Album Notes

The guitar music of The Rez Trio is woven from the threads of contemporary flamenco, Hungarian czardas, and French Gypsy swing. Istvan Rez, Nat Hulskamp and Guil Guimaraes bring disparate histories into their collaboration. Their compositions combine flamenco rhythms and techniques with the melodic influence of Jazz Gitan (created by the legendary Django Reinhardt) and the underlying ambiance of Hungarian czardas.

In January 2000, Istvan and Nat released their debut CD, Zhaoui, featuring 8 original compositions in addition to renditions of La Gitana written by Tchan Tchou and Fleur de Lavende written by Fapy Lafertin. On several songs the guitarists are joined by guest musicians on bass, tablas and udu (percussion). Other instruments played by the musicians are the cajon played by Istvan and the oud played by Nat.

The Musicians:

Istvan Rez (guitar) was born in Hungary and learned his first song from a Gypsy in Budapest. He is self taught and does not read music, being gifted with the ability to hear a melody, play it back and transform it with his own sound. His improvisations are high-spirited and playful, but also heartfelt and deeply moving. He has performed with numerous groups, ranging in style from flamenco to blues, and has performed throughout the United States and Europe. He now resides in Seattle, composing and performing with The Rez Trio.

Nat Hulskamp (guitar) was born in Portland, OR. He has studied gamelan music and lived in Bali, Indonesia. His interest in Flamenco led him to study with Tarik and Julia Banzi of Al-Andalus. He continued to pursue his interest in the Arabic roots of flamenco with study in Morocco. He now resides in Seattle where he formerly performed with Carmona Flamenco at venues including The Paramount, The Broadway Performance Hall, and the opening ceremony of the Benaroya Symphony Hall.