Fukkeduk

I met and stayed with a long-lost friend in Budapest. He's a composer, but I hadn't expected him to turn me on to a fascinating new band. (Well, one I hadn't heard of before.)

There's not too much available online but you can check them out here.

Fukkeduk is yet another fascinating creation from the Belgian school of Avant-Chamber Rock. They consist of a wide array of musicians from violinist Rik Verstrepen (Cro-Magnon) to Producer/guitarist Nick Didkovsky (Doctor Nerve), with the kind compliments from the more than commendable woodwind, string and brass section. Binding many influences, Fukkeduk startle us with their tasteful fusion of Rock, Folk, Jazz and classical; along with anything else they could cram in-between. Fukkeduk keep their compositions short and to the point. The arrangement and structure is astounding; placing an almost anal precision behind every note, but still allowing an amazing characterization within each piece. Fukkeduk is a must for those who love their music energetic, intense, with a dash of humour on the side.

I also got to see two sets of first-rate jazz played in a basement cellar joint in Budapest. The cover charge was 1200 Forints; that's about 6 dollars. The place was done up like two rooms in someone's library, with books all over the walls and chairs arranged facing an improvised stage. You had to skip across the street to the grocery store to get your own wine but they'd give you a set of mismatched glasses to use. :-)

Budapest was great.