MUSIC

Centrum Management and the Hungarian American Cultural Association of Houston proudly present Gypsy Colors - Central European World Music, a  fascinating world music experience blending Eastern and Central European folk music by exceptional artists from several countries.  Featuring  Hungary's premier world music group, Kálmán Balogh and the Gypsy Cimbalom Band from Budapest.  Wednesday night, April 15th at 7:30 PM at Houston Baptist University - Joella & Stuart Morris Cultural Arts Center - Mary Ann & Bruce Belin Recital Hall located at 7502 Fondren Road, Houston 77074.

The infectious music of Kálmán Balogh (pictured) and the Gypsy Cimbalom Band and the excitement of their live concerts are world renowned. Kálmán Balogh, considered one of the greatest virtuosos of the Cimbalom (a 125-stringed, European version of the hammered dulcimer) collaborates with classical, jazz and folk musicians in this program of traditional tunes, transformed into artful, exciting renditions of modern dance music which he calls Gypsy Jazz.

Kálmán Balogh is one of the foremost Hungarian cimbalom players, descending from a famous dynasty of Hungarian Gypsy musicians. His virtuosity is matched only by his understanding and respect of his heritage. A graduate of Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music of Budapest, he has completed many successful tours throughout the world with various ensembles, including five tours in North America.

The cimbalom, a sort of oversized hammer dulcimer played with mallets like a vibraphone, possesses piano like percussive abilities to drive a band rhythmically or take the melodic lead. In Kálmán Balogh's expert hands, the cimbalom can do both simultaneously. His mastery of this unique and rare Hungarian folk instrument has mesmerized audiences.

Kálmán Balogh Gypsy Cimbalom Band is the dynamic merging of music from the old and new worlds. Balogh continues a fabled European musical tradition harking back to the collaboration of masters like gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli, connecting the ancient folk music traditions of Central and Eastern Europe with the chord progressions and swing of jazz. Balogh's cimbalom becomes a new and compelling voice centering a band which also includes acoustic bass, acoustic guitar, trumpet, and violins. Similarities in jazz and traditional folk music, such as improvisation and a kaleidoscope of emotional expressions, are immediately evident.

Melodies, which have been polished in European villages for centuries, are interpreted with great respect and understanding by The Gypsy Cimbalom Band, enabling present day music lovers to experience the emotions and beauty inherent in the music of our ancestors. Kálmán Balogh Gypsy Cimbalom Band brings a contemporary and uniquely forward-looking edge to time honored traditions, leaving audiences enthralled and inspired.

Balogh – cimbalom
Frankie Látó – violin
Ferenc Kovács – trumpet & violin
Peter Bede - saxophone
György Mihály – guitar 
Csaba Novák – bass

“… it was the cimbalom player who took the greatest honors, hammering with demonic speeds …” Boston Globe