I'm Just Singing A Song [Pure DSD]

Ágnes Lakatos is one of the most defining personalities of Hungarian vocal jazz, both as a performer and teacher. Due to her extremely expressive style, unmistakable voice, and positive radiance, she earned the respect and love of the audience and the profession.

Her album I'm Just Singing A Song was recorded with a group called Ágnes Lakatos Special Zone. The singer's partners in the Special Zone are pianist Máté Pozsár, who also performs on other keyboards, Ágnes' husband, bassist Tibor Csuhaj Barna, and drummer Gábor Pusztai, percussionist.

Four compositions by Tibor Csuhaj Barna (music) and Sugárka Enyedi (lyrics) are performed on the album. In the other three compositions by Barna Csuhaj and one by Máté Pozsár, Ágnes performs the pieces. The title track “I'm Just Singing a Song” is the work of Ágnes Lakatos in terms of both music and lyrics.

I would classify the album in the modern mainstream category. As the mainstream of jazz in the world of standards, is in its mood.  But the often-striking unparalleled rhythms and the individual tone of each of the songs make the material modern and trendy in a good sense.

Ágnes' singing is a miracle! She performs technical feats easily and playfully, revealing emotions in all the colors of the rainbow. All her voices flow with vitality and affirmation of life, supported by incredible energy, heart and soul.

In both textual and non-textual numbers, she uses his voice as an instrument, reminiscent of virtuoso saxophone and “hot” bass. She does all this in such a way that the repertoire of the album is composed of difficult - and great - compositions in terms of melody, harmony, and rhythm.

In addition to world-class singing and strong compositions, of course I must also praise the great musicians.  They feature the tasteful, delicate, yet determined and fulfilling accompaniment of Máté Pozsár, Tibor Barna Csuhaj and Gábor Pusztai, and their solos complete the fantastic product.

Unfortunately, in these difficult times, we can rarely report joyful news about Jazz.  But Ágnes Lakatos' Special Zone's "I'm Just Singing a Song" is definitely one of the few blessings that we have received from above.  It is a blessing.