Harry Sokal, Born in 1954 Harry Sokal is surely numbered among the most important "post Coltrane" saxophonists in Europe. In addition to his collaboration with a great number of major European and American jazz musicians such as being member of the Vienna Art Orchestra since 1977, member of the Art Farmer Quintet from 1978 till 1999, further with Art Blakey, Dave Holland, Terje Rypdal, Daniel Humair, Michel Portal, Mike Richmond, Minu Cinelu, Friedrich Gulda, Idris Muhammad, Joe Zawinul, Harry Pepl, Jene Jackson, Andy Mc Kee among others, he initiates and conducts numerous projects with national and international musicians and of course his own projects (as a leader): Rave the Jazz, Full Circle, Roots Ahead, Voices of Time the power Trio “Depart” the almost classical Duo “Stories” and latest the Organ Trio „Groove“. 2005 Harry Sokal received the “Hans Koller Award” in the category „Musician of the Year“ and 2010 the acknowledgment Award of Lower Austria State. Harry Sokal’s masterful playing stands out due to his virtuosity on the instrument and, moreover, to his lyrical tone and stylistically clear lines which always maintain close connection to the character of each piece, all qualities which make him of him anoutstanding musicians of his country

Harry Sokal Reviews

He plays like he speaks, speaks like he plays, plays like he moves, moves like he plays. That's what makes for the quality of his playing...and it can make your skin tingle.” (Harald Justin, Jazzthetic,)
 
“Following in the footsteps of John Coltrane, a well-rounded player, as ecstatic as he is thoughtful and in full command of jazz technique, including the most modern.” (Ljubisa Tosic, Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde Wien)
 
Harry Sokal. Winner of the 2005 Hans Koller "Musician of the Year" Award.
 
“... above which, Sokal knowingly sets spontaneous notes aflight, like a bird flying through the four seasons.” (Andreas Felber, Standard)
 
“You’re never safe from surprises: At times it’s the rhythm that changes; at others, the emphasis. A special treat for jazz fans.” (Rainer Guerich. InMusic,)
 
“What’s in a name? Sometimes nothing more than just that. But in the case of Harry Sokal, it proves to be the key to stirring up the legendary Wiener Blut, for shedding light on jazz and reading the language of the gestures.” (Harald Justin, JazzZeit,)
 
“Harry Sokal is a happening.” (Harald Justin, JazzZeit)