www.ratkozjaca.com

Ratko Zjaca – is an award winning guitarist, composer and recording artist with many critically acclaimed recordings under his name ,
he has recorded and performed with some of the most influential musicians in jazz and modern improvisation music.
He studied and graduated from Zagreb University. In his drive for the necessary knowledge and the enormous need for studies he sought his refuge in The Netherlands at the Rotterdam Conservatory, famous for its studies of modern music. . He also followed masterclasses and personal courses with Joe Pass, Jim Hall, Pat Metheny, Mick Goodrick, Mike Stern, Bob Brookmayer, John Abercrombie and many others. After completing his study at the Rotterdam Conservatory, he also studied at New York University School of Music.

Ratko Zjaca is known for his innovative style and versatility in blending various genres such as jazz and world music. He is highly respected in the jazz community for his improvisational skills and ability to craft complex, emotive compositions. Zjaca has collaborated with a many of renowned jazz artists, including John Patitucci, Al Foster, Steve Gadd , Miroslav Vitous , Reggie Workman, Antonio Sanchez, Adam Nussbaum, Randy Brecker , Jeff Tain Watts, John Riley, Trilok Gurtu , Marius Preda , Simone Zanchini and many others,showcasing his ability to adapt and interact with some of the top musicians in the field. Ratko has released 18 albums as a bandleader .
Zjaca’s guitar style is often characterized by its lyrical phrasing, harmonic sophistication, and technical proficiency adding his own distinct voice. Beyond his performance career, he has also contributed to music education, conducting workshops and masterclasses at many music academy’s all around the world.
Ratko Zjaca has performed at numerous international jazz festivals and venues in France, Austria, Germany, England, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Norway, Switzerland,Luxemburg,Croatia, Macedonia, Spain,Italy, Tunisia, Serbia,Montenegro, Belgium,Poland,Portugal,Czech Republic,Lebanon,Suriname, India, Brasil, Japan, USA etc… showcasing his versatile musical style and innovative approach to jazz.His collaborations often push the boundaries of traditional jazz, creating new and exciting musical experiences.
His new solo guitar album “Archtop Avenue” was chosen to be on the 33rd place of the best 100 jazz albums in 2023 selected for the "American Jazz Journalists Association”.

Ratko endorses Mirabella Guitars.
Ratko Zjaca is nominated for best jazz guitarist in South American El Intruso New Creative Music Critics Poll Award for 2010.
The CD “ Don’t try this anymore” has won the Orpheus Award for 2016 – the best Italian production for jazz music
Ratko Zjaca receive The Award for achievement ,the authorship and artistic creation in jazz music from the Croatian Composer Society -2019
Ratko received the European discography award for the artistic creation in jazz music from the biggest east European jazz festival-Nisville jazz Festival Organization 2021

Selected discography:

Ratko Zjaca Nocturnal Mission Quartet
"The Bag is Packed" – Benny Bailey Group
Ratko Zjaca Quartet “live” at jazz festival
"A Day in Manhattan" – Ratko Zjaca, Reggie Workman, Al Foster
“Live" – Reggie Workman and Jim Cobb Sextet
"Shades of Spirit", Fretless Guitar Project – Ratko Zjaca and Stanislav Mitrovic
"Crossing The Border" – Ratko Zjaca, Stan Mitrovic, John Pattituci, Al Foster
"Continental Talk" – Ratko Zjaca, John Patitucci, Steve Gadd, Stan Mitrovic, Randy Brecker
"The Way We Talk" – Ratko Zjaca, Simone Zanchini, Adam Nussbaum, Martin Gjakonovski
"Now and Then" – Ratko Zjaca with Simone Zanchini, Miroslav Vitous, John Patitucci, Reggie Workman, Adam Nussbaum, Steve Gadd, Al Foster and others
"Beyond the Lines" – Ratko Zjaca, Simone Zanchini, Adam Nussbaum, Martin Gjakonovski
"Dont try this anywhere" – Ratko Zjaca,Simone Zanchini,John Patitucci,Adam Nussbaum and Stefano Bedetti
“Life on earth” – Ratko Zjaca with Antonio Sanchez,Renato Chicco and Stefano Bedetti
“Light in the world” – Ratko Zjaca with John Riley ,Renato Chicco and Stefano Bedetti
“ The places you will go “ Ratko Zjaca with John Riley, Antonio Sanchez, Renato Chicco , Simone Zanchini, Miroslav Vitous, John Patitucci, Reggie Workman, Adam Nussbaum, Steve Gadd, Al Foster and others
“Midnight in Europe “ Live – Ratko Zjaca, Simone Zanchini, Adam Nussbaum, Martin Gjakonovski
“ Archtop Avenue” – Ratko Zjaca solo guitar
“Touching minds” – Ratko Zjaca with Trilok Gurtu, Marius Preda and Nick McGuirre coming september 2025