Harmónia Jazzműhely: Alex Garnett (UK) & Balázs József Trio

Tenor sax-player Alex Garnett has been one of the leading saxophonists in the UK and Mainland Europe for over two decades, being instantly recognized by his dark, husky sound. A versatile musician and first call sideman, he has enjoyed success as both a jazz artist, composer and arranger, and an in demand session, studio and commercial saxophonist, having racked up countless recording credits along the way.

A ubiquitous performer with many of Europe’s leading bands from underground to pop, he’s a regular sideman of choice for many visiting American artists when touring in Europe, and has performed in over 30 countries worldwide appearing at such venues as the Blue Note, Birdland, as well as the Perugia, North Sea, Vittoria, Montreax, and Oslo Jazz Festivals to name but a few, with varied and diverse artists across the spectrum such as Sir John Dankworth, Wynton Marsalis, Pete King, Humphrey Lyttelton, Scott Hamilton, Van Morrison, Evan Parker and The Rolling Stones, as well as with his contemporaries Gareth Lockrane, Seamus Blake, Phil Robson, Michael Janisch, Joel Frahm, and more.

As of late Garnett can be seen at his weekly late-night residency at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in Soho every Monday and Tuesday while not touring.
Pianist Balázs József  is the leader and arranger of the East Gipsy Band which was immensely successful both at New York’s famous Blue Note and at the Detroit Jazz Festival,  and he also happens to be one of the best jazz pianists in Hungary. He is accompanied by his famous brother, Balázs Elemér on the drums who is, arguably, the best drummer in his country. As for him, it’s best to quote what the American guitar ace, Pat Metheny said of him:  "Elemér is one of the best drummers around right now, in my opinion.” On bass the trio is completed by the incredible young virtuoso, Lakatos Pecek Krisztián who was only 13 when he won the National Jazz Bass Competition with John Pattitucci chairing the jury.

Alex Garnett – saxophone, Balázs József – piano, Pecek Lakatos Krisztián – bass, Balázs Elemér – drums