Kris Tokarski: Lendítsd a zongorán!*

Pianist Kris Tokarski honors the traditions of keyboard masters from New Orleans to Bop. Though he is only 31, Kris has already performed extensively in venues and festivals across the U.S. In addition to his musical talents, he possesses some enviable kitchen skills! Hal Smith: You speak Hungarian, and—as the musicians in New Orleans can attest—you are also a gourmet Hungarian chef. What is the background on that part of your heritage? Kris Tokarski: I’m happy to hear my musician friends enjoy the cooking at my parties! My mother was born in Hungary and came with her parents as part of the wave of “56ers” after the revolution. Most of my family on that side is still there. Anyone who has a couple Hungarian-American friends is aware of their patriotism. Hungarian folk music and cooking have long been interests of mine and love to share it with friends. What was the first recording or performance you heard that interested you in jazz piano? The first recording that got me on the track that I am was really a double LP set of mostly Joplin rags recorded by Max Morath. The first jazz piano records that I heard that made an impression on me were Jelly Roll Morton’s 1923-24 Gennett records. Some favorites were “