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| NEW SOLO GUITAR CD OF JOKKE SCHREURS : "MIJNEN TIJD" After a trio CD released in 2002 ("Muziek van voor de Oorlog"), guitarist Jokke SCHREURS now has a new solo guitar album out, titled Mijnen Tijd (Alea WBM 21048). Jokke, from Antwerp, plays acoustic guitar in a style that continues Django RHEINHARDT, with influences coming from other musical traditions as well as from pop music. (Dec. 31, 2003) |
| TRUMPET PLAYER BERT JORIS APPEARS ON LATEST PAULIEN VAN SCHAIK CD, "SUMMER" Trumpet player Bert JORIS appears on a new cd of Dutch singer Paulien VAN SCHAIK titled "Summer" (Challenge SACHR 70118 ), rceorded with bassist Hein VAN DE GEYN. (Dec. 23, 2003) |
| REISSUE : "THE GOLDEN AGE OF BELGIAN JAZZ, VOL. 2", MUSIC BY DAVID BEE AND PETER PACKAY September Records continues his reissue policy with the release of the compilation cd The Golden Age of Belgian Jazz, vol. 2, which features exclusively compositions by Peter PACKAY and David BEE, recorded before WW 2 by several Belgian jazz bands. (Dec. 23, 2003) |
| BASSIST PAUL DUBOIS (80) RECOVERING FROM HEART ATTACK Bassist Paul DUBOIS suffered from a heart attack on Dec. 12. He was rushed to a Brussels hospital and treated, but he is now to take some rest, which means that he will probably not be able to perform with the Sweet Substitutes at the Brussels' Music Village on January 24th 2004 to celebrate his 80th birthday. We wish him a prompt recovery. (Dec. 20, 2003) |
| THE MÉDIATHÈQUE LAUNCHES A WEB SITE DEVOTED TO JAZZ. A few years ago, the Médiathèque published a book written by Claude JANSSENS, "COMPRENDRE LE JAZZ AVEC LA MEDIATHEQUE". This work is now available in an online version (from Dec. 18, 2003), in an interactive way (conceived by Claude JANSSENS), with 13 chapters dealing with jazz and its history. A new chapter was added, very detailed, written by Bernard LEGROS, on jazz in Belgium, its history and its various musical streams. The web site of the Médiathèque / the jazz sub-site. (Dec. 17, 2003) |
| VIBRAPHONE PLAYER PASCAL SCHUMACHER HAS RECORDED FOR IGLOO Vibraphonist Pascal SCHUMACHER has just recorded a first album with his quartet for the IGLOO label. The musicians are Jef NEVE (p), Christophe DEVISSCHER (b) and Teun VERBRUGGEN (drs). (Dec. 14, 2003) |
| NEW JAZZ PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK BY JOS KNAEPEN : "JAZZ IN BELGIUM" Photographer Jos KNAEPEN will present his jazz photography book, "Jazz in Belgium", at café Hopper in Antwerp on December 30 at 2030. The presentation will be followed by concert, "The Accoustics" with Frank VAGANEE, alto sax; Kurt VAN HERCK, tenor sax; Jos MACHTEL, double bass and Martijn VINK, drums. An introduction, in Dutch : Jos L. Knaepen, eveneens bekend als The Jazzman, geeft een fotoboek uit onder de naam “Jazz in Belgium”. Een beetje jazzliefhebber kent het werk van deze alomtegenwoordige fotograaf, wiens haarscherpe portretten wij op alsmaar meer cd-covers en in alsmaar meer tijdschriften aantreffen. Jazzmozaïek (B), Down Beat (USA), Jazz Hot (F), Bass Magazine (NL), Stage Magazine (B), Jazz@round (B),... het is slechts een slordige greep uit het immense aanbod aan bladen, die een beroep doen op de fotografische vaardigheden van The Jazzman, die bovendien heel wat prachtige prenten leverde voor het boek “The Finest in Belgian Jazz” (W.E.R.F.). Bezoekers van de reizende JazzLab-tentoonstellingen “Jazz Impressions” hebben aan de hand van de tot posters uitvergrote foto’s van Jos L.Knaepen kunnen ondervinden met hoeveel zorg voor detail hij de jazzmuzikanten op de gevoelige plaat vastlegt. Zijn tijdloze momentopnamen verraden een grenzeloze zoektocht naar de meest optimale belichting en scherpstelling op de onderwerpen, die hij kiest. Voor slechts 20 € kunt u nu 150 zwart-wit foto’s van Belgische jazzartiesten, geportretteerd door Jos L.Knaepen, uitgegeven in een 112 pagina’s tellend boek met hardcover, in huis halen. Luc De Baets, hoofdredacteur van Jazzmozaïek, schreef het inleidend woord. Datum van publicatie: 19 december 2003. Het boek kan op twee manieren besteld worden : -bij Jos L.Knaepen zelf: thejazzman@pandora.be (gsm: 0476/350 066) -bij Jazzmozaïek: vincent.de.laat@muzmoz.be (Muziekmozaïek vzw, Dorpsstraat 67, B-1755 Gooik, tel. 02/532 38 90 fax: 02/452 34 94). (Dec. 14, 2003) |
| FINAL BAR : POLISH BASSIST ANDREJ CUDZICH We hear from drummer Félix SIMTAINE that his friend, Polish bass player Andrej CUDZICH, has died from cancer at the age of 43. Andrej was with Félix a member of their East/West Jazz Connection, and he had frequent contacts with the Belgian jazz scene, as he occasionnally appeared with ACT Big Band, Patricia BEYSENS, Jack VAN POLL, etc... (Dec. 09, 2003) |
| THE BJO BACK TO NEW YORK, BOSTON IN JANUARY 2004 BJO with Bert JORIS (tp) as a soloist are invited to play at the annual "International Association of Jazz Educators" to be held in New York coming January. In 2001 the BJO made an impressive appearance at the IAJE with Kenny WERNER as soloist. Besides the concert for the IAJE (Jan. 23, 2004 - Imperial Ballroom, Manhattan (NYC), the BJO will appear at Scullers jazz club (Jan. 19, 2004) in Boston with Dave LIEBMAN and at the Tonic à NYC with Kenny WERNER. (Dec. 09, 2003) |
| NEW QUARTET CD OF SAXOPHONIST ROBERT JEANNE CD : "BLUE LANDSCAPES" The Igloo label just released a new quartet album by Liège saxophonist Robert JEANNE, titled "Blue Landscapes" (Igloo Igl 171), with pianist Michel HERR, bassist Jean WARLAND and drummer Félix SIMTAINE. The album features compositions by Michel HERR, Ivan PADUART, Mimi VERDERAME, Sam RIVERS, Don GROLNICK, Charlie HADEN, etc.. and Robert himself plus a few standards. (Dec. 09, 2003) |
| DEC. 17, 18, 2003 : "DE WERF" LABEL CELEBRATES ITS 10th ANNIVERSARY WITH 2 CONCERTS OF A REUNITED "K.D. BASEMENT PARTY" In 1992, the label DE WERF produced its first album, "Sketches of Belgium" (Werf 001), with "K.D. Basement Party", the sextet of pianist/composer Kris DEFOORT. To celebrate 10 years of existence (and the release of 40 album of Belgian jazz), the label organizes on Dec. 17 and 18, 2003 two concerts at De Werf in Bruges, with the same band, reunited for the occasion, but playing a new repertoire. The other musicians are Fabrizio CASSOL (as), Bart DEFOORT (ts), Michel MASSOT (tuba, tb), Michel HATZIGEORGIOU (el. b.) and Stéphane GALLAND (drs). (Dec. 08, 2003) |
| DEC. 9, 2003 : BENEFIT CONCERT FOR STREET CHILDREN OF MONGOLIA AND VIETNAM BY THE CHARLES LOOS TRIO AND GUESTS The Christina Noble Children's Foundation organizes a concert of the Charles LOOS trio of which the benefit will go to the street children of Mongolia and Vietnam, on Dec. 9, 2003 (20:30) at Theatre Marni (Rue de Vergnies 25 1050 Brussels). The trio (Bas COOYMANS on bass and Luc VANDEN BOSCH on drums) will play some music from their recently released cd "French Graces" (LYRAE LY0206-C) but will also invite guests : saxophonist Fabrice ALLEMAN and trombone player Phil ABRAHAM. (Dec. 06, 2003) |
| NEW QUINTET CD OF VIBRAPHONE PLAYER JAN DE HAAS : "DOING MY THING" The WERF label just released a quintet album of Jan DE HAAS, well known as a drummer but featured here exclusively as a vibraphone player, titled "Doing my thing" (WERF 040), with Hendrik BRAECKMAN (guitar), Nathalie LORIERS (piano), Piet VERBIST (double bass) and Mimi VERDERAME (drums). (Dec. 05, 2003) |
| DEC. 6, 2003 AT FLAGEY : OCTURN PRESENTS A NEW PROJECT FEATURING DRÉ PALLEMAERTS' LIVE ELECTRONICS The band OCTURN, in residence at Flagey (Brussels), can regularly show the public the latest evolution of its work. One of the first phases includes a brand new, electronic project with Dré PALLEMAERTS, which will be presented at Flagey (Studio 1) on Dec. 6, 2003 (20:15). Bo VAN DER WERF sets the tone with new compositions, in which Dré gives his machines an absolutely organic part, processing sound and rhythm in real time. This project is closely related to "Dimensions" (Werf 033), the latest Octurn CD. In the near future, it will result in a unique cooperation project with a Tibetan monk. Infos & tickets : 02/641-10-20 (Dec. 04, 2003) |
| NEW CHARLES LOOS TRIO CD PLAYING FRENCH SONGS "FRENCH GRACES" The Lyrae label just released a trio album of pianist Charles LOOS, titled "French Graces" (LYRAE LY0206-C), with Bas COOYMANS on bass and Bruno CASTELLUCCI on drums. It features a selection of famous French songs (Brassens, Brel, Gainsbourg, Legrand, Clerc, Barbara etc...). (Dec. 03, 2003) |
| PHIL ABRAHAM RELEASES TWO NEW ALBUMS ON LYRAE : "SURPRISES" IN TRIO, "JAZZ ME DO" (BEATLES PROJECT) In 1999, trombone player (and scat singer) Phil ABRAHAM released his trio album Fredaines, marking his preference for intimate music after a 6 years stint with the ONJ. Phil now releases a second trio album "SURPRISES" (with guest drummer Luc vanden Bosch) combining personal compositions and standards. In the meantime his project "JAZZ ME DO" is also released featuring an octet playing the most known Beatles hits arranged by Phil. An album to delight jazz fans and nostalgic alike. Both albums are on Lyrae records. (Dec. 03, 2003) |
| NEW CD OF CHARLY D'INVERNO/PIRLY ZURSTRASSEN/KURT BUDÉ : "MUSICA DAL VIVO" A new trio in which Pirly ZURSTRASSEN plays accordeon, with Charly D'INVERNO on guitar and Kurt BUDÉ on clarinet, has released its first album, titled Musica Dal Vivo. Although some of these names are known on the Belgian jazz scene, the music cannot be described as jazz. It has its roots in Nino ROTA, world music, tango, Italian folk music, etc... but with a touch of improvisation and a real sense of beauty. (Nov. 30, 2003) |
| BASSIST JEAN WARLAND PARTICIPATES IN A TRIBUTE TO DUTCH ARRANGER JERRY VAN ROOYEN WITH AN INTERNATIONAL BIG BAND Double bass player Jean WARLAND participated in an international production in Hilversum (The Netherlands) which paid a tribute to Dutch arranger Jerry VAN ROOYEN. The big band formed for this special occasion was international, as it included musicians from the WDR Big Band (Germany), from the UK, and from the Netherlands (saxes Ferdinand POVEL, Jan MENU, etc..). (Nov. 27, 2003) |
| TWO OTHER SIDES OF MANU HERMIA : BANSURI FLUTE PLAYER (INDIAN MUSIC) AND ... PHOTOGRAPHER : "LE MURMURE DE l'ORIENT" At the Brussels "Atelier de la Dolce Vita", under the title "Le Murmure de l'Orient" alto saxophonist Manu HERMIA will present the photos he brought back from his trip to Benares, India. On Nov. 29, Dec. 6 & 12 (17:00-18:00), Manu will play the Bansuri flute, joined in duo by singer Barbara WIERNIEK for the first two dates and by Fabrice COLLET (tablas) to form a trio on the last one. L'Atelier de la Dolce Vita : 37a, rue de la Charité, 1210 Brussels, 02 223 46 75, web site, e-mail: info@atelierdolcevita.be (Nov. 27, 2003) |
