Hungarian keyboardist and producer Szabolcs Bognár aka Àbáse has been on the ‘one to watch’ list for a while now. A cornerstone in the Budapest nu-jazz/ afro-beat scene as a band leader, his first solo album, ‘Laroyê‘ in 2021 turned muso heads in his direction with its seamless weave of soulful beats, West African vibes and progressive samba. The album was an epic undertaking, recorded low key in musicians’ apartments during a lengthy sabbatical in Brazil then readied for release through hours of meticulous post-production.
Àbáse admits that though ‘Laroyê’ was impressive, the extended process of getting there took its toll and made him determined to approach the follow up differently. How that has panned out will soon be revealed with the arrival of the second Àbáse album, ‘Awakening’ due 5th July via Oshu Records / Analogue Foundation.
With immediacy and spontaneity as drivers for the new recording ‘Awakening’ promises to flow from a brisker energy source, particularly as most tracks are first or second takes without overdubs. The collection also reflects a time of personal change for Szabolcs Bognár, a move to Berlin, marriage and new parenthood included, and so represents an album that marks out another chapter for this restless creator.
You can sense such momentum in new single and album preview Menidaso (My Hope). The clipped step of the Cuban-funk bass line, the criss-crossing rhythmic drive, the unflustered syncopation of the horn loops and the frisky wah-wah whip, all push the tune onwards with a positive thrust. Percussionist Eric (King) Owusu adds a righteous vocal of hope, while Fanni Zahár’s darting flute and Ori Jacobson’s bluesy sax flourish within the rush of the band’s intoxicating groove. As Menidaso eases down into a tingling spiritual jazz coda a sense of refreshment hangs in the air. With the ‘Awakening’ album you know that Àbáse is going to give us a whole lot more to take in.
Pre-order your copy of ‘Awakening‘ by Àbáse from your local record store or direct from Oshu Records HERE
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