About Me
Lead by virtuoso flautist Zsombor Fehér playing the Modified Shepherd's Flute and backed by a peculiar Viola (The viola's bridge is flattened to allow all the three strings to be played in unison) Bass Guitar, Drums and Koboz (a short-necked Lute of Middle Eastern origin) and the Utogardon (a Cello shaped strung percussion instrument peculiar to the Gyimes region) Kerekes play what we now know as 'Magyar Funk'. A lively, eclectic, jazz-funky and dance friendly interpretation of traditional tunes from their local Hungarian roots. An interpretation that is as equally accessible to a rock, jazz, roots or world music fan, of any age.
Exposed to the many different contemporary music styles now audible from around the world Kerekes took it upon themselves to announce to the world that music from Hungary can also be funky. Inspired by Folk tunes from the distant past, handed down through generations, Kerekes new CD absorbs jazz, roots, funk and even drum & bass on its journey, its haunting melodies counterpoint to its rock n roll attitude. If Hendrix or Coltrane played the shepherd's flute, he'd play it like this.
Mixed by Hungarian mix-master, Lepes Gabor, Kerekes' new album Pimasz (Magyar Funk) released in May 2006 reflects the band's new musical direction and signals a new movement on the contemporary Hungarian music scene. "Pimasz cuts a distinctive voice for the Kerekes Band: an irresistible groove of tumbling bass-lines, driving drums and wildly spiraling flute riffs. The cover dubs the music 'Ethno Funk' (they themselves call it 'Magyar Funk') and shows a cartoon picture of a man in a John Travolta Saturday Night Fever pose with flared trousers and Hungarian traditional dress. Need I say more?Well, the band was formed in 1995 and have paid their homage and their dues to their country's musical roots. From the opening track, "Csángó Boogie" they take their traditional instruments - the koboz (lute), a viola (with a flattened bridge to allow three strings to be played at once) and the flute (played by virtuoso player and band leader Zsombor Feher) - on a fantastic musical voyage that skirts punk, funk and dance, with traditional Hungarian music and some fine drumming and production underpinning it. The band must absolutely rock live.With its swirling pipes the music reminds one a little of Afro Celt Sound System, but it has a rougher edge and can also tone it down to a gentleness, as shown in "Searching" and the quasi-dubby "Ket Pasztor", both of which find it impossible not to build up the sound in their second halves. Although fused with energy and dynamism, the CD is a slightly relentless listening experience if taken in one sitting, but it's a shot in the arm in short bursts. This band is certainly one to catch." Mark Espiner - Songlines 2006 Sept/Oct
