East Gipsy Band performing at DROM in October 2011

EAST GIPSY BAND represents a new color on the Hungarian music scene, as well as in world music. Its members come from first-rank jazz and gypsy musicians. Their music is an adventure within the traditions of Roma music with a great spin on jazz. Improvisation and characteristic features of jazz are central to their music. The band, formed by József Balázs - who himself is one of the most talented piano players of the young generation, having played with Erik Truffaz, Stephane Belmondo, Bobbie Watson, Charlie Mariano, Robin Eubanks, and Steve Houben, among others, - plays well-known French, German, Italian, Hungarian and Roma tunes with unique scoring. Their debut album was released in May 2011, featuring the great jazz saxophone and keyboard player Tim Ries.