From the Bandstand to the World: Why Jackie Orszaczky’s ‘Live at the Rose’ Release Means Everything to Me
Pianist Aron Ottignon pays tribute to late genius Jackie Orszaczky following the release of 'Live at the Rose'. Ottignon recalls choosing the stage over a conservatory to understudy two legendary bassists: funk maestro Orszaczky and jazz icon Jonathan Zwartz.
I cannot begin to describe how incredibly happy I am to finally see the official release of Live at the Rose. Hearing these tracks brings a massive flood of memories straight back to my bones.
I still vividly remember being squeezed into the front room of the Rose Hotel, performing on keys alongside Jackie back in 2001.I was only 20 years old at the time, and those years were easily the most formative of my entire career.
Back then, I faced a major crossroads that most young musicians encounter. But instead of taking the traditional academic route and studying at a formal music conservatory, I decided to follow my gut. I chose the real-world academy of the stage, setting myself up as an understudy to two absolute legends of the Sydney scene who graciously took me under their wings: Jackie Orszaczky, who ruled the funk and soul side of my education, and Jonathan Zwartz, who guided me on the jazz side.
The sheer depth of stage experience I gained performing with Jackie was unmatched. He threw me straight into the deep end, trusting me with the music. In fact, my very first international tour to the Northern Hemisphere was with Jackie when I was just 18 years old.
I hold so many precious memories from that era of my life. Jackie wasn't just a bandleader; he was a legend, a certified musical genius who taught us how to truly live inside a groove. To have this legendary performance out in the world today is a beautiful, necessary tribute to his legacy, and I am so grateful to hear these recordings alive and breathing once again.
(Editor’s Note: For our readers at Urban Trout Records who may be new to his legacy, Miklós József "Jackie" Orszáczky (1948–2008) was a highly influential Hungarian-Australian bassist, vocalist, composer, arranger, and record producer who served as a central hub for both the Sydney and Budapest music scenes. Born in Budapest, he first rose to prominence as the frontman of the pioneering Hungarian jazz-rock group Syrius before permanently relocating to Australia in 1974. In Australia, he became a legendary mentor and "guru" to generations of jazz, soul, and funk artists, famously acting as the musical director for pop icon Marcia Hines and fronting his own highly respected bands like Jump Back Jack and The Grandmasters. Renowned for his deeply expressive vocals and his mastery of a uniquely modified piccolo bass , Orszáczky was awarded the prestigious Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit by the Hungarian government in 2006 for his monumental lifetime contributions to music and culture.)