Record Reviews

EAST SIDE JAZZ COMPANY ~ FATA MORGANA BMM 0504 (Barcode: 5998272706490) ~ HUNGARY ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 This is the 2nd album by the excellent Hungarian Jazz ensemble East Side Jazz CompanyFind albums by this artist, fronted by the female vocalist Agnes LakatosFind albums by this artist and led by bassist / composer Tibor Csuhaj-BarnaFind albums by this artist, who is responsible for the original music performed by the ensemble. The band also includes saxophonist Istvan ElkFind albums by this artist, cimbalom player Miklos LukacsFind albums by this artist, guitarist Mihaly GyorgyFind albums by this artist and drummer Gyorgy JeszenszkyFind albums by this artist. The music is a great mixture of modern Jazz and folklore elements, creating a fresh and very interesting innovative sound. The lyrics are in English, but the singer uses her voice mostly in vocalese. The overall level of composition and performances is quite excellent, which of course is consistent with the rest of the great Hungarian music scene. Warmly recommended, especially to listeners interested in East European Jazz explorations!

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GRZEGORZ KARNAS ~ AUDIO BEADS BMC 199 (Barcode: 5998309301995) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 This is the fifth album by Polish Jazz vocalist Grzegorz KarnasFind albums by this artist and his first live recording. Recorded in Hungary and released on the excellent Hungarian BMCFind albums on this label label, the album captures Karnas accompanied by cellist Adam OlesFind albums by this artist, drummer Michal MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist and guest artist Hungarian cimbalom player Miklos LukacsFind albums by this artist. Together they perform just five extended pieces, one of which is a Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist song and the rest are originals co-credited to Karnas and Oles. The sound quality of this live recording is absolutely superb, which every single note being perfectly audible. Karnas presents a unique approach to Jazz vocals, which amalgamates lyrics, vocalese, scat, wordless chanting and spontaneous improvisation. He is always full of surprises and completely unconventional. His vocal modus operandi is based on techniques developed earlier by American Jazz vocalist Bobby McFerrinFind albums by this artist and sounds similar to McFerrin´s early work, but of course is inventive enough to avoid being considered simply a replica of the original. Karnas is experienced and talented enough to keep his audiences mesmerized and his extended improvisations manage to sustain tension for prolonged periods of time, which of course is extremely difficult. As this live recording proves, he is a fascinating live performer and listening to him live is perhaps the best way to benefit from his many abilities. The accompanying musicians are all splendid players and provide excellent support for the vocalist all the way through. The cellist uses his instrument mostly as if it was an upright bass, almost never playing arco. He displays fantastic musicality and virtuosic control of the cello, being the primary partner of the vocalist and complementing him superbly. The drummer plays delicately, often using his hands and brushes, with of course is suitable for this intimate music-making experience. The cimbalom player sounds remarkably like a pianist, which although works well in this situation, is a pity, as it loses the wonderful "original" sound of the instrument, which surely might have added another interesting dimension to this already multifaceted music. Considering the fact that male vocalists are a rarity on the Polish Jazz scene (and in general), Karnas definitely deserves to be praised for filling this difficult gap. Constantly developing and expanding his vocabulary and technique he is definitely a talent to be watched and enjoyed. This album is certainly a splendid addition to his recorded legacy and a source of immense listening pleasure. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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GRZEGORZ KARNAS ~ VANGA BMC 209 (Barcode: 5998309302091) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the sixth album by Polish Jazz vocalist Grzegorz KarnasFind albums by this artist, recorded with his trio including bassist Michal JarosFind albums by this artist and drummer Sebastian FrankiewiczFind albums by this artist and Hungarian cimbalom player Miklos LukacsFind albums by this artist, who appears as a guest. The album was recorded live at the Opus Jazz Club in Budapest and presents nine tracks, most of which are original compositions by Karnas. Karnas is a unique phenomenon on the vocal Jazz scene, one of the most original Masters of the trade, who incorporates lyrics and vocalese in his personal style, which is unequalled by anybody else except perhaps Bobby McFerrinFind albums by this artist. He is a brilliant improviser and uses his voice like an instrument and hearing him performing is a life changing experience. His long time collaboration with the rhythm section present here explains why the trio sounds like one organic music making body, with the trio members communicating telepathically, which enables the neck-breaking difficult rhythmic patterns and topsy-turvy melody lines to sound completely natural and coherent. This live recording proves that he is able to re-create his amazing Artistry live without any studio trickery. For some strange reason this album failed to land on my desk until now, so I am happy to bridge the gap now, especially in view of the fact that it’s been five years since Karnas released his last album; definitely way too long! Overall, this is a brilliant album from start to finish, completely different from almost anything one might come across in Jazz in general and vocal Jazz in particular. Lovers of human voice and vocal Jazz will absolutely love this to bits. I really long to hear Karnas live on stage again, but a new album will do in the meantime. This gem is still available, so don’t even think twice.

Updated: 31/03/2022Posted: 31/03/2022

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VIKTOR TOTH / AURA TRIO ~ HAVE NO FEAR FONO 463 (Barcode: 5998048546329) ~ HUNGARY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020 This is an album by Hungarian Jazz saxophonist Viktor TothFind albums by this artist and his Aura TrioFind albums by this artist, which also includes cimbalom player Miklos LukacsFind albums by this artist and bassist Gyorgy OrbanFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions, all by Toth, recorded live at the Opus Jazz club in Budapest. The music is a fascinating and explosive modern Jazz adventure, which combines Coltranesque wall of sound improvisation with the Folkloristic background of the cimbalom, which results in a highly original aural experience. Toth is an extremely passionate player, able to produce wave after wave of explosive improvisations, which although being deeply rooted in the Free Jazz tradition, always include a strong melodic contents, and as such deliver a very powerful message. The sound of the trio is very “different” and takes a while to soak in, especially to listeners unfamiliar with the highly specific ring of the cimbalom, but the patience definitely pays off as the result is truly magical. Toth is one of the most interesting East European improvisers with an impressive recording legacy and highly deserved recognition among his peers, and as this album proves beyond any doubt a musician worth following. Overall, this is a wonderful piece modern Jazz, which bursts with energy and talent and for people unfamiliar with the Hungarian Jazz scene should be quite an eye (ear) opener. Highly recommended!

Updated: 29/08/2021Posted: 29/08/2021

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