The Brand
ViO is the brainchild of Hungarian-born, Holland-based saxophonist Viktor Haraszti.
The Brand is not exactly a band. It represents an alter ego project. The purpose of it is to avoid being closed in a one-term concept.
“ViO represents my freedom, the freedom to play what I want without limits. Through this identity, I escape from the idea of a solo musician, or a jazz trio, or quartet; it has no fixed format as well as no fixed style.” (Viktor Haraszti)
The first project was a quartet playing fusion in Virtual Reality. Now, the new album brings only Viktor and some special guests.
In the future, the project might change to a new setup and proposal. Different artists may join it, and this is fine because the project is the emancipation from any established model.
ViO means freely contributing, mixing styles and rhythms, experimentation, improvisation, and making music without barriers.
ViO - Audiovisual Performance
An ongoing experimental performance developed and performed by ViO (Viktor Haraszti), combining electronic and acoustic instruments with live visual art. Music, improvisation, and jazz elements merge into a single, evolving audiovisual language. These performances can take shape as a solo act or together with guest musicians, visual artists, and other collaborators.
VIO 360°LIVE
The release of his ViO 360° sessions video-EP in autumn 2018 led to wider press attention around Europe.
Musically speaking the project is a mixture of jazz, fusion & groove originals — influenced by the likes of Michael Brecker and Joshua Redman — and features Remco van der Sluis (drums), Taco Nieuwenhuizen Segaar (bass), and Edgar van Asselt (keyboards) alongside Viktor.
The project matches the energetic and rhythmic repertoire with a strong visual appeal through the use of cutting-edge 360° filming & virtual reality.Shot in Utrecht’s Kikker Theater, the ViO session was released online in full 360º—meaning you can look around the room during the song and get a taste for the full impact of their live show.
‘’Not just unique, not just immersive, Haraszti’s ongoing musical exploration will be fascinating to witness as he develops his catalogue in this new technology.’’ Debbie Burke jazz author (US)
EQUANIMITY — A Futuristic Jazz Tale
Equanimity is a one-man project. Viktor took care of the compositions, performance, and production.The album transcends the experimental approach and conveys the repertory toward the electronic and futuristic style, with deep melodies combined with sonic elements, and progressive fusion of rhythms.
With renowned drummer Dave King ( The Bad Plus ) on board and the lyricist, singer/ songwriter Lisa Mari Simmons, Equanimity expresses the duality (chaos/surviving) in disordered times and unfolds a personal journey (chapter by chapter), to reach the climax and finally an enigmatic conclusion.
“..Well-crafted and imaginatively told..” “..Equanimity is recommended.” (Chris May, All About Jazz)
“Equanimity has something autobiographical and transmits peace, so necessary in this demanding and apparently chaotic world.” (La Habitación del Jazz)
ViO 3iO is a groundbreaking project that fuses jazz, electronica, experimental textures, free improvisation, and live visual art into a unique sonic and visual experience.
Led by Viktor Haraszti (ViO) on saxophone, EWI, electronics, and real-time visual art, the trio features Andor Horvath on double bass and Anthony Davis on drums.
Each member brings a wealth of experience from their solo careers, coming together to redefine the possibilities of contemporary jazz.
MENTHA
Jazz meets Folklore