Tony Lakatos And His Friends

Krém SLPX 17817

Lakatos, ts, ss; Rainer Brüninghaus, p, synth; Toto Blanke, g; Trilok Gurtu, perc; László Gárdonyi, p; Pál Vasvári, b; Béla Lattmann, b; Gábor Szende, dr.

Saxophonist Tony Lakatos is a leading representative of the new generation of Hungarian jazz musicians and this is his first album under his own name. On the six pieces, he reveals his ability at handling different styles and means of expression. West German guitarist Toto Blanke’s Winter Song reflects the “ECM sound”, while Lakatos’ Vintage goes from atonality to pure diatonic melody. For J. C. is dedicated to the late John Coltrane. The other three pieces, Gólem, Ballad and Sing Sing Song, feature Lakatos’ regular Hungarian group with its strong emphasis on rhythm and post-bop reminiscences. The 25-year-old Lakatos can blow some fast saxophone lines, but he also knows how to create different moods. Although this record is rather eclectic, Lakatos hopefully is on the way towards finding his own sound.

(Jazz Forum, 1984/3)