Nigun
Nigun is celebrating its 21th anniversary this year. A new repertoire was born for the anniversary, which, although largely composed by the band leader András Párniczky, is still deeply rooted in knowledge and love of the tradition of Eastern European Jewish folk music. This mystical but at same time very human musical tradition speaks with great energies in the language of modern jazz in their concerts.
With their latest album Live inem Sargfabrik (Fono Records), released in 2016, the band has toured in many countries in Europe (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, England, France, Greece, Macedonia, Germany, Italy, Romania, Serbia) and performed overseas, in New York and Washington.
Nigun often works together with guest musicians, as their third album Bale Kulturnik (2006), featuring the Israeli saxophonist Daniel Zamir (Satlah). In the same year, members of the group participated in John Zorn's Cobra performance in the Palace Of Arts (Budapest, Hungary) under the direction of Zorn himself. They also shared the stage with Don Byron, Frank London and Matt Darriau (Klezmatics), Steven Bernstein, Aaron Alexander (Hasidic New Wave), Yale Strom, Amikam Kimelman, Miklos Lukacs (Charles Lloyd), Mihaly Borbely and Daniel Szabo.
Members
- András Párniczky – guitar
- Péter Bede – saxophone
- Péter Ajtai – double bass
- István Baló – drums
Discography
- 2003 – Nigun: Klezjazz
- 2004 – Nigun: 'Standard'
- 2005 – Hungarian Jazz Store
- 2006 - Nigun feat Daniel Zamir: Bale Kulturnik
- 2011 – A Mika Tivadar hangjai
- 2012 – Nigun: Lebedik at the Budapest Jazz Club
- 2016 – Nigun: Live inem Sargfabrik
Press quotes
“5 Stars” Gramofon Classical and Jazz Magazin, 2016-2017. Winter
"For me this wonderful story principally means the manifestation of team unity, which ultimately results in extraordinary music in an extraordinary medium. Not incidentally I reckon Nigun’s album is the best of this year’s Hungarian concert albums for the time being.” Sandor Olasz, Riff 2016.
"Parniczky’s guitar tone can be considered mature also in international comparison, yet not this success of a long-term development determines the concert recording, but his ability to place his play – that has become surprisingly ornamental by now – in various situations in appropriate functions. Previously, I rather considered him a good band leader, a summing personality, but now it is obvious that he has become one of the best guitarists in Hungary.” Zoltan Vegso, ES 2016.
"Nigun had started their musical program with crossing East European Jewish music and jazz. Nowadays they speak more in the language of contemporary jazz, based on a complex composition thinking of the band leader. This effort is verified with awesome solos.” Gabor Turi, Magyar Nemzet 2014.
"One will love the new album of Nigun whom are interested in how the old melodies take a new lease on life. Not word-for-word but redefined with an extraordinary, very unique and creative vocabulary.” Balint Bereczki, Jazzma.hu 2013.