May 1998

A Tribute to ATTILA ZOLLER

©1998 Richard Boukas

May 1998

A Tribute to ATTILA ZOLLER

from the great players who knew
and loved him and his music

tributes requested and compiled
by Richard Boukas © 1998

to read artist tributes,
scroll alphabetically or click on the individual links below:

The following tribute statements were obtained from individual players in a combination of in-person and phone conversations, faxes and emails. It was an honor and a pleasure to make contact with all these great players and assemble their heartfelt thoughts in one place for Just Jazz Guitar readers and now everyone on the web.

The complete original JJG article includes a moving introductory tribute from Attila's longtime friend and supporter, Ed Neidich, and many wonderful pictures.

Rather than seek to reproduce the entire original article, the purpose of this reprinting is to focus on the spirit of those players who, rather than mourning Attila's loss, celebrated all the gifts of music, creative inspiration and humanity that defined him as a one-of-a-kind artist and person.

Richard Boukas

Paquito D' Rivera

Armen Donelian

Herb Ellis

Ron Escheté

Mundell Lowe

Joe Lovano

Russell Malone

Herbie Mann

Woody Mann

Mike Stern

Jack Wilkins

Pete Yellin

Joe Zawinul

Billy Bauer

Gene Bertoncini

Peter Bernstein

Ed Bickert

Tal Farlow

Michael Formanek

Don Friedman

Jim Hall

Pat Metheny

George Mraz

Richard Boukas

Kenny Burrell

Cal Collins

Howie Collins

Rodney Jones

Vic Juris

Lee Konitz

Dennis Koster

Peter Leitch

John Pisano

John Scofield

Johnny Smith

Jeff Sherman

Click on the

in each panel to read artist tributes listed.

John Abercrombie

It’s difficult to express in words how I felt about Attila Zoller. He was, and still is to me some kind of great life force. A positive, caring individual who just happened to play Jazz guitar beautifully. I first met him in the early 70’s when I came to N.Y. to work with Chico Hamilton’s band, and we’ve remained friends ever since. Attila was probably the most supportive musician I’ve ever met. He was always going to check out all the musicians playing around and inspiring them with words of encouragement, words of laughter and a great joy of being alive that could be catching if you let it. Maybe some words could help: warm, sensitive, mischievous, character, wild, experimental, traditional, funny, compassionate, unpredictable, friend. He played music like he lived his life- with passion, warmth, intuition and a desire to find "some different kind of a sheet! " Peace, my friend.

Howard Alden

In addition to his own wonderful playing, education and other guitar-related projects, Attila's interest in other players was always inspiring and heart-warming. From the time that I first moved to New York in 1982 Attila was always out on the town, listening to and encouraging all the players, and warming up the whole room.. I was always honored when he showed up somewhere where I was playing, and we all miss his presence on the scene immensely.

Although I was understandably saddened at the news of Attila’s passing, I began to reflect particularly upon the way he chose to live the last year of his life. Every choice he made was consistent with the dedication he has always shown towards his work and commitments. He was one of the first guitarists to become involved with avant - garde music, constantly striving for excellence in expression, not just technique. His personal support for other musicians was exceptional- and the feeling was reciprocated this past year with a party held in his honor at the American Guitar Museum for his fifty years in the business. Organized by his good friend Ed Neidich, it was a fitting tribute to a dedicated artist. I’ll miss this jolly soul.

Carl Barry

Although I was understandably saddened at the news of Attila’s passing, I began to reflect particularly upon the way he chose to live the last year of his life. Every choice he made was consistent with the dedication he has always shown towards his work and commitments. He was one of the first guitarists to become involved with avant - garde music, constantly striving for excellence in expression, not just technique. His personal support for other musicians was exceptional- and the feeling was reciprocated this past year with a party held in his honor at the American Guitar Museum for his fifty years in the business. Organized by his good friend Ed Neidich, it was a fitting tribute to a dedicated artist. I’ll miss this jolly soul.

