The Complete Gábor Szabó in Budapest [Import]

FEATURES

• Previously unreleased full-length anthology of Hungarian radio & TV recordings from 1974, 1978 & 1981
• Featuring legendary Hungarian jazz artists: Aladár Pege, Kati Kovács, and more
• Includes Szabó’s final known performance – a moving 1981 recording of “From a Dream”
• 2LP gatefold edition with artwork by Anton Bogdanov – no AI, just detailed, handcrafted design
• Remastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Jessica Thompson for pristine sound
• Includes a deep essay by biographer Douglas Payne
• First complete release of this unique material – bridging jazz, nostalgia, and national heritage
• For fans of ECM, Impulse!, Szabó's CTI years, and spiritual jazz with a Central European heart

DESCRIPTION

For the first time in full, a unique anthology of Hungarian TV and radio recordings by the legendary guitarist Gábor Szabó, captured during his return visits to Budapest in 1974, 1978, and 1981. This historic collection documents the deeply personal reconnection of an exiled artist with his homeland, bridging musical worlds and emotional landscapes.

The first disc features both studio and concert recordings with some of Hungary’s top jazz players of the era, including the legendary double bassist Aladár Pege and renowned vocalist Kati Kovács. The second disc includes a rare televised concert from the Hilton Hotel (1978) and Szabó’s final known performance — a moving rendition of “From a Dream” recorded in 1981.

As always with Ebalunga!!!, Gábor Szabó’s legacy is treated with great care and passion. This edition features a 2LP gatefold vinyl release, complete with an in-depth essay by Szabó’s official biographer Douglas Payne — a fascinating piece of cultural and musical research in its own right.

The visual design is the work of artist and industrial designer Anton Bogdanov. With no use of AI tools — just handwork, imagination, and deep respect for the material — the artwork invites the listener to spend long evenings in its layered atmosphere.

Mastering is by Grammy-nominated engineer Jessica Thompson, whose work has revived dozens of legendary archival recordings — including the previous four Szabó releases on Ebalunga!!!.

This album is also available as a 2CD set in an elegant 6-panel digipak, crafted with the same care and attention as the vinyl edition. Two hours of sublime music, stunning sound, and timeless packaging — a true gift for fans of Szabó and those who cherish deep, living jazz traditions.

TRACKLIST

1. Magical Connection
2. My Foolish Heart / Fly Me to the Moon
3. Az Eső És Én
4. Sombrero Sam
5. Django
6. Thirteen
7. My Love
8. Reinhardt
9. Concorde (Nightflight)
10. Magic Mystic Faces
11. Stormy
12. Killing Me Softly With His Song
13. The Last Song
14. The Biz
15. From a Dream

LISTEN

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