The Grapevine - '98 Tidbits of News...

DOUBLE JAZZ REFERENDUM '98 : LISTENERS AND CRITICS Two new jazz referendums have been created in Belgium : the listeners referendum, created by Philippe BARON (of RTBF radio) and Sim SIMONS (VRT radio) and the critics referendum (French speaking jazz critics). The results for '98 have been announced. For a complete list of the winners (World, Europe) check the RTBF/jazz web site in a few days. As far as Belgian jazz musicians are concerned, here is an overview of the "winners". Some of them even appear in the category "Europe". Congratulations to the winners, a little publicity doesn't hurt. But let's not forget the dozens of great musicians who are not mentioned here. After all, these are only polls, and there are many other artists who really deserve our attention. See our Musicians A-Z page to take a look at the great forgotten ones and to get a better idea of the richness of the current Belgian jazz scene. N.B.: In parentheses behind the winner's name is the category in which his name appears : B (for Belgium), Europe, World INSTRUMENT THE LISTENERS CHOICE THE CRITICS CHOICE (French speaking jazz press) Hall of Fame Toots THIELEMANS (B) Michel HERR (B) CD of the year Fabrice ALLEMAN QUARTET : Loop the Loop (Igloo) (B) The AKA MOON Trilogy : Ganesh/Elohim/Live at Vooruit (B) Big band ACT BIG BAND (B) ACT BIG BAND (B) Small group AKA MOON (B/Europe) not available (category didn't exist) Composer Diederik WISSELS (B) Michel HERR (B) Arranger Michel HERR (B) Michel HERR (B) Trumpet Bert JORIS (B) Bert JORIS (B) Trombone Phil ABRAHAM (B/Europe) Phil ABRAHAM (B/Europe) Tuba Michel MASSOT (B/Europe) Michel MASSOT (B) Clarinet Antoine PRAWERMAN (B) Antoine PRAWERMAN (B) Flute Steve HOUBEN (B/Europe) Pierre BERNARD (B), Steve HOUBEN (Europe) Soprano sax Fabrice ALLEMAN (B) Fabrice ALLEMAN (B) Alto sax Steve HOUBEN (B) Steve HOUBEN (B) Tenor Sax Erwin VANN (B) Fabrice ALLEMAN (B) Baritone Sax Bo VAN DER WERF (B) Bo VAN DER WERF (B) Vocals David LINX (B/Europe) not available (category didn't exist) Electric Guitar Philip CATHERINE (B/Europe) Philip CATHERINE (B) Acoustic Guitar Fabien DEGRYSE (B) Fabien DEGRYSE (B), Philip CATHERINE (Europe) Piano Eric LEGNINI (B) Eric LEGNINI (B) Keyboards Eric LEGNINI (B) Kris DEFOORT (B) Organ Bert GIELEN (B) Bert GIELEN (B) Electric Bass Michel HATZIGEORGIOU (B/Europe) Michel HATZIGEORGIOU (B/Europe) Acoustic Bass Jean-Louis RASSINFOSSE (B) Nicolas THYS (B) Drums Stéphane GALLAND (B) Stéphane GALLAND (B) Percussion Chris JORIS (B) Chris JORIS (B/Europe) Harmonica Toots THIELEMANS (B/Europe/World) Toots THIELEMANS (B/Europe/World) Vibes Guy CABAY (B), SADI (Europe) Guy CABAY (B), SADI (Europe) Accordeon Vincent TROUBLE (B) Rony VERBIEST (B) Miscellaneous Instruments Emmanuelle SOMER (oboe, B) Emmanuelle SOMER (oboe, B) (Dec. 31, 98/Updated Jan 3, 99)

FRED VAN HOVE / NEW LIVE SOLO CD Pianist/improvisor Fred VAN HOVE has a new CD out, titled "Flux" (Potlatch), recorded solo in January '98 at the "Instants Chavirés" in Montreuil sous Bois (France). (Dec. 31, 98)

VKH CD RELEASES : GILBERT ISBIN, RUDY DE SUTTER VKH has released 2 new CDs : guitarist Gilbert ISBIN's "Spring Cleaning", a.o. with Chris JORIS (perc.), Cameron BROWN (bass), Steve HOUBEN (flute) and John RUOCCO (sax, clar.) pianist Rudy DE SUTTER's solo album "Musicus Mobilis". (Dec. 31, 98)

AKA MOON INTERVIEW ON THE NET The French Jazz "web-zine" LE JAZZ, in its 10th issue, has an interview of the group AKA MOON, in French as well as in in English. The interview was made by Alain Le Roux and Xavier Matthyssens in November 1998 at the occasion of a concert of the Belgian trio at the Sunset Jazz Club, Paris. The magazine regularly opens its columns to the CD releases of Belgian artists (in the latest issue : Garrett LIST, Ernst VRANCKX, Fred VAN HOVE), a.o. thanks to its Belgian contributor Pierre DULIEU. In issue # 9, still available on "Le Jazz" web site, an interview of pianist/composer Nathalie LORIERS (Dec. 31, 98)

MARCUS MINGUS ON THE WEB Brussels Jazz Club MARCUS MINGUS has a web page, too. Visit it at http://www.cyclone.be/marcming, on the same cyclone server that already hosts other Brussels Jazz clubs such as TRAVERS and SOUNDS. The sites present the program of these clubs. (Dec. 29, 98)

NEW BELGIAN JAZZ REFERENDUM RESULTS The results of the new jazz referendum created by Philippe BARON (of RTBF radio) and Sim SIMONS (VRT radio) should be announced in the "Jazz" radio show on RTBF 3 (18:10) and RTBF 1 (23:10) between December 28 and 31, as well as in "Jazzimut" (22:30) on VRT Radio 3, on January 7 and 9. Check also the RTBF/jazz web site. (Dec. 28, 98)

FABRIZIO CASSOL AND MICHEL HATZI IN INDIA Saxophonist/composer Fabrizio CASSOL and bassist Michel HATZIGEORGIOU, two out of the three members of AKA MOON are currently on a trip to India. (Dec. 24, 98)

MICHEL HERR'S OUVERTURE ECLAIR RE-RELEASED ON CD Michel HERR's first LP as a leader, "Ouverture Eclair", a now classic Belgian jazz recording, recorded in '77 by the pianist/composer in trio with bassist Freddie DERONDE and drummer Félix SIMTAINE, had already been reissued on LP. It is now also available on CD for the Japanese market as a limited collectors edition. The CD version includes 2 additional tracks, which are previously unreleased material, recorded live. CD and LP are available from : Moby Disques c/o Mr Sawano, 28 rue Monge, F-75005 Paris, France. Fax : 33/3/27-88-55-30. Distributed in Japan by : Sawano Shokai, E-Mail : sawanoco@ingnet.co.jp. (Dec. 21, 98)

SPES PRIZE TO PIERRE VAIANA AND BO VAN DER WERF The '98 Spes Foundation Prize were recently announced. Among the awarded artists are two jazz musicians : soprano saxophonist/composer Pierre VAIANA (main Prize) and baritone sax Bo VAN DER WERF. Both will receive a substantial amount of money to realize an original project that they submitted to the foundation. In the past, the Spes Prize went to other jazzmen like saxophonists/composers Erwin VANN and Fabrizio CASSOL. (Dec. 18, 98)

