Embodied within the creative vision of Hungarian producer and keyboardist Szabolcs Bognár aka Àbáse’s musical tapestry reflects a kaleidoscope of influences ranging from classic Lagos Afrobeat to traditional Hungarian folk, Yoruba rhythms, house, techno, and hip-hop. Each element is infused with the exquisite modal improvisation inspired by Bognár’s introspection.
Now, Bognár announces a special new release in conjunction with the milestone 10th edition of the XJAZZ! festival, set to unfold from May 6th to 12th. In this commemorative celebration, Bognár contributes to a unique project: “Entangled Grounds: The Sound of XJAZZ! Berlin”. In honor of this significant anniversary, XJAZZ! and the Analogue Foundation have collaborated to present a gift to the festival community. “Entangled Grounds” is a compilation album that captures the vibrant essence of Berlin’s jazz scene and collaborative spirit. Co-created by Bognár and curated by Erik Brewer of Brewery Studios and Sebastian Hecht, this compilation features 10 tracks born from the creative energy of Brewery Studios.
FACTS
1. I used to collect animal skulls and bones up until high school. I was a big nature goer, I had a big collection.
2. My first instrument (after the recorder) was the Marimba / Xylophone and the drum kit
3. The lead singer of Jamiroquai is called Jay Kay NOT Jamiroquai
1. What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
Cross cultural collaborations, defining our sound in a globalised world, fostering communication accross boarders and subcultures, crafting and defining our own unique voice.
2. How and when did you get into making music?
I was always drawn to music, I asked my parents to enrol me in music school at the age of six. It was a big part of my life growing up and I fully committed to it as a profession at the age of 17.
3. What are 5 of your favourite albums of all time?
John Coltrane – Ballads
John Coltrane – Afro Blue Impressions
D’angelo – Voodoo
Prince – Rainbow Children
Sedric Im Brooks – The Light Of Saba
4. What do you associate with Berlin?
Freedom of expression. An ability to be yourself and have a unique identity to the extent that I dont feel in other major European cities. Its also raw in the best sense and DIY.
5. What’s your favourite place in your town?
In Berlin: Monbijou platz and our family living room with my kids toys and my records and instruments
In Budapest: the board of the Danube, Rudas thermal bath, Normafa, Margit Island
6. If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
Gardening and Building things with wood. Furniture, log houses, ships, instruments, you name it. I woudl carve it out of the wood that im growing.
7. What was the last record/music you bought or listen?
Association P.C. – Sun Rotation. a rare early experimental jazz rock / krautrock LP that I found in an unlikely record store in Neukoln.
8. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Madlib, Nala Sinephro, D’angelo, The Flight Club, Daru Jones, Kaina & Luizinho do Jeje
9. What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
Theres always this one Chris Dave and The Drumheadz gig in Budapest that comes to mind… it was the first time I heard Sharkey (guitar player) and we got the chance to open for them with a band called Amoeba. That was an out of this world experience, the most badass music I ever heard.
10. How important is technology to your creative process?
We recorded mostly unique constellations of existing groups or artists directly to tape with very limited editing or processing options. What you hear is what we did on that day at the studio. Its a very raw representation of the scene.
11.Please tell us, what the audience can expect from your piece you present at this years XJAZZ! Festival?
We curated a type of compilation showcase. We will perform ‘The Brewery Suite’, a 15minute piece that we composed with Petter Eldh, Zacharias S. Falkenberg and Moses Yoofee featuring the Expressions Orchestra with eight string players and featured guests Monica Mussungo and Ori Jacobson as well as compositions from some of the artists featured on the compilation, Sera Kalo, Ori Jacobson, Sofia Efty, with additional exclusive string arrangements from Zacharias. We also have Sonic Interventions joining us for one song. It will be a unique exclusive performance, most probably the only one we will do in this format.
