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This new release from Odradek Jazz represents the most significant milestone in Szilárd Mezei’s creative activity with his Septet so far. Mezei explores a multitude of exciting sounds throughout, all of which are strongly connected to his cultural background as well as to his continuous drive to transcend categories and to expand musical boundaries. Although all the pieces on this album have distinctive characters, there is an overall atmosphere which connects them. Szilárd Mezei’s music is inspired by Hungarian folk music, the free expressions of jazz, and contemporary classical music. Listeners will detect links to all of these sources, yet what emerges is a soundworld all his own: at times angular, playful, avant garde, but always unique. The combination of the seven instruments in the Szilárd Mezei Septet allows for a wide range of expressions and stylistic allusions. Each of the Septet’s players has his or her own individual sound, and together this handpicked band has developed a unique set of sonorities, like individual vocalists coming together as a choir. There are elements of swing, ceremonial unisons, sharp riffs, wild improvisational lines and majestic melodies. You are invited to dive into moods of self reflection and then, all of a sudden, the music is animated by odd meters and catchy rhythms, inspiring the listener to dance.