Magyar News, 2002. szeptember-2003. augusztus (13. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2003-04-01 / 8. szám
Saturday • February 8th, 2003 • 7:30pm Hungarian Community HaH 147 Ward Street. Wallingford. CT . $1/00* The Szakcsi Lakatos Trio appeared early February at the Hungarian Community Hall in Wallingford, CT.: the performance of "Gypsy Jazz" by the Trio turned out be a highly entertaining, festive event indeed. Béla "Szakcsi" Lakatos, a graduate of The Bela Bartók Musical Conservatory and the Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music of Budapest, has been dedicated to the world of jazz since the age of 16. He had won several prizes at jazz festivals; while visiting New York in the past, he had been playing with some of the major American jazz musicians. "Szakcsi" has established several bands in Hungary and had taught jazz at the Conservatory; he composed popular jazz tunes, several musicals, a rock opera and a ballet. Many of his albums have been recorded for GRP records; these have been distributed by BMG. In recent years, "Szakcsi" has been fine-tuning a new musical idiom, best described as "fusion - gypsy-jazz." "Gypsy-jazz" is the product of two musical great powerhouses; it combines elements of the excitingly spectacular musical language of Gypsy (Roma) with the characteristics of jazz, invented and performed by famous Afro-American artists from the United States. The product of this " musical amalgam" proved to be highly unique and exciting musical experience for over one hundred thirty enthralled listeners on February 8th, at the Hungarian Community Hall. "Szakcsi" Lakatos was accompanied by András Lakatos, a highly talented drum-player and György Orbán, one of the best jazz bass players of Hungary. The audience enjoyed the "gypsy-jazz" sound and frequently participated by "humming along." The sustained applause was heart-felt and enthusiastic. Szakcsi Lakatos (left) and his Trio: György Orbán on bass and András Lakatos on the drums The dinner featured a course of delicious "kolozsvári rakott káposzta" (layered Transylvanian cabbage): this was received most enthusiastically also. Excellent dessert, coffee-tea and the appropriate alcoholic beverages completed the menu. The Hungarian Community Hall has proved to be an ideal location for showcasing Hungarian- American performers. Happily, in the recent past, it has been used with increasing frequency, for this purpose. We are very grateful to the Hungarian Community Club of Wallingford, under the leadership of Ms. Barbara Kapi, president and Mrs. Kati Kovács, vicepresident, for hosting the unforgettable concert of "Gypsy-Jazz". We are indebted to Mrs. Linda Kata and the other dedicated club members for the preparation of a memorable meal. At the same time, we express our gratitude to the Hungarian Cultural Center of New York and Mr. Kálmán Magyar and the Centrum Management, for sponsoring the tour of the Szakcsi Lakatos Trio. Dr. Balázs Somogyi Above.Serving the Kolozsvári rakott káposzta. Below: Kálmán Magyar greeting the audience. Enjoying the dinner. Page 6
