Black Crow [Pure DSD]

Lakatos brings her own distinctive voice and style to the songs on this album. From Billie Holiday’s “God Bless the Child” to Joni Mitchell’s “Black Crow” to Gershwin’s “Summertime,” Lakatos makes these songs uniquely her own. Her ability to break into scat is excellently competent—nothing forced, she just flows. And it all sounds delightfully natural, as in Of Course, this is what should follow…

Another blessing!

Art, so of course unfortunately Jazz is also forced to sleep its Sleeping Beauty dream worldwide. So, it is an even greater joy for all of us when a new recording is released.

On January 30, my review of Ágnes Lakatos Special Zone's fantastic album, "I'm Just Singing a Song", was released. But "Black Crow", with the excellent singer, Ágnes Lakatos, was already spinning here in my player. and her husband, a fresh bassist from the formation of the great bassist duo Tibor Csuhaj-Barna Voice and Bass, will also be on the shelves soon. Moreover, one of the best Hungarian jazz guitarists, Bálint Gyémánt, joined the artist couple in quite a few songs!

There are 8 songs on the album. We start with Billie Holiday's "God Bless the Child", followed by "Waiting for the Gray Rain" by Tibor Csuhaj-Barna (music) - Enyedi Sugárka (lyrics). After this, Abbey Lincoln’s iconic work “Throw It Away” and a composition by another genius singer, Joni Mitchell, titled “Black Crow” will be played.

Fifth, we can enjoy the processing of the gypsy folk song “Poured Water”, arranged by Tibor Csuhaj-Barna. We go on with two real big classics that were born at different ages, as we’re talking about Pat Metheny’s “James” and George Gershwin’s “Summertime”.  In conclusion, both his music and lyrics are composed by Ágnes Lakatos, a composition, “I'm Just Singing a Song”, which is the title song of the Special Zone album mentioned above.

Ági had a very difficult task ahead of them, as which of our ears, heart and soul would not have the original “God Bless the Child” Holiday, “Throw It Away” from Lincoln, or “James” from Metheny? Can these numbers be approached differently? Well, I think the way the Voice and Bass duo and Bálint Gyémánt did, by all means!

In some cases, by bravely changing the meter, the schedule, they were able to put the compositions in a different refraction, but I feel that is not (only) the main argument in favor of “Black Crow”. For me, the huge knowledge and radiance of Ági, Tibi and Bálint, as well as their love, respect, and humility for music, are the factors that impressed me.

All three have been playing music using their extremely strong personalities. Showing that they are obviously familiar with the original versions.  Now they are showing, revealing to us, what they think, feel about these topics.

I would highlight in particular: my own compositions blend into the legendary songs in such a way that it is something wonderful! “Waiting for the Gray Rain” and “I’m Just Singing a Song” abound between a “Summertime,” “Throw It Away,” or “Black Crow”.

In connection with Ágnes Lakatos' Special Zone's "I'm Just Singing a Song," I wrote that it was a blessing to record, especially in these incredibly difficult times. Well, in the case of “Black Crow,” I have to repeat myself, this album is also a divine blessing by gorgeous artists, courtesy of Hunnia Records. Thanks!