{"title":"Gabor Szabo","description":"\u003cp\u003eGabor Szabo was a Hungarian jazz guitarist known for his influential blend of jazz, pop-rock, and traditional Hungarian music. Born in Budapest in 1936, he discovered his passion for guitar at the age of 14 after being inspired by jazz music on Voice Of America radio broadcasts. He escaped Hungary in 1956 and attended the Berkeley School Of Music in Boston before performing at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958. From 1961 to 1965, Szabo played with Chico Hamilton's quintet in southern California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1966, he began recording a series of acclaimed albums under his own name on the *Impulse!* label. He also co-founded Skye Records with Cal Tjader and Gary McFarland during the late 1960s. Later on, he signed with Blue Thumb Records and CTI Records. Sadly, Gabor Szabo passed away from liver and kidney disease during a visit to Budapest in 1982.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite his untimely death at the age of 45, Gabor Szabo left behind a lasting legacy as an innovative guitarist who seamlessly blended different genres into his music. His unique sound continues to inspire musicians today.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-sorcerer-4","title":"The Sorcerer","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis 1967 set, recorded live at Boston’s Jazz Workshop, showcases virtuoso guitarist Szabó - a veteran of Chico Hamilton’s and Charles Lloyd’s bands - at the top of his game on a diverse program featuring standards (“What Is This Thing Called Love”) and pop hits (“The Beat Goes On”) as well as the original and psychedelic-tinged jam, “Space.” Pressed on 180-gram vinyl. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Verve","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50466807742795,"sku":"2013739","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/The_Sorcerer_Live_553a113e_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727322821"},{"product_id":"dreams-3","title":"Dreams","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe long-awaited reissue of the best ever album of rare Eastern and psychedelic Jazz music by this famous Hungarian guitarist Gabor Szabo, originally released in 1968. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGabor Szabo was one of the most original guitarists to emerge in the 1960s, mixing his Hungarian folk music heritage with a deep love of jazz and crafting a distinctive, largely self-taught sound. Born in Budapest, on March 8, 1936, Szabo was inspired by a Roy Rogers cowboy movie to begin playing guitar when he was 14 and often played in dinner clubs and covert jam sessions while still living in his hometown. He escaped from his country at age 20 on the eve of the Communist uprising and eventually made his way to America, settling with his family in California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLP - Ebalunga versions. For the first time as extended edition with 2 bonus tracks: radio versions of \u003ci\u003eFire Dance \/ Ferris Wheel\u003c\/i\u003e from the 1969 7” single. Gatefold Vinyl come with long, exclusively written inner notes by the famous researcher and biographer Douglas Payne. Remastered by Martin Bowes at Cage Studios (UK).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ebalunga!!!","offers":[{"title":"LP - Clear (Ebalunga!!! Version)","offer_id":50480352592203,"sku":"1135088","price":37.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP - Black  (Ebalunga!!! Version)","offer_id":50480352035147,"sku":"2015040","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50480352952651,"sku":"2015039","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP - Black (Endless Happiness Version)","offer_id":56644500259147,"sku":"R8437-3827","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Dreams_1_Remastered_Version_914d253d_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727518962"},{"product_id":"bacchanal","title":"Bacchanal","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe long-awaited reissue of this rare Eastern and psychedelic Jazz LP by the famous Hungarian guitarist, originally released in 1968. For the first time and as extended Edition with four bonus tracks: radio version from 1968\/69 7” singles. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"No Label","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50488556683595,"sku":"1121382","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/07a64093-871b-406e-9462-fbbd8889f1a6_thumbnail_4096.png?v=1727630151"},{"product_id":"1969-4","title":"1969","description":"\u003cp\u003eEbalunga!!! is back with a new long-awaited reissue of LP by the famous Hungarian guitarist, originally released in 1969. Deluxe 6-sided Digipak CD with a booklet and Gatefold Vinyl comes with long, exclusively written inner notes by the famous researcher and biographer Douglas Payne.