Band of Gypsys Reincarnation
l founded the Band of Gypsys Reincarnation in 2007 with leading jazz musicians of Hungary. Through the sound of the band's music l wanted to create a bridge between the musical world of Jimi Hendrix, the jazz played by Hungarian Gypsies and traditional Gypsy music.When selecting the members of the group, l also wanted to bring together the different generations. Drummer Imre Kőszegi is one of the legendary personalities of Hungarian jazz life. Péter Oláh, who plays the bass, is one of the most important musicians of the younger generation. Miklós Lukács, the cimbalom player is the most prominent representative of Hungarian Gypsy music sound, and he is familiar with the world of jazz and contemporary music as well. Our permanent soloist, lstván Fekete, is a real champion of sensitive jazz trumpet playing.The guest artists contributing to the album also colour the sound of the band with different musical worlds. On the CD you can hear one of the world's outstanding jazz trumpet players, Randy Brecker, one of Hungary's greatest guitarists, Tibor Tátrai, and a legendary musician Jackie Orszaczky who we dearly miss. The musical base of the recording made with him is from a 2004 concert promoting a CD of my band called Urban Noises. We recorded an additional soundtrack to this song with the Band of Gypsys Reincarnation so that we can play together with him one more time.
In October, 2012, the ‘Band of Gypsys Reincarnation’ gave a monumental and very successful concert at Hungary’s largest concert hall, in Palace of Arts (Művészetek Palotája), in commemoration of Jimi Hendrix’s 70th birthday. The band’s rhythm section featured Mr. Eddie Gomez on double bass, and Mr. Steve Gadd on drums. Our special guest was the band’s regular soloist Mr. István Fekete on trumpet.
In 2013 CD was released containing sound material of concert, "Electric Angelland".
jazzjazzersjazzing.blogspot.hu: A Happy New Year Full of Jazz/Rock is Here -- Time to Party Like It's 1969!
allaboutjazz.com: Band of Gypsys Reincarnation: Electric Angelland (2013)
Review az All about jazz
40 Years After
Band Of Gypsys Reincarnation | Inter You Records
By Mark F. Turner
The influence of James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix reaches far and wide even after his untimely death at 27 years of age on September 18, 1970. Over the years, there have been countless dedications to the iconic guitarist including a few notable jazz-oriented releases like Purple: Celebrating Jimi Hendrix(ACT, 2007), from the intrepid French Vietnamese guitarist Nguyen Le.
The heralded coverage of Hendrix's 40th anniversary in 2010 unveiled Sony's West Coast Seattle Boy anthology and released material inValleys of Neptune (Legacy Recordings). Yet another gem was quietly released by a peculiar but talented Hungarian ensemble--Band Of Gypsys Reincarnation, featuring trumpeter Randy Brecker, with the heartfelt 40 Years After.
Led by guitarist László Halper, the group successfully reinterprets a few of Hendrix's classics while capturing his mystic and offering something fresh. Halper's playing is first and foremost the key--unlocking psychedelic riffs and amber toned runs with a perfect blend of abandon and control. But it's also the band's anchoring--tight musicianship, touches of electronic effects, and the boldness to reinvent these beloved tunes, that sets the release apart from other dedications.
The set burns but embodies a cool melodism; by the time "If Six Was Nine"s classic riff digs in, Brecker's veteran trumpet rides over a tripled swing time, with added magic from Miklós Lukács' cimbalom (a hammered dulcimer) and Halper's inventive tweaking. The unparalleled "Purple Haze" has never sounded as mellow, as the band slows the tempo but keeps the essence intact; Halper transitioning from clean to warm distortion, sprinkling varied effects with aplomb. Hendrix's unforgettable "Hey Joe" takes a unique stance, with a mellifluous introduction, before turning up the amps. "Who Knows" is still a stone cold groove, and here it dons more of an old school R&B vibe, even quoting some lines from Miles Davis.
Chopin's "Prelude In E Minor" seems out of place until the same chords are shared in the opening of "Medley: Little Wing / 3rd Stone From The Sun (Pt 1)." It is this thoughtfulness and empathy that makes 40 Years After a fitting and outstanding tribute to one of music's all time greats.
Original version: allaboutjazz.com: 40 years after
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