Record Reviews

EMMA NAGY ~ LOW FREQUENCY OSCILLATOR NOT ON LABEL ~ HUNGARY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020 This is the second album by Hungarian vocalist Emma NagyFind albums by this artist and her quintet, which also includes guitarist Peter CsehFind albums by this artist, pianist Aron TalasFind albums by this artist (a new member), bassist Abel DenesFind albums by this artist and drummer Adam KlauszFind albums by this artist and features guest saxophonist Daniel MesterFind albums by this artist, who appears on selected tracks. The album presents twelve original compositions, six composed by Nagy, three by Denes and one each by Cseh, Talas and Klausz. Most of the lyrics (in English) are by Emma’s brother. The music continues the path set by the sensational debut, but about half of the tunes are significantly shorter and more concise this time, with fewer instrumental passages, which somewhat changes the overall character of the music. The leader sings mostly lyrics this time, using less vocalese and other vocal effects, which are still here of course but are less dominant, which again effects the overall impression. Of course it is perhaps unfair to compare this album to its predecessor, but one must admit that the total effect of surprise and novelty achieved by the debut influences the listener’s (yours truly) attitude towards this album. That said, this is still an amazing piece of music, which perhaps is less immediately stunning, but preserves all the great qualities of the debut, first and foremost the complete originality in making music, but all the other qualities of sublime instrumental performances, great vocals and absolutely magical atmosphere of Avant-Gardist nonchalance, which sets aside this quintet from almost everything that is happening on the European Jazz scene these days, are also here. It is recommended to read my review of the debut album “Set To FaceFind albums with this title” to get the full picture, as it makes no sense to repeat all my compliments, which are still all valid. If anybody will go through the same process of listening to these albums in the chronological order, will probably experience the same experiences like myself, but of course all is well that ends well, or even better ;) Overall, this is another amazing album by amazing young musicians, who deserve nothing but prize and admiration for their efforts. Sadly, such originality is way too rare these days but happily it still happens, and when it does it deserves all the support that one can offer.

Updated: 19/11/2021Posted: 19/11/2021

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

EMMA NAGY ~ SET TO FACE NOT ON LABEL ~ HUNGARY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019 This is the debut album by Hungarian vocalist Emma NagyFind albums by this artist and her quintet, which also includes guitarist Peter CsehFind albums by this artist, pianist Tamas PappFind albums by this artist, bassist Abel DenesFind albums by this artist and drummer Adam KlauszFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions contributed by all five musicians. From the very first note it becomes immediately apparent that these young musicians have a completely original approach to Jazz, which is fresh, surprising and extremely effective. The leader sings superb vocalese, using the entire scope of vocal expression, which brings fond memories of the singers (mostly female) that revolutionized vocal Jazz from the 1960’s on. Although completely unusual, the singing remains well within the modern Jazz idiom, avoiding Avant-Garde / Free Improvisation and being superbly melodic, despite the freedom of expression utilized. The instrumentalists are all brilliant, as it often happens these days with extremely young players, who seem to be at the early stages of their career, but play like veteran pros. Cseh plays gutsy / quirky guitar lines, that sparkle like sun on water, almost touching Fusion but somehow avoiding its triviality. Papp is both the romantic and the adventurer. Denes keeps the music flowing, with his clockwork pulsations. Klausz plays around with the rhythmic fabric, keeping the time but also moving around it. The resulting music is beyond any classification, and every attentive listener will find it probably quite different, with dissimilar associations going through the head. But regardless of the labeling, this music is simply stunningly unusual, inventive and leaves the listener waiting for more. I have had the opportunity to listen to this band (with a slightly different lineup) live during my recent visit to the Jazz Juniors competition in Krakow, Poland, where they won, completely deservedly, the first prize. They were simply beyond any competition! Overall this is definitely one of the most rejuvenating musical experiences I have encountered in a long time. The band has a second album, which I have yet to hear and review, but assuredly it will be as good as this one. Find this music out and savor it, and you will never regret it!

Updated: 11/11/2021Posted: 11/11/2021

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