| JACKY LEPAGE's VIRTUAL GALLERY HAS A NEW URL Jacky LEPAGE's Virtual Gallery, the web site of Belgian jazz photographer has a new URL : http://www.jackylepage.com. (Nov. 27, 2003) |
| "L'ANGE ET LE REBELLE" : A TV FILM ON SAXOPHONE/FLUTE PLAYER STEVE HOUBEN RTBF TV has produced a 90' portrait of saxophone and flute player Steve HOUBEN, directed by Pierre Barré and Thierry Loreau and titled "Steve Houben, l'ange et le rebelle". The tv team followed Steve during two years, a.o. on tour in Vietnam, and playing with HLM, Houben-Pirotton Inc, Panta Rhei, etc...With also testimonies by Toots THIELEMANS and MAURANE. A premiere presentation is announced in Dinant on December 14. We'll keep an eye on the RTBF tv programs and we'll try to inform you when the film will be broadcasted. (Nov. 26, 2003) |
| NOV. 29, 2003 : QUENTIN DUJARDIN AT THE JAZZ FORUM OF THE FNAC IN LIÈGE On Sat. Nov. 29 (16:15), the Fnac Forum in Liège will propose a meeting with Quentin DUJARDIN (guitar) on the occasion of the release of his new album "Khamis", which mixes Flamenco, Arab traditional musical and improvisation. Interview followed by a mini-concert. Free entry. (Nov. 25, 2003) |
| NOV. 25-30 : TOOTS THIELEMANS AT THE BLUE NOTE IN NY, WITH KENNY WERNER, O. CASTRO-NEVES, AIRTO Nov. 25-30, Toots THIELEMANS will play at the famous Blue Note jazz club in New York with US pianist Kenny WERNER, and two Brazilian musicians : guitarist Oscar CASTRO-NEVES and percussionnist Airto MOREIRA. (Nov. 24, 2003) |
| JEAN-LOUIS RASSINFOSSE & MARC HÉROUET : CD "LE RELIQUAIRE DES BRAVES : CONCERT SURVIVANT" OK, this is not specifically a jazz news, but it concerns two Belgian jazz musicians. Bassist Jean-Louis RASSINFOSSE (in this case a ... singing soldier !) and pianist Marc HÉROUET (in the role of ... a priest on the piano !), in an hilarious program of patriotic songs from the first WW period, called "Le Reliquaire des Braves". Don't miss it if you understand French. The (live) CD "Concert survivant" (Franc' Amour FC 124) is out, produced by Sowarex and live appearances are announced for end November, beginning December. (Nov. 21, 2003) |
| GUITARIST JACQUES STOTZEM TOURS EUROPE AND ASIA Acoustic fingerpicking guitar master Jacques STOTZEM is busy travelling and playing worldwide. In November, he was in Germany, the UK and Belgium, in December (3-14) he will be in Taiwan. (Nov. 19, 2003) |
| FIRST CD OF @70's : "A TRIBUTE TO THE JAZZ OF THE SEVENTIES" The band @70's informs us of the release of their first album, titled A Tribute to the Jazz of the Seventies", with the participation of the following musicians : Frédéric DELPLANCQ, tenor sax, Pierre GILLET, flute, Jean-Michel VENEZIANO, guitar, John MAHY, keyboards, Axel DUMONT, electric bass, Bilou DONEUX, drums and Michel SEBA, percussion. Artistic producer was Daniel ROMEO ; the album is available at the band's web site. (Nov. 19, 2003) |
| A NEW JAZZ INITIATIVE IN GHENT Every Wednesday Jazz evening with John Snauwaert-Filip Verneert Quartet (John Snauwaert Sax Filip Verneert Guitar Gioanni Barcella Drums Benny van Acker Bass) + JAM SESSION Geuzenhuis Kantienberg 9000 Ghent 22.30-23.30: concert 23.30-... JAM (Nov. 13, 2003) |
| A LITERARY AFTERNOON LACED WITH JAZZ IN BEERSEL / GODDELIJK GEKLANK EN AVERECHTSE LEVENS IN BEERSEL Author Pjeroo Roobjee and saxophonist Ben SLUIJS get together for an artistic afternoon on Sunday November16, 2003. Musician and author mix text and music at the exposition 'Archief' of photographers Rik & Herman Selleslags at H. Teirlinck House. The friendship between Robjee et Selleslags, the affinities with the works and the person of Teirlinck will be the departure point for an intimate and unique event. H. Teirlinckhuis, Uwenberg 14, 1650 Beersel, on 16 November 2003, 15.20h. Admittance € 7. Schrijver Pjeroo Roobjee en virtuoos saxofonist Ben SLUIJS brengen op zondag 16 november 2003 woord en klank bij de tentoonstelling 'Archief' van Rik en Herman Selleslags in het Herman Teirlinckhuis te Beersel. De vriendschap tussen muzikant en schrijver en fotograaf, en het onderwerp 'H. Teirlinck' dat hun werk doorkruist, garanderen een unieke en gezellige artistieke Teirlincknamiddag. Org. Gemeentebestuur Beersel, H. Teirlinckhuis, Uwenberg 14 te Beersel, om 15.20 uur, inkom 7 euro. (Nov. 13, 2003) |
| BOBBY JASPAR FEATURED ON A SACHA DISTEL REISSUE IN THE "JAZZ IN PARIS" SERIES In its "Jazz in Paris" series, Universal/Emarcy reissued a double cd under the name of French guitarist (and later crooner) Sacha DISTEL. Titled "Sacha DISTEL, Jazz guitarist" (Emarcy 548953), the album features an important participation of the late Belgian saxophonist and flute player Bobby JASPAR. (Nov. 13, 2003) |
| A WEB SITE FOR THE "SINGERS NIGHT", THE LIVE VOCAL WORKSHOP OF DANIÈLE COPUS The vocal workshops created by vocalist Danièle COPUS and which take place on a regular basis at the SOUNDS, in Brussels, are now present on the web on a WEB SITE designed by Jacky LEPAGE. (Nov. 09, 2003) |
| IN KORTRIJK, DE KREUN HOSTS "FLIGHT Nr 9", WITH A.O. A MONTHLY JAM SESSION CO-ORGANIZED BY THE "BORN TO JAZZ MOVEMENT" Every Thursday night, De Kreun, a club in the town of Kortrijk, organizes what they call a weekly "Groove Night", in which jazz has its place once a month in the form of a concert/jam session. The event is co-organized with the "Born to Jazz Movement". More infos and the program on the club's WEB SITE. Announced for Nov. 20, 2003 is the MAHIEU/VAN TOMME Quartet. Contact : Muziekclub de Kreun, Gullegemsestw 1-meensestw 310, 8501 Kortrijk. 056/37.06.44 - fax : 056/37.26.44 Email : theborntojazzmovement@pandora.be. (Nov. 09, 2003) |
| BRASILIAN PIANIST WEBER IAGO ON TOUR IN BELGIUM, AND A NEW CD IN THE CAN WITH BELGIAN MUSICIANS Brasilian pianist and composer Weber IAGO is currently on tour in Belgium with Pierre BERNARD (fl), Henri GREINDL (b.) and Tonio REINA (drs). An album has been recorded by this quartet, featuring 10 compositions by Weber IAGO, to be released in the Spring 2004. (Nov. 09, 2003) |
| NEW TRIO CD OF BASSIST NICOLAS THYS "IN MY TREE" IGLOO Records releases In my Tree" (Igl 169), a new trio album of bassist Nicolas THYS, recorded with Jeroen VAN HERZEELE (sax) and Steve ALTENBERG (drs), and featuring an appearance of vocalist Ghalia BEN ALI. (Nov. 08, 2003) |
| NOV.7, 2003- JAN. 7, 2004 : JAZZ PHOTOS EXHIBITION BY LUCIANO ARCANGELI AT THE CHARLEROI MEDIATHEQUE From November 7, 2003 until January 7, Luciano ARCANGELI will present his jazz photographs (Miles Davis, Mike Stern, Pat Metheny, Gil Evans, Toots, Jaco Pastorius etc...) in an exhibition at the Médiathèque of Charleroi. (Nov. 08, 2003) |
| "JAZZ IN LITTLE BELGIUM" : A SAMPLE OF ROBERT PERNET's COLLECTION ON A DOUBLE CD On November 6, 2004, at the MIM, the Museum of Music Instruments in Brussels, a special evening officially marked the adoption of the unique collection of the late Robert PERNET by the King Baudouin Foundation and the MIM. On this occasion, a double cd titled Jazz in Little Belgium was presented, featuring rare recordings from Belgian jazzmen. The Robert PERNET collection will serve for exhibitions (one at the MIM in the fall 2004) and will be available for consultation to researchers. (Nov. 08, 2003) |
| VIDEO CLIPS OF BELGIAN JAZZ BANDS DURING LUNDIS D'HORTENSE JAZZ TOURS : A PREMIÈRE ! Les Lundis d'Hortense asbl and Studio Athanor in a joint action are to produce video clips of the groups participating in the Jazz Tour of Lundis d'Hortense. This first experience will take place on Tuesday 11 November at Studio Athanor. The two first groups to benefit from the action are : Anybody wishing to attend, be at Studio Athanor on Tuesday 11 November, 13h45 Studio Athanor : Galerie de l'Îlot Sacré (accessible from the galerie via Rue de la Fourche 17-19 or via Petite Rue des Bouchers 14) 1000 Brussels A map is available : http://www.studio-athanor.be Free Entry ! (Nov. 07, 2003) |
| NEW CD OF BARITONE SAX ALAIN CUPPER, HIS QUARTET + GUESTS : "BUNGA" Baritone saxophonist Alain CUPPER has a first album out, recorded with his quartet (Peter VANDENBERGHE, piano, Eric FUSILLIER, bass and Herman PARDON, drums), and a few guests : Gino LATTUCA (tp), Paolo LOVERI (gt) and Jean-Pierre GEBLER (bar. sax). The album is titled "Alain CUPPER Quartet + Guests : Bunga" (Idrissity & Elijahphone). (Nov. 05, 2003) |
| IN FRANCE, DRUMMER ANDRÉ CHARLIER PARTICIPATED IN "DJANGOVISION", AN ACCLAIMED CD OF GUITARIST ROMANE Belgian drummer André CHARLIER, who expatriated himself in France some years ago, appears on the new CD "Djangology" (IRIS MUSIC 3001 873) of gipsy guitarist ROMANE. Although the brilliant playing of the guitarist is clearly inspired by Django, he and his colleagues (Benoît SOURISSE, organ and Marc-Michel LE BEVILLON, double bass) lead the music into more modern territories. The French magazine JAZZMAN gave the album his highest rating, a "choc". The album, and audio samples, are available via the label's web site (IRIS MUSIC). (Nov. 03, 2003) |
| EXPECTED FOR JANUARY 2004 : NEW ALBUM OF THE MICHEL MAINIL QUARTET The Michel MAINIL Quartet has recorded "Water and other games", with Michel MAINIL(saxes), Alain ROCHETTE (Pno), José BEDEUR (double bass), Antoine CIRRI (Drums) It is his 1st CD, expected January 2004 (Nov. 02, 2003) |
| THE JAZZGAZETTE : A BELGIAN WEBZINE ON NEW ORLEANS JAZZ Marcel JOLY and Jempi DE DONDER are the men behind THE JAZZ GAZETTE.BE, a web site which introduces itself as an "Information and contact magazine for New Orleans jazz and other traditional jazz styles buffs". The latest issue dates from August and features articles, interviews and record reviews (in English). Address : The Jazzgazette, Opgeëistenstraat, 14, B-9470 - DENDERLEEUW, Belgique. (Nov. 1, 2003) |
| STARTING NOV. 3, 2003 : JAZZ PHOTOS EXHIBITION BY CHRISTIAN VERLENT AT MARNI THEATER Starting Nov. 3, 2003 (18:00) at the Théâtre Marni (rue de Vergnies 25, 1050 Brussels), an exhibition of photos by Christian VERLENT, titled "Jazz made in Belgium, a drummer's viewpoint" will feature unexpected portraits of Belgian jazzmen. (Nov. 1, 2003) |