ERWIN VANN IN DUO WITH PIANIST MICU NARUNSKY Saxophonist/composer Erwin VANN did a few concerts in duo with pianist/composer Micu NARUNSKY, who is from Israel but lives in Paris.. They played their own compositions. (Dec. 18, 98)

NEW DAILY JAZZ SHOW ON RTBF RADIO 1 As of January 4, '99, Philippe BARON will have a second jazz show on the Belgian radio RTBF, this time on Radio 1 ("La Première"). Instead of a simply re-broadcast of the show that he presents on "Musique 3" at 18:10, as it was the case in the recent months, it is now a new and completely different show that will start on January 4th, on weekdays, from 23:10 until 24:00 on "La Première". Details of the playlist will presumably be available on the RTBF/jazz web site. Jazz classics will be featured, and listeners are welcome to make their remarks and requests a.o. on the web site. (Dec. 16, 98)

NEW BELGIAN JAZZ POLL : VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE BELGIAN AND INTERNATIONAL JAZZMEN Philippe BARON (of RTBF radio) and Sim SIMONS (VRT radio), who have their own jazz shows respectively on the French and Flemish radio in Belgium, recently came up with the idea of organizing a jazz poll in Belgium. They noticed that, with a few exceptions (Djangos d'Or), jazz awards have disappeared from the scene since the "Sax" Prize were no longer awarded by the Belgian jazz critics. So they want to revive the idea of a Belgian jazz referendum, with several categories (World, Europe, Belgium/by instruments). The Belgian category will be national (after all, French speaking or Flemish musicians always chose to play together). The idea is to create an event that puts the spotlight on Belgian artists in terms of promotion and publicity in the medias. So, if you want to give your vote to your favorite jazz musicians, feel free to do it on the RTBF/jazz web site. Results will be announced in the "Jazz" show on RTBF between December 28 and 31, in "Jazzimut" (VRT Radio 3) on January 7 en 9. (Dec. 16, 98)

SABENA : BELGIAN JAZZ IN FLIGHT Belgian airline SABENA, like all airlines, has music programs aboard its planes. But note that a channel is devoted to Belgian jazz artists, who make the programming and have the opportunity to include several of their recordings, thanks to programmer Patrick BAUWENS (Carnets d'Emeraudes, Quetzal records etc). In December '98 and January '99, pianist/composer Michel HERR is the featured artist, followed by Toots THIELEMANS in February and March '99. In '98, the guest musicians were Jacques STOTZEM (gt), Bruno CASTELLUCCI (drs), Serge LAZAREVITCH (gt), Peter HERTMANS (gt), Ben SLUIJS (sax), Fabrice ALLEMAN (sax), Jeroen VAN HERZEELE (sax), Jean-Pierre CATOUL (violin) and Diederik WISSELS (piano). The "Jazz Hot" channel offers 2 x 60 minutes of music since August '98 ! The web site of SABENA (www.sabena.com) gives access to the data of the current programming, so listeners can search and find the tunes they liked. (Dec. 10, 98)

MICHEL HERR WRITES FILM SOUNDTRACK FOR TV Pianist/composer Michel HERR wrote and recorded the music soundtrack for an episode of the new French tvseries "Les Monos", titled "Le responsable" and produced by Gaumont. It was recently shown on RTL/TVI and should be on the air again on France 2 TV around February '99. Michel played piano and keyboards, and his compositions and arrangements were played by Fabrice ALLEMAN (saxes), Gino LATTUCA (tp), Fabien DEGRYSE (gt), Thierry CROMMEN (harmonica), Bart DE NOLF (bass) and Bruno CASTELLUCCI (drs). (Dec. 09, 98)

PHIL ABRAHAM PARTICIPATES IN NEW PRESTIGIOUS RECORDING Trombone player, bandleader and member of the O.N.J. Phil ABRAHAM has recently participated in a new recording: "Jazznavour" (EMI), the new album fo French singer Charles AZNAVOUR, where Phil plays all the trombone passages and big band. Other participants include Jacky TERRASSON (p), André CECCARELLI (drs), Remy VIGNOLO (b). Arrangements are by Pierre DREVET (p) and there are few celebrity guests like Michel PETRUCCIANI, Diane REEVES, Richard GALLIANO and Eddy LOUIS ... (Dec. 09, 98)

PIERRE VAIANA, WITH "FOOFANGO" (le souffle de vie en foulfouldé) BELGIAN TOUR Dans le cadre des RENCONTRES AU SAHEL le groupe sera en tournée en Belgique du 21 janvier au 13 février 1999. Pierre VAIANA sax soprano, Désiré SOMÉ guitare, Alain NYAME basse, Michel SEBA & Zoumana DEMBÉLÉ percussions, Boris TCHANGO batterie. Pierre VAIANA a constitué cet ensemble au Burkina Faso dès 1996. Il y enseigne la musique depuis octobre 1995. Alain NYAME (Cameroun) et Boris TCHANGO (Togo) y étaient arrivés en 1993, en route vers la Côte d'Ivoire. Ils ont aimé le pays et ont décidé de s'y établir. Le percussionniste belge Michel SEBA a joué avec Pierre dans le groupe "Un Poco Loco". Il est venu deux fois au Burkina rejoindre Pierre, Laurent, Alain et Boris pour se produire au Festival Jazz à Ouaga (96 et 97). Zoumana DEMBÉLÉ est griot et est un des jeunes maîtres incontestés des percussions bobo et bambara de Bobo-Dioulasso. Il joue dans ce groupe les percussions traditionnelles du Burkina Faso. Désiré est un des jeunes musiciens dynamiques de la nouvelles scène burkinabè. Le nom du groupe désigne le souffle de vie en foulfouldé. Il fait ainsi allusion au souffle qui anime la musique et la rend vivante. C'est aussi un signe d'hommage au flûtiste peul Sy Moodi BARRY. Ce grand duliyaaru, qui a joué à de nombreuses reprises avec Pierre et les musiciens du groupe, est malheureusement disparu le 23 janvier 1998. La grande liberté de son jeu et la créativité de son phrasé ont irrémédiablement influencé la musique du groupe qui, pour le remercier, lui dédie sa musique. See our GIGS page for dates and locations. (Dec. 08, 98)

TOOTS #1 IN DOWN BEAT'S READERS POLL In the annual readers poll of the U.S. jazz magazine Down Beat, Toots THIELEMANS has been elected as best musician of the year in the category "miscellaneous instruments". (Dec. 07, 98)

CHRIS JORIS AND MAL WALDRON : FIRST MEETING American pianist/composer Mal WALDRON and Belgian percussionist Chris JORIS shared the stage at the Antwerp Luchtbal on December 5th. After a set of the Chris JORIS EXPERIENCE and a solo set by Mal WALDRON, Chris and Mal joined their talents for a very special musical meeting. (Dec. 06, 98)

MAL WALDRON : A PORTRAIT ON RTBF TV ON DECEMBER 5 On December 5, 20:37, RTBF TV "La deux" will present a portrait of American pianist/composer Mal WALDRON (who currently lives in Brussels). (Dec. 01, 98)

