About Me
Zoltan started his musical studies in his hometown (also birthplace of the famous Hungarian Composer/Educator Zoltan Kodaly) studying Double Bass with Mr. Ferenc Homoki.
He then continued at the Franz Liszt Music Academy with the late Mrs Ilona Vadasz. During his studies at the Academy, he also became a member of the Szeged Symphony and the Szeged Opera Orchestra.
Between 1989-93 earned Bachelor of Music Degree at the College of Music and Performing Arts in Graz-Austria, under the guidance of internationally recognized Performer/Educator Wayne Darling. Towards the end of his studies in Graz, Zoltan received a full scholarship to complete his Master of Fine Arts degree at the prestigious California Institute of the Arts in Los Angeles, California.
This has enabled him to continue his development by studying with Jazz Legends/Artists such as Charlie Haden, Arnie Eggilsson (Principal Bassist of the Paramount Filmstudios Orchestra Los Angeles), Jeff Berlin, Dave Carpenter, Alan Broadbent, Putter Smith, Darek Oleskiewicz (Bassist with Joe Lovano, Brad Mehldau), Joe LaBarbara (Drummer in Bill Evans's last Trio), Dave Roitsein, Larry Koonse, Paul Novros.
While studying at CalArts, Zoltan started to become part of the Los Angeles Jazz scene and then later established himself through working with artists such as Guitarist extraordinaire Rick Zunigar (Stevie Wonder Band, Freddie Hubbard), Grammy award winning pianist Alan Broadbent, Pianist Kei Akagi (formerly with Miles Davis), Saxophonists Brandon Fields (Dave Weckl Band), Ben Clathworthy.
Through his studies at CalArts, Zoltan became friends with Bassist/Composer/Educator Jeff Berlin who later employed him in the capacity of Bass-Tutor at Jeffs highly regarded Playerschool of Music in Clearwater, Florida.
In 1998, Zoltan took the opportunity to work for Disney Cruise Line, a subsidiary of one of the worlds biggest entertainment companies, Walt Disney World. Here he had the opportunity to work with pianist Don Scoletta, a legendary musician whose credits include being part of the Cannonball Adderley Band.
Since moving to the Uk in 2001, Zoltan has become a Senior Lecturer at Leeds College of Music, as well as part of the UK Jazz scene.
He regularly performs with a cross-section of Artists that includes:
Gilad Atzmon, Pete King, Dennis Rollins, Tim Garland, Andy Sheppard, Jamie Cullum, Mornington Lockett, Bruce Adams, Ricky Woodard, Joel Purnell, Alan Barnes, Scott Hamilton, Jean Toussaint, Don Weller, Dave OHiggins, Jim Mullen, Jeremy Franks, Martin Drew...
Since living in the UK, Zoltan has performed at festivals such as:
Glastonbury Festival, Brecon Int. Jazz Festival, Marbella (Spain) Int Jazz Festival, Berlin Int Jazz Festival, Sofia Peak (Bulgaria) Int. Jazz Festival, Hagesund (Norway) Silda Int. Jazz Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, London Int. Jazz festival and many more British Jazz Festivals.
At present time, Zoltan continues to perform in the UK and abroad, while maintaining his post at Leeds College of Music.
Member of Dennis Rollinss Badbone & Co., winner of the BBC Jazz Awards 2006 best band category.