| NOV. 13, 2003 : BELGIAN DJANGO D'OR NIGHT 2003 IN BRUSSELS : ERIK VERMEULEN BELGIAN DJANGO 2003 The Belgian Djangos d'Or ceremony will take place this year on Thursday November 13th at Théâtre St Michel. Bd St Michel, 1040 Brussels. The award to the Belgian jazz musician of the year (Erik VERMEULEN) will be presented, as will be the new talent award (Nicolas KUMMERT) and another Prize from Sabam, awarded to Jean-Marie PETERKEN who contributed in a significant way to the Belgian jazz scene (Maison du Jazz & jazz à Liège festival). During the ceremony the "Oratorio Ishango" by Chris JORIS & Daniel SCHELL will be presented. Admittance: 12.50 €. Res: +32 2 732 70 73 (Oct. 29, 2003) |
| BERT JORIS ON TOUR WITH ENRICO PIERANUNZI's QUINTET, PLAYING NINO ROTA IN GOOD COMPANY Bert JORIS is on tour in Italy with the quintet of Italian pianist Enrico PIERANUNZI. "Fellini Jazz" is the title of the project which plays a repertoire based upon the music of FELLINI's composer Nino ROTA. The other (prestigious) members of the band are from the US : Chris POTTER or Tony MALLABY (sax), Marc JOHNSON (bass) and Paul MOTIAN (drs). (Oct. 29, 2003) |
| TOOTS THIELEMANS ON TOUR WITH DANISH RADIO BIG BAND + IVAN LINS & MARIA SCHNEIDER The Danish Radio Big Band, one of the top European big bands, is currently on a European tour presenting a special program with the music of Brasilian songwriter/singer/pianist Ivan LINS. Moreover, his superb songs have been arranged by Maria SCHNEIDER, and will feature Toots THIELEMANS (hca) and Ivan LINS himself. The tour will stop by Brussels on Nov. 1st, for a unique Belgian concert at the "Bozar" (20:00) during the Audi Jazz Festival. (Oct. 26, 2003) |
| NEW OLIVIER COLLETTE CD : "DE L'AUBE AU CRÉPUSCULE" The Mogno label releases a new album of pianist and composer Olivier COLLETTE, titled "De l'aube au crépuscule" (Mogno J012), with his quartet, Bart DEFOORT (ts), Bart DE NOLF (b), Jan DE HAAS (drs), and some guests : Olivier BODSON (flh), Fabien DEGRYSE (gt), Frank MICHIELS (perc.), Olivier KER OURIO (harmonica), etc... Diederik WISSELS signed some string quartet arrangements, too. (Oct. 24, 2003) |
| THE ROBERT PERNET COLLECTIONS PRESENTED TO THE PUBLIC, AND A DOUBLE CD : "JAZZ IN LITTLE BELGIUM" When drummer and collector/historian of Belgian jazz Robert PERNET passed away, his precious collection was acquired by the King Baudouin Foundation to be administered by the MIM (the Museum of Musical instruments in Brussels). On Nov. 6, 2003, at the Museum, the collection will be presented to the public, in an evening during which the Brussels Jazz Orchestra will play a concert and a double cd will be presented with rare samples of Pernet's collection, under the title "Jazz in Little Belgium". (Oct. 24, 2003) |
| FABRIZIO CASSOL FEATURES THE "AULOCHROME SEVEN WHEELS" AT THE MONNAIE Alto saxophonist Fabrizio CASSOL played a special concert yesterday at the Monnaie Opera house in Brussels, titled "The Aulochome seven wheels", for which he composed music for the new instrument, created by François LOUIS. The aulochome was heard in two bands : one with Laurent BLONDIAU (tp), Dominique PIFARELY (vl), Bruno CHEVILLON (b), and AKA MOON. (Oct. 24, 2003) |
| NEW CD OF CUBAN SINGER ERIK DE ARMAS FEATURES JAZZ MUSICIANS : "ALIVIO Y RECUERDO" The Cuban singer and songwriter Erik DE ARMAS lives in Belgium. He just released a new album, recorded in Brussels and titled "Alivio y recuerdo" (Iris 3001 871 HM 87). Although this is not specifically a jazz album, the contributions of jazz musicians give it a very specific character, with songs written by David LINX, and the participation Jozef DUMOULIN (p), Bert JORIS (tp), the French drummer Stéphane HUCHARD, OIivier LOUVEL (gt), Jules BIKOKO (b). (Oct. 22, 2003) |
| OCT. 31 : DRUM WORKSHOP IN ANTWERP WITH MUSICIANS FROM THE UK On Friday October 31st, 2003 at 17:00 : drum Workshop with drummer Seb ROCHFORD followed by a concert at 20:30 by UK 4tet Polar Bear (Seb Rochford - drums; Pete Wareham - tenor-bariton saxes; Mark Lockheart - tenor sax; Tom Herbert - double bass) Location: Marnix Jazzcafe - Godefriduskaai 50 te Antwerpen. info@marnixjazzcafe.be / http://polarbearmusic.com (Oct. 19, 2003) |
| AT THE FNAC ON OCTOBER 25th : MUSICA DAL VIVO On Saturday Octobre 25, 2003 at 17:00, Fnac in Liège will feature the band Musica dal Vivo, with Charly D'INVERNO (guitar), Pirly ZURSTRASSEN (accordéon) and Kurt BUDÉ (clarinet). Interview followed by a mini-concert. Free entry, everybody welcome. (Oct. 19, 2003) |
| OCT. 24 : RADIO KLARA : BOOK ON STEVE LACY WITH CD RECORDED LIVE AT THE AFKIKKER On Friday Oct. 24, 2003, at 19h, Radio Klara will feature a program about the book "BONE", A Tribute To Steve LACY, with ad CD recorded in solo at the Afkikker. Book sold for 33 Euro by Afkikker. Collaborations by Mal Waldron, Evan Parker, Fred Van Hove, Joëlle Léandre and Michail Bezverhny. Next free Jazz concerts in Afkikker are Oct. 30, 20003 and Nov. 13, 2003 (with Marie-Anne Standaert (trumpet), Wim De Rouck (drums) Christiaan Mendoza (piano), starting 21:30. Contact : Web site of Afkikker. (Oct. 19, 2003) |
| OCT. 23 : ON TV (RTBF LA 2) : PHILIP CATHERINE QUARTET AT THE ROYAL PALACE On October 23 (20:00), RTBF TV La 2 will show a concert of the quartet of guitarist Philip CATHERINE, live at the Royal Palace in Brussels with Bert VAN DEN BRINK (p) and Philippe AERTS (b). (Oct. 18, 2003) |
| NEW CD OF THE BAND JAMBANGLE : "REMEMBRANCE" JAMBANGLE, the big band of composer/pianist Karel VAN MARCKE, has a new album out, titled "Remembrance" (Cult. 1023). (Oct. 16, 2003) |
| BAB's CAFE : A NEW CLUB FOR OLD STYLE JAZZ IN CORBAIS (MONT-ST-GUIBERT) The "Bab's Cafe" is a new venue for live jazz, now open in Corbais (Mont-Saint-Guibert), on the N4 after Louvain-La-Neuve direction Gembloux (part of the "Piano II" restaurant). Concerts every Thursday and Friday night a 21:00. Old Style, swing jazz, boogie and blues. Program on their web site, phone : 010/65-56-08. (Oct. 10, 2003) |
| OCT. 9 : DAVID LINX & DIEDERIK WISSELS MEET ERIC TRUFFAZ IN BRUSSELS On October 9 (20:30), at the Théâtre Senghor in Brussels, singer David LINX and pianist Diederik WISSELS will play a concert with trumpet player Eric TRUFFAZ. Infos : 02/230-31-40. (Oct. 6, 2003) |
| BELGIAN DJANGO D'OR NIGHT ON NOVEMBER 13 IN BRUSSELS The annual Django D'Or night, with the designation of this year's Belgian winner (the Prize is awarded by PAB/BAP of SABAP), will take place on November 13, 2003 (20:00) at Théâtre Saint Michel in Brussels (rue Père E. Devroye, 1040 Brussels). This year's vote will use a new procedure : a large number of Belgian jazzmen and jazz professionals (journalists, organizers, etc...) will send their vote by mail. It is the turn of a Flemish jazzman to get selected. More details will follow. Stay tuned... (Oct. 6, 2003) |
| DRUMMER STÉPHANE GALLAND IN JAPAN WITH JOE ZAWINUL Belgian drummer Stéphane GALLAND's collaboration with Joe ZAWINUL continues : they will play this coming week in Japan. (Oct. 6, 2003) |
| NEW CD OF THE BART DEFOORT QUARTET : "THE LIZARD GAME" Tenor saxophonist and composer Bart DEFOORT has a new album out, titled "The lizard game" (Werf 039). It is recorded by his regular quartet, with guitarist Hans VAN OOST, bassist Bart DE NOLF and drummer Jan DE HAAS. (Oct. 6, 2003) |
| ATHANOR STUDIO (BRUSSELS) : A NEW SEASON OF THURSDAY JAM SESSIONS AND JAZZ CONCERTS The Brussels club "Studio Athanor" has launched its new season, in which jazz concerts have their place. They also organize workshops, and every Thursday a jam session around a trio of "pros". In October, Erik VERMEULEN (p), Bas COOYMANS (b) Renaud PERSON (drs) will be the nucleus. Studio Athanor is located : rue de la Fourche 17-19, 1000 Brussels (Hotel Arlequin). web site. (Oct. 2, 2003) |
| OCT. 28-31 : FOLK MUSIC & JAZZ WORKSHOP IN DWORP A folk and jazz workshop will take place in Dworp (Vormingscentrum Hanenbos. Dates : Oct. 28 (9:00 am) - 31 (12:00 pm), 2003. B Muziekmozaïek, a promotion centrum for folk music and jazz, organizes a workshop for the first time, open to musicians of all ages. They will have the opportunity, during 4 days, to learn and make music with professional musicians from both musical genres. Infos : 02/532 28 38, fax 02 452 34 94, info@muzmoz.be, www.muziekmozaiek.be (Sept. 30, 2003) |
| NEW CD OF SINGER HILDE VANHOVE WITH AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTET : "INSENSE" Singer Hilde VANHOVE has a new album out, recorded with an impressive international line-up of well known European and American jazz musicians : Belgian pianist Michel HERR (who also put his arranging touch), Dutch bassist Hein VAN DE GEYN, US drummer Billy HART and Belgian trumpet player Bert JORIS as a guest. The album is titled "Insense" (Gandharva 70001). A series of concerts will highlight the event at the beginning of October (organized by JAZZLAB SERIES), in quartet with Frans VAN DER HOEVEN sitting in for Hein. More infos and the album are available from her WEB SITE. (Sept. 29, 2003) |
| NEW CD OF DAVID LINX AND DIEDERIK WISSELS : "THIS TIME" Singer/songwriter David LINX and pianist/composer Diederik WISSELS have a new album out, titled "This time" (Le chant du monde CDM 031), recorded in France with European musicians : Christophe WALLEMME (b) , Stéphane HUCHARD (drs) , David VENITUCCI (acc) and Tore BRUNBORG (tenor sax). (Sept. 26, 2003) |
| KRIS DEFOORT's OPERA PERFORMED IN BRUSSELS AGAIN "The woman who walked into doors", the opera written by pianist and composer Kris DEFOORT and featuring some avant-guarde jazz players, has been re-created this week (Sept. 17-24) at the Halles de Shaerbeek, Brussels (in co-production with the Brussels opera house La Monnaie), before being shown on several European stages. (Sept. 23, 2003) |
| OCTOBER 6, 2003 : THE BRUSSELS JAZZ ORCHESTRA MEETS PHIL WOODS The BRUSSELS JAZZ ORCHESTRA will soon add another prestigious name to the list of guests they already have played with. On October 6 (20:00), 2003, they will play with US alto saxophonist and composer/arranger Phil WOODS in the Kamermuziekzaal, Lemmensinstituut (Herestraat 53, 3000 Leuven). Before that, on Sunday Sepr. 25, 2003, during the Jazz Hoeilaert Contest, the band will perform during the second edition of the BJO big band composition contest, featuring 5 finalists from different countries, and in front of an international jury in which seats a.o. Belgian pianist and composer Michel HERR. (Sept. 23, 2003) |