CHRIS JORIS MEETS AFRICAN FRIENDS ON CD Percussionist Chris JORIS (who plays various instruments) meets his African friends Babagale Kante MAMADOU (cane flute) and Adama DRAME (perc.) on a new album of world music, titled "Benkadi" (Videocam 981). (Nov. 25, 98)

MOTHER : DRE PALLEMAERTS, ERWIN VANN, OTTI VAN DER WERF GO DRUM 'N' BASS MOTHER is the name of a new band that associates drummer Dré PALLEMAERTS, saxophonist Erwin VANN and bassist Otti VAN DER WERF, in a drum'n' bass direction that uses improvisations upon rhythmic computer sequences. (Nov. 25, 98)

MÄÄK'S SPIRIT : NEW BAND, NEW CD, NEW LABEL MAAK's SPIRIT is the first album released by a new Belgian jazz label, J.A.M. records. Produced by Bertrand FLAMANG, the owner of jazz cafe "Den Turk" in Ghent where the live recordings were made, the CD introduces a new pianoless quartet featuring Jeroen VAN HERZEELE (tenor sax), Laurent BLONDIAU (trumpet), Salvatore LA ROCCA (double bass) and Hans VAN OOSTERHOUT (drums). (Nov. 24, 98)

PHILIPPE AERTS : CD WITH TOSHIKO AKYOSHI/LEW TABACKIN BIG BAND Bassist Philippe AERTS, now a New York resident, appears on a recent CD "Monopoly Games", released in Japan by the Toshiko AKYOSHI/Lew TABACKIN Big Band. Planned for early '99 is a trio recording with Toshiko AKYOSHI (the Japanese pianist/composer, with whom he just toured Japan) and drummer Eddie MARSHALL. (Nov. 24, 98)

KRIS DEFOORT : A COMMISSION FOR TRM IN 2001 Pianist/composer Kris DEFOORT has received from the TRM opera (Brussels Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie) a commission to write for 2001 an opera based upon the book "The woman who walked into doors" by Roddy DOYLE. The project will feature his DREAMTIME band and 30 classical players. (Nov. 22, 98)

JAZZ PHOTOS EXHIBITIONS Michel PONCIN presents his jazz photos until January 2 '99 at the Fnac Forum in Liège. Jacques JORIS presents his jazz photos at Café Den Turk in Ghent (Botermarkt 3, 9000 - GENT 09/233 01 97, fax: 09/232 04 38) until January '99. (Nov. 22, 98)

MICHEL MASSOT WITH CLAUDE BARTHELEMY Tuba/trombone player Michel MASSOT will participate in a creation by French guitar player Claude BARTHELEMY during the upcoming "Banlieues Bleues" Festival near Paris (Spring 99). The international line-up will also include Wolfgang PUSCHNIG (sax), Sophia DOMANCICH (p), Gary VALENTE (tg), Mathieu MICHEL (tp) and Hélène LABARRIERE (bass). (Nov. 22, 98)

TRIASSIC JAZZ NEW ALBUM "Triassic Jazz" is the name of the new trio-CD by jazzpianist Dirk SCHREURS, 6-string bassist Roman KOROLIK and drummer Bruno MEEUS. The one-take album was recorded by Pino GUARACCI at Studio Crescendo (Genk) in front of a live audience during a "Motives for Jazz" concert. The record, which at the beginning will be available in limited edition, was produced and released by a small label called Wako Mako Productions. The trio has rearranged traditional jazz themes as an offshoot for creating their own style of funky "high energy" improvisations. (Nov. 21, 98)

PIROTTON/HOUBEN/POUGIN : NEW CD ON IGLOO IGLOO records just released the new CD of the PIROTTON/HOUBEN/POUGIN Trio, titled "We can't stop loving you" (Igloo Igl 140). The group, consisting of Jacques PIROTTON (guitar), Steve HOUBEN (sax/flutes) and Stephan POUGIN (percussion) presents a surprizing collection of revisitations of jazz standards, pop songs, etc... with a fresh approach mixing jazz, pop, rock and world music elements. (Nov. 20, 98)

RENAUD PATIGNY : NEW LIVE CD Boogie and old style jazz pianist Renaud PATIGNY has a new CD out, titled "Live 98" (AUR 3062). Recorded live in Paris, it features besides the pianist, Francis DELA BLANCHERIE (bass), Robert CORDIER or Bob DARTSCH (drums) and guest pianist Marc HEROUET for a couple of tracks. Almost all the tunes are Renaud PATIGNY's compositions, except for a tribute to historical boogie masters Albert JOHNSON and Pete AMMONS. (Nov. 20, 98)

KRIS DEFOORT WRITES AND PLAYS FOR BALLET Pianist/composer Kris DEFOORT wrote the music for "Passages", a ballet by dancer/choreographer Fatou TRAORE. In November, the ballet will be presented - with its music performed live - at the Minarshouwburg in Ghent. The band includes a.o. Pierre BERNARD (fl), Jeroen VAN HERZEELE (sax), Emmanuelle SOMER (oboe), Kris DEFOORT (p), Nicolas THYS (bass) and Dré PALLEMAERTS (drs). A recording should be made of the music written for the occasion. (Nov. 19, 98)

MUSIC INN ON THE WEB MUSIC INN, the well known Brussels record shop, has opened up a web site : click MUSIC INN. (Nov. 12, 98)

ERIC LEGNINI WITH STEFANO DI BATTISTA ON BLUE NOTE CD Blue Note France has released the album "A Prima Vista" (Blue Note 7243497945 2 8) of Italian alto player Stefano DI BATTISTA, with Eric LEGNINI (piano), Flavio BOLTRO (tp), Rosario BONACORSO (b) and Benjamin HENOCQ (drs). (Nov. 11, 98)

PHILIP CATHERINE : NEW CD RECORDED IN NEW YORK Guitarist Philip CATHERINE has a new CD out on the French Dreyfus label. The album is titled "Guitar Groove" (Dreyfus FDM 36599-2) and presents recordings made in New York with Jim BEARD (piano, kb), Alphonso JOHNSON (bass), Rodney HOLMES (drs). (Nov. 11, 98)

Ernst VRANCKX : NEW CD WERF records has released the CD "A Child's Blessing" (WERF 013) of pianist/composer Ernst VRANCKX, with the participation of Kenny WHEELER (tp), Bart DEFOORT (sax), Stefan LIEVESTRO (b), Hans VAN OOSTERHOUT (drs). (Nov. 11, 98)

MARC MATTHYS : NEW CD "SYMPHONIC JAZZ MUSIC" Pianist/composer Marc MATTHYS has recently released an CD of his "Symphonic Jazz Music" in the series "In Flanders' fields", vol. 8. The album consists of live recordings made in the early nineties by VAR (VRT Radio 1) and is now available on the Pheadra label (DDD 92008). Among the jazz musicians to appear on the album are SADI (vibes), Bart DE NOLF (bass) and Tony GYSELINCK (drs). The BRTN Philharmonic orchestra is conducted by Fernand TERBY. Infos : Phone/fax : 32/3/755 40 37. (Nov. 11, 98)

