The band was founded in 2016 by Hungarian trumpeter and trombonist Béla Szalóky. Originally formed as the resident ensemble of Budapest’s If Café Jazz Club, they have since become popular guests at festivals, clubs, and concert halls. Their repertoire features rarely heard gems of American classic jazz — pieces by Fats Waller, Irving Berlin, and many other renowned composers whose lesser-known works deserve rediscovery.

Band members:

Béla Szalóky, the leader of the group, has been performing around the world as a jazz musician for 35 years. He has played with nearly every traditional jazz band in Hungary and is a regular soloist at many jazz festivals. He has performed in 32 countries alongside such jazz legends as Scott Hamilton, Clark Terry, Carl Fontana, Warren Vaché, and Scott Robinson.

Árpád Dennert, clarinetist and saxophonist, is among the most sought-after Hungarian traditional and swing musicians. There is hardly an early jazz band in Hungary that doesn’t include him. Though he is equally at home in modern jazz styles, his heart always belongs to Benny Goodman and the other great masters of early jazz.

István Gyárfás, guitarist, has been a leading figure of Hungarian and European jazz for over 40 years, performing 150–200 times a year. As one of the most beloved jazz guitar teachers, he has mentored hundreds of young musicians who have gone on to shape both Hungarian and international jazz life. His guitar seems to catch fire in his hands — his performances are energetic, joyful, and captivating, earning him a place among the immortals of Hungarian jazz.

János Lutz, double bassist, combines a steady rhythm, a rich tone, and witty, virtuosic solos. This rare combination has made him one of Hungary’s most popular bass players. For decades, he has been the reliable backbone of numerous jazz ensembles.