Description
New York-based Hungarian jazz vocalist Nikolett Pankovits has carved a distinctive niche in the world music scene, blending the traditional Hungarian songs of her heritage with a vibrant tapestry of Latin American rhythms. With her band, she has created a sound both cohesive and compelling, rich in cultural fusion and emotional depth.
Driven by a desire to communicate the universal themes embedded in her musical roots, Pankovits created Sad But True, a performance that artfully balances music and spoken word. This project reaches its emotional peak when the ensemble joins forces with actor Adam Boncz, whose stirring recitations of Hungarian poetry in English bring an added layer of poignancy. The group has toured Europe and captivated sold-out audiences in New York, performing at iconic venues such as the Blue Note, Joe’s Pub, and Lincoln Center.
In collaboration with longtime partner Juancho Herrera, a master arranger and guitarist from Colombia, Pankovits took the stage at Carnegie Hall with an 18-piece ensemble that shattered musical boundaries, marrying Hungarian folk melodies with South American rhythms and jazz improvisation.
Her acclaimed album River, produced by Herrera, is a breathtaking journey through Hungary’s haunting traditional songs, elevated by jazz’s improvisational spirit and the lively pulse of Latin grooves. The album features The River Voices, a female octet Pankovits assembled, showcasing the talents of some of the East Coast’s finest Hungarian vocalists.
Pankovits is currently developing an exciting new project, Colors, which aims to celebrate the beauty of diversity in her life, eventually evolving into an album that will further explore her multicultural influences.
In her latest single White Night, Pankovits seamlessly intertwines the timeless words of legendary Russian poet Anna Akhmatova with her own evocative lyrics. The accompanying music video, inspired by Akhmatova’s life and poetry, offers a visually captivating glimpse into the poet’s world, creating a powerful tribute to her enduring legacy.
Photo Credit: Timea Jaksa