FROM THE GERMAN PRESS GIGI CAMPI REMEMBERS CLARKE-BOLAND FOR GERMAN TV, DEC. 17 Gigi CAMPI'AMARCORD is the title of a tv program that will be presented by German television WDR on December 17, '98. It will be a well documented look back at 12 years of the famous Kenny CLARKE-Francy BOLAND during the sixties. CAMPI was the manager/producer of the band, co-led by Belgian composer/arranger/pianist Francy BOLAND. The show will include several musical excerpts from various tv programs and concerts. MARC GODFROID'S TROMBONE FEATURED WITH THE KÖLN MUSIK BIG BAND Three recent German produced CDs present recent recordings of the Köln Musik Big Band led by Dutch composer/arranger Jerry VAN ROOYEN. Among the band's soloists is Belgian trombone player Marc GODFROID. The tiles of the three CDs are : Köln Musik Big Band in Concert (BPA records 36 453) Köln Musik Big Band 3rd edition (BPA records 38 253) Cologne Concert Big Band Live (Mons records MR 874 811) JEAN-LOUIS RASSINFOSSE & BRUNO CASTELLUCCI/JEAN-LOUIS RASSINFOSSE ON EUROPEAN TOUR WITH KLAUS IGNATZEK QUINTET Bassist Jean-Louis RASSINFOSSE and drummer Bruno CASTELLUCCI are currently on a European tour with the quintet of German pianist Klaus IGNATZEK, with trumpet players Claudio RODITI (Brazil) and Gustavo BERGALLI (Argentina). Concerts are scheduled in Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and Italy. (Nov.3, 98)

JUDY NIEMACK ON TOUR IN GERMANY Vocalist Judy NIEMACK is going on a tour, in Germany, with the Bamberg Symphony Big Band : "Rhapsody, Renaissance & More", a Tribute To George GERSHWIN. For dates & locations, see GIGS PAGE (Oct. 26, 98)

RENAUD PATIGNY : PROMOTIONAL TOUR BOOGIE KING Renaud PATIGNY will give a free concert on Saturday October 24, The performance will start at noon and will last for 2h at Watermael-Boitsfort, Espace Delvaux (3 rue Gratès, near Pl.Keym). Renaud will be on TV, RTBF1, Thursday November 12, 23:15h and on November 13, RTBF2 as of midnight (Oct. 22, 98)

JAPAN TOUR FOR PHILIPPE AERTS Latest report from bassist Philippe AERTS, in New York : "Going to Japan for two weeks on Nov 8th in trio with Toshiko AKIYOSHI and Eddie MARSHALL, we'll record a cd with this trio when back in New York." (Oct. 21st, 98)

JAPAN TOUR FOR TOOTS AND MICHEL HERR Toots THIELEMANS and pianist Michel HERR are touring Japan from October 18 thru November 7 with a US rhythm section : Ray DRUMMOND (bass) and Billy HART (drs). The quartet will a.o. perform in the three Blue Note clubs of Fukuoka, Tokyo and Osaka (in that order). (Oct. 18, 98)

A TRIBUTE TO BELGIAN JAZZ this is a new album, released October '98, featuring two great pianists, Michel HERR & Jack VAN POLL. They are accompanied by Hein VAN DE GEYN (bass), Hans VAN OOSTERHOUT (drums). The album is a compilation of 14 compositions by Belgian jazzmen (Including Michel & Jack). Jack can be heard on the left channel and Michel on the right channel. The album is on the September label. For detailed information, see our CDs corner. (Oct. 17, 98)

NEW LABEL, NEW ALBUM The jazz scene in Ghent is becoming more and more active. Thus, Café Den Turk, under the management of Bertrand FLAMANG, is making good on their promise to create a new label. On October 21st, The 1st album will be released, featuring Määks' Spirit (Jeroen VAN HERZEELE, Laurent BLONDIAU, Sal LA ROCCA, Hans VAN OOSTERHOUT) Hans is currently replaced by Dré PALLEMAERTS. Entry is free. See our WHATSUP page to see the Den Turk dates and FESTIVALS page for a complete program of the October festival in Ghent. (Oct. 12, 98)

TELEVIZED CONCERT, RTBF 2 Philip CATHERINE and his quartet will be featured, Saturday October 10, 20:30h, on TV, RTBF 2. It is their performance at theatre 140 in '97. (Oct. 17, 98)

NEW JAZZ RECORD SHOP IN ANTWERP BLUE NOTE FROM EAR & EYE is the name of the new record shop located in Antwerp, Oude Koornmarkt 55. Phone : 03/226-47-42, fax 03/231-28-80. Open Monday thru Saturday 11:00-18:00, the shop announces the availability of 10.000 jazz albums, including imports from Japan and the US. A computer database is at the disposal of customers, and many more CDs can be obtained via the Internet. There is also a coffee corner with magazines and concert tickets can be purchased. (Oct. 8, 98)

BABY BOOM, IT DOESN'T STOP... Born to bassist Otti VAN DER WERF and Yayé a baby boy, on September 24th, named (temporarily) Witty. (Sept. 30, 98)

20TH JAZZ HOEILAART RESULTS The winners are:
place	ensemble	country
1st prize	Akoustic Jazz Sextet	Poland
second prize	Lutz Häfner Quartet	Germany
third prize	Bertrand Lauer / Oli Bott Band	France
fourth prize	out to Lunch	Denmark
fifth & Ex aequo	Jakob Frandsen Quartet	Germany
	Paul Booth Quartet	England
	Collegium	Poland
	Tom Mahieu / Dominique Vantomme Quartet	Belgium
Best soloist: Marcin Marsecki, Poland
BAP prize: Out to Lunch, Denmark (for performing 'No Sugar Added by Alain Pierre.
There were 63 participants from 17 different countries.
(Sept. 28, 98)

STAGE D'IMPROVISATION, at the TRAVERS Emmanuelle SOMER will be conducting a workshop, at the Travers, on November 1st, 2 & 3 from 14h to 17h. The stage will cover all styles, all instruments. Min. requirement, supérieur A or equivalent. The lessons will be given in small groups. subjects will cover how to develop a solo how to develop a motive how to construct a climax how to develop on sense of rhythm understanding and using polyrhttms how to provoke group interaction developing one proper language controlling your improvisation.... For info / inscription call Travers (02)218 40 86 or E. Somer (02)687 83 41 Emailemmanuellesomer@hotmail.com Participation fee 2.800 F. to be paid to account 553-0841200-43 (E.Somer) (Sept. 24, 98)

GUY CABAY RE-RECORDS HIS FIRST ALBUM Vibraphonist, singer/composer Guy CABAY is currently recording again the material that was used on his first album. The arrangements, revised by Pirly ZURSTRASSEN, feature a.o. Fabrice ALLEMAN (saxes), Bart DENOLF (bass), etc... (Sept. 23, 98)

MICHEL HERR RELEASES HIS NEW ALBUM At long last... after nearly a decade without an album as a leader, pianist, composer and arranger Michel HERR is releasing these days his new CD "NOTES OF LIFE", recorded with his Michel HERR European Quintet. With the pianist are Bert JORIS (trumpet), Wolfgang ENGSTFELD (tenor sax), Riccardo DEL FRA (double bass) and Dré PALLEMAERTS (drums). . Much awaited, in particular after the quintet performance at the Liège festival, Michel is back in force, proving once again his outstanding musicianship (incidently hailed at the Liège festival by Toots). "Notes of Life" is a piece composed by Michel after the death of saxophonist Jacques PELZER as tribute and gave the album its title. The album was produced by Igloo and presents 8 pieces written by the pianist. (Sept. 18, 98)

