Bio

Jaromir Rusnak is a Polish double bassist, electric bassist, and composer born on November 24, 1996, in Krakow. Currently based in Milan, he is an artist whose work blends the lyricism of Slavic traditions with the expressive depth of jazz and contemporary music. 

He began his musical journey with piano at the age of eight and soon entered music school for accordion in Krakow. After a brief pause during his teenage years, he returned to music through classical double bass, which eventually led him to explore electric bass as well. This shift opened the door to Krakow’s vibrant rock and jazz scenes.

In 2016, he released his first EP with the alternative rock band 9 Kidneys, marking his debut as a recording artist. Around the same period, he began collaborating with the electronic duo Bass Astral x Igo, performing with them on some of Poland’s largest stages. Their appearances included major festivals and venues across the country, most notably the Open’er Festival, one of the biggest music events in Central Europe.

From the beginning of his bass studies, Jaromir showed a natural inclination toward composition and arrangement. His first original piece was written for his final recital in music school, and since then, composing has remained central to his musical identity. This has led to a series of thoughtful and personal works, ranging from solo compositions to large ensemble arrangements.

In 2020, he released his debut album Piżmo, a fully home-produced project created during the lockdown, featuring a rotating lineup of musicians from across Poland. This was followed by Piżmo Live (2023), and the critically acclaimed Everlasting Suite (2025), released on the Polish label SJRecords. The latter showcases his compositional maturity and was praised for its thematic depth and refined orchestration. All three albums were mixed by long-time collaborator Kosma Standera.

Outside of the jazz world, Jaromir has embraced a wide spectrum of genres. He toured with Kubaterra, contributed to recordings by artists like Karol Ochodek and Latest Trip, and performed extensively with swing ensemble Swing Like That. Between 2016 and 2021, he was deeply involved in Krakow’s klezmer and Balkan music scene. As a member of the ethnic group Kriva Drina, he co-created and arranged several pieces for their 2022 album Azdava, including “Noc” and “Zvijezda Tjera Mjeseca.”

In 2021, he moved to Milan to pursue a Master’s degree in Jazz Double Bass under Lucio Terzano, at the Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi, graduating with honors in 2023. His time in Italy significantly shaped his artistic direction. He collaborated with notable figures such as Marshall Gilkes, Pino Jodice, Luca Visibelli, and Luca Missiti, taking part in large ensemble and big band projects. He also toured with pianist and composer Vijaya Trentin for her album Chrysalis, culminating in a live concert at Casa del Jazz in Rome. During his academic years, he also performed at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, adding to his growing international performance experience.

In 2022, he founded the Jaromir Rusnak Quartet (Riccardo Sala – tenor saxophone, Giuseppe Blanco – piano, Andrea Lo Palo – drums), a group that fuses Slavic melodic sensibilities with the dynamic language of modern European jazz. The quartet won 1st prize at the IX Premio del Conservatorio di Milano and has since performed extensively, releasing Pizmo Live (2023), Everlasting Suite and Live at Ursa Maior (2025).

In addition to leading his own projects, Jaromir continues to work as a session bassist and arranger. Recent collaborations include an EP with Karol Ochodek, the 2025 album Mi Piace by Anna Castiglia, and Terre del Sacramento by Simone Famiglietti. Jaromir is a committed advocate for cross-cultural dialogue in music, weaving together diverse influences with clarity, precision, and emotional resonance.