The theme of our record is based on freedom of variation – improvisation – something prevalent in folk music but gets perhaps little attention. Various forms of improvisation exist in the herder’s traditions, and in the instrumental music and singing of peasant culture.

The special image of Magyar Banda lies in unique solutions avoiding self-repetition, which are, of course, rooted in the ornamentation and playing techniques of the different regions.
One of the most beautiful symbols of this musical freedom is the Hungarian outlaw. The outlaws were young men whose unbroken freedom of spirit protected them in their world. The title of our record makes reference to that. The guiding motif is the word “betyár” [outlaw] which is heard twelve times in the songs. Our goal is not to conjure up the past, but to express ourselves freely – surpassing our own limits - using the musical language we have inherited from the old master village musicians.

Ifj. Szerényi Béla: voice, wooden flute, tarogato, hurdy-gurdy – E flat clarinet
Solymosi Máté : violin
Szilágyi Márton: violin
Zimber Ferenc: cymbalom
Fekete Márton: viola, kontra
Tóth Máté: double bass, cello

Guests:
Pecze Balázs: bugle (2)
Borbély Mihály: E flat clarinet (5)
Istvánfi Balázs: bagpipe (5)

1. Adjál neki! (Kömörő) 4’25
2. Itt a régi kedvem „Papáé” (Bölcske) 4’42
3. Felejtsetek el engemet (Méra) 3’58
4. Legényes (Kalotaszeg) 3’32
5. Repülj lovam! (Szentes) 5’48
6. Fejedelem katonája (Diósad) 2’45
7. Leróvom az adósságom (Diósad) 6’33
8. Egymás vállán (Szék) 6’02
9. Kettősverseny (Magyarbece) 5’11
10. Szabadon (Kurityán) 1’35
11. Árvai Sanyi bácsi  (Kurityán) 3’56
Össz: 48'27

sound engineer: Jánosi Béla
recorded at: Fonix Stúdió 
photo: Timár Mátyás
graphics: Kiss Benedek