MARITO CORREA BACK TO BELGIUM Guitarist/singer/songwriter Marito CORREA has just arrived in Belgium where he intends to stay for a while, after spending a few months in Brazil, his home country. (Sept. 17, 98)

NEW JAZZ CLUB, "KAAIMAN", IN ANTWERP This news item is an introduction to Kaaiman, a live-club in Antwerp. The founders are proud to announce the fact that they'll be organizing jazzconcerts on a weekly basis. On Tuesday, 2 bands which play at Kaaiman every 2 weeks. 'Daniel ROMEO's Band' with Kurt VAN HERCK (sax), Bert GIELEN (org.), Michel SEBA (perc.), Yves BAIBAY (drs), Daniel ROMEO & Martijn VAN AGT (gt), and a new project of jazz & drum'n'bass with Dré PALLEMAERTS (drs), Erwin VANN (sax) & Otti VAN DER WERF (bass). The goal of these concerts on a weekly basis is to give the audience the opportunity to witness the evolution of those two bands. On Sundays it's time for 'Sunday Jazz @ Kaaiman'. An effort was done to make a selection out of the best musicians in Belgium, combined with a number of foreign bands. At Kaaiman, it's very important to show the audience the constant evolution of jazz music, but some space has been left for classical jazz, too. adress: KAAIMAN, Wapenstraat 10, 2000 Antwerpen Tel/fax: 03 213 33 02------E-mail: kaamaninfo@yahoo.com For detailed program see our WHATSUP page (Sept. 10, 98)

IVAN PADUART : NEW CD "BELGIAN SUITES" Pianist-composer Ivan PADUART has a new album out, "Belgian Suites" (A Records AL 73122), presenting his compositions with Bob MALACH (U.S.A., tenor sax), Hein VAN DE GEYN (bass) and Hans VAN OOSTERHOUT (drs). (Sept. 8, 98)

ERWIN VANN'S NEW PROJECT Saxophonist-composer and band leader Erwin VANN is setting up a new project, colead, with drummer Dré PALLEMAERTS & bassist Otti VAN DER WERF. Starting september 29th they will perform, 4 times a month, at the "Kaaiman" (Antwerp). Erwin is currently looking for a group name. (Sept. 7, 98)

LIANE FOLLY, MICHEL FUGAIN HIRE BELGIAN JAZZMEN French pop singers Liane FOLLY has called upon the services of pianist Eric LEGNINI and bassist Daniel ROMEO for her recordings and concerts, while Michel FUGAIN hired drummer Frédéric JACQUEMIN. Other Belgian musicians currently active on the Paris scene are a.o. keyboard player Xavier TRIBOLET and drummers Mimi VERDERAME and André CHARLIER. (Sept. 7, 98)

NATHALIE LORIERS PREPARES NEW CD Pianist Nathalie LORIERS has been in the recording studio with bassist Sal LA ROCCA and drummer Hans VAN OOSTERHOUT. (Sept. 7, 98)

SAINT-JAZZ-TEN-NOODE : A FESTIVAL AND ALSO A COLLECTORS MARKET On September 19 (14:00), the SAINT-JAZZ-TEN-NOODE Festival (see program in our FESTIVALS page) will also include a jazz collectors market where records, instruments, sheet music, music posters, music books will be sold and bought. Location : Brussels, place Saint Josse. (Sept. 1, 98)

ERWIN VANN'S RECORDING OF "WORLDS" COMPLETED Saxophonist/composer Erwin VANN has completed the recording and the mixing of his WORLDS project, featuring Kenny WHEELER, Dré PALLEMAERTS (drs), Lindsey HORNER (bass), Pete McCANN (gt), ADAME and Chris JORIS, voices and a string quartet. A last recording session added the participation of Norma WINSTONE, David LINX (vocals), Michel HERR (keyboards) etc... (Sept. 1, 98)

BO VAN DER WERF QUARTET IN PORTUGAL Baritone saxophonist Bo VAN DER WERF will appear in Lisbon, Portugal, between Sept. 4 and 9, with his quartet, featuring Kris DEFOORT (piano), Otti VAN DER WERF (electric bass) and Stéphane GALLAND, drums. More details on our GIGS page. (Sept. 1, 98)

FABRICE ALLEMAN/PAOLO LOVERI, MICHEL BISCEGLIA TRIO ON TV On September 5, RTBF TV "La Deux" will broadcast two live concerts featuring Belgian musicians : 20:35 : Fabrice ALLEMAN/Paolo LOVERI duo 21:15 : Michel BISCEGLIA Trio. (August 31, 98)

NEW JAZZ RADIO SHOW ON RTBF Philippe BARON and RTBF Radio "La Première" will have a new jazz program on weekdays, starting on August 31, around 23:10. It will actually be a re-broadcast of the "Jazz sur Musique 3" of 18:15. (August 30, 98)

COLORCITY WINS EBEN-EMAEL CONTEST '98 On August 29, young group COLORCITY has won the 1st Prize at the Eben-Emael festival '98. They will thus appear at the forthcoming edition of the Liège Festival in April '99. (August 30, 98)

IGLOO RECORDS ANNOUNCES UPCOMING RELEASES Belgian record label IGLOO is preparing the release, due next fall, of several new albums : Michel HERR : "Notes of Life", a recording of his European Quintet, with Michel HERR (piano, compositions), Bert JORIS (tp), Wolfgang ENGSTFELD (tenor sax), Riccardo DEL FRA (bass) and Dré PALLEMAERTS. 8 new compositions of the pianist. PIROTTON/HOUBEN/POUGIN : Jacques PIROTTON (gt), Steve HOUBEN (sax, fl) / Stephan POUGIN (perc.) Jan DE HAAS and his JDH Band René THOMAS : An album with previously unreleased recordings of the late guitar giant. A compilation with excerpts of recent releases. For a complete catalogue of currently available albums, see the IGLOO page. (August 20, 98)

PHILIPPE AERTS TOURED WITH HELEN MERRILL Bassist Philippe AERTS, who currently lives in New York, did several concerts in Europe with U.S. singer Helen MERRILL. (August 08, 98)

JAZZ CONCERT AND CD FOR A GOOD CAUSE A CD is currently being prepared with especially recorded material, to be sold during the "Nuit du Jazz" on September 18, 1998 (20:30), when a benefit concert for the non-profit organization "Et Si Vous Preniez un Enfant en Vacances" will take place at the Albert Hall, 649-651, Chée. de Wavre, 1040. Among the participating musicians : Ivan PADUART, Gino LATTUCA, Phil ABRAHAM, Bob DARTSCH, René DESMAELE, Marc HEROUET, Paul DUBOIS, Jean FANIS, Vincent MARDENS, Vivi MARDENS, Bruno CASTELLUCCI, Stéphane GALLAND, Richard ROUSSELET, Bo and Otti VA DER WERF, Mimi VERDERAME, Jean-Louis RASSINFOSSE, etc.... The CD will apparently feature some of these musicians. Infos : 32 (0)2 538 5135 or 537 90 55. (August 08, 98)