| BASSIST CHRIS MENTENS PRESENTS NEW ALBUM :"DRIVIN' WITH THE CHRIS MENTENS JAZZ VAN" "Drivin' with the Chris Mentens Jazz Van" (AZ Productions AZ 1005), the new album by the band of bassist Chris MENTENS, will be formerly presented on : the CHRIS MENTENS JAZZ VAN (B - GB) is : Chris MENTENS (contrabass), Joe Higham (tenor sax, soprano sax, clarinet), Koen Nys (tenor sax), Dré Peremans (trombone), Jan Nihoul (vibes) and Bilou Doneux (drums) (Sept. 22, 2003) |
| BELGIAN MAGAZINE "J@ZZ@ROUND" AND FRENCH MAGAZINE "LES ALLUMES DU JAZZ" TO PROMOTE FRENCH AND BELGIAN CDS The French magazine "Les Allumés du Jazz" and the Belgian magazine J@zz@round have made an agreement to promote Belgian CD productions in the French magazine and vice-versa. More details are given by Philippe SHOONBROOD of J@zz@round here. (Sept. 19, 2003) |
| "MUSIQUE À NEUF" IN BERLIN "Musique à Neuf", the band that mixes world music and improvisation will play the opening concert at the Europe award 2003 ceremony in Berlin on Saturday 11 october 2003. (www.prix-europa.de ) "Musique à Neuf" was selected by the organizers on the proposal made by Belgian radio RTBF namely Didier MELON. ("Le Monde est un Village" la première RTBF) The musicians: Luc Pilartz (violon, cornemuse), Aurélie Dorzée (violon) , Nicolas Hauzeur(violon ), Manu Compté (accordéon ), Daniel Stokart (saxes, flûte ), Kurt Budé (clarinettes ), Christian Laisné(tubas ), Pirly Zurstrassen (piano ), Fred Malempré (percussions ). (Sept. 17, 2003) |
| NEW CD OF GUITARIST MARCO LOCURCIO : "JAMA" Guitarist Marco LOCURCIO has a new album out on the LYRAE label, titled "Jama", recorded in Rome a.o. with pianist Jozef DUMOULIN, Jeroen VAN HERZEELE (sax), Nicolas L'HERBETTE (b) and Maxime LENSSENS (drs). (Sept. 10, 2003) |
| NEW SEASON OF LES LUNDIS D'HORTENSE : PROGRAM ANNOUNCED LES LUNDIS D'HORTENSE, the Belgian association of jazz musicians, presents the calendar of the concerts it organizes for the fall/winter, starting October. See a Chronological calendar. (Sept. 10, 2003) |
| EXHIBITION : « JAZZ IN BELGIUM », BY YVES BUDIN, AT THE LIÈGE MAISON DU JAZZ. New exhibition by artist Yves BUDIN who, while waiting for the publication of his book devoted to Miles DAVIS, will synchronize with the jazz courses, this year Speciale Belgian Jazz ( by Jean-Pol SCHROEDER, Maison du Jazz à Liège ) by proposing some of his sketches of Belgian jazzmen ( TOOTS, PELZER, THOMAS, JASPAR, CASSOL, HOUBEN, MASSOT, LORIERS, … ). Dates : 12 / 09 to 12 / 11 / 2003, la Maison du Jazz à Liège ( 11, rue Sur les Foulons ) Contacts : www.jazzaliege.be //// jazz@skynet.be //// yvesbudin@yahoo.fr (Sept. 6, 2003) |
| NEW DUO CD OF BASSIST JOE FONDA AND GUITARIST GILBERT ISBIN : "BLISTERS" "Blisters" (TS 016) is not only a usual and painful problem encountered by bass players, it also is the title of a new album of US bassist Joe FONDA with Belgian guitar player Gilbert ISBIN, just released by Jazz Halo/VKH/Tonesetters and available from their web site. (Sept. 5, 2003) |
| THE DEMAGOGUE REACTS ! NEW DOUBLE CD : "KAZZBAH" The group just released their second album (a double CD) on Lyrae Records titled "Kazzbah" (Lyrae LY0309-C). (Sept. 4, 2003) |
| GUITARIST QUENTIN DUJARDIN MEETS NORTH AFRICAN MUSICIANS ON HIS NEW CD "KHAMIS" Guitarist Quentin DUJARDIN has a new album out titled Khamis" (Arsis World AS-00-A-64014-W). Recorded in Marakesh (Morocco), the music has world music accents as it brings contributions from North African musicians such as Mohamed Anas TAOB (vocals), Jalal EL ALLOULI (violin), Arnout HELLOFS (percussion), Stephan IAY (percussion) and Belgian musicians such as Damien LIBERT (flutes, cajon, saz) and Tuur FLORIZOONE (chromatic accordion). The cd will be available in record stores mid September. More on his web site. Quentin DUJARDIN will play the Lundis d'Hortense Jazz Tour in November. See the Calendar. (Sept. 3, 2003) |
| NEW TRIO CD OF PIANIST MICHEL BISCEGLIA : "SECOND BREATH" Pianist and composer Michel BISCEGLIA has a new album out, titled Second Breath (on Prova Records Cult 2013-2, distributed by Culture). It was recorded with his regular trio, with Werner LAUSCHER on bass and Marc LEHAN on drums. (Sept. 3, 2003) |
| OCTOBER 4 & 5, 2003 : CHARLES LOOS - STEVE HOUBEN + STRINGS IN ÉGHEZÉE Pianist Charles LOOS and sax & flute player Steve HOUBEN are presenting a new project consisting of a performance comprising a 30 musicians Chamber Orchestra (La Nethen). Charles will write the arrangements. In addition, Cathy ADAM (cello) and Luc VANDEN BOSCH (percussion) are also participating. There will be 2 performances : on 4 (20h15) & 5 (15h) October at the Éghezée (B-5310, Brabant Wallon) cultural center. On September 22, Charles will be hosted by Philippe BARON during his jazz show on Musique 3 (RTBF) (18:15). (Sept. 02, 2003) |
| NEW CD OF CHRIS JORIS & DANIEL SCHELL : "ORATORIO ISHANGO", COMPOSED BY JORIS AND DANIEL SCHELL Presented as the "first African Oratorio", this long piece fills up a double cd under the name of percussionnist Chris JORIS, who also shares the composing work with guitar and stick player Daniel SCHELL. The other musicians are coming from the jazz world or from African music : Fabrice ALLEMAN (soprano sax), Chris MENTENS (double bass), Ben N'GABO (percussion, vocals), Ken N'DIAYE (djembe), Dieudonné KABONGO (narration, likembe) and Dorothy COX (narration) + the Belgian Symphonic Choir of the French Community. The album is titled Oratorio Ishango and is released by LYRAE. (Aug. 31, 2003) |
| SEPT 28-OCT 5, 2003 : AT LONG LAST DINANT HAS ITS JAZZ FESTIVAL Dinant, the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, has been organizing festivals around the saxophone since a long time but the absence of jazz was felt and regretted. As of this year the city will also feature a jazz festival. In fact, it is Ciney Jazz Nights that is becoming Dinant Jazz Nights, run by the same team headed by Jean-Claude LALOUX and the collaboration of the International Association Adolphe Sax, The Regional Cultural Center of Dinant and the local Economic Chamber. Some important sponsors have come forward with generous financing and the city itself is very eager to host the event and do all to ensure its success. The event will start with an off festival on September 28 with a concert at the Abbaye de Leffe (one of the sponsors) by Steve HOUBEN (the head figure of the festival, together with French trumpeter Stéphane BELMONDO) & Victor DA COSTA. As of October 03 it is the main festival during 3 days. Some of the participants : Fabrice ALLEMAN, Maxime BLESIN, Phil ABRAHAM, Jacques PIROTTON, Guy CABAY, David LINX, Diederik WISSELS, Eric LEGNINI, Flavio BOLTRO... A special tribute concert to Léo Ferre, on 05/10/03, with Paolo FRESU and for finale a jam session at the casino. For details check our FESTIVALS PAGE (Aug. 30, 2003) |
| PIANIST CHARLES LOOS HAS RECORDED A TRIO ALBUM OF FRENCH "CHANSONS" Pianist Charles LOOS has recorded an album with a repertoire of French songs, in trio with Bas COOYMANS (bass) and Bruno CASTELLUCCI (drs), for the LYRAE label. (Aug. 28, 2003) |
| PIANIST OLIVIER COLLETTE HAS RECORDED A NEW ALBUM Pianist and composer Olivier COLLETTE recnetly spent some time in a recording studio in Genk to record a new cd with his quartet (saxophonist Bart DEFOORT, drummer Jan DE HAAS and bassist Bart DE NOLF). (Aug. 28, 2003) |
| SOON A NEW ALBUM OF GUITARIST MARCO LOCURCIO Guitarist Marco LOCURCIO has recorded a new album a.o. with pianist Jozef DUMOULIN, Jeroen VAN HERZEELE (sax) etc..., for the LYRAE label. Release concert at Brussels Marni Sept. 9, 2003. (Aug. 28, 2003) |
| DRUMMER MAXIME LENSSENS TO TOUR WITH CHRIS WHITLEY From September on, drummer Maxime LENSSENS will be working with Chris Whitley (USA) (www.chriswhitley.com), a singer guitarist who worked with Cassandra Wilson, Daniel Lanois, Martin&Wood, ... European tour will see them, 20/9/03, at Nuit du botanique. (Aug. 26, 2003) |
| NEW CD OF BASSIST/COMPOSER ANDRÉ KLENES : "SPRING TIDE" Double bass player André KLENES has a new album out titled Spring Tide (Chamber CH 309), on which he presents his compositions for a string quintet, with influences of various styles of music, including jazz. The other musicians are Nicolas STEVENS, Véronique LIERNEUX (violin), Pierre HENEAUX (viola) and Sébastien WALNIER (cello). (Aug. 25, 2003) |
| ALBUM OF TRUMPET PLAYER DOMINIC NTOUMOS : "NTOUMOS" (2002) RTBF's Philipp BARON draws our attention to an album that trumpet player Dominic NTOUMOS apparently recorded and released in 2002 in Great Britain, with some musicians from the UK, titled "NTOUMOS". An interesting mix of funk, rap, hip hop, drum'n' bass etc... with trumpet solos that occasionnaly remind of Miles DAVIS. With Robert MICHELLE (el. p.) , Mike MONDESIR (bass), Maxime ZAMPIERI (drs), Renu HOSSAIN (TAB), Daniel ROMEO (b) and SIMBAD (DJ). Dominic NTOUMOS has a WEB SITE, and you can order the album from JAZZ VALLEY. (Aug. 14, 2003) |
| SAXOPHONIST ERWIN VANN APPEARS ON LATEST CD OF GUITARIST DAVID LABORIER (LUX) Saxophonist Erwin VANN appears on the new CD of guitarist David LABORIER, from Luxemburg, titled "The David LABORIER Trio" (LJ LJ001), with Jean-Yves JUNG (organ) and Jean-Marc ROBIN (drs). The album features compositions by the guitarist, a fluid, swinging player influenced by George BENSON, Pat MARTINO and the likes. A new talent worth the detour. (Aug. 14, 2003) |
| VRT RADIO/TV COVERAGE OF "JAZZ MIDDELHEIM" FESTIVAL For those who cannot attend and would like a taste of what's going on at the Jazz Middelheim Festival in Antwerp, here are some broadcasts made live from the festival : (Aug. 13, 2003) |
| NEW ALBUM OF FLAT EARTH SOCIETY : "THE ARMSTRONG MUTATIONS" FLAT EARTH SOCIETY, the atypical big band led by clarinet player and composer Peter VERMEERSCH, has a new album out, actually released in May, and titled "The Armstrong Mutations" (Zonk 008). The distanciated approach of Satchmo's music will also be presented during several concerts and festivals this season. Details on their WEB SITE. (Aug. 13, 2003) |
| SINGER HILDE VANHOVE HAS RECORDED AN ALBUM WITH AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTET Singer Hilde VANHOVE has recorded a new album with an impressive international line-up of well known European and American jazz musicians : pianist Michel HERR (also responsible for the arrangements), Dutch bassist Hein VAN DE GEYN, US drummer Billy HART and Belgian trumpet player Bert JORIS as a guest. The album, titled "Insense", should be released in September and a series of concerts will highlight the event at the beginning of October (organized by JAZZLAB SERIES), in quartet with Frans VAN DER HOEVEN sitting in for Hein. (Aug. 12, 2003) |