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e “Gabor Szabo exploded onto the American jazz scene in the early sixties. His unusual approach and unique sound brought something startling and new to jazz. With Chico Hamilton, Charles Lloyd and Gary McFarland, Szabo offered something few in jazz had ever heard before: guitarist as enchanter and conjurer and musician as storyteller and mesmerist. Once Szabo declared his independence in 1966, he also proved how seamlessly jazz can blend the Beatles and Bacharach with Latin and Indian styles. The guitarist released a string of albums on Impulse that challenged many assumptions about jazz and stand out today as some of the most radical, yet appealing music of the period. But the times were woefully a-changing. Szabo biographer Károly Libisch considers the year 1969 a “turning point” for the guitarist. The spell Szabo weaved in the press was beginning to wane. The blizzard of coverage he generated in the previous few years began to trickle off. Perhaps the rise of rock – and rock-guitar heroes – tamped down the guitarist’s exotic allure and faddish charm. Then, too, Szabo’s erratic behavior started attracting poor notices and hastened the demise of his storied quintet, featuring guitarist Jimmy Stewart and percussionist Hal Gordon, in late 1968. Now, both Gabor Szabo, the artist and businessman, needed a hit. \u003ci\u003e1969\u003c\/i\u003e was his response to the call of 1969. The album was released in August 1969, initial reviews were positive. Cash Box raved that Gabor Szabo 1969 “is magnificent music, and an album that deserves great success” while Record World called it “luscious guitaring” that features “lots of contemporary material, which he makes completely his own.” Gabor Szabo \u003ci\u003e1969\u003c\/i\u003e never did find the success it was seeking. But it remains a lovely listening experience that finds the guitarist at his melodic best at an important crossroads in his recording career. “\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ebalunga!!!","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50530045854027,"sku":"2015038","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50530045722955,"sku":"302253","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/1969_2022_Remastered_Version_e6c77eb4_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1728071410"},{"product_id":"the-sorcerer-1","title":"The Sorcerer","description":"\u003cp\u003eGabor Szabo's quintet featuring Jimmy Stewart was one of the guitarist's very best units. Live performances like this, recorded at Boston's Jazz Workshop, document some of the excitement the group stirred in 1967-1968.  The playing seems inspired, and the interplay within the group is something to behold — even when performing lightweight tunes like \"The Beat Goes On.\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Impulse!","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50919658324299,"sku":"398216","price":21.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/c42aa0e6-2985-445a-95bb-bcd145ed7acb_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1733144125"},{"product_id":"the-complete-gabor-szabo-in-budapest","title":"The Complete Gabor Szabo in Budapest","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor the first time in full, a unique anthology of Hungarian TV and radio recordings by the legendary guitarist Gábor Szabó, captured during his return visits to Budapest in 1974, 1978, and 1981. This historic collection documents the deeply personal reconnection of an exiled artist with his homeland, bridging musical worlds and emotional landscapes. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe first disc features both studio and concert recordings with some of Hungary’s top jazz players of the era, including the legendary double bassist Aladár Pege and renowned vocalist Kati Kovács. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe second disc includes a rare televised concert from the Hilton Hotel (1978) and Szabó’s final known performance — a moving rendition of “From a Dream” recorded in 1981. The music collected here captures a poignant duality: Szabó as both American and Hungarian, outsider and homecomer. This is one of the most intimate and emotionally charged chapters of his career and a musical homecoming, rich in atmosphere and soul. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs always with Ebalunga!!!, Gábor Szabó’s legacy is treated with great care and passion. This edition features a 2LP gatefold vinyl release, complete with an in-depth essay by Szabó’s official biographer Douglas Payne — a fascinating piece of cultural and musical research in its own right. The visual design is the work of artist and industrial designer Anton Bogdanov. With no use of AI tools — just handwork, imagination, and deep respect for the material — the artwork invites the listener to spend long evenings in its layered atmosphere. Mastering is by Grammy-nominated engineer Jessica Thompson, whose work has revived dozens of legendary archival recordings — including the previous four Szabó releases on Ebalunga!!!. This album is also available as a 2CD set in an elegant 6-panel digipak, crafted with the same care and attention as the vinyl edition. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTwo hours of sublime music, stunning sound, and timeless packaging — a true gift for fans of Szabó and those who cherish deep, living jazz traditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ebalunga!!!","offers":[{"title":"2LP - Black","offer_id":53140356530507,"sku":"R9279-4352","price":49.