasada, decided to carry on as Quidam. They started searching for new musicians and new artistic identity. The first one to join them was Maciek Wróblewski, the drummer known from his cooperation with Polish avant-musician Mariusz Lubomski. Mariusz Ziółkowski from the band AFTER from Włocławek was recruited as a new bass player. After many auditions, Bartek Kossowicz (ex-NEO) became the new frontman. In that way, a new chapter in the history of Quidam began.
Since May 2004 till January 2005 the band wrote and rehearsed new material. They “survived” and “revived”, and on June 6th, 2005, they released “surREvival”. After a month of intensive rehearsals Quidam were ready to play several concerts, both in Western Europe and in Poland. Their concert at the Śląski Theatre in Katowice was recorded for the first DVD in the band’s career. “The Fifth Season – Live In Concert” was released in January 2006.
After the tour, Quidam entered the studio where they started working on the material for their next album, “Alone Together”, scheduled for release on November 5th, 2007. On a personal note, the band members are very nice people, polite, talented and have a deep passion for what they do- create music.
Updates courtesy of from Artistwiki page
Members:
Zbyszek Florek – keyboards, backing vocals
Bartek Kossowicz – vocals
Maciek Meller – guitars, backing vocals
Maciek Wróblewski – drums
Jacek Zasada – flutes, percussion
Mariusz Ziółkowski – bass guitar
DISCOGRAPHY
Quidam 1996
Sny Aniołów 1998
Angels' Dreams 1998
Pod Niebem Czas 2002
The Time Beneath The Sky 2002
SurREvival 2005
Alone Together 2007
Saiko 2012
