Record Reviews

BUDAPEST JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ NEW DAYS AHEAD: THE MUSIC OF DANIEL HOFECKER BJO 0014 ~ HUNGARY ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is a nice album by the Jazz Orchestra / Big Band called Budapest Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which plays music composed by the Hungarian trumpeter / composer Daniel HofeckerFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, eight of which are original compositions by Hofecker and one is an arrangement of a standard. The first four tracks a parts of a suite, which gives the album its title. Two of the tracks feature vocals, performed by guest vocalist Eva BolbaFind albums by this artist. The music is based on highly melodic themes, elegantly weaved and arranged for the Big Band idiom, and excellently performed by the instrumentalists. Stylistically the Big Band keeps to the classic American tradition, close to Swing, with perfectly arranged harmonies and flawless balance between the various sections and the solos are also kept within the mainstream model. The overall sound of the Big Band is quite mellow and delicate, which brings is slightly closer to the European Big Band aural experience, but in general there are no surprises or deviations from the expected norm. Overall, this is a very pleasant Jazz Big Band album, which takes no risks and offers sold, well composed music and arrangements, which create a first class listening experience. Since most Big Band fans prefer this kind of approach, this album should sit very well with the majority of Jazz listeners. One has of course to recognize Hofecker’s skills as composer and arranger, of which we will hopefully hear much more in the future.

Updated: 03/04/2023Posted: 03/04/2023

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

BUDAPEST JAZZ ORCHESTRA / TONY LAKATOS ~ STORYTELLING NIGHT: THE MUSIC OF DANIEL MESTER BJO 0016 (Barcode: 5999112320128) ~ HUNGARY ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2024 Released: 2025 This is an album by the Hungarian Budapest Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, featuring the guest soloist, saxophonist Tony LakatosFind albums by this artist, playing music by the member of the orchestra, saxophonist / composer Daniel MesterFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all bar one composed by Mester, and one composed by Miles DavisFind albums by this artist. The music is absolutely brilliant from start to end, full of lyricism and wonderfully woven melodies, developing picturesque vistas, ideal for the Jazz Big Band / Orchestral environment. The orchestration and arrangements (not credited) are highly inventive and often quite complex, but not disturbing the accessibility of the music to a relatively wide audience. Lakatos, who never disappoints, adds his sublime soloing, which is the proverbial cherry on top of the cake. The album is a textbook of European Jazz Big Band approach, with the emphasis on the overall sound of the orchestra, rather than serving as accompaniment for the soloists. This approach is wonderfully exemplified on this album, and the “storytelling” character of the music completely reflects the title and the composer’s intentions. The inclusion of Miles Davis’ “All Blues” is a great idea, as the version present here tells all the story about how American and European Jazz differ at the core. Overall, this is a truly delightful Jazz Big Band / Orchestra album, full of sublime music and excellent performances by the orchestra’s members, which a true listening pleasure from start to end. I wholeheartedly recommend this album to all lovers of modern European Jazz Big Band, who can appreciate the finesse and elegance of this music. Thank you Daniel for sending me the album, and of course for creating the music in the first place – chapeau bas!

Updated: 18/01/2026Posted: 18/01/2026

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend