Artist: Szilárd Mezei Trio
Title: Tisza
Cat Number: SLAMCD532
Year released: 2011
Format: CD & all digital platforms
Barcode: 5028386053224
BUY CD, DOWNLOAD & STREAMING OPTIONS
This is the second CD on SLAM by the violinist Szilárd Mezei, following ‘Tonk/Stump’ by his Octet.
The inclusion of two Hungarian folk songs from Vojvodina is significant; Vojvodina, formerly an Autonomous Province of Yugoslavia and now part of Serbia, is home to a strong Hungarian community. The album was named after the river Tisza, which sources in Ukraine and joins the Danube in Vojvodina.
Szilárd Mezei: viola
Ervin Malina: double bass
István Csík: drums, percussion
“The viola is a low profile instrument in jazz but here it has all the swooping freedom of its violin cousin while having just that little extra vocal gravitas. This, combined with Mesei’s playing, gives the album an authoritative air that sits well with the music’s deep roots. Which is not to imply that it’s excessively serious. This is a true improvising trio, a partnership that juggles roles constantly, deftly and with humour.” – Dave Foxall, Jazz Journal
“Although Mezei is a gifted improviser, it is his ability to draw from Hungarian folk influences, that makes his music distinctive. Viola led trios are pretty rare but this one is extra special. “Along the Coast” opens and reminds me of Billy Bang’s fire music intensity and freedom. Each song has a different structure, providing a variety of challenges each member of the trio. “Rovas/Natch” has a sort of rather tribal beat with pounding drums and devilishly difficult viola lines. Although all of this music is adventurous, none of it is completely free. It is consistently exciting and has that edge-of-your-seat type of fascination.” – Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery
“His long-time working trio is probably the most accessible musical context he works in and is a great point of introduction to Mezei’s fusion of jazz and folk…”Tisza” brings a selection of composed tunes heavily tinged with folk sense of melody, jazz sense of pulse and improvisation-derived passion. Earthy yet graceful sound of viola corresponds to the potent sense of swing. The strong connection between the musicians, forged by the years of playing together, fuels the compositions with instant fire…The sound may be raw but the playing is spirited, vivid, vigorous, vital and filled with gusto. Intense but accessible. Highly recommended.” – Jazz Alchemist
Recorded 23 & 24 February 2010, at Studio Vilenjak, Novi Sad, Serbia by Sasa Milankov
Mixed by Szilárd Mezei