This Hungarian band started in 1998 and, after recording their first demo, they were asked to play by several concert organizers, which made them carry out a number of national and international tours. The following year they published their second demo and participated in a Jazz contest in Belgium. 66 bands of 22 countries were present, and they were one of the eight selected to go to the final phase. Finally, in the year 2000 they had the chance to record in Periferic Records their first CD, titled "Opposite forces".
Electric Jazz Force is formed by Zoltán Zana (sax), Peter Erdei (keyboards), Peter Papesch (bass), Kornél Mogyoró (percussion) and Peter Kaszás (drums), and after listening to this first work, and deducing that the average of age of its members is just of 25 years, we can not but be surprised. The music in Opposite forces is jazz fusion. Its references are clear, Weather Report, Bruford, Tower Of Power, Jaco Pastorius, Return To Forever and Brand X. Those that are not familiar with these bands and follow the progressive scene can be guided by the sound of the calmer pieces of Finneus Gauge to place the sound of Electric Jazz Force. All the components of the group are virtuosos of their instruments, but the rhythm section is extraordinary: the lines that they draw are very complex, and the bass frees up great power in its execution. The followers of jazz rock and fusion will be very happy listening this work, although they realize that the musicians may seem too tight in general, and that it would have been stupendous for them to liberate their minds completely. Maybe they will make it in their second album, when they are mature. The album includes ten compositions. "Introduction" (0:24) it is a short piece that opens the way to "Street chase" (5:13), a mid-tempo a la Weather Report with an excellent piano and winds. "Why can't you see what I?" (3:46) enjoys the presence of a feminine voice and references from Brand X. The piece is very beautiful and soft. "Confused" (6:14) is a dynamic piece a la Bruford, with a jumpy piano and an almost rock rhythm section. "Tonic" (4:15) presents a calm melody with a good work of the sax. It is ideal to listen in a dark pub with a lot of smoke, seriously. "The maffia" (5:52) benefits of a brutal rhythm section and the quick tempo. It is one of the best pieces in the album, with a very quick sound and references of Pastorius. "Searching" (1:51) is a short instrumental exercise full with force. "Something else" (4:58) is a very liquid mid-tempo composition, with an excellent work of the winds. The fusion "Tohuva bohu" (2:20) has some very complex textures and references to Tower Of Power or Bruford. Finally, "Scorpion bite" (4:54) begins in an almost atmospheric mood with the use of the keyboards, but after a rhythm change we meet with a fusion piece with an excellent bass.
In summary, a good first work of these musicians with a lot of talent. The compositions are brilliant and the delivery impeccable, highlighting, as I have mentioned already, the rhythm section. Compulsory purchase for the followers of relaxed jazz fusion.

Jaume Pujol