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Tania Lukic-Marx now gives the CD reviews a rating
system. This system includes a number of stars at the completion
of the review, for example 5 stars (*****) means the CD was "brilliant"
or "excellent", 4 stars = impressive, 3 stars = good,
2 stars = satisfactory and 1 star = didn't impress.
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This CD comes from Budapest (Hungary) and I was so pleased I received this
recording! This is one of the recordings that I didn't put away after reviewing
it - I often play it in my free time. It is just SO cool! Zoltan and Gabor
play well known, popular tunes, such as "Tico-Tico", "Oci
Cornie", Rumanian dance "Pacsirta" etc., in another words
- tunes recorded by accordionists so many times, so I expected to hear more
or less 'traditional' arrangements and playing. Was I surprised to hear
Zoltan and Gabor's performance?! It is a whole level above the traditional
standard of performance. Guitar and accordion (both acoustic only) make
an excellent ensemble, its timbres mixing superbly, guitar giving steady
but interesting and colorful backing. A major part of the success of this
recording are excellent arrangements which are 'quasi' traditional but with
a touch of improvising, touch of jazz in some sections, innovative, fresh,
where the accordion is clearly a leading instrument but the guitar also
has an equally important role, harmonic twists, interesting rhythmic line.
Of course, guitarist Ursu Gabor is a highly competent musician, with a playing
style very compatible with Zoltan's.
The star is, no doubt, accordionist Orosz Zoltan. To sum up his playing
in one word, it is - splendid! Great musicality and style. His technique
is just - unbelievable. Zoltan plays piano accordion, but is technically
so superior that while listening to him you have a feeling that he plays
on the button accordion. Such a crisp, sharp and clear 'leggiero', such
a freedom in performing most demanding 'arpeggio' runs as well as other
types of technical demands, it is just amazing!!! It is overall potent and
superior accordion playing that left me feeling 'on a high' long after hearing
it. I thought while listening to it: yes, as an accordionist you either
have it or you don't, and Zoltan surely has it!!!
Zoltan has my highest recommendation. *****
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