| JAZZ LABS SERIES ANNOUNCES ITS PROGRAM FOR THE FALL JAZZLAB SERIES, which celebrates its 10th anniversary, has announced the tours it is going to present in September/October etc... : Jan DE HAAS Quintet, Hilde VAN HOVE International Quartet, Laurent DOUMONT Soul Quintet and the Winners of Jazz Hoeilaart 2003. More details on the WEB SITE of JazzLab Series. (Aug. 12, 2003) |
| STÉPHANE GALLAND WITH NELSON VERAS QUARTET Drummer Stéphane GALLAND is doing some concerts with the quartet of Brazilian guitarist Nelson VERAS, with Magik MALOK (flute) and Daniel YVINEC (bass). At the K Fée on Aug. 15 in Mons. The quartet plans the recording of an album in December this year. (Aug. 11, 2003) |
| LAURENT BLONDIAU's MÄÄK'S SPIRIT WITH GNAOUAS OF TANGER & BABA SISSOKO : "ALMAJMAA" "ALMAJMAA" is the name of a project currently presented by trumpet player Laurent BLONDIAU and his band MÄÄK's SPIRIT, in which they meet GNAOUAS OF TANGER (Morocco) & Baba SISSOKO (tamani, ngnoni, Mali). At the Gaume Jazz Festival, and soon at Jazz Middelheim Festival (Aug. 15) and at Flagey (Aug. 22), etc... (Aug. 11, 2003) |
| NEW GILBERT ISBIN SOLO GUITAR CD : "RED WINE" Guitarist Gilbert ISBIN has a new acoustic guitar solo album out on the German Traurige Tropen label, titled Red Wine (Traurige Tropen TRTR014). (Aug. 9, 2003) |
| WALKING TOURS IN THREE DIFFERENT HARLEM NEIGHBORHOODS An interesting initiative, by Paul Blair, for jazz fans who visit New York and wish to discover the Jazz scene (also posted at www.SwingStreets.com/eCaffeineAugust2003.htm):
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| DIEDERIK WISSELS ON LATEST PAOLO FRESU CD "SCORES" Pianist and composer Diederik WISSELS plays piano and signed some arrangements for string quartet for the newly released (in Italy) album "Scores" (Camjazz Camj 7758-2) of trumpet player Paolo FRESU, with Nguyen LE (gt), Furio DI CASTRI (b), Federico SANESI (perc.) , Quartetto ALBORADA (strings) and Dhafer YOUSSEF (ud, voc.). Inspired by two film scores. (Aug. 6, 2003) |
| WINNER OF PAB/SABAM JAZZ THEMES CONTEST : BEN IRIKS FOR "SEASONG" The winner of the jazz themes contest organized by PAB/BAP of SABAM in the context of the Jazz Hoeilaart Contest is known. It is a newcomer, guitarist Ben IRIKS, for his piece "Seasong". The piece will be proposed to the finalists of the Hoeilaart Contest, and the best rendition will receive a Prize. (Aug. 6, 2003) |
| ANDRE KLENES HAS RECORDED A NEW ALBUM Bassist and composer André KLENES has recorded a new album with his compositions, played by a small string ensemble. The album will be titled "Spring Tide", and will be released in September 2003. (Aug. 6, 2003) |
| IVAN PADUART, 3 ALBUMS IN THE PIPELINE Pianist Ivan PADUART, one of the more proliferous musician on the Belgian jazz scene, is currently working on a recording with guitarist Patrick DELTENRE, in 4tet with Philippe AERTS (b) and Mimi VERDERAME (drs). Album release in spring 2004. Ivan also brought back together his old team from "Illusions Sensorielles" (1993) & "Folies Douces" (1995) (Richard GALLIANO, Bruno CASTELLUCCI, Chris JORIS, Philippe AERTS) with a string section conducted by Jean-Paul DESSY for another recording and a tour end January 2004. And last but not least, Ivan is also preparing a solo album. (Aug. 3, 2003) |
| FRANKIE ROSE ON BRAZILIAN TOUR From late August till 10th of September, guitarist Frankie ROSE is for a few gigs in Brazil with Daniel MIRANDA at the Carioca da Gema and at Tiradenses cultural centrum (Aug. 3, 2003) |
| JAMBANGLE HAS RECORDED A NEW ALBUM Composer/arranger Karel VAN MARCKE and his band JAMBANGLE have recently recorded their second album at Crescendo Studio, in Genk (B). (Aug. 2, 2003) |
| LES LUNDIS D'HORTENSE HAVE A NEW ADDRESS As of July 29, 2003, the association of Belgian Jazz musicians LES LUNDIS D'HORTENSE (you are visiting its web site), has moved its office to a new address : Les Lundis d'Hortense, Maison des Musiques, Rue Lebeau 39, B-1000 Bruxelles, Belgium Phone : (++32-2) 219 58 51 or 550-13-40, fax : (++32-2) 550-13-41. Email : ldh.jazz@wanadoo.be. (July 27, 2003) |
| AUGUST 1-11 : A WALK THROUGH THE ARDENNES WITH 2 FESTIVALS INCLUDED : GOUVY & GAUME An original idea by the Gouvy Jazz Festival which may interest those of you who are both nature and jazz lovers : in the period of August 1 thru 11, starting with the Gouvy Jazz Festival, a "hike" that will lead you through the Ardennes and end up, after 5 days of walk, at the Gaume jazz Festival. 50 concerts and 10 days in a beautiful nature. Infos : ++32 (0)80 /517 769. Email: claude.lentz@swing.be. More details on the Gouvy Jazz Festival on the WEB SITE & here. (July 26, 2003) |
| OCTOBER 5-8, 2003 : FAREWELL CINEY JAZZ NIGHT, LONG LIVE DINANT JAZZ NIGHTS The organizers of the Ciney Jazz Night have decided to move their festival to the nearby town of Dinant, where the recently opened Cultural Center (in former days the Casino) will welcome the 3 days festival from Oct. 5 thru 8, 2003 in its two halls. A program is already available in our Festivals pages. (July 26, 2003) |
| THE LIÈGE MÉDIATHÈQUE PROPOSES INTERVIEW CDS "LES LIÉGEOIS VOUS PARLENT" : PELZER, HOUBEN, CABAY We learned from the "Hot House News (In French) on the web site of the Maison du Jazz in Liège that the Médiathèque in Liège has released several CDs which contain interviews of known artists of the region. The series is called "Les Liégeois vous parlent" and already apparently featured jazzmen such as Steve HOUBEN (sax) and the late saxophonist Jacques PELZER. The latest release is devoted to vibraphone player/composer/songwriter Guy CABAY. There is also mention of a 5 volume set (Cds ?) centered on the History of Jazz in Liège told by those who made it, but that's about all the information we could get, and we couldn't find anything more precise on the web site of the Médiathèque itself. (July 14, 2003) |
| JULY 12 : PAT METHENY AND THE METROPOLE ORCHESTRA WILL PLAY A.O. BERT JORIS ARRANGEMENTS AT THE NORTSHEA FESTIVAL Trumpet player and composer/arranger Bert JORIS has written some arrangements to be played in Holland by the Metropole Orchestra (big band + strings) and US guitarist Pat METHENY during the Northsea Jazz Festival in the Hague, Holland on July 12, 2003. (July 12, 2003) |
| "JAZZFORUM.BE" : A NEW BELGIAN FORUM ON THE WEB (IN DUTCH) If you like to exchange ideas about jazz, there is a new Belgian forum that does exactly that on the web (in Dutch only, though). They describe themselves as a "meeting place for jazz fans". It is at the URL http://www.jazzforum.be. (July 12, 2003) |
| HLM (HOUBEN/LOOS/MAURANE) IN CANADA HLM, the trio formed by singer MAURANE with jazzmen Steve HOUBEN (sax,fl) and Charles LOOS (p) has given two sold-out performances in Montreal and Quebec, Canada. (July 12, 2003) |
| JEAN-PIERRE GEBLER's BELGIAN ALL STARS PLAYED AT ESTORIL JAZZ FESTIVAL (PORTUGAL) Baritone saxophonist Jean-Pierre GEBLER took his "Belgian All Stars" to Portugal, where they were invited to play at the Estoril Jazz Festival. The 9 piece band was composed of Steve HOUBEN (sax,fl), Gino LATTUCA (tp), Fabrice ALLEMAN (sax), Phil ABRAHAM (tb), Jacques PIROTTON (gt), Michel HERR (p), Sal LA ROCCA (b) and Bruno CASTELLUCCI (drs). Michel HERR wrote all the arrangements. (July 12, 2003) |
| PHIL ABRAHAM's BEATLES PROJECT HAS RECORDED A LIVE ALBUM During their concerts of last June, the Beatles Jazz Band formed by trombone player Phil ABRAHAM has recorded material to be published on a forthcoming album by Lyrae records. (July 12, 2003) |
| QUADRUPLE LIVE CD OF MAL WALDRON & STEVE LACY "LIVE AT DREHER" (1981) Hat-Hut Harmonia Mundi has released a 4 CD set "Live at Dreher Paris 1981", featuring the duo formed by the late pianist Mal WALDRON (who lived his last years in Belgium) and soprano sax player Steve LACY. (June 25, 2003) |
| DANIEL ROMEO's CD "LIVE AT THE SOUNDS & MORE" REISSUED BY CULTURE RECORDS The '98 album Live at the Sounds and more, by electric bassist Daniel ROMEO, has been reissued by Culture records (also in charge of the distribution), with a bonus of 2 additional previously unreleased tracks and new cover art. (June 25, 2003) |
| JUNE 28, 2003 : LIVE BROADCAST ON RTBF RADIO 3 WITH MARY KAY & BAND. FREE ADMITTANCE. On Saturday July 28, 2003 (17:00), RTBF Radio "Musique 3" and the Belgian Artistic Promotion of SABAM will present a live broadcast featuring a jazz group around singer Mary KAY, with Quentin LIÉGEOIS (gt), Nathalie LORIERS (p), Philippe AERTS (b) and Jan DE HAAS (drs) and introduced by Philippe BARON. Admittance is free at the radio studio 3J20 of RTBF, Boulevard Reyers, but reservations are imperative and urgent : 02/737-27-69, fax 02/737-29-18. Email : mima@rtbf.be. The number of seats is limited. Don't wait. (June 23, 2003) |
| JULY 1, 2003 : HLM (HOUBEN/LOOS/MAURANE) WITH STRING QUINTET IN MONS On July 1st, 2003, the trio HLM, with Steve HOUBEN (saxes, fl), Charles LOOS (p) and singer MAURANE will participate in the "Festival au Carré" in Mons, in a special enlarged line-up, with the support of a string quintet, the Ensemble Musiques Nouvelles, for which some new arrangements have been written. (June 22, 2003) |
| JUNE 27, 2003 : OCTURN WITH 3 BASSES, IN CONCERT AND PUBLIC REHEARSAL On June 27, 2003, the avant-guarde band OCTURN will present a project with 3 bass players at Flagey, Brussels. A concert at 20:30, but also an interesting bonus for those interested : a public rehearsal at 12:30 (until 13:30) will be accessible at Flagey, studio 1. Laurent BLONDIAU (tp), Guillaume ORTI (as), Geoffroy DE MASURE (tb), Bo VAN DER WERF (bar sax), Fabian FIORINI (p, kb), Jozef DUMOULIN (kb), Pierre VAN DORMAEL (gt), Chander SARDJOE (drs) + 3 basses, a.o. probably Otti Van DER WERF, Jean-Luc LEHR. Flagey is located Place Ste Croix, 1050 Brussels (02/641 10 20). (June 22, 2003) |
| GUITARIST QUENTIN DUJARDIN HAS RECORDED HIS SECOND ALBUM, AND MORE... Guitarist Quentin DUJARDIN, whose music navigates between jazz, flamenco and world influences, has recorded a second album, "Khamis", to be published this summer, with the participation of violinist Jallal EL ALLOULI, accordion player Tuur FLORIZOONE, and percussionist Frédéric MALEMPRÉ. Besides, Quentin DUJARDIN appears on the recently released album "Le Monde est un village" (produced by RTBF's Didier MELON), the volume #3 of a compilation featuring various artists (world music). (June 22, 2003) |
