The healing power of music

What do the director of Lufthansa in Poland, the vice president of DaimlerChrysler Poland, the head of the economic department of the German embassy, the visa section officer at the German embassy and the head of the medical center at the German embassy have in common?

Apart from having quite stressful professions, and the obvious German connection, they all share a passion for playing music. These guys recently formed the Medical Mystery Band - described as "one of the most professional amateur bands."

It all started three years ago, when Dr. Marek Kruk, the band's vocalist and the true life and soul of any party, met Chris Zimmer, who was sent here from Sofia, Bulgaria, to take over as Lufthansa's Director for Poland. Their relationship quickly developed from patient-doctor into friendship. They realized that they shared many interests, and had both once played the guitar. They began to think seriously about playing on a regular basis.

In addition to being a well-reputed specialist in internal medicine, Marek is an experienced self-taught musician. Prior to meeting Chris, he played for friends on social occasions, and the band finally gave him the chance to perform on stage. He's also the band's composer and manager, organizing gigs and offering his garage for the band's jam sessions.

"I make sure that however difficult a week we have all had, we still find the time and energy to get together and play," Marek modestly explains.

"And his wife is more than supportive - she's a great cook, and this is another stimulus for us to meet after work," adds Hanno, who was the third man to join the band.

Marek met Hanno Hille at the German embassy, and didn't have to ask him twice to get back to his drums. The instrument perfectly fits his laid-back attitude to life and penchant for rock and other louder beats.

They also - pretty coincidentally - recruited Olaf van Remmen, CFO at DaimlerChrysler, at a party: he joined as a guitarist.

"This serious-looking and well-mannered gentleman in a suit becomes quite a different person the moment he gets amplified through his guitar," jokes Marek.

The last member to join was Herbert Quelle, head of the economic department at the German embassy, who brings keyboard and vocal skills to the band. Behind his keyboard, with a cap and fluorescent glasses, Herbert looks a bit like Elton John.

Although their personal music tastes differ, the band managed to agree on more than 40 songs for their repertoire. "We play old classics by bands like the Beatles, The Police, Sting, R.E.M., and Led Zeppelin," lists Chris.

Given that these guys are all used to giving orders, it hasn't always been smooth sailing. "At the beginning we used to argue about what we wanted to play and how, but we came to the conclusion that we do it to enjoy each other's company, so it doesn't really matter what we play," says Hanno.

The first gig they all played together was in February of last year at the Carnival 2002. It's been more than a year since that first performance, and they have a lot to show for it.

"We have practiced over 40 songs, and during one concert we managed to perform 26," says Hanno.

Soon after their first carnival gig, they gave a concert at the Mercedes Ball in the Sheraton. "Since we have the luxury of having good jobs and playing as a hobby, we are not desperate for more gigs. Still, after nearly every gig we are approached by someone who wants us to play for them somewhere else," explains Hanno.

In March 2002, they played at Restaurant 99, where actor Steven Seagal joined them on guitar for a few tunes.

"He was staying at the Sheraton when we played there. We were introduced, and we agreed to practice three songs he chose," says Hanno, with a slight grimace. "But then when he popped up on stage, he asked us to play something totally different. That's what stardom is about, I guess."

They met Seagal again during his current stay in Warsaw. Apparently this time he joined them during one of their rehearsals in Marek's garage.

Outside of Warsaw, the band has played in Konstancin, Łódź, and ... "that's all for now, but who knows ..." laughs Olaf.

"We don't usually plan anything, as it's a hobby for us. We get together whenever we have a spare moment to relax and have fun," adds Herbert. "If we can make other people happy at the same time, that's even better."

All the band members say that they are attached to the city, and enjoy living here. Most of them have experiences from other capitals, but all agree that Warsaw is very special, not only because of the band. "It can be a very rewarding place to live, once you've overcome the language barrier," says Herbert.

Given their high-level jobs, one might wonder how their involvement in the band affects their professional lives.

"I don't want to push the band; I keep it as a hobby, in case the company suffers," says Chris, whose big boss in Germany has already heard about his musical achievements.

"I agree, and this why we basically play for our friends, families and don't look out for too much public exposure. My patients could stop taking me seriously!" Marek adds.

It's been an eventful year for the band, and they want to keep it that way. So far, they've recorded an album in a professional studio, made a video, and are working on releasing it.

To get in touch with the Medical Mystery Band or invite them to play, go to their website: www.medicalmysteryband.pl.