Embracing sounds and mythology of his native Hungary, pianist Szabados stands at the pinnacle of European improvisers

Undeniably Central European, forthrightly embracing the sounds and mythology of his native Hungary, pianist György Szabados stands at the pinnacle of European improvisers. His talents aren't better known, unfortunately, since the development of his unique florid pianism came at a time during the Cold War when state limitations were placed on experimental artists.
Based on the ancient Hungarian folk tales of Boldogasszony, and filtered through his imagination, the CD exhibits how he slyly concocts his own sonic synthesis. Ranging chromatically through six extended tracks, he invest the free improv with suggestions of Magyar folk melodies, reverberations of medieval church plainsong and more sophisticated echoes from so-called classical and jazz music. Sheer power and exuberance is exhibited in performance, which also owes much to the harmonically sophisticated pianism of Ferencz Liszt, arguably Hungary's most famous classical composer.
Even though none of the melodies or tropes he uses throughout the disc is fungible, often it appears as if every theme or note cluster has an echoing doppelganger. Similarly unique, his probing voicing and pointed touch manages to be hard as tempered steel at points without locking into immobility. All and all his solo work here isn't a collection of runs or licks, but built around instant composition of themes that echo throughout the program. Overall, his Hungarian-ness is apparent as well, since almost no other free jazzman from outside his country would create absolute music with as many ecclesiastical references as this one. (Ken Waxman)

Track Listing

• Bells / Harangok
• Pilgrimage / Zarándokút
• Message / Üzenet
• Aracs
• The Land of Boldogasszony / Boldogasszony földje
• Supplication / Fohász

Additional Details

Label: BMC Records

Genre: Jazz

Run Time: 56 mins

Release Date: 06/25/08

UPC: 5998309301308