Two musicians, Bartłomiej Szopiński and Maciej Sobczak, have been occasionally playing together for many years, but only after they have met in the „Hot Water” band, that has been reborn after many years of silence, their musical bond has strengthened. The joyful experience of playing music together has encouraged them to start a new project, that’s how the duo Smooth Gentlemen came into being.

The fascination with the blues, boogie and American folk, together with the fondness of improvising combine into an impressive musical blend, which utilizes the themes of standards as the starting point for further musical explorations. Both Maciej Sobczak and Bartek Szopiński are the accomplished and unconventional instrumentalists, and it is the factor that gives their performances fresh and original feel. Sobczak’s guitars and Bartek’s keyboards enchant listeners with subtle solos as well as heavy, obsessive riffs. Their setlist includes the songs of J.J. Cale, Bob Dylan along with well-known blues and boogie standards.

MEMBERS

Bartłomiej Szopiński - is a Polish renowned piano and Hammond organ player, composer, the tenfold winner of the “Piano Player of the Year” award in the “Blues TOP” poll. 

He started his professional career in the age of 14 as the member of the then popular kids band L.O. 27. Then, as the leader of the Boogie Boys he achieved success in the USA, Canada and Western Europe. Boogie Boys were supporting act of such a great names like Shakin’ Steavens, Joe Bonamassa, Ray Manzarek (The Doors), Eric Burdon (The Animals) and Ana Popovic. 

As the session musician he can be heard on several dozen records of many notable artists e.g. Big Bill Morganfield – the son of legendary Muddy Waters, Studebaker John, John Clifton, L.O.27, Jafia, Sedativa, Kasa Chorych, Hot Water. He was also invited to play live with Phil Guy (Buddy Guy’s brothera), Johnny Rawls, Kate Moss, Kara Grainger, Larry McRay, Mississippi Gospel Choir, Rod Piazza, Ron Thompson and took part in many prestigious music festivals in the USA, Canada, Japan and Europe like: International Blues Challenge (Memphis, TN), Blues From The Top Colorado, Montreal Jazz Festival, Hamamatsu World Music Festival, Baden-Baden Boogie Nights. Bartek is the originator and co-organizer of the „Polish Boogie Festival'. 

​

Maciej Sobczak – is a Polish blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter, the co-founder and leader of  Hot Water and Boogie Chilli blues bands. He worked with Wojciech Waglewski, Małgorzata Ostrowska and Lombard pop-rock group, and shortly with Żuki Rock and Roll Group. In 2002, in Warsaw Klub 99 he played a concert with American actor and guitarist Steven Seagal. 

His compositions, guitar playing and vocal can be heard on four CDs by Hot Water, two CDs by Boogie Chilli and the album “Tribute to Eric Clapton”, a compilation of Slowhand’s immortal hits recorded by the most prominent Polish guitarist, where Sobczak performed two songs.