Musicians: András Párniczky - guitar János Vázsonyi - alto saxophone Péter Nagy - bass Csaba Gavallér - drums, derbuka
Guest: Dániel Váczi - soprano saxophone
Label - Etnofon, Hungary
Released 2003
'The members of NIGUN, who don’t go only in for the same music but they are also friends, are mixing Jewish music (klezmer, sephard, folk-sacral) with jazz and
free-improvisational elements.
This music is characterized by both the melodic turns of Jewish music and improvisational elements. The aim of Nigun is not only preserving heritage but creating new values.
Since the formation of Nigun in August 2001, the band has performed on several festivals
in clubs and TV.'
'Impressive klezmer-inflected jazz set from a Hungarian band with some serious chops. Alto player Janos Vazsonyi reminds me of Lee Konitz at his fiery best, while clarinetist Daniel Vaezi has a lot of Perry Robinson going on. Great rhythm section work and inventive approach to oft-recorded pieces like 'Shnirele Perele'.
Rating: AAAAA George Robinson
thejewishweek.com