| H'NITA HOEVE JAZZ CLUB HAS A WEB SITE The famous jazz club "H'Nita Hoeve" in Heist-op-den-Berg, which has for decades, under the impulsion of Juul ANTHONISSEN, invited the cream of the US and Belgian jazzmen, has a web site : http://www.hnita-jazz.be/. (June 22, 2003) |
| GOURMET MUSIC : PASCAL NOEL LAUNCHES NEW FORMULA : MEAL + NICE SITE + JAZZ (PHIL ABRAHAM TRIO) Pascal NOEL, the man who a.o. was among the creators of the LYRAE label and the J@ZZ@ROUND magazine, launches a new formula, combining nice meals with live jazz interludes, all in nice surroundings (castles, etc..). First evening on July 12, 2003 (18:00) at Château de Sombreffe - rue du Château, 1 - 5140 Sombreffe. Buffet - Grill - Barbecue free helping & Concert. Admission as of 18:00. Concert - 20:15. Program - Phil ABRAHAM Trio - Music & Humor. Cost : Reservation is a must - Commune de Sombreffe : Tel. 071/88 98 60 (June 21, 2003) |
| NEW CD OF THE DUO STEVE HOUBEN / BOYAN VODENITCHAROV : "LES VALSES" On the Mogno label, saxophone and flute player Steve HOUBEN teams up with classical pianist, composer and improvisor Boyan VODENITCHAROV for an album titled Les Valses (Mogno J011). (June 19, 2003) |
| JUNE 16-21, 2003 : THE NATHALIE LORIERS TRIO TO TOUR JAPAN Pianist and composer Nathalie LORIERS will tour with her trio (Sal LA ROCCA, bass; Joost VAN SCHAIK, drums) in Japan, June 16-21, 2003. (June 12, 2003) |
| JUNE 16-17, 2003 : BRUSSELS SUMMER FESTIVAL OFFERS JAZZ CONCERTS, FOR FREE This year's edition of the Brussels Summer festival didn't forget to include some jazz concerts, in the Brussels "Hotel de Ville". Free admittance : See WEB SITE for details. (June 12, 2003) |
| THE BRUSSELS JAZZ ORCHESTRA IS TO WORK WITH DAVE LIEBMAN In August 2003, the "Brussels Jazz Orchestra" will play the big band music of US saxophonist Dave LIEBMAN, a.o. at the "Jazz Middelheim" Festival in Antwerp. Around these days, the band is performing all over Europe, with Kenny WERNER, Maria SCHNEIDER or Philip CATHERINE, not to fotrget the recent premiere of "Dangerous Liaison", a superb new piece by Bert JORIS for big band and symphony (see below on this page). In October, "The BJO vs. the Big White Screen" will see the big band play music written for silent movies by Frank VAGANÉE, Gyuri SPIES and Bert JORIS... (June 8, 2003) |
| THE FREDERIK LEROUX QUINTET SECOND PRIZE AND SAXOPHONIST BRUNO VANSINA BEST SOLOIST AT BREDA JAZZ FESTIVAL (NL) Last weekend, the Frederik LEROUX Quintet (Frederik LEROUX - guitar, Bruno VANSINA - alto sax, Wietse MEYS - tenor sax, Christophe DEVISSCHER – bass, Yves PEETERS - drums), ended 2nd place at finals of the Jazz Competition, held during the Breda Jazz Festival. Alto saxophonist Bruno VANSINA received the Prize for Best Soloist at the same competition. (June 4, 2003) |
| THE JAZZ SCENE IN PICTURES A number of photographs are currently providing fresh images of recent events. Filip GOSSELÉ is having an expo, during June 2003, of Pictures of the Jazz Season 2002-2003 at the Meent. CC De Meent Gemeenveldstraat 34 1652 Alsemberg Open every day + during concert from Alex FURNELLE on Thursday June 26th. Veterans like Jacky LEPAGE & Dirk STOCKMANS are exhibiting a selection of photos, on their respective sites, from the Jazz à Liège festival. Click here for direct access to these sites : (June 4, 2003) |
| THE BRUSSELS JAZZ ORCHESTRA MEETS THE FLEMISH
PHILHARMONY IN MUSIC BY BERT JORIS ETC... Bert JORIS was commissionned to write a new piece for jazz big band (The "Brussels Jazz Orchestra") and symphony (The Royal Philharmony of Flanders). 2 performances of "Dangerous Liaison" are announced : Other pieces to be performed these nights are recent works by Kenny WERNER and Ed NEUMEISTER and an older "third stream" big band piece by Leonard BERNSTEIN. (June 1, 2003) |
| THE HIGH VOLTAGE SEXTET MEETS THE CLASSICAL ENSEMBLE "I SOLISTI DEL VENTO" The reunion of the Belgian jazz group High Voltage Sextet with the 10 piece woodwind ensemble "I solisti del Vento", which was awarded some time ago the Klara Tandem Trophy (Golden Vleugels promotion of Belgian chamber ensembles) gave a concert played on May 31st in Diest, Belgium, an evening broadcasted by the Flemish radio station "Klara". More performances of this project will take place in the future. (June 1, 2003) |
| CITIZENJAZZ.COM : A FRENCH SITE WITH A PRESENCE OF BELGIAN MUSICIANS For those of you who read French, the French site citizenjazz.com has currently some interesting articles which concern the Belgian jazz scene : interviews of pianist Jef NEVE, trumpet player Laurent BLONDIAU and Frank VAGANÉE (about the Brussels Jazz Orchestra), and a review of the recent Lège Festival, all written by their correspondant in Belgium Mwanji EZANA. (May 30, 2003) |
| PIANIST CHARLES LOOS AND ORGAN PLAYER PAUL FLUSH FORM A TRIO Pianist Charles LOOS informs us that he formed a new trio with organ player Paul FLUSH and drummer Luc VANDEN BOSSCH. They will play their own compositions. The first appearance is due at the Brussels club "Sounds" on June 6 & 7 (22:00). Sounds : 28 rue de la Tulipe, 1050 Bruxelles (02/512 92 50). (May 28, 2003) |
| MÄÄK's SPIRIT TO MEET GNAWA DU MAÂLEM ABDELMAJID DOMNATI (TANGER) IN AUGUST In August 2003, MÄÄK's SPIRIT, the band of trumpet player Laurent BLONDIAU, will have a special project, a series of concerts with North African musicians from Tanger, GNAWA DU MAÂLEM ABDELMAJID DOMNATI. The musicians will be : Laurent BLONDIAU (tp), Jeroen VAN HERZEELE (sax), Michel MASSOT (tb, tuba), Otti VANDERWERF (el. b.), Jean-Yves EVRARD (gt) and Eric THIELEMANS (drs), Maâlem Abdelmajid DOMNATI (Guembri, vocals), El Hrizi MILOUD (tbal), Sbai Tanji MOSTAFA (qraqech, vocals), Kholti AMRI (tbal), Harroch ABDELLAH (qraqech, vocals) and Namir JAMAL (qraqech, vocals) and guest Baba SISSOKO (tamani, ngoni). Dates of the tour here. (May 25, 2003) |
| NEW CHRIS JORIS EXPERIENCE CD : "OUT OF THE NIGHT" "Out of the night" (Werf 038) is the title of the new cd of percussionnist Chris JORIS with his band, the Chris JORIS EXPERIENCE, which features Pieter THYS (guitars), Pierre VAIANA (saxophones), Cécile BROCHÉ (violin), Fré DESMYTER (piano), Chris MENTENS (double bass), Frédéric MALEMPRÉ (percussion), plus guests : N'Faly KOYATÉ (kora & vocals) and the Mons Strings Orchestra. (May 21, 2003) |
| FINAL BAR : DRUMMER AND SINGER FERNAND LAUNOY We have just heard that drummer and singer Fernand LAUNOY, from Huy, has passed away. He discovered jazz after the Liberation (WW II) and started playing drums following the advice of SADI. He contributed to the local scene of the town of Huy, accompanying musicians such as Claude BOLLING or Don BYAS. Fernand LAUNOY also was one of the founders of the Festival "Ca jazz à Huy", where he accompanied several soloists, a.o. Jacques PELZER. Until recently, Fernand LAUNOY always promoted jazz a.o. with his radio shows on local radio stations or as a crooner singer. (May 14, 2003) |
| NEW SADI BIG BAND REISSUE : "SWING A LITTLE" The September label has just reissued a classic big band album recorded in 1971 by vibraphone player, vocalist and composer/arranger SADI, titled Swing a Little (September 05125). (May 14, 2003) |
| FIRST CD OF BASSIST SAL LA ROCCA IS OUT : "LATINEA" Bassist Sal LA ROCCA has made his recording debut as a leader. His album Latinea just came out on the Igloo label. The musicians involved in the recordings are guitarists Peter HERTMANS and Jacques PIROTTON, pianist Kris GOESSENS and drummer Bruno CASTELLUCCI. (May 14, 2003) |
| MAY 9 & 10 ON RTBF : EXTENSIVE RADIO COVERAGE OF JAZZ A LIEGE FESTIVAL The RTBF jazz web site gives the details of the hours of special live broadcasts of this year's JAZZ A LIEGE Festival : It will be a particularly busy jazz week-end on RTBF Radio, today (may 9th) and tomorrow, with two special shows live from the "Jazz à Liège" Festival. First of all, our regular "Jazz" show on Musique 3 will be aired from the festival site, between 6:15 pm and 7:00 pm, with a live interview of Jean-Marie Peterken, the creator of the event, and probably Steve Coleman (who is to play there the next day). Then, between 8pm and 1am (!), Musique 3 will broadcast a survey of the 4 major concert halls of Liège's Palais des Congrès. Listeners connected to RTBF La Première will hear our Lige program from 11:15 pm till 1:00 am. On Saturday (may 10th): live broadcast again, based on the same principle: we follow the music as it's happening, switching from one hall to another: on RTBF La Première, between 11:15 pm and 1:00 am (Musique 3 should be with us between 11:15 pm and midnight only). (May 9, 2003) |
| L'AME DES POETES PLAYS BREL : "TRAM 33" AT THE ANCIENNE BELGIQUE L'AME DES POETES (Pierre VAIANA, Jean-Louis RASSINFOSSE, Fabien DEGRYSE) will present a new show at the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels and based on the repertoire of Jacques BREL on May 20,21,22. The title is : "Tram 33". They will be joined by duo accordeonists SMEULDERS & SMEULDERS, violonist Geert WAEGEMAN and 5 singers who will sing BREL in various languages : Perry ROSE in English, Patrick RIGUELLE in Flemish, Fernando LAMEIRINHAS in Portuguese, Roland JAEGER in German and Barly BARUTTI in lingala. Jonathan FOX will do the staging. (May 6, 2003) |
| SAXOPHONIST MANU HERMIA IS THE NEW PRESIDENT OF "LES LUNDIS D'HORTENSE" The recently elected board of the Belgian association of jazz musicians "LES LUNDIS d'HORTENSE has chosen his new president : alto saxophonist Manu HERMIA. A big thank you to his predecessor, pianist and composer Pirly ZURSTRASSEN for the excellent work and his indefatigable involvement. (May 2, 2003) |
| ON ARTE TV : THE "PARIS JAZZ CLUBS" SERIES FEATURES BELGIAN JAZZMEN : ERIC LEGNINI, DAVID LINX... ARTE TV is currently broadcasting every night at 0:00 a series of programs titled "Paris Jazz Clubs", recorded live in several Parisian jazz clubs with various European bands. Expect to see and hear some Belgian jazzmen such as Eric LEGNINI (p) with Steffano DI BATTISTA (May 2) and Flavio BOLTRO (May 7) and David LINX (May 5 on German Arte). (May 2, 2003) |
| CLASSICAL MUSIC MEETS JAZZ : NEW MARC MATTHYS CD : "CROSSINGS" Pianist and composer Marc MATTHYS is known for having two loves, classical music and jazz. His latest album, "Crossings" (MMP 037) mixes the two influences, with a series of guests from both worlds : jazzmen Toots THIELEMANS (hca), Marc ROOSENDANS (b) , Tony GYSELINCK (drs) and classical musicians like "I solisti da camera", conducted by Eric BAETEN, singers Aga WINSKA and Ibernice MACBEAN, Walter BOEYKENS (clarinet), Viviane SPANOGHE (cello). Pop singer Jo LEMAIRE is also on board. (May 2, 2003) |