I first met Attila when I was working with Lee Konitz’ Quartet somewhere in the West Village around 1951. He had just come from Europe and was living in a bad hotel, having to sleep with everything he owned or else he’d get robbed. We told him to move out and he did. He showed me a transcription he did of a duet I recorded with Lee. A while later Lee and I were working at the "Cork & Bib" in Westbury, Long Island and he sat in with us.

Around 1980, I went up to his place to have one of his pickups. He advised me to go to a luthier to get the pickup installed, as he didn’t want to mess up my D’Angelico. I still have that Zoller Pickup.

More recently he came to my school. We played and talked and I gave him my book "Sideman" in exchange for the pickup. He showed me his operation and I showed him mine. That was the last time I saw him. I’m sure he’s still swinging-

Gene Bertoncini

Attila will be remembered for his giant heart exemplified by his music, by his courageous and always positive battle with this illness, and in the love that was felt unanimously by everyone who knew him.

Peter Bernstein

I first met Attila when I was fifteen as one of my first teachers. He was a beautiful player and person who had an extraordinary life. He was so kind, sensitive and passionate- I will miss him deeply.

Ed Bickert

Attila was a great guitarist and a wonderful guy. His unique style was an inspiration to all of us, and his presence on the stand was a treat for listeners and fellow musicians alike. We'll miss him.

I cannot even begin to think of Attila in the past tense. He has given so much of himself to us, offering countless life lessons by his noble example: a deep love for life, music, people and adventure; boundless generosity, wisdom and indomitable spirit; his raw sincerity, pastoral simplicity and almost childlike sensitivity; an intuitive mandate to explore creative realms which others would be incapable of conceiving, no less pursuing to their ultimate fruition.

All these unique personal qualities and spirit energies will remain whole and vibrant within us as we forge our own paths, those which Attila would have supported and wanted us to follow.

Attila was blessed with a warrior’s constitution. However, even that sturdy frame, his boundless courage and unwavering vigilance finally gave way to this terrible illness. Nonetheless, all that time he never viewed his worsening condition as deserving of attention, sympathy or compromising his quality of life. If anything, it gave him and all those around him even more strength and resolve for living their lives each day to the fullest.

I can still feel the warmth, sheer power and solidity of that Hungarian handshake; the lung-breaking slap on the back and huge laugh/grin after hearing a solo that he liked- "Hey- BOO-kas, mehn- you play some krehzzy sheet !".

His unique spirit emanated a profound gratitude for life, personal freedom and sharing that joy with all those who were blessed to know and love him. So- Attila, man, save us all a spot in your new Jazz club and say hello to Bartók for me.

Kenny Burrell

We’ve lost yet another fine Jazz guitarist and Jazz educator. Attila Zoller was a dedicated Jazzman who never compromised his beliefs and the quality of the music. Further, he greatly extended himself by creating an ongoing summer Jazz camp and shared his knowledge and love with many.

He was also a good friend and a gentle, beautiful person. We will all miss him- very much.

Cal Collins

I met Attila about three times, usually when one of us was gigging around. He was really something else. I loved him and his playing, and he was a marvelous, fine gentleman.

I first knew Attila around 1957 when he escaped from Hungary after the revolution. He came here initially with other players but was stranded here. I took him in for a while and got to know him very well. The greatest thing about Attila is that he had the motivation to play a certain kind of way and never swayed from his beliefs. He had a value system that he stuck to until the day he died.

Like so many other great artists, we knew of Attila Zoller's valuable work throughout Willis Conover's Voice of America Jazz Hour, and being a Hungarian musician, he was always a great inspiration for us behind the ironcurtain. We'll always remember him with love and respect.

Herb Ellis

Attila was a good player and a very likable person. He really loved to play and always geared himself to his audience. He gave us very much from his music and personality, and we’ll certainly all miss him.

Ron Escheté

I got a kick out of Attila. We played at the NAMM show many times where I used to call him "Attila the Hun" for kicks- and he loved it. He had a great, happy spirit. Aside from being a great guitar player, he was always very positive- he loved everybody and was loved by everybody. He will be sorely missed.