THE SLUIJS FAMILY IN QUARTET VERSION Born, on August 04, baby girl, name Zinaïda, to Ben SLUIJS and his wife Brigitte, sister to Naomi. We extend our congratulations. '98 is turning to be a baby boom year, among jazz musicians. There's still time left, guys, for some more... (August 07, 98)

NEW BANDS Some new bands are being formed for the forthcoming concert season. Here are a few examples : ECAROH, a new band created by trumpet player Richard ROUSSELET to celebrate Horace SILVER's 70th birthday with a special project centered on the pianist's music, with Fabrice ALLEMAN (sax), Ron VAN ROSSUM (p), Jean-Louis RASSINFOSSE (bass) and Bruno CASTELLUCCI (drs). THE "A" TRAIN SEXTET, a tribute to Duke ELLINGTON, with Duke's specialist Jean WARLAND (bass, arrangements), Richard ROUSSELET (tp), Jean-Pol DANHIER (tb), Michel HERR (p) and Frédéric JACQUEMIN (drs). They will make a TV recording for the German television WDR in Cologne's Subway, on February 9, '99. The band is available from Februaruy '98. Jean WARLAND also prepares another Ellington project, that will appear at the forthcoming "Jazz à Liège" Festival in April '99, with ROUSSELET, HERR, WARLAND and JACQUEMIN joined by a German sax section. Stay tuned for more details. STREAMS : a new band formed by saxophonist Bart DEFOORT and pianist Diederik WISSELS, Nicolas THYS (bass) and Teun VERBRUGGEN, drs/perc. THE YOUNG LIONS AND OLD TIGERS BIG BAND : a big band founded by saxophonist (and accordeonist) Ronny VERBIST and Freddy DELAGAYE, with a.o. a number of ex-members of the BRT JazzOrkest. SUMARI JAZZ PROJECT : A blend of Jazz and Flamenco, with Stefan BRACAVAL (flutes), Michel BISCEGLIA (kb), José Toral RORIGUEZ (gt/perc.) and Serge DACOSSE (b). PARFUM LATIN : a Brazilian/fusion band around pianist Anne WOLF, with Charles LOOS (p, kb), Jan DE HAAS (drs), Henri GREINDL (bass) and Pierre BERNARD (flutes). etc... (see our BANDS AND LEADERS page for a wide inventory of the currently available bands...) (July 28, 98)

MARITO CORREA BACK IN BELGIUM IN SEPTEMBER Brazilian songwriter MARITO CORREA, frequently associated with some Belgian jazz musicians (Steve HOUBEN, Michel HERR, Gino LATTUCA, Bruno CASTELLUCCI, Bart DE NOLF, Sal LA ROCCA, etc) announces that he will be back to Belgium in September. He will a.o. appear with Gino LATTUCCA and surprise guests at the Ciney St Roch Jazz Night on September 19, '98. (July 28, 98)

TRAVERS 20th anniversary celebrations LE TRAVERS jazz club is celebrating, this summer '98, it's 20th year of existance. Located rue traversière, 11, in Brussels (near the Botanique), Le Travers is one of the most dynamic jazz clubs on the Belgian scene. On August 09, as of 19h, a mega jam with the musicians who, during the past 2 decades performed there, will take place. Everybody is invited for a cocktail and music on that day. Furthermore, the St. Jazz Ten Noode festival, September 19, will be dedicated to the Travers anniversary. Travers web site : http://www.cyclone.be/travers/ Email:travers@cyclone.be tel.:218 40 86 / fax 223 10 21 (July 25, 98)

JACQUES STOTZEM, ALAIN EVERTS : ACOUSTIC GUITAR MUSIC BOOKS Guitar fanatics and musicians will be interested to know that the German record label ACOUSTIC RECORDS, that released CDs of two Belgian acoustic guitar players, Alain EVERTS (in his original jazz/Brazilian/classical/flamenco combination) and Jacques STOTZEM (in his ragtime/blues style), also offers books of transcriptions from their albums. Avalaible, with the same title as the original CDs, are : Alain EVERTS "Terra Nova" (Order nr : AMB 1103) Jacques STOTZEM : "Fingerprint" (Order nr : AMB 1129), "Straight on" (AMB 1030), "Clear Night" (AMB 1013), "Different ways" (AMB 1104) and "Two Bridges" (AMB 1069). Infos : ACOUSTIC MUSIC, Postfach 1945, D-49009 OSNABRÜCK, Germany Phone : 49/541/71 00 20, Fax 49/541/70 86 67, E-mail : acoustic-music@t-online.de, Web site : Acoustic. (July 10, 98)

MICHEL MASSOT ON MICHAEL BAIRD's CD Belgian tuba player Michel MASSOT appears on a recent Dutch CD release, the CD "Remote Patrol" (Sharp Wood SW004) of drummer/percussionist Michael BAIRD. The band is composed of Michael BAIRD (kb, drs, perc.), Vitold RECK (bass), Hans HASEBOS (marimbas), Michael MOORE (bass clar.) and Michel MASSOT on tuba. Infos : Sharp Wood, Zilverstraat 9, NL-3511-VB Utrecht, The Netherlands. (July 4, 98)

"CARTE BLANCHE" TO BELGIAN JAZZMEN ON RTBF RADIO During the summer months, Philippe BARON, who runs a daily jazz program on RTBF "Musique 3" (radio), invites several Belgian jazzmen to present a selection of their favorite recordings. The first featured musicians in these series, starting on July 1st, are Fabrice ALLEMAN, Félix SIMTAINE, Laurent BLONDIAU, Nathalie LORIERS, to be followed by many others. Detailed annoucements of these recent or forthcoming pre-recorded shows are available in the program section of the RTBF web site, jazz page, including, as usual, the references of the records played. (July 4, 98)

AKA MOON ON TOUR Following their "Jeff Buckley on the Moon" project, with guests Marie DAULNE, David LINX (vocals) etc..., the group AKA MOON is currently on tour in Europe, after which they will perform in India, a.o. with Indian musicians. (June 28, 98)

IVAN PADUART IN FINLAND AND IN THE US Pianist/composer Ivan PADUART will play on June 27 at the Kalott Jazz Festival in Finland with Philip CATHERINE (gt), Sal LA ROCCA (bass) and Hans VAN OOSTERHOUT (drs). Afterwards, from June 29 - July 05, he will fly to the US for some appearances in Nebraska (Lincoln, Omaha, Kansas City,...) in trio with a local bassist and drummer. (June 28, 98)

