In Zwack Unicum’s light music series, the ensemble pays tribute to tradition in the imposing halls of the Transport Museum.

Parno Graszt is an outstanding representative of Hungarian Roma folk music traditions, their music mixes authentic Roma folklore with modern world music elements, creating an energetic and emotionally rich soundscape. This provided an excellent basis for the Live Session recording, which was made with live sound mixing, which celebrates the professional and technical knowledge of the musicians and is a real treat for connoisseurs. It has long been important for Unicum to present and promote this knowledge-based, passionate creative process, which is also unique to the brand.

“I am very happy that Parno Graszt accepted our invitation, we launched the Live Session series precisely because of performers like them – said Sándor Zwack, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zwack Unicum Nyrt. – As in our case, the team and the entire production are built on cohesive, family ties. While at Unicum it is the recipe and tradition, at Parno Graszt the love of music and the joy of creation are passed down from one generation to the next.”

The latest performer of the Unicum Live Session perfectly embodies the spirit of the initiative. The art of Parno Graszt – just like the centuries-old tradition of Zwack Unicum – is deeply rooted in Hungarian culture, yet it is able to renew itself and address the audience with its positive atmosphere. For this reason, thanks to the respect for tradition and openness to renewal, a truly special production was born from their collaboration.

Although the performances of the ensemble, which has been operating for more than three decades, always contain captivating visuals and an overwhelming atmosphere, the Unicum Live Session offered the band an opportunity where they could show something new not only musically, but also visually. “It is always exciting for us when the band can show itself in a new environment, in a special concept. And the Unicum Live Session was a great opportunity for the audience to see Parno Graszt from a slightly different perspective.” – said the band members.

The band prepared for the unusual concert with three songs, which brought to life the momentum and emotional depth typical of Parno Grasztra, yet sharply different moods from each other. The set was opened by the song “Fújj meg szél”, whose lyrical, intimate atmosphere carries the feeling of a yearning for freedom and an imaginary journey. This was followed by the band’s song “Elgayt a fezélyem”, in which the duo of traditional and contemporary elements played the main role.

Finally, the performance was capped off by “Kalapom, kalapom”, which debuted on the Unicum Live Session stage. ““Kalapom, kalapom” is a cheerful, playful song that reflects the band’s attitude and lightness. It’s a song that feels good to play and we hope it will bring a smile to the audience’s face.” – the artists told us about the latest song.

The level of the performance was further enhanced by the special filming location chosen for the occasion, as well as the director Dániel Hevér, creator of the feature film Some Birds, who joined the production as a director and was inspired by the uniqueness of the Parno Graszt team and their music that moved the audience. “During the filming, my concept was to create an elemental, slightly magical world, and the minimalism and industrial nature of the Transport Museum were perfect for this. I felt it was important to visually separate the three songs, which differ in their themes, and to give each of them an emphasised element that helps in storytelling – luminous clouds, a bus, or dancers.” – Dániel Hevér shared his creative ideas.

The filming was also joined by Lil Frakk, a regular work filmmaker for the Live Sessions, who found it a deeply personal experience to be able to follow the creative process of Parno Graszt from behind the scenes. “I love to see behind the scenes, where the magic is made. And the Unicum Live Session filmings are always very unique.” The performer talked to the band members between the productions, so the viewers will be able to get to know the formation’s stories and artistic journey in more depth with him.