The East Gipsy Band is a new formation, albeit made up by some of the established stars of the contemporary Hungarian jazz scene. Theirs is an attempt to fuse the Roma Gipsy musical tradition with modern jazz. Pianist Jozsef Balazs is one of the most remarkable keyboard man of his generation. Having made his name in his elder brother’s band, he is now a bandleader in his own right and a terrific force to reckon with on his instrument.

The virtuoso violinist Lajos Sarkozi was only 15 when he won the National Jazz Violin Competititon four years ago. Since then he has been developing by leaps and bounds. Vilmos Olah on the cimbalom, is one of the rising stars on this characteristically Hungarian Gipsy instrument. An outstading bass-player of only 23, Krisztian Pecek Lakatos was 14 when he won the National Jazz Bass Competetion in his country that is chock-a-block full of terrific bass players – most of them Roma Gypsies (John Pattitucci was on the jury who insisted that Krisztian shares the stage with him at his own Budapest concert next day). Krisztian has since woved London audiences several times with his astonishing mastery of the double bass. Elemer Balazs is, arguably, the best drummer in his country. This formation brought the house down earlier this year in London’s famous 606 Club.

Entry fee: 1200 forints

The new venue is in the 13th district at Hollán Ernő utca 7 on the premises of the old Odeon-Lloyd cinema

There is no compulsion to eat or drink but there is a well stocked bar with also cocktails made to order at non-extortionate prices. For food you’ll have to resort to a staple diet of sandwiches, crisps and nuts.