SBB are one of the most important and influential progressive rock bands to emerge from behind the Iron Curtain — a Polish power trio of dazzling improvisers who fused jazz-rock, blues and symphonic prog into a sound entirely their own. Formed in 1971 and led by the multi-instrumentalist Józef Skrzek, they became one of the biggest rock acts in Eastern Europe and remain active to this day.

The short version

SBB are a Polish progressive rock band, formed in Upper Silesia in 1971 and built around the extraordinary multi-instrumentalist Józef Skrzek, with guitarist Apostolis Anthimos and drummer Jerzy Piotrowski. Famed for their long-form, improvisational live shows and their blend of jazz-rock, blues and symphonic prog, they were among the most popular bands in 1970s Eastern Europe. The six albums here are their classic run, from the explosive 1974 live debut to “Memento z banalnym tryptykiem” (1981).

Search, Destroy, Build

SBB began in 1971 as the Silesian Blues Band; later, the initials were reread as the Polish slogan ‘Szukaj, Burz, Buduj’ — ‘Search, Destroy, Build.’ Before going it alone, the trio spent two years as the backing band for Czesław Niemen, one of the giants of Polish rock, touring Europe and even sharing a 1972 Munich stage with the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Charles Mingus. When they struck out as SBB, their 1974 live debut was an instant sensation — copies reportedly sold on the black market for several times the retail price.

Three virtuosi, one sound

At the heart of SBB is Józef Skrzek, a one-man orchestra on bass, piano, Minimoog, Mellotron, Hammond organ, Clavinet and harmonica, with a powerful voice to match. Around him, Apostolis Anthimos’s fluid, fusion-tinged guitar and Jerzy Piotrowski’s complex, propulsive drumming complete a trio of equals. Their music unfolds in long, dynamic forms — raw and improvisational at first, blending Hendrix-like fire, jazz freedom and Slavic lyricism, and growing steadily more composed and symphonic across the decade.

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From live fire to symphonic prog

SBB’s recordings trace a clear arc. The 1974 live debut and the records that followed — “Nowy Horyzont” (1975) and “Pamięć” (1976) — capture the band moving from free-form jam to composed studio work. By “Ze słowem biegnę do Ciebie” (1977), pieces originally conceived for orchestra brought a richer, symphonic dimension, while “Follow My Dream” (1978) reached for an international, English-language audience. Their final album, the acclaimed “Memento z banalnym tryptykiem” (1981), is often called their most symphonic and a fan favourite.

Album by album

Six SBB albums, in order — note that the self-titled debut is a live recording. Tap any title to explore.

The players

SBB have always been, at their core, the trio of Józef Skrzek, Apostolis Anthimos and Jerzy Piotrowski. After an intense decade of touring, the band split in 1980; Skrzek went on to a prolific solo career, often performing organ and electronic music, while Anthimos and Piotrowski worked with leading jazz and rock musicians. SBB reunited several times over the following decades, and the original trio still performs together today — a remarkable run for one of Poland’s most enduring bands.

Where to start

For the full SBB experience, start with the self-titled 1974 live debut — raw, electric and improvisational, it’s the band at their most thrilling. For their more composed, symphonic side, “Memento z banalnym tryptykiem” (1981) is the natural next step, and one of their best-loved records. “Nowy Horyzont” (1975) bridges the two. Above all, seek out a live recording: SBB were, first and last, a stage band.

Why they still matter

SBB matter as pioneers — proof that world-class progressive rock and jazz-fusion were being made behind the Iron Curtain, against real constraints. The most acclaimed Polish rock band of their era, they influenced countless Eastern European musicians and built a body of work prized far beyond Poland. That the original trio is still on stage decades later only deepens their legend. For anyone exploring prog beyond the usual borders, SBB are essential.

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