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"2CD","offer_id":53140356563275,"sku":"R9279-4168","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/a3171214878_16.jpg?v=1754672489"},{"product_id":"jazz-raga-lr","title":"Jazz Raga","description":"\u003cp\u003eReleased in 1967, “Jazz Raga” is more than just an album—it’s a fearless leap into uncharted musical territory. Gábor Szabó, the Hungarian jazz guitarist known for his boundary-pushing style, delivers one of the most captivating records of his career with this genre - masterpiece. Blending jazz, rock, psychedelic folk, and Eastern influences—with sitar-laced melodies and Latin-infused rhythms courtesy of legendary funky drummer Bernard Purdie—\"Jazz Raga” defies categorization. It’s a hypnotic fusion where European tradition meets the counterculture spirit of the '60s, all woven together by Szabó’s unmistakable guitar tone. From the dreamy groove of ‘Walking On Nails’ to the swirling mysticism of ‘Mizrab,’ and his hauntingly original take on the Rolling Stones’ ‘Paint It Black,’ Szabó creates a sonic landscape that is both daring and deeply soulful. His playing here is electric—full of offbeat chords, flowing improvisations, and a voice all his own. Decades later, “Jazz Raga” still stands as a landmark of creative freedom and global influence—a must-hear for anyone seeking music that transcends borders and expectations. If you haven’t experienced this cult classic yet, now’s the time to let Gábor Szabó expand your musical horizons.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vampisoul","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":53671313736011,"sku":"R3506-2280","price":37.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/p_31f47992-f03c-49bb-b905-c971a5ab37a2.jpg?v=1760859281"},{"product_id":"spellbinder-1","title":"Spellbinder","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSpellbinder,\u003c\/em\u003e released in 1966 on Impulse! Records, introduced Hungarian guitarist Gábor Szabó to a wider American audience with a set that blends modal jazz, Eastern European folk influences, and 1960s pop textures. Recorded in May 1966 at Rudy Van Gelder’s Englewood Cliffs studio and produced by Bob Thiele, \u003cem\u003eSpellbinder\u003c\/em\u003e features Szabó in a quintet setting with bassist Ron Carter, drummer Chico Hamilton, and percussionists Willie Bobo and Victor Pantoja. The group’s hypnotic blend of grooves and drones helped establish Szabó’s signature approach: vamp-based forms, sitar-like guitar articulation, and modal lines shaped by his Eastern European heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title track, a slow-building vamp, showcases Szabó’s minimalist phrasing and rhythmic sensitivity. The record’s standout moment is a reimagining of Sonny Bono’s “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down),” which Szabó transforms into a darkly lyrical modal meditation. Elsewhere, the group blurs the lines between jazz improvisation and global rhythms, bridging bop vocabulary with the expanding musical frontiers of the mid-1960s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Verve","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black (Verve Vault Series Version)","offer_id":56369732616523,"sku":"R4933-1988","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/2000x2000bb_c9f5263a-5830-497f-8e0f-22198d7e1543.jpg?v=1769167708"},{"product_id":"magical-connection","title":"Magical Connection","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis superb live set was taped at the Agora Theatre in Cleveland in 1976 for broadcast on the Agora Radio Network's \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eNew World of Jazz\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e show, to coincide with the release of Szabó's classic 1976 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eNightflight\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e LP. The complete broadcast is presented here in digitally remastered sound with background notes and images.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hi Hat","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":56485532533067,"sku":"R5382-6045","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/HH3023CD_CU.jpg?v=1770608892"},{"product_id":"high-contrast","title":"High Contrast","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis 1971 album by the Hungarian jazz guitarist Gábor Szabó is a smooth jazz-fusion record blending psychedelic jazz, pop, and Latin influences. It includes one of Szabó’s best-known tracks, \"Breezin’\", later famously reworked by George Benson. The album is marked by melodic guitar lines, cinematic arrangements, and a polished, atmospheric sound typical of early-70s jazz fusion. Szabo also delivers a few stellar originals, showcasing his signature fusion of Hungarian folk music, jazz, psychedelic rock, and Eastern modal sounds, including the punchy, serpentine \"Amazon\" and \"Azure Blue\". High Contrast sounds as if the many musical experiments Szabo had undertaken up to this point (like the album \u003cem\u003eDreams\u003c\/em\u003e) had gelled into a seductive, grooved-out whole that created a real template for crossover jazz to follow. It stands with his very best work, soulful and visionary. This vinyl reissue is the first since 1988.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Endless Happiness","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":57220708958539,"sku":"R8491-4115","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/5060672888271.jpg?v=1777989617"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/collections\/gabor-szabo.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}