NEW VENUE FOR LISTENING TO JAZZ This year, we have seen some new initiatives to introduce new possibilities for jazz to be available. This is very heartening, seen that some of Brussels long standing establishments vanished and there was some anxiety among the jazz crowd. Well, the Marcus Mingus (Impasse de la Fidelité, 11, near Gd. Place) is very active and seems to do well. The restaurant, Le Fou du Roi, has invited Bart DEFOORT and a pianist of his choice to perform each 1st Friday of the month. The big hotels are having a permanent jazz feature, each Sunday, Roger VANHAVERBEKE & his New Look Trio are performing at the Hilton Brunch (10h - 14h) and the Sheraton, Zaventem, also have a jazz group, different each week for their brunch. And, we should not omit to mention the old good Travers which celebrates, this year, it's 20th anniversary. Now, a new restaurant is joining in the habit. Former Brussels Jazz Club, Daniel VAN NUFFEL is introducing jazz to his restaurant, the CLARINE (chée Romaine 572, Tel. 461 00 21) with A Friday jazz dinner. The 1st concert will be on Friday, September 11, performing Roger VAN HAVERBEKE (bass), Luc VANDEN BOSCH (drums), Dutch pianist Johan CLEMENT and newly joined Phil ABRAHAM (trombone, vocal). Other dates to be published. Bon appetit and happy listening. (June 27, 98)

PIERRE VAIANA ON TOUR WITH AFRICAN PROJECT "RENCONTRES AU SAHEL" Saxophonist Pierre VAIANA, who currently lives in Burkina Faso, announces his forthcoming European tour between January 21 and February 13, '99. The project is titled Rencontres au Sahel and was created in '95 with young and talented African musicians, full of communicative energy. The show illustrates the theme of the meeting and features Pierre VAIANA (soprano sax), Laurent NOAH (keyboards), Alain NYAME (bass), Boris TCHANGO (drs), Michel SEBA and Zoumana DEMBELE (perc.). Any organizer interested in hiring the band can contact Pierre VAIANA via E-Mail at vaiana@hotmail.com. (June 26, 98)

COMING UP - MICHEL HERR NEW ALBUM, AS LEADER At long last, the vacuum is going to be filled. Pianist, composer, bandleader Michel HERR has recorded with his European Quintet. The CD will be released, by IGLOO, end of October. Michel's last album, as leader, dates back to his '89 award-winner "INTUITIONS" (IGLOO IGL 073). Since then, Michel is found, as sideman, on countless albums. Nevertheless, a new album, as leader, was eagerly awaited. End of wait. This is going to be an interesting work. All compositions are by Michel HERR and are tailormade to suit the particularities of each member of the quintet. Michel has a way back relationship with the other musicians, German tenor sax Wolfgang ENGSTFELD, with whom he's playing for more than 2 decades, same goes for Italian bass player Riccardo DEL FRA and there are the two outstanding Belgians, Bert JORIS, trumpet, and drummer Dré PALLEMAERTS. A very promising album of the highest level of musicianship. (June 23, 98)

PHILIP CATHERINE RECEIVES A "DJANGO D'OR '98" AS BEST EUROPEAN MUSICIAN In Paris, at salle Pleyel, on June 18th '98, guitarist Philip CATHERINE received the Django d'Or as best European musician, for his latest album Live (Dreyfus FDM 36587-2), recorded with Bert VAN DEN BRINK (piano, keyboards), Hein VAN DE GEYN (double bass) and Hans VAN OOSTERHOUT (drs). Belgian musicians were well represented during the evening : '98 Belgian Djangos d'Or, saxophonist Fabrizio CASSOL appeared with AKA MOON while percussionist Chris JORIS did a brief solo performance. Singer David LINX and pianist/composer Diederik WISSELS were nominated in the vocal category, but the Django went to Dianne REEVES. Furthermore, drummer André CHARLIER played with several artists, including violinist Didier LOCKWOOD, who was the M.C. of the evening. And Didier LOCKWOOD also invited a very young violin talent from Belgium, Alexandre CAVALIERE (with the group Jazzy Strings), in a pure Django/Grappelli tradition. The newly created TV station "Muzzik" (available via satellite) taped the event and intends to broadcast it in September. (June 19, 98)

AKA MOON IN THE RECORDING STUDIO AGAIN After a very successful concert and a full house at the Brussels opera "La Monnaie", the group AKA MOON has entered the recording studios again with several guests (a.o. pianist Fabian FIORINI) for a concept album that should put in parallel the systems of a famous Chinese book and some structural elements of Indian music. (June 19, 98)

CLARK TERRY IN BELGIUM, WITH ROGER VANHAVERBEKE Duke ELLINGTON's legendary trumpetist Clark TERRY to tour Belgium, July 9 - 12, with Roger VANHAVERBEKE and his New Look Trio. On July 12th appearance at the Brosella festival, Brussels. (June 17, 98)

RENAUD PATIGNY ANNOUNCES HIS NEW ALBUM Boogie Woogie star pianist Renaud PATIGNY has recorded live, at the "temple du jazz" (Caveau de la Huchette), Paris, March this year. The CD "Renaud Patigny Live '98" will be out coming July and distribution will start in September. On this occasion, Renaud will give a promotional concert in Brussels (see gigs page for details about this and other concerts of him). Renaud was also invited to perform at the Int'l Edinburgh festival, Scotland, (over one million visitors expected), August 7th, with drummer Murray SMITH and Ronny RAY bass. (June 17, 98)

LES LUNDIS D'HORTENSE : JAZZ TOURS : SELECTION 98-99 The Jazz Musicians Association of Belgium "Les Lundis d'Hortense" announced the groups selected for the 98-99 jazz tours. No less than 16 bands ! See our page in English | en français. (June 16, 98)

AUG. 10-17, '98 : JAZZ WORKSHOPS DURING THE GAUME JAZZ FESTIVAL During the forthcoming Gaume Jazz Festival, a workshop will take place from Aug. 10 through 16 for amateur musicians. More advanced musicians can attend a master class given by US pianist Kenny WERNER on Aug. 17. Infos : Jeunesses Musicales du Luxembourg : 063/41.22.81. See also our Jazz Education page for details. (June 16, 98)

EMMANUELLE SOMER : FIRST CD Oboist Emmanuelle SOMER has just released her first CD "The Apple Tree" (Lyrae LY 98016-C). Recorded in New York with Pete McCANN (gt), Daniel DUNLAP (el. bass) and Jarrod CAGWIN (drs). (June 16, 98)

FABIEN DEGRYSE : A NEW QUARTET Guitarist Fabien DEGRYSE recently introduced a new quartet, with Olivier COLLETTE (piano, kb), Marc EMMERMANN (bass) and Laurent MERCIER (drs). The group wants to combine in a jazz context elements coming from folk music, ancient music, blues and polytonality. (June 13, 98)

PHIL ABRAHAM ON ONJ CD Trombonist Phil ABRAHAM appears on the recent CD of the French Orchestre National de Jazz, currently led by bassist/composer Didier LEVALLET. The CD, titled "ONJ EXPRESS" (Evidence EVCD 825), features the ONJ, with a.o. Daunik LAZRO, Eric BARRET (saxes), Harry BECKETT, Nicolas FOLMER tp), Serge LAZAREVITCH (gt), Sophia DOMANCICH (p), etc.... (June 11, 98)

JEROEN VAN HERZEELE's CD "GREETINGS FROM MERCURY" Saxophonist Jeroen VAN HERZEELE released a new CD in an acid jazz-rock-rap vein, under the title "Greetings from Mercury" (Carbon 7 C7 029). It features Peter HERTMANS (gt), Otti VAN DER WERF (el. bass), Steven SEGERS (rap) and Stéphane GALLAND (drs). (June 11, 98)