Armen Donelian

I had heard about Attila Zoller for several years before I first met him at the Vermont Jazz Center 1993 Summer Jazz Camp. All I knew was that he originated from Hungary, played the guitar and started the VJC. I had so much fun playing and teaching with Attila and never laughed so much in my life.

Many new associations resulted from my work with Attila, something for which I will be ever grateful. The rare mix of prominent artists and enthusiastic students attracted by the camp is a sign of the esteem in which they hold Attila.

I have always been struck by Attila's guitar sound: big, clear, fat, bright, agile and warm. Attila was equally adept at improvising inside and out. His renditions of standards were melodious, harmonically inventive and always swinging and stylistically tasteful. His original compositions, harmonically advanced and incorporating native Hungarian feelings, are brilliant and reflective of his underrecognized genius.

I'll miss Attila. Up in heaven he's probably saying "Yea, man!" in his characteristic way, looking down and playing some great music and having fun with the angels (and maybe some of the devils, too).

Tal Farlow

Attila has been a loyal friend for so long (almost half a century). It’s hard to realize he has left. Although we had made some plans to do a tour of Europe, somehow it didn’t materialize. Fortunately for us there are his fine recordings such as those mad with Don Friedman or Jimmy Raney to remind us of his impressive artistry. We all will miss him and his great spirit.

Michael Formanek

Attila touched alot of lives during his time on the planet. From Budapest to Vienna to Nürnberg to New York and Vermont he was known, and he was loved. To me, he was a friend, player, teacher, mentor, supporter, critic and at times even a student. He had the strongest spirit of anyone I've ever known, and will always be an inspiration.

Don Friedman

Attila and I have been friends and fellow musicmakers since the early ’60’s. He was a remarkable person, able to play in almost any Jazz context. From working with Benny Goodman to playing "Free Jazz", Attila never compromised his artistry. On a personal note, I loved him for his humor, generosity and general humanness. I’ll miss him a whole lot.

Jim Hall

We knew each other almost 40 years, from the time he arrived in the U.S. We saw each other in an appropriately irregular pattern: he would show up at my gig and I would return the favor, listening to him when he least expected it. We learned from one another. Attila was a beautifully complex and feisty guy: he didn’t suffer fools (or foolishness) easily and yet he was extremely caring and helpful towards the young musicians- loving, almost.

He was on the cutting edge personally and musically. A terrific athlete, he swam the Danube River as a kid and later walked from his Budapest home to Vienna- through the woods, no papers, no passport- to get away from the political foolishness. In Austria he worked with Vera Aver and built a new vibraharp for her, one that was better in tune. Attila knew how to do things.

He had a series of chance-taking trios with people like Don Friedman, Steve Swallow, Reggie Workman and Paul Bley- really Avant-Garde, feisty stuff. That’s when I would show up to listen. Attila also ran a summer music school in Vermont where he got to show his nurturing side and use his organizing skills; he knew how to do things.

I last saw Attila two months ago, just before he traveled back home (not walking through the woods this time) to receive an award from the Hungarian government. I last spoke with him three weeks ago. He was still writing music and planning to record. I’m sure I will miss him, but for now, he’s still around and I’m still learning from him.

Rodney Jones

Attila Zoller was a man who loved Jazz Guitar. Because of his love for the instrument, he traveled the world sharing the magic of Jazz. All who knew him were touched by his spirit and enthusiasm for music and life. He will be missed.

Vic Juris

Attila’s recording "Gypsy Cry" is one of the all-time best Jazz guitar wonders. His composition "Meet in Berlin" changed my attitude about music forever. Attila was the first guitarist to record freer music in a Jazz setting, and he was one of the best players I have ever known. His spirit is legendary and I will miss him eternally.

Lee Konitz

Thanks for your invitation to say a word about Attila. I’m sure all guitar players especially know that he was playing very creative music as long as 40 years ago. He also was responsible for initiating guitar design and other products to improve sound production for guitar and other string instruments. Attila was a very spiritual man, who, in the last weeks of his life was able to make a recording with Tommy Flanagan and George Mraz-!

All my love and respect for this man. Rest in peace, Attila.

