Transylvanian born brilliant guitarist, Zsolt Bende left his homeland for London in 1993 where he made a name for himself as a member of Arnie Somogyi’s Cold Cherry Soup of which he was one of the frontmen alongside with world-famous saxophonist Tony Lakatos. In 1996 he won a scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA. Having finished his studies there he came and settled in Hungary. He’s toured several European countries and Brazil.

He is one of the founding members of Neil Yates’ Five Countries Trio. That band has been recorded by the highly considered British record company, Edition Records, the same firm that looks after Kenny Wheeler and John Taylor. “Bende's subtle and emotive acoustic guitar work has a bright edge that contrasts beautifully with Yates' softer horn sound” – wrote one British critic. Zsolt Bende has played the London, Manchester, Nottingham, Cheltenham and other British festivals in the last two years. With his own quartet he gigs in Hungary, Romania, Sweden and Switzerland. A second album is due out next with Edition Records.

The saxophonist is Zoltan Zana, winner of the first prize of the talent-scouting contest organised by Hungarian Radio back in 2001 and is one of the finest players in the land.. He is a master of thoughtful, calm and restrained improvisation in the Stan Getz mould. He played at the 2006 Budapest Jazz Festival with American trombone ace, Kevin Eubanks. Pianist József Balázs 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. György Orbánis one of the most original young bassists in Hungary, a country teaming with virtuosos on his instrument. He first caught public attention as a member of the legendary Szakcsi New Gypsy Jazz outfit.

Drummer Márton Juhász having learned his craft in Hungary, London and then at the world famous Berklee School of Music in the US returned to Europe rich in American experience. Since then he has been successfully touring the old continent with groups of his own and other formations. In a couple of years he has become one of the most sought after players on his instrument.

Entry fee: 1400 forints

The BJC is in the 13th district at Hollán Ernő utca 7

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.

Visit BJC online