Úzgin Ûver is an ancient, cultic Mongolian territory with an important archaeological site of an ancient cemetery surrounded by giant stones. The name means area with little water. Úzgin Üver is a Hungarian band that is fascinated by undiscovered cultures, the sound of traditional instruments. They do not use crossover as a trendy phenomenon – they literally cross over geographical, time and art form barriers. They are not interested in fashion but in exploration and innovation. When you listen to their music you are not really sure where this comes from – it sounds exotic, spiritual, ancient and ethno as well as contemporary, electronic and experimental. Sounds like new age? Wrong!
Úzgin Ûver’s first important concert was in 1991 at the East Festival in Hungary. This was the largest so-called alternative festival at time, which was documented by a compilation tape. Two tracks on this tape were the first official publications of the band. In the 90’s Úzgin became of the favourites in Tilos az Á, Budapest’s legendary club. The band does not come from Budapest though but it was formed by musicians from a small town called Kecskemét.
Úzgin Üver has been making excursions in films and theatre. In fact, the two leading figure – Peter Homoki and Gyula Majoros - of the band has been working in a puppet theatre and have done music for more than 20 puppet – and theatre shows. In 1998 they joined Maskaras, a street stilt–puppet–comedian group that uses traditional performance styles acting and dancing on stilts, with lots of loud folk music and shouting. They have toured around the world including the Far East and have performed in Sydney during the Olympic Games in 2000.
Úzgin Üver has also worked with filmmakers including Hungarian film guru Miklos Jancso. Their third CD Puppet/ Theatre/ Music is in fact a score for a contemporary dance performance.
Exotic wind instruments, violin, various drums, guitar, keyboard and electronic effects effortlessly blend in their music. Their performances are real trips in time and space.
In 2002 Úzgin Üver participates the international project Odusszeusz initiated by French band, Irishtambul. More than 20 musicians from France, Bulgaria, Turkey, Macedonia, Ireland and Hungary rehearse in Bulgaria and France to create a new music project that will tour in Europe. They also plan to visit Mongolia and other Caucasian countries to explore traditions and music.