Del-Alfoldi Saxophone Ensemble - Kalamona (2000)

An important workshop for the young generation, the SOUTHERN PLAINS SAXOPHONE ENSEMBLE (Dél-alföldi Szaxofonegyüttes), has its musical roots in the area between folk and contemporary music. Their music belongs to the most viable and popular brand of Hungarian ethno jazz. They profess their direct links to folk music, and the upbeat, ecstatic manner of their performances are reminiscent of the ancient, communal quality of music. The miracle of living folk meets with the impulsiveness and technical innovation of black saxophone players of free jazz. Musical life in Hungary is centred very much, perhaps too much, on the capital. The Southern Plains Saxophone Ensemble, with its members (Béla Burány - baritone and soprano sax, Balázs Szokolay - soprano sax, Béla Ágoston - alto and tenor sax, Róbert Révész - zither, hit-gardon and clarinet) coming from the Voivodina-Viharsarok-Kiskunság triangle, was formed by three dedicated saxophonists in 1992. Soon Róbert Révész was replaced by Tibor Virág on drums. With the joining of upright bassist Béla Resch, the group was ready to record their first CD, Esthajnal (Dusk), in 1997. The band has had ample opportunities to perform throughout the country because of the heated atmosphere of their gigs. Their second CD, Kalamona, was released by the same London label that is marketing György Szabados and Mihály Dresch albums in the UK, Europe and Taiwan. Invitations to concerts and festivals started pouring in. Outside Hungary, they performed several times in Yugoslavia, Romania, Slovakia, the Czech Republic (Prague), Austria (Vienna) and France (Paris, Amiens). This year, they will perform in the United Kingdom and Germany. A promising co-operation between the band and free jazz and world music saxophonist Ákos Szelevényi (originally from Debrecen and now living in Paris) and his orchestra is taking shape. Szelevényi is scheduled to appear at the tenth anniversary concert of the ensemble on 20 April this year at the Trafó arts centre in Budapest. The members of the band are all independent, strong personalities. Outside their band, they appear in other formations, recording individually and playing in other groups whose musical styles range from world to rock music. Their versatility has so far only been to the benefit of the Sax Ensemble. - from "Only from Pure Mountain Springs" - Folk Tradition in Hungarian Jazz (an essay by Zoltán Szerdahelyi)