Search - Attila Zoller :: Gypsy Cry

All-Time Great Jazz Guitar Recording

Ed Neidich | Great Neck, NY USA | 12/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must, in fairness, preface my review by stating that Attila Zoller was one of my closest friends for over 30 years. This recording was, like other earlier Zoller records, very ahead of its time. Attila's sound and choice of notes was unique and very personal. Although he actually wasn't a Gypsy (Schwabian-German blood), he was highly influenced by the sound of Gypsy music in his native Hungary.This record (recorded in the later 60's) features a young Herbie Hancock on electric piano and Lew Tabackin playing a Hungarian reed instrument called a tarogato (AZ showed it to him and taught him something about it). The music on this CD is both electrifying and haunting. Attila never believed that one should copy anyone or have to play in a particular bag. Ornette Coleman told him (many years ago at music school in Lenox, Mass.)that he should play from his roots. This recording is one of the great, if liitle known, classics in jazz guitar history. Just ask Jim Hall, Vic Juris and others...the people who really know, know exactly the special talent that the late Attila Zoller had. Attila died, of colon cancer, in late January of 1998. He was 70 years old. Attila Zoller was a brilliant innovator. Discover his genius for yourself. This recording (only recently available on CD) is a must have...5+ Stars!"

Amazing recording

David Thrower | Philadelphia, PA USA | 01/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I picked up an old cassette version of this recording years ago for five cents at a yard sale, and am so thankful I did! Of course, the tape was deteriorating, and I picked up this CD release as soon as I could. The combinations of different styles and traditions of music are amazing and inspiring. In many places it sounds like old friends jamming, in some like inspired compositions, and in others like snippets of music from another time and place. It's romantic, funky, haunting, exhilarating, and unlike any other recording I've ever come across. Many inspired performances by the musicians on board here.



If you like soulful music that is not afraid to wander into unexpected areas, then pick this up as soon as possible."