The East Gipsy Band is 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 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.

The virtuoso violinist Lajos Sárközi 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 Oláh on the cimbalom, is one of the rising stars on this characteristically Hungarian Gipsy instrument. Singer Guszti Balogh is equally at home in many of the European Roma dialects and singing styles.

An outstading bass-player, György Orbán is one of the most in-demand musicians in this country on his instrument. He was a member of the Bolla Quartet that won both the first prize and the audience vote at the Avignon International Jazz Festival in 2005. Elemér Balázs is, arguably, the best drummer in his country. This formation brought the house down earlier this year at London’s famous 606 Club.

You’ll get something like this for your money:

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