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Nikolett Pankovits
New York based Hungarian jazz vocalist Nikolett Pankovits has forged a singular body of world music with her band, melding the traditional Hungarian songs and standards of her youth with a luscious array of Latin American rhythmic styles into a cohesive and compelling group sound.
With emphasis on communicating the universal themes of her musical roots, she created ‘Sad But True’ which has struck a balance between music and spoken word. The performance culminates with the ensemble in harmony with actor Adam Boncz's recitation of a collection of Hungarian poems in English. They have toured in Europe and performed to sold-out audiences in New York at iconic venues such as the Blue Note, Joe’s Pub and Lincoln Center.
Working closely with longtime collaborator Juancho Herrera, a string wizard and arranger from Colombia, she performed at Carnegie Hall with a barrier-breaking 18-piece ensemble showcasing Hungarian folk music with South American rhythms and jazz arrangements.
Her record 'River' produced by Herrera infuses the haunting traditional songs of Hungary with the improvisational imperative of jazz and buoyant grooves of Latin America. The album features a female octet, The River Voices that Pankovits assembled inviting some of the East Coast’s finest Hungarian singers.
Pankovits has initiated a new project called ‘Colors’ that is planned to eventually grow into an album that showcases the beauty of diversity in her life.
In the latest single 'White Night', Pankovits weaves together the timeless words of legendary Russian poet Anna Akhmatova with her own lyrics. The music video, inspired by Akhmatova's life and poetry, offers a unique glimpse into the poet's world.
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Nikolett Pankovits: River
by Friedrich Kunzmann
A dominating proportion of Hungarian lyrics paired with various Hungarian folkloric elements spread across fourteen compositions lend influential character but aren't all-defining on vocalist Nikolett Pankovits' ambitious sophomore outing, River. On the album, the Hungarian singer, based out of New York, is joined by an octet choir of handpicked Hungarian vocalists, who add complex harmonic movements and much body to traditional Hungarian songs that are treated to improvisational arrangements and Latin grooves. The result is a fusion of ...
Continue ReadingNikolett Pankovits: Magia
by Mark Sullivan
Vocalist Nikolett Pankovits was born in Hungary, but she found her musical direction in New York City melding Hungarian songs with Latin American rhythms. She has a lovely warm voice, with almost no vibrato. Magia (the Spanish and Hungarian word for magic) is an eclectic mix of traditional Hungarian songs, torch songs, one Great American Songbook standard, and one original. The album opens in traditional territory, with the Béla Bartók arrangement of “Kis Kece Lányom." “Madárka, madárka" is also a ...
Continue Reading“ 'River' seems to me about knowing where the water flows, where the banks are, and how to bridge those distant banks.“ – Zipernovszky Kornel "Nikolett Pankovits makes a strong debut here, aided by Herrera's skillful arranging and a strong supporting cast of musicians." - All About Jazz (Mark Sullivan) "This album contains some of the freshest vocals you’re going to come across this year." - Jazz Weekly (George W. Harris) "Nikolett Pankovits has crafted a singular sound on her self-released debut album Magia".- Jazziz "One can imagine her singing in a Hungarian bistro pouring her heart out." - Downbeat (Bob Protzman) "Beautifully moody, this is a most impressive debut." - Culture Catch (Steve Holtje) "Pankovits’ moves through the various influences and genres with an ease that weaves the eclectic set together very deftly." - The Jazz Page "Throughout the album Pankovits' beautiful voice (in Hungarian and English) graces these tracks with a purity that is really quite exceptional
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Nikolett Pankovits
Location: New York City
Instrument: Vocals
