Róbert Rátonyi was born December 13, 1953 in Budapest, Hungary. At the age of six he started to learn solfeggio before turning to the piano. He later became a student of Klára Géczy Fazekas, however, following his art studies and the grammar school graduation, he attended the Bartók Béla Music Conservatory, specializing in jazz.

His style of playing is influenced by Bill Evans, Ahmad Jamal, Bob James, Kenny Barron, Andy Laverne and Herbie Hancock. Beginning in 1975 he has played together with all leading Hungarian jazz musicians in concerts and festivals at…