Mihály Dresch

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Mihály Dresch (born 1955 in Budapest) is a Hungarian saxophone player, and one of the most interesting jazz- and folk musicians in the current Budapest scene. Specifically his merge of the American free-jazz tradition with elements of traditional Hungarian folk leads to inspired, unexpected pieces of modern music. (see also: Music of Hungary)

Dresch was studying to become an engineer when he turned to jazz. He was member of the Károly Binder Quartet. Having founded his first quartet as leader in 1984, the legacy of John Coltrane's music can be recognised as one of the main sources of inspiration. The recent lineup (István Baló - drums, Ferenc Kovács - violin, Miklós Lukács - dulcimer, Mátyás Szandai - double bass) exists since 1998. During the years Dresch and his musicians have played and recorded with such artists as John Tchicai, Archie Shepp, Roscoe Mitchell, Chico Freeman, David Murray, and Dewey Redman. The project with Archie Shepp led to the Hungarian Bebop recording of 2002, on which Shepp plays Dresch's original material. He has performed at jazz festivals worldwide, such as the London Jazz Festival.

In addition to this, Dresch is a permanent of György Szabados' band, the MAKUZ Ensemble. Szabados is generally considered to be the Hungarian leader of free music.

[edit] Awards

Magazine Gramofon awarded his latest album the title "Hungarian jazz album of the year, 2004".

Dresch was awarded the "Hungarian jazz musician of the year" in 2005.

[edit] Discography

  • 1985 Dresch Quartet: Sóhajkeserű (Bem rakpart, Budapest, 1985. május 3.) Hungaroton Jazz Studium No. 3 (MC)
  • 1985 Kvartet Drech - Peti Jubilarni Internacionalni Susret Dzez Muzicara "Naissus Jazz '85" Magánkiadás LPD-20001244
  • 1987 Dresch Mihály: Hazafelé Magánkiadás Jazz Studium No. 6. (MC)
  • 1989 Dresch Quartet: Sóhajkeserű (10. Kölni Jazzhaus Fesztivál, 1988. április 2.) Hungaroton
  • 1990 Dresch Mihály Quartet: Gondolatok a régiekről Adyton 002
  • 1993 Dresch Dudás Mihály Quartet: Zeng a lélek Adyton 006
  • 1995 Dresch Dudás Mihály Quartett: Folyondár Adyton 007
  • 1996 Dresch Quartet: Túl a vizen Fonó Records FA-013-2
  • 1997 Dresch Dudás Mihály: Hűs-ég Fonó Records FA-025-2 Own
  • 1998 Dresch Dudás Mihály Quartet: Révészem, révészem... Fonó Records FA-037-2
  • 2000 Dresch Quartet: Riding the Wind (Dresch Quartet: Mozdulatlan Utazás) November Music FA-084-2
  • 2001 Mihály Dresch: Quiet As It Is (Dresch Mihály: Szép csendesen) BMC Records BMC CD 055
  • 2002 Dresch Mihály Quartet/Archie Shepp: Hungarian Bebop BMC Records BMC CD 066
  • 2004 Dresch Quartet: Straight Music (Dresch Quartet: Egyenes zene) BMC Records BMC CD 093
  • 2007 Dresch Mihály Quartet: Árgyélus BMC Records BMC CD 131
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