Attila Zoller was not only a dear friend and a great guitarist and composer, he was a brilliant thinker, and a great supporter of the music. A man of seemingly boundless energy, he would think nothing of driving four hours from Vermont to New York City, making the rounds of the clubs, visiting friends, hanging out, and then driving back again in the wee hours. His longtime involvement with the Vermont Jazz Center showed him to be a much loved educator, and his association with various guitar makers and string companies showed him to be a brilliant guitar designer and technician. I treasure the Zoller guitar that I play, and his memory. Above all, he was one of those few people about whom one never heard a bad word.

Dennis Koster

I feel like nothing could be adequate to express how I felt about Attila. Attila was a man who loved life, music and his fellow musicians. He approached everything joyously: his teaching, performing, recording, friendships, women- and that joy seemed to pervade every note of the music he played.

The first time I heard him play was at an all-night session in an Atlanta hotel room in 1980. Attila and Jimmy Raney were trying out two newly-minted archtop guitars that Attila had designed for Hofner. Knowing that I played classical guitar, Jimmy threw me a wink and said, "Hey, Attila, listen to this " and he played the theme from a Bach Two-Part Invention. Attila's eyes gleamed with their characteristic mischievous twinkle, and he said, "That's a cool tune, let's blow on it! "- and for the next half-hour I listened to Bach's simple melody explored and transformed in countless ways. The music was brought to stratospheric heights, and I know I was hearing stratospheric levels of musicianship.

Many guitarists know about Attila's contributions to archtop guitar design, but he was also an innovator in string design. For several years in the early ‘80’s we worked together for E & O Mari/La Bella to develop their "Perfect Balance" concept. I designed Classical guitar sets, and Attila strings for electric guitar, electric and acoustic bass.

During that time, I was also very fortunate to experience Attila Zoller, the teacher. Legions of young Jazz guitarists can attest to his extraordinary teaching- but I was lucky enough to benefit from his extensive Classical music training. Some of the best coaching I’ve ever received was from this Jazz giant, who offered brilliant insights on music from Mozart to his own countryman Béla Bartók- "It’s gotta float, baby, it’s gotta sving . "

On a cold winter’s day in 1981, I took Attila to a tiny guitar maker’s shop in Greenwich Village. Miguel Luciano, a Puerto Rican luthier with hands of gold, lots of Indian blood and wisdom wanted Attila to try a recently completed archtop. He listened to Attila play for a few minutes, and suddenly his face beamed with a sunny smile. "You’ve had a good life", he told him. A few minutes of Attila’s music, a few minutes of being in his presence, was all it ever took.

Joe Lovano

After moving to NY in the mid ‘70’s I had the great pleasure to meet Attila. He seemed to be everywhere - listening and hanging out with everyone on the scene. I’d run into him listening to Stan Getz, Elvin Jones, or the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra of which I was a member from ‘80-91. I heard him play with Lee Konitz and Don Friedman at the new Birdland club in NY and they sounded wonderful. Attila was one of the sweetest, most passionate musicians I have ever known. I will miss him deeply.

Mundell Lowe

I really liked Attila. He was such a great guy and a fantastic player. I feel very fortunate to have met him in this lifetime.

Russell Malone

I spent many nights at Bradley’s Jazz club in New York (now defunct) talking with Attila. He was always encouraging to young musicians. Whenever I would play, he was always there- very encouraging, but at the same time very stern as far as constructive criticism was concerned. He would tell me things, but there was always love there. I will miss him deeply.

Herbie Mann

Once I met Attila I realized that aside from his desire to be a Bebop player, he had a Hungarian thing which was different from anyone else. I love to leave my kitchen open to all kinds of musical chefs- and Attila gave me paprika. I’m Russian and Romanian, so that was the direction I was going in anyway. I produced his first date as a leader, "Gypsy Cry" on Embryo Records along with Herbie Hancock and Ron Carter. I had just gotten back from Brazil and he was the only guitarist who could really play Bossa Nova like Baden Powell- it was because of his gypsy thing- and this allowed him to assimilate something that most Jazz guitarists couldn’t.

