Photo: András Őrsi Karmatik

Following the release of ‘Fekete Szem / Black Eye’ earlier this summer, Àbáse has unveiled ‘Búsulni Nem Tudtam / Learning Sorrow’, another new track exploring the rich musical heritage of his native Hungary. ‘Búsulni Nem Tudtam / Learning Sorrow’ brings the Berlin-based Hungarian producer, composer and keyboardist together once again with folk singer Kacsó Hanga and virtuoso cimbalom player Jenő Lisztes. The track is lifted from Àbáse’s forthcoming double album Nefelejcs, which sees him delve deeper into his Hungarian roots as well as drawing on Eastern European avant-garde, folk, contemporary classical and Ethno-jazz alongside his beat-driven approach. Nefelejcs takes its title from the Hungarian word for forget-me-not, which was also Bognár’s late mother’s favourite flower. The title can also mean “do not forget”, adding another layer to an album that looks back towards his heritage and brings it into the present.

Speaking about the new track, Àbáse says:

“I’m really proud of the fusion of so many different elements coming together so organically. I wanted to create a musical bed for Hanga, where the Hungarian song can be presented in a universal setting, bringing her voice to all dance floors accross the world.”

The collaboration also continues Àbáse’s work with Hanga, who is part of a new generation of Hungarian folk musicians bringing fresh energy to the tradition. She comments:

“I want people to know that our folk music IS cool. You can engage with it every day, and it’s not something ancient, just for our grandparents or the countryside.”

The single comes with an accompanying video featuring the traditional garments and dances of Moldva (Western Moldavia), the region where the song originates. Àbel Regős directs. Watch it below.

Nefelejcs is out on November 6th through Bridge The Gap & Oshu Records.

Àbáse‘s Awakening was one of our Album Picks of 2024, so we’re naturally excited to hear he has a new single out. ‘Fekete Szem / Black Eye’ finds the Berlin-based Hungarian producer, composer, improviser and keyboardist reconnecting with the folk traditions of his native Hungary, blending Hungarian folk music, jazz, hip-hop, electronic and avant-garde classical music. ‘Fekete Szem / Black Eye’ brings together an inspired cast of collaborators, including Hungarian folk singer Kacsó Hanga, cimbalom virtuoso Jenő Lisztes, bassist Petter Eldh, drummer Silvan Strauss and saxophonist Otis Sandsjö. Built around the music of composer Márta István, it also draws on Mihály Vörösmarty’s 1830 poem Fekete Szem and a folk melody collected by Béla Bartók, all reworked through Àbáse’s distinctive musical lens. Speaking about the starting point for the track, Àbáse says:

“I started researching Martaʼs work and came across his 1985 ‘Heartsʼ LP. As soon as I heard the opening track, I immediately heard these drums over it, and as soon as I hit the studio I did the draft idea. At its initial instrumental form, Mártaʼs composition is practically the core of the track, with added drums and bass that later received added layers and depth from Hangaʼs vocals and Jenoʼs cimbalom playing.”

On expanding the piece with the wider ensemble, he adds:

“Returning to Berlin, we had a two day session at the Brewery Studios where we further developed my beat ideas and demos on tape. It was important to me to involve international musicians so the Hungarian storyline gets a contemporary and outsider twist. Thatʼs how we developed the second section and improvised over Jenoʼs solo.”

Take a listen to ‘Fekete Szem / Black Eye’ below.

‘Fekete Szem / Black Eyeʼ is out now through Bridge The Gap & Oshu Records