| THE LIEGE BALLET DANCES "NOIR /INSTANTANÉS", MUSIC BY CHARLES LOOS Le Ballet de Liège will present, May 1st to May 10 a jazz ballet under the title " noir/instantanés ". Show at rue St. Michel, 2 Îlot St. Michel à Liège at 20h (May 2, 7 also at 22h, May 10 also at 15h, May 9 at 21h, NO SHOW on May3,4, 6) entry 10 Euro. Info 04-222 11 11. The music was composed and is played by Charles LOOS. This is Charles' second ballet, the previous one " No Wall No War " was a commission by the Hidden Valley Institute in California back in 1990 and was also presented in Belgium (Botanique & Arlon). (April 28, 2003) |
| MARC GODFROID & RONY VERBIEST HAVE RECORDED AN ALBUM Marc GODFROID (trombone) and Rony VERBIEST (accordeon) recorded last week at the VRT studio's. The music they recorded goes from ZAPPA through musette through jazz, a very special combination where the extraordinary skills of the musicians results, according to their manager, in extraordinary and diversified music. The release of their first CD is scheduled later this year. Meanwhile, they are preparing for a series of concerts. (April 25, 2003) |
| DRUMMER STÉPHANE GALLAND TO TOUR WITH JOE ZAWINUL IN JULY On the web site of RTBF, Philippe BARON announces that AKA MOON drummer Stéphane GALLAND has been hired by Joe ZAWINUL for his next tour in July 2003. (April 25, 2003) |
| STEVE HOUBEN TOURS WITH YOUNG BAND "BB CONNEX" IN HUNGARY AND BELGIUM Saxophone and flute player Steve HOUBEN will tour in May with a Belgian/Hungarian band named "BB Connex" (for "Brussels/Budapest connection") and composed of young musicians : his son Gregory HOUBEN (tp, vocals), Jozef BALASZ (p), thirteen-year-old Christian LAKATOS (b) and Elemer BALASZ (drs). (April 25, 2003) |
| NEW CD OF THE JEF NEVE TRIO : "BLUE SAGA" Pianist Jef NEVE will in the very near future have a first album out titled Blue Saga. Some presentation concerts will mark the event : April 25 : Arts-o-base (Bruxelles), May 8 : De Spiegel (Sint-Niklaas), May 27 : H'nita Hoeve (Heist-op-den-berg). (April 23, 2003) |
| "WAL HOUSE OF JAZZ" : AN "OFFICIAL" WALLOON BAND WITH RICHARD ROUSSELET, FABRICE ALLEMAN AND PHIL ABRAHAM Jean-Marie PETERKEN, the organizer of the upcoming "Jazz à Liège" festival, has put together a sextet that he would like to become an official Walloon jazz band. The core of this band named "Wal House of Jazz" will be the three established talents of Richard ROUSSELET (tp), Fabrice ALLEMAN (saxes) and Phil ABRAHAM (tb), and for their first appearnce on May 9 at the "Jazz à Liège" festival, the rhythm section will be composed of excellent young and promising talents : Pascal MOHY (p), Samuel GERSTMANS (b) and Xavier ROGÉ (drs). (April 23, 2003) |
| NEW BLUES CD OF GUITARIST FRANKIE ROSE WITH "FRANK & LES TOONS" : "SENSE OF PRIDE" Guitarist Frankie ROSE has made an incursion into the blues with his latest cd titled "Sense of Pride", recorded in Ireland and in London with Pierric VIARD (Hammond Organ, Fender rhodes), Arnaud DUHEM (bass) and Vincent JOLY (drums). (April 23, 2003) |
| MAY 1st, 2003 : CONCERT OF AKA MOON WITH ICTUS IN BRUGES On May 1st, 2003, the trio AKA MOON will play a concert with ICTUS, the contemporary music ensemble, at the Concertgebouw in Bruges. Concertgebouw Brugge : 34, 'T ZAND 8000 BRUGGE (050/476 999), web site. (April 17, 2003) |
| "OCTURN" IN RESIDENCE AT FLAGEY, BRUSSELS According to the daily newspaper "Le Soir", the avant-guarde band OCTURN will soon be in residence at Flagey, like it is already the case for the BRUSSELS JAZZ ORCHESTRA. (April 17, 2003) |
| SOON ON WARNER MUSIC : NEW CD OF THE ALEXI TUOMARILA QUARTET : "02" The "Alexi TUOMARILA Quartet (Alexi TUOMARILA, piano; Nicolas KUMMERT, sax ; Christophe DEVISSCHER bass; Teun VERBRUGGEN, drums) " will soon have a new cd out on Warner Music Finland, titled "02". The release will be marked by a concert on April 24, 2003 (21:30), at the Sounds club in Brussels. Sounds : Rue de la Tulipe 28, 1050 Bruxelles (02 512 92 50). (April 16, 2003) |
| NEW YORK JAZZ WALKS RESUMING A series of jazz-focused guided walking tours through selected New York neighborhoods will continue through the autumn of 2003. Operating under the SwingStreets banner, jazz journalist Paul Blair began leading groups on excursions through three different sections of Harlem in mid-2002. Each route covers a multitude of sites associated with both the area's rich jazz history and its current music scene. Also seen are the homes, offices and studios of other notables, famous churches, landmarks associated with the civil rights struggle and blocks exemplifying particularly distinguished architecture. In addition to three Harlem walks, Blair has since expanded his menu to include three other Manhattan excursions: one through the midtown entertainment district, another in Greenwich Village and a third in the rapidly evolving East Village.
Regular SwingStreets outings take place on Saturdays and Sundays, although group tours and custom itineraries are
so possible. Details on individual routes, along with a schedule of upcoming walks, is posted on the Internet at
www.SwingStreets.com. The site also contains links to dozens of New York jazz clubs plus an abundance of other
information useful for visitors to the city. |
| "SKETCHES OF MILES" Yves BUDIN is to present, during the 12th festival international de Jazz à Liège ( 9 & 10 May 2003 ) , a part of his drawings titled "Sketches of Miles ". Grand formats in black & white tracing the life & career of Miles DAVIS. (April 9 2003) |
| NEW CD OF KENNY WERNER'S MUSIC WITH THE BRUSSELS JAZZ ORCHESTRA : "NAKED IN THE COSMOS" The Jazz'N Pulz label released "Naked in the Cosmos" (BMCD 398), Kenny WERNER plays his music with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra. The album is available on the label's web site. (April 9, 2003) |
| OLD STYLE JAZZ CONTEST ON AUG. 23d, 2003 The "Maison du Jazz en Hainaut" (in Mons) organizes a contest for old style amateur jazz bands on August 23, 2003. Infos on their web site or by phone (065/595824). (April 9, 2003) |
| WEATHER REPORT OR THE
UNEXPECTED MEETING OF FABRICE ALLEMAN AND STEVE HOUBEN A cancellation by Paolo LOVERI has obliged Fabrice ALLEMAN to think up an alternative in order to maintain a scheduled concert, this Friday April 4, at the Fabrique de Théâtre in Frameries. Calling on Steve HOUBEN the two horn blowers, accompanied by Bas COOYMANS (b) and Lieven VENKEN (drs), played a series of standards around the "meteorological" theme presenting an outstanding performance. Just the fact that Fabrice and Steve played a good concert is nothing surprising. However, the event was far more than just a good gig. A nice complicity, being at ease with each other, imaginative interpretation of pieces such a"Over the rainbow", "fair weather", "you are my sunshine", "sunny"’..., a biorhythm in full synchronism, who really knows why, have contributed towards a magical session and an enchanted public. One can only wish that the experience does not stop here and that more concerts are to follow. (April 6, 2003) |
| NEW CD OF IVAN PADUART's BELGIAN-DUTCH SEXTET : "A NIGHT AT THE MUSIC VILLAGE" Pianist Ivan PADUART has a new double CD out, titled "A Night at the Music Village" (JAZZ'N PULZ BMCD 395) and recorded with Belgian and Dutch musicians : Bert JORIS (tp), Fay CLAASSEN (voc.), Toon ROOS (sax), Stefan LIEVESTRO (b) and Mimi VERDERAME (drs) and with the participation of Toots THIELEMANS (hca). The album is available from : patrickwatteeuw@skynet.be. 02.353.15.80 (April 4, 2003) |
| PIANIST ERIC LEGNINI APPEARS ON LATEST FLAVIO BOLTRO CD : "40" Belgian pianist Eric LEGNINI appears on the recent album released by Blue Note (France) of Italian trumpet player Flavio BOLTRO, titled "40". Two French musicians have participated in this acoustic album : Rémi VIGNOLO (b) and Franck AGULHON (drs). (March 28, 2003) |
| FIRST CD OF THE BAND "QUATRE" : "4" The MOGNO label has just released the first album of the band "QUATRE", simply titled "4" (Mogno 010), with Nicolas KUMMERT (tenor sax), Marco LOCURCIO (guitar), Jacques PILI (electric bass) and Lieven VENKEN (drs). (March 27, 2003) |
| NEW CD OF GUITARIST STÉPHANE MARTINI : "TEMPO LATINO" The TRAVERS label has released "Tempo Latino" (TR005C), a new album of guitarist Stéphane MARTINI, in a Brazilian/Salsa vein with the participation of his PAPAGAIO 6tet, with also Stefan BRACAVAL (flute), Denise BLUE (vocals), Alain JOSEPH (electric bass), Mimi VERDERAME (drums) and Fred SAVINIEN (percussion). (March 27, 2003) |
| THE "SEPTEMBER" LABEL REISSUES 4 BELGIAN JAZZ CDS : ERIC LEGNINI, ERWIN VANN, JOE LOVANO, GOLDEN AGE OF BELGIAN JAZZ Producer/publisher Hans KUSTERS, who recently bought the catalog of Bizet Productions, intends to reissue some Belgian jazz classic albums on the September label. A first batch of reissues is devoted to 4 important productions originally released on the Jazz Club label, which are now available again with a new cover on September : More is to come a.o. with old recordings by SADI (vibes) and Peter PACKAY. (March 22, 2003) |
| NEW JUDY NIEMACK CD "ABOUT TIME" FEATURES A.O. GUITARIST JEANFRANÇOIS PRINS Sony just released a new album of US singer Judy NIEMACK, titled "About Time" (Sony 5098242). The participating musicians are Lee KONITZ (as), Eddie GOMEZ (bass), David FRIEDMAN (vibes/mar), percussionnist CAFE and guitarist Jeanfrançois PRINS, who also took care of the arrangements. (March 20, 2003) |
| MARCH 28, 2003 : AFRICALIA FESTIVAL : PIERRE VAIANA, FABIAN FIORINI, LAURENT BLONDIAU MEET AFRICAN MASTER MUSICIANS On March 28, at the Concertgebouw in Bruges (20:00), the festival "AFRICALIA" will offer an interesting meeting between African master musicians Mamady KEITA (djembe), Momo WANDEL, Faly KOUYATÉ, Kaabi KANDIA, Baba SISSOKO and three Belgian jazzmen : Pierre VAIANA (sop. sax), Fabian FIORINI (p) and Laurent BLONDIAU (tp). Altogether, more than 20 musicians and dancers on stage. An event organized by : Africalia / Concertgebouw / De Munt / De Werf. (March 18, 2003) |