Attila was a wild guy. I remember being on the road driving cross country together in the ‘60’s and he suddenly asked me to pull the car over. Well, he had found a stream off the side of the road- and he was set on going for a swim. So he got out, took his swim, got back in the car and we continued on to the gig. That was Attila alright.

Woody Mann

I feel lucky to have known him and I’ll miss so many things- his friendship, his support and inspiration through his relentless pursuit of originality. Taking the chance to be yourself- I’ll miss his passion and his incredible playing- but mostly, I’ll miss just hanging out, laughing and trying to figure out the universe through the
"Zoller System".

Pat Metheny

Attila Zoller was one of the greatest human beings I have ever known. He was one of the most positive and spirited men I have ever had the honor of knowing, and every ounce of his goodness was channeled into the character of his music. He was an inspiration to me when I first met him as a 14 year-old guitar student at a band camp in 1968. He spent hours showing me voicings, giving me tips and generally changing my life by giving me a sense of the potential that he sensed in whatever it was he perceived in my then very green abilities.

A year later he invited me to come to New York to stay with him for a week where he took me to hear Jim Hall every night, followed by Bill Evans, Freddie Hubbard and then jamming with me all day, a fledgling 15 year-old kid from Missouri till the next night’s adventures began again. This was the week where any thoughts I ever had of ever doing anything else for the rest of my life vanished. Thanks to Attila, I became a Jazz musician.

I saw Attila for the last time just a few weeks ago. I knew he was sick and I didn’t really know what to expect when I did see him. He bounced into my house with the same exuberance as always, saying he had just returned from skiing for four days and was going to Hungary the next day to receive a special award from the government for his enormous contribution to Jazz. We then picked up a couple of guitars and played for about an hour straight- the first time we had played in 25 years. I played him the version of his composition "The Birds and the Bees" that he taught me on a hot August afternoon all those years ago.

(continued top right-hand column)

He laughed that incredible Hungarian laugh and then made me show him all the modifications I made to his tune. He sounded so great that afternoon, and gave me a bunch of really nice harmonic substitutions for one of the standards we played. He explained to me that someone had recently stolen his guitar on a train. I offered to give him back the great "Zoller" model that he had given me a few years ago and said I could arrange to get it to him after the holidays when we were both back in NY. I didn’t expect him to be leaving so soon....... I will miss him so much. Thank you, Attila, for everything. You were the best.

George Mraz

I had known Attila for over thirty years. We first met in 1967 in Munich and instantly became friends. Since then we have played together many times. We went swimming in the summer and skiing in the winter. He was a great cook and I learned from him to make several Hungarian dishes. You could not help but love Attila. I think everybody who knew him loved him. He did not like to compromise, in music or in life. Sometimes he would argue like a child. But then, wise men are always childlike. He was one of my best friends and I will miss him very, very much. We were all privileged to have known Attila.

We always lived in different places, but whenever I was close to his neighborhood, Attila always showed up. He has a great love for music, the guitar and Jazz. I will miss his energy and warmth the next time I’m in town.

John Scofield

Attila was an important link in the Jazz guitar chain and maybe the first Bebop era guitarist to incorporate free Jazz into his vocabulary. When I first started to check out Jazz guitarists in the 70's, Attila was one of a handful of "hip" players who transcended the guitar. He was also one of the nicest guys I've ever met . . . always supportive of the younger guys coming up and always listening to bands in the clubs. He was always encouraging. I'll miss my friend Attila - and so will the NY Jazz scene that he was such a contributor to.

Johnny Smith

I unfortunately was never able to be very close to Attila, as we were usually in different circles. We did play opposite each other a number of times including places like Birdland. I consider him to be a major influence in Jazz guitar’s evolution, and respected him a great deal. Most of all, I really liked him as a person. He will be remembered and missed by myself and many other friends who knew him well.

Jeff Sherman

I first met Attila Zoller through our good mutual friend Jimmy Raney and over the years Attila also became a good friend and musical inspiration. Attila told me that his first jazz guitar inspiration was Tal Farlow playing with the Red Norvo Trio.