JAZZ PHOTOS EXHIBITION IN WATERLOO In the context of the "Fêtes de la Musique", the Commune of Waterloo presents an exhibition of photos by Christian VERLENT, under the title "Belgian jazzmen". His portraits of well known jazzmen can be seen at the "Maison Communale" of Waterloo, rue François Libert 28, between June 11 and 27, '98. Monday-Friday : 8:30-16:30, Saturday : 10:00-12:00. Infos : 02/352-98-82 (June 10, 98)

NICOLAS THYS ON NILS WOGRAM'S CD Bassist Nicolas THYS appears on "Speed Life" (Enja ENJ-9346 2), the latest CD of trombone player Nils WOGRAM, recorded in Germany with Simon NABATOV (p) and Jochen RUCKERT (drs). (June 04, 98)

IVAN PADUART & ROBERT JEANNE IN SENEGAL Pianist Ivan PADUART and saxophonist Robert JEANNE are currently on tour in Senegal, where they will perform a.o. at the Saint-Louis Festival. (June 04, 98)

JUNE 6, '98 : SADI QUARTET ON RTBF TV "LA DEUX" On June 6, '98 (20:03), RTBF television "La Deux" will broadcast a concert of the SADI QUARTET, with Tony BAUWENS (p), Bart DE NOLF and Tony GYSELINK (drs). (June 03, 98)

CHRIS JORIS "EXPERIENCE" READY FOR RELEASE On June 15, Chris JORIS' (Django d'Or '98) latest album the CHRIS JORIS EXPERIENCE "LIVE" will be released by W.E.R.F.. The CD is live recordings during Chris outstanding performances (standing ovations) during last summer Middelheim festival and recently his appearance in Stockholm. Chris is accompanied by Ernst VRANCKX (P), Jeroen VAN HERZEELE (ts), Chris MENTENS (b), Sam VERSWEYVELD (t) and guests N'Fallu KOYATE (kora), Ben NGABO (vocals & ngome's). Chris JORIS will also present his "ETHNIC PROJECT" on June 05, 17h, during the Festival Van Vlaanderen, Mechelen Jazzdag with Bas COOYMANS (b), Ben 'NGABO (vocals & ngome's), N'Fallu KOUYATE (kora), Bart DEFOORT. (June 02, 98)

PHILIP CATHERINE RECORDS IN NEW YORK Guitarist Philip CATHERINE has just completed in New York the recording, with American musicians, of a forthcoming CD, to be released by the French label Dreyfus. (May 31, 98)

DAVID LINX / DIEDERIK WISSELS : "CHOC" ALBUM IN JAZZMAN. Singer/composer David LINX and pianist/composer Diederik WISSELS have received a "Choc" (outstanding album) in the French magazine "Jazzman" for their new album " Bandarkâh" (Label Bleu LBLC 6006). (May 31, 98)

BAL MASQUE : BERT JORIS FILM SOUNDTRACK ON CD Bal Masqué, the new movie of Belgian director Julien VREEBOS, opens in the movie theaters these days. Trumpet player/composer Bert JORIS wrote the original soundtrack, wich just came out on CD : "Bal Masqué" (Polygram 558557 2). The music features Bert himself (tp), Philippe AERTS and Frans VAN DER HOEVEN (bass), Rony VERBIEST (accordeon), Dré PALLEMAERTS (drums), as well as a string quartet and a singer. (May 28, 98)

MARRIAGE ANNOUNCED Singer Barbara WIERNICK is getting married on July 4th. This happy happening follows coming wedding, May 30, of drummer Félix SIMTAINE, and the wedding, April 4th, of singer Judy NIEMACK & guitarist Jeanfrançois PRINS. Happy time. (May 28, 98)

MAY 26, 1998 : 10.000 VISITORS ON THIS SITE ! THANKS ! Today saw the 10.000th visitor of our Jazz in Belgium web site ! The figure is actually higher since the visitors counter was implemented 2 months after the site was created in October '96. The jazz musicians association "les Lundis d'Hortense" would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who came from all over the world to check the site, especially those who visit us on a regular basis. Please inform your friends about Jazz in Belgium and keep coming as often as possible to read the news about the Belgian jazzmen and the Belgian jazz scene. (May 27, 98)

NICOLAS THYS ON TOUR WITH "NICE GUYS" Bassist Nicolas THYS is currently on tour with the band "NICE GUYS", with Bill McHENRY (sax), Tak NAKAMURA (keys, sampler, trumpet) and Falk WILLIS (drums). (May 25, 98)

BRUNO CASTELLUCCI : TOUR AND CD WITH HEINZ VON HERMANN Drummer Bruno CASTELLUCCI did a tour in Germany, Austria and Belgium with the Heinz VON HERMANN Quintet, composed of Heinz VON HERMANN (sax), Andy HADERER (tp), Erwin SCHMIDT (p), Uli LANGTHALER (b) and himself. A CD is available on the German "Mons" label under the tile "Jazz ahead" (MR-874-810). For infos on this CD, fax : 49/6306/993223. (May 23, 98)

RTBF MUSIQUE 3 : JAZZ A LIEGE CONCERTS JAZZ SUR MUSIQUE TROIS, Philippe BARON's radio program on RTBF radio 3 (18:15-19:00), will start on Monday 25 to broadcast some of the recordings RTBF made during the latest edition of the Jazz à Liège Festival, a.o. concerts of ACT BIG BAND, Michel HERR European Quintet, etc... (May 23, 98)

NEW RELEASES ON LYRAE RECORDS : FRANCOIS DESCAMPS & IMPRESSION Lyrae Records announces presentations of two new releases. They will take place at the Marcus Mingus (Brussels). Reservations : 02/502-02-97 or Lyrae 02/264-88-88. June 8, '98 : François DESCAMPS Octet : "Hamp digs Ham" : François DESCAMPS (guitar, compositions, arrangements), Michel PARE (tp), Lode MERTENS (tb), Jeroen VAN HERZEELE (sax), Ben SLUIJS (sax), Daniel STOKART (sax), Piet VERBIST (bass) and Koen LIECKENS (drs) June 15, '98 : IMPRESSION : 1st Prize of the J@zz@round Contest. (May 23, 98)

PHILIPPE AERTS ON EUROPEAN TOUR WITH LEW TABACKIN Bassist Philippe AERTS, who now has his base in New York, will do a European tour (Belgium, Spain, etc) with US saxophonist Lew TABACKIN at the end of May '98. More details about their dates in the GIGS page, where you can find concert announcements as communicated by the musicians themselves. (May 17, 98)

JAZZTRONAUT AGENCY HAS A WEB SITE The JAZZTRONAUT concert agency now has a web site, that is located at the URL : http://www.jazztronaut.be You 'll find there some offers for international groups on tour (rock, world music, jazz etc...). Soon also probably a detailed program of the Brussels Jazz Marathon, that takes place on May 29, 30, 31 '98. Infos on the Brussels Jazz Marathon are also available at : 0900/00755 (May 17, 98)

DAVID LINX / DIEDERIK WISSELS NOMINATED FOR DJANGOS D'