Elek Bacsik

Related to the legendary Django Reinhardt through family ties, Hungarian guitarist Elek Bacisk has upheld the guitarist’s legacy by fusing swing rhythms with gypsy phrasing into a unified, deeply expressive jazz language. He first trained on classical violin and performed traditional gypsy repertoire throughout Budapest before turning his attention to jazz guitar. During his teenage years Bacisk cut tracks alongside alto saxophonist Geza Szabo and trumpeter Jozsef Quitter, later joining Mihaly Tabanyi’s ensemble for an extended European tour. In 1959 he relocated to Paris, where he spent the early and mid-1960s performing and recording with an array of American visitors that included Art Simmons, Quentin Jackson, Lou Bennett, and Dizzy Gillespie; he simultaneously led sessions under his own name. Bacsik reached America in 1966 and remained with Teresa Brewer from 1967 through 1974, after which he produced recordings fronting his own groups. Festival appearances followed at the 1974 Newport Jazz Festival and the 1984 Olympic Games Jazz Festival in Los Angeles.