At the time, Attila was living and performing in Vienna when he learned that the Red Norvo Trio was going to play at a club in Paris. Attila saved his money and made the trip to Paris to see Tal perform live but on arriving at the club, much to his dismay, Tal was not playing guitar with the group.

Attila went in anyway to listen to the group which had another young guitar player named Jimmy Raney playing. Attila was, of course, immediately "knocked out" by Jimmy's playing and decided at that moment that he must get to the United States because all the guitar players there must play like Tal Farlow!

Two weeks before Attila died, I was at his apartment. In spite of being in great pain, we spent quite a bit of time playing guitars because that was Attila's love. Attila designed guitars (Framus and Hofner), strings (LaBella), and pickups (Shadow) but his real legacy will be his love of music, people and a zest for life (one nickname was the "Kissing Guitar Player", a Hungarian thing).

Attila, we’ll miss you but thanks for your friendship and great music.

One thing that was totally obvious about Attila was that he was a great player- and in the same breath, his spirit was just unbelievable. He was so into the music and listening to other players. I remember a certain period when I was working through some very difficult personal issues. For the first time in my life, I was trying to play sober- and to do this it meant redefining almost everything.

To get the ball rolling I decided to play only at the 55 Bar, my usual hang- but I was still a bundle of nerves. But Attila would come down and he was always so supportive and encouraging- and man, it was straight from the heart. This was just his nature- but at that time it was the kind of support which was so necessary and it's something I will never forget. It's fortunate that he was able to touch so many people with his music and personality. I miss him already.

Mike Stern

Jack Wilkins

He was a good friend- I will really miss him.

Pete Yellin

Attila was truly a gentle warrior... a leader with a purpose ... one who inspired with his deeds and his love. He organized bands, sessions, students, music and even started the Vermont Jazz Center.

He was as dedicated to the music and the Jazz scene- as much as anyone I’ve ever known. he’d drive from his beloved Vermont to New York three and four times a week so he could be on the scene at night listening, supporting and encouraging all of us; cheering us, making us laugh and playing his swinging guitar as well.

He was a teacher, composer an inventor of outstanding guitar accessories- doing everything possible to be near his friends and the music.

Thirty -five years ago he invited me to play my first jam sessions and I’ve been jamming with him ever since. God Bless you Attila, and thanks. As he would say, "Yeah maan! "

Joe Zawinul

Attila was a super musician and a real decent human being.

Matthias Winckelmann (Enja Records)

Attila Zoller was one of the best friends of my life. We met when I celebrated my 18th birthday at the Frankfurt Jazz club and have never disconnected. When I started my Jazz label ENJA he was one of the first ones I had the privilege to record. He gave me my first experiences with booking a Jazz band (so I gave that up soon) and taught me so much about the art of improvisation. We were true buddies and had great times together in Europe (Attila had his permanent room at my house) and the States - it is sad to imagine that these days of fun, wine and good cooking are over.

Attila’s truthfulness in music became a guiding line for me. He certainly knew how to offer more commercial music than he did but he refused to do so out of respect and love for the muse. And when he felt his end coming he certainly put things in order and fulfilled himself two wishes. Two concerts, one in Budapest and one in his native town of Visegrad- with great pain and utmost concentration he said goodbye to Hungary where his musical roots always were. And the other wish was fulfilled by his last record session in December, an " American " date with Tommy Flanagan and George Mraz which he had so much wanted to do. These were the two poles between which a pure artist with a heart of gold moved and gave joy to this world. I will never forget him.

May 1998

A Tribute to ATTILA ZOLLER

from the great players who knew
and loved him and his music

SPECIAL FEATURE

as originally published in
Just Jazz Guitar

tributes requested and compiled
by Richard Boukas © 1998

Brazilian Guitar Masters

Coming soon!

Brazilian Guitar Masters w/ Paulinho Nogueira

Brazilian Connection: The Jazzier Side of Choro

ANTONIO TESSARIN:
THE ART OF CLASSICAL GUITAR BUILDING