| NEW CD OF US SAXOPHONIST/COMPOSER PATRICK ZIMMERLI WITH OCTURN : "THE BOOK OF HOURS" We have just learned that US saxophonist and composer Patrick ZIMMERLI has released in September 2002 an album of his compositions recorded by the Belgian band OCTURN. It is titled "The Book of Hours" (Songlines SGL 1541-2). With Patrick ZIMMERLI, ts ; Laurent BLONDIAU, tp ; Geoffroy DE MASURE, tb ; Guillaume ORTI, as ; Fabian FIORINI, piano ; Bo VAN DER WERF, bar. sax ; Pierre VAN DORMAEL & Ben MONDER, guitar ; Jean-Luc LEHR & Otti VAN DER WERF, bass ; Stéphane GALLAND & Chander SARDJOE, drums. (March 17, 2003) |
| FABRICE ALLEMAN AND FRÉDÉRIC JACQUEMIN PLAY WITH BASSIST LINLEY MARTHE On March 10, in Mons (K. Fee), saxophonist Fabrice ALLEMAN and drummer Frédéric JACQUEMIN played with electric bass virtuoso Linley MARTHE (who is said to be joining Joe ZAWINUL's band). (March 14, 2003) |
| MARCH 21, 2003 : ERIC TRUFFAZ / DAVID LINX / DIEDERIK WISSELS IN ALSEMBERG Singer David LINX, pianist Diederik WISSELS and trumpet player Eric TRUFFAZ are to give a unique concert in Belgium on March 21, 2003, in Alsemberg (CC. De Meent). (March 14, 2003) |
| MARCH 15, 2003 : GRAND OPENING OF A NEW JAZZ CLUB IN ANTWERP : "MARNIX JAZZ CAFE" On March 15, a new jazz club will open its doors in Antwerp. The duo Régine LOGEN (voc.) / Fabien DEGRYSE (gt) will play on the opening night. Concerts on Thursdays and Fridays. Address : Godefriedeskaai 50, 2000 Antwerpen. (March 14, 2003) |
| DATES OF THE BRUSSELS JAZZ MARATHON 2003 : May 23-25, 2003 The dates of the upcoming edition of the famous Brussels Jazz Marathon are known : May 23-25. (March 14, 2003) |
| MARCH 21, 2003 : BELGIAN "DJANGO D'OR" 2002 ON RTBF TV "LA 2" On March 21, 2003 (23:05), RTBF TV "La 2" will broadcast the evening of the Belgian Django d'Or 2002, with prize winners Philippe AERTS (b, Belgian Django d'Or 2002), Anne WOLF (p, new talent) and Rik BEVERNAGE (De Werf). (March 14, 2003) |
| ERWIN VANN IN CANADA : MUSIC FOR CHOREOGRAPHER DAVID PRESSAULT On March 23, saxophonist and composer Erwin VANN goes to Canada to work with choreographer David PRESSAULT and three dancers. The results of their work should be shown in Belgium in February 2004. Meanwhile, in May 2003, the Brussels Jazz Orchestra will perform "Worlds" with special guests Norma WINSTONE (vocal, GB) and Kenny WHEELER (trumpet,CAN). (March 14, 2003) |
| "UN ÉLÉPHANT DANS LA VILLE", A MUSICAL SHOW OUT OF THE IMAGINATION OF MICHEL DEBRULLE AND OLIVIER THOMAS On March 8 & 9, 2003, the Halles of Schaerbeek (Brussels) will present "Un Eléphant dans la Ville", a show mixing different genres and artists, amateurs and pros. The musical concept came out of the imagination of Belgian jazzmen such as Michel DEBRULLE (drmmer/percussionnist), Olivier THOMAS (singer), Michel MASSOT (trombone, tuba). Infos & reservations : 02/218-21-07, email : info@halles.be, web site. (March 8, 2003) |
| NEW CONTEST FOR BELGIAN JAZZ THEMES ORGANIZED BY PAB/SABAM The PAB (Belgian Artistic Promotion) of SABAM organizes in collaboration with the "Jazz Hoeilaart International's Europ' Jazz Contest" a composition contest for jazz themes, open to members or future members of Sabam. A unique Prize of 750 euros will be awarded, and the work will be played during the Jazz Hoeilart competition of this fall. Details and rules (FR/NL) are available HERE. Deadline for entries : June 20, 2003. Infos at Sabam : 02/286.83.82. Fax. 02/230.13.10. E-mail : frederique.busson@sabam.be. (March 7, 2003) |
| MOGNO MUSIC ANNOUNCES TWO NEW RELEASES The Belgian label Mogno Music announces two new releases : More details on the label's WEB SITE. (March 7, 2003) |
| MARCH 5 : PHIL ABRAHAM IN NAMUR WITH FRENCH GUITARIST SYLVAIN LUC (F) AND BASSIST HEIN VAN DE GEYN (NL) Trombone player/singer Phil ABRAHAM brings an exceptional international trio to the Nam'n Jazz festival : French guitar virtuoso Sylvain LUC and Dutch bassist Hein VAN DE GEYN. Listen to them at the Arsenal in Namur on March 5, at 20:30, first in solo, then in trio. (March 3, 2003) |
| MARCH 7 : SAT 3 (TV) : JEAN-LOUIS RASSINFOSSE WITH KIRK LIGHTSEY/JEAN TOUSSAINT QUARTET If you have access to the satellite station SAT 3, they will broadcast on March 7 (01:20) a show titled "Full House", with a concert of the Kirk LIGHTSEY (p)/Jean TOUSSAINT (sax) Quartet, with drummer Douglas SIDES and Belgian bassist Jean-Louis RASSINFOSSE. (March 2, 2003) |
| MARCH 22 AT THE MONNAIE (BRUSSELS) "TAKE A NOTE " FESTIVAL INCLUDES PIERRE VAIANA & FOOFANGO On March 22 (14:00-16:00), during the "Take a Note" festival in Brussels, saxophonist Pierre VAIANA and the band FOOFANGO (Burkina Faso) will do a workshop on traditional and modern African rhythms. The whole program of the day (mainly centered on contemporary music, the Aulochrome, etc...) should be available on the web site of "La Monnaie". (Feb. 27, 2003) |
| FABRIZIO CASSOL COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE AT THE MONNAIE, BRUSSELS Saxophonist and composer Fabrizio CASSOL has accepted a position of composer in residence at the TRM (Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie), the Brussels Opera house. The results of his work should be presented sometime in the fall or the winter later this year. (Feb. 27, 2003) |
| THE AULOCHROME : NEWS AND PRESENTATIONS As you probably know, the aulochrome, the new instrument invented by François LOUIS, has been launched a few weeks ago. After a successful concert (a creation of a piece written by Belgian classical composer Philippe BOESMANS for saxophonist Fabrizio CASSOL), the instrument will be presented in various occasions in Europe : (Feb. 27, 2003) |
| BART DEFOORT UPCOMING TOUR &
NEW ALBUM Saxophone player Bart DEFOORT is to go, end March, for a two month tour in the framework of JazzLab Series with his new newly formed quartet (Hans VAN OOST, guitar, Bart DE NOLF, bass & Jan DE HAAS, drums). For dates see our GIGS Page. The tour will culminate with the release of a new album, his second as leader, by De Werf. His previous one, as leader, MOVING was also released, in '97, by De Werf. (Feb. 26, 2003) |
| MICHEL HERR SCORES BIG SUCCESS WHILE CONDUCTING THE WDR BIG BAND IN A PROGRAM OF HIS OWN COMPOSITIONS The WDR Big Band (Cologne, Germany) has just played an impressive selection of the music of Michel HERR, conducted by the composer himself. 9 pieces and 2 suites (almost 2 hours of music !) were recorded by the band in the radio studios, and these recording sessions were followed on February 22 by a concert (also recorded by WDR radio), titled "A Jazz Portrait of Michel Herr". The event took place at the "Stadtgarten" in Cologne in front of an enthusiastic audience, and in the presence of several well-known colleagues (a.o. Lee KONITZ, Wolfgang ENGSTFELD, Paul HELLER, etc...). All these recordings will be broadcasted on WDR radio in the near future (a.o. March 6, 2003 at 22:05 on WDR 5). (Feb. 25, 2003) |
| GREETINGS FROM MERCURY's ALBUM "HEIWA" ALSO AVAILABLE WITH ANOTHER COVER We read on Philippe BARON's RTBF site that the album "Heiwa" of the band GREETINGS FROM MERCURY is now available as a separate release besides the "Finest in Belgian Jazz" series, and it is distributed by "Bang". (Feb. 25, 2003) |
| CHRIS JORIS AND BERT JORIS ON NEW ALBUM OF US SINGER DEBORAH BROWN The new album of US singer Deborah BROWN features two Belgian jazz musicians, Bert JORIS (tp), and Chris JORIS (perc.). It is titled "International Incident" and features eight musicians, a.o. Dutch bassist Hein VAN DE GEYN and French pianist Hervé SELLIN. (Feb. 25, 2003) |
| NEW CD OF MÄÄK's SPIRIT : "LE NOM DU VENT" The band MÄÄK's SPIRIT, with Laurent BLONDIAU (tp), Jeroen VAN HERZEELE (ts), Michel MASSOT (tuba, tb), Jean-Yves EVRARD (gt), Otti VAN DER WERF (el. bass) and Eric THIELEMANS (drs) have a new album out, titled Le Nom du Vent. (Feb. 24, 2003) |
| THEY HAVE THEIR WEB SITE : Two new web sites regarding Belgian musicians : (Feb. 17, 2003) |
| L'AME DES POETES PLAYS BRASSENS, "ELLE EST À TOI CETTE CHANSON", STAGING BY JONATHAN FOX The trio L'AME DES POETES, with Pierre VAIANA (sop. sax), Fabien DEGRYSE (gt) and Jean-Louis RASSINFOSSE (bass) will soon present again the musical show built upon the songs of Georges BRASSENS, titled "Elle est à toi, cette chanson", staged by Jonathan FOX. An humorous and jazzy voyage through the songs of the French songwriter. A tour will visit various locations from Feb 14 thru 22, 2003, followed by an appearance at the Brussels Delvaux Center from Feb. 27 thru March 1st, 2003. More details on the band's page. (Feb. 16, 2003) |
| ERIC LEGNINI PLAYS IN NEW YORK WITH STEFFANO DI BATTISTA Pianist Eric LEGNINI has recently played a series of dates in New York with the quartet of Italian alto saxophonist Steffano DI BATTISTA. (Feb. 16, 2003) |
| FRENCH PIANIST MICHEL GRAILLER DIES ON FEB. 11, 2003 French pianist Michel GRAILLIER died on February 11 from an internal hemorragy. He has been for a long time associated with Chet BAKER (he appeared at the Ciney Jazz night last October in a tribute to Chet) and with the late Jacques PELZER. Funeral will take place at the Père Lachaise in Paris on Tuesday Feb. 18. Our thoughts go to his wife, Micheline PELZER. (Feb. 12, 2003) |
| NEW BAND : "SWING DEALERS" The "Swing Dealers" is a new band composed of Vincent MARDENS (sax), Pascal MICHAUX (p), Jean VAN LINT (double bass & vocals) and Jan DE HAAS (drs). Straight ahead and swinging jazz. (Feb. 8, 2003) |
| BART DE NOLF AND BRUNO CASTELLUCCI ON JAPAN TOUR WITH TOOTS THIELEMANS Toots THIELEMANS is on tour in Japan right now, playing the circuit of the Blue Note clubs in 4 different cities. He took with him the Belgian rhythm section composed of bassist Bart DE NOLF and drummer Bruno CASTELLUCCI, with Dutch pianist Mike DEL FERRO. (Feb. 5, 2003) |
| 8/2/2003 : RENCONTRES JAZZ AT THE FNAC IN LIÈGE : CHEIRO DE CHORO On Saturday February 8 at 17 h 00, at the FNAC in Liège, on the occasion of the release of their latest cd on the Mogno label, "Sol", the band CHEIRO DE CHORO with Daniel STOKART (saxes, flutes), Anne WOLF (piano), Henri GREINDL (bass), Antonio REINA (drs, perc.) will be interviewed and play a short set. Free entry. (Feb. 4, 2003) |
| STOLEN : SAX & FLUTE Saxophonist Hervé LETOR informs us that two of his instruments got stolen : Contact : Hervé LETOR : 0495/28 65 53 (Feb. 4, 2003) |
| NEW CD OF CEZARIUSZ GADZINA, POLISH SAXOPHONIST LIVING IN BELGIUM : "DOUBLE HEART" Polish alto saxophonist Cezariusz GADZINA, who lives in Belgium, has a trio album out titled "Double Heart" (NOT TWO MW 743-2), recorded with bassist Piet VERBIST and drummer Marek PATRMAN. The band plays at the Sounds in Brussels on Feb. 14, 2003. (Feb. 1, 2003) |
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