Astrolabe Astrolabe

Astrolabe is a musical voyage off the coast of Portugal, combining Polish Slavic sensibilities with the nostalgia of Portuguese fado. The band was founded by Portuguese vocalist Rui Teles and Polish guitarist Krzysia Górniak.

Rui Teles, originally from northern Portugal, developed his musical sensibility while living in Lisbon for nearly 15 years. He drew most inspiration from its oldest district, Alfama, which tastes of green wine and smells of the ocean, and where nostalgic fado blends with the colorful sounds of Lusophone countries. However, six years ago, a stroke of luck led Rui to the other side of Europe, to a small Masurian village. There, he fell in love, started a family, and opened a Portuguese restaurant. It was also here, by a blazing bonfire, that he met Krzysia Górniak, who, as every year, sailed the Masurian waters. That summer night, their sounds first resonated together, and the idea was born to combine the jazzy, Slavic sound of Krzysia's guitar with Rui's Portuguese sensibility. Since then, they have performed several times on Masurian stages, eventually recording a joint album.

They invited Maciej Wieżyński, a passionate Andalusian guitarist, and the excellent rhythm section of Michał Jaros and Marcin Jahr to collaborate. Thus, the band Astrolabe was born, and their first album, featuring guest vocals from Olga Barej, features both original songs and Portuguese classics whose nostalgia resonates with Polish souls.

The band's name, Astrolabe, comes from the Greek ἁστρολάβον, astrolabon, meaning "star-catcher." It was an astronomical measuring instrument used in navigation, determining the position of celestial bodies above the horizon during voyages at sea. Astrolabe's music is a journey to distant lands, filled with the southern sun, love, hope, and joy.

Astrolabe: Rui Teles - vocals (Portugal)
Olga Barej - second & backing vocals (Poland)
Krzysia Górniak - solo guitar (Poland)
Maciej Wieżyński - rhythm guitar (Poland)
Michał Jaros – double bass (Poland)
Marcin Jahr - drums and percussion instruments (Poland)
Jeremiasz Hendzel - recording director, mix and master (Poland)
The recording was made on May 9 -11. 2022 at Studio Chrost in Sulejówek in Polan

Tracklist:

1. Sweet Almonds - music: Krzysia Górniak, lyrics: Rui Teles
2. Indios da Meia Praia - music and lyrics: José Afonso
3.Astrolabio - music and lyrics: Rui Teles
4. Estrela do Mar - music and lyrics: Jorge Palma
5. Lisboa à Noite - music: Carlos Alfredo Dias, lyrics: Fernando dos Santos
6. Nascente do Fado music - Maciej Wieżyński & Krzysia Górniak, lyrics: Rui Teles
7. Porto Sentido - music: Rui Veloso, lyrics: Carlos Tê