Róbert Szakcsi Lakatos Trio

On Saturday, 14 September 2024, a one-day programme series, the Celebration of Hungarian Jazz, pays tribute to the genre with free open-air concerts, a book presentation, an awards ceremony and – with a combined ticket – some evening concerts, in this joint production from the Hungarian Jazz Federation and House of Music Hungary. The Open-Air Stage will host the Nart Orchestra, the Bohém Ragtime Jazz Band and Kovász, with Gábor T. Szántó presenting his book on the pianist János Gonda in the Lecture Hall, where the Hungarian Jazz Federation’s awards ceremony will also take place prior to the evening concerts. The Róbert Szakcsi Lakatos Trio will perform at 8 pm in the Concert Hall, while Tzumo Gypsy Dreams will close out the programme at 9.30 pm.

Róbert Szakcsi Lakatos Trio
Róbert Szakcsi Lakatos is known for his many facets, and this new line-up of his plays a unique fusion of American Be-bop and European Django manuche swing music. And he has found the perfect partners for this project, with Debi Botos on guitar, Roby Lakatos on violin, and József Barcza Horváth on double bass. Their playing is fiery, exciting and, at the same time, fun, incorporating several different styles of European Gypsy music. Róbert Lakatos took first prize in the solo piano competition at the 2001 Montreux Jazz Festival and was named the best soloist at the Avignon International Jazz Festival in 2005. He has since made quite a name for himself in the jazz world, with his trio signed to a renowned Japanese label. Jazz giant Jack DeJohnette, one of the many he has played with, says, “I think Róbert is one of the top young pianists on the jazz scene today,” while John Patitucci, another former musical partner states that Róbert’s “sound and touch on the piano are highly developed and very lyrical.” He has also received lofty praise from jazz legends with whom he has never played, but who have heard his music. One of them was Chick Corea, whose dedication for the cover of Róbert’s new album read “You are the music, so I just want you to keep it bright! You are an adventurous Soul! Your friend in music, Chick.” In addition to DeJohnette and Patitucci, Róbert has also played with Lewis Nash, Robert Hurst, Palle Danielsson, Erik Truffaz, Roby Lakatos, Greg Hutchinson, Jorge Rossy, Alex Sipiagin, Rick Margitza, Marcus Gilmore, Gerrerd Presencer, Tony Lakatos, John Zorn , Chris Potter, Randy Brecker, Bill Evans, Hiram Bullock, Ravi Coltrane – and this list is far from complete.

A joint production from the House of Music Hungary and the Hungarian Jazz Federation.