MINI (TÖRÖK ÁDÁM & MINI)

The initial comparison will be with Jethro Tull, not only for the extensive use of flute as the lead melodic instrument, but also because of the many differing styles that are obvious. There are other influences such as Colosseum, Camel and even Jadis, but there is also folk music of his homeland. The result is a very atmospheric album that relies on space and light. It is extremely melodic and accessible, while at the same time maintaining a certain aloofness, this is not common or garden prog.

This is an album that will be enjoyed by many progheads if they can get to hear it.

Originally appeared in Feedback #65, Dec 01

Every Sunday night MINI played four sets that included group and also solo efforts. Admittedly, at times it was a bit tedious to sit through 45 mins of Hammond B3, or the same length of drum, or guitar solo, but it was often worth it. Influences from Hendrix, Jethro Tull to Soft Machine were part of the experience. Afterwards, we often shared a beer at a popular Brasserie, mingling with the artists there.

Over the years there were a few changes in the line-up and some of those former members are still leading musicians in today's Hungary. Special mention is due to my old school mate Tibor TATRAI (guitar) who is in great demand. Often part of up to five different bands, playing in different styles, be that Blues, Rock, Jazz, or even DiMeola-style Flamenco. (Worth checking him out on YouTube!)

Sadly, in the early days there was very little material recorded and this live album "Jubilee Concert (25 years of Rock)" fills a bit of that void. Representing a reunion of some former members playing in a tighter, well-balanced form. Somewhat hard edged, blending Jazz Rock and even the odd Bartok interpretation in a remarkably fluid manner, this performance would please many of varying preferences. (I am not - yet - familiar with the other releases, but will make an effort to hear them some day.)

For sentimental reasons I'd be very tempted to nominate it for 5 alas, the reality is that it would make an excellent addition, so I'll offer a rather healthy 4 here.

Footnote: Band leader Adam TOROK sold me my first two (badly worn) Soft Machine albums (Third and Six) that in turn got me hooked on Canterbury, Jazz Rock in my formative years. Thank you Adam and God bless you for that!

It is a crying shame that the flute isn't used more often in rock music. It does sound beautiful and, strangely enough, powerful - which is not what you would expect from such a tiny and slim instrument.

Biztosra veszem, hogy mar rengeteg Mini rajongo irt hasonlokat, de azert megis, ime az en kis osszefoglalom: Mindig is imadtam ezt a lemezt, egeszen tizeneves korom ota. Tobbszor is lattam eloben Torok Adam bandajat az augusztus 20-i tabani koncertjeiket, sajnos azonban sohasem volt meg nekem ez a lemez. De, hal' istennek, a legjobb haveromnak megvolt ket lemezuk is, igy szinte barmikor meghallgathattam ezeket a ragyogo notakat. Most, harminc esztendovel kesobb, vegre- valahara tulajdonomba kerult ez az album, az iTunes-nak jovoltabol. Meg mindig gyonyoru ez a lemez! Most megprobalom a sajat kolykeimmel megszerettetni a csodas dallamokat es az izgalmas ritmusokat...

Szomoru, hogy a fuvolat nem hasznaljak gyakrabban a rock zeneben, hiszen olyan szep hangja van es, fura modon, olyan eroteljes, izmos egy hangszer - bar latszatra nem az.

Good funky Jazz-Fusion with progressive twists is the style met in Mini's debut with keyboards and flutes on the front.Most of the tracks include nice electric piano and synths with groovy bass lines and drums supporting, along with a fair amount of flute soloing by Adam Torok.Yet the album includes also a couple of more demanding tracks like the fantastic instrumental Space- Fusion-esque ''Körbe-körbe'' with its hypnotic rhythms and flutes or the complex ''Héja-tánc'' with the complex keyboard work.However the whole album contains plenty of interplays between the pianos,synths and flutes with some excellent solos throughout,while Torok's voice is also a plus, blended well with the overall style.

I have seen around the net the band to be compared with Jethro Tull (propably due to the heavy use of flute),but that's very far from reality.''Vissza a városba'' is a good mix of energetic Jazz- Fusion with the Progressive Rock principles,good enough to be recommended to a wider audience than simply to Jazz-Rock lovers.Another East-European Jazz-Rock lost pearl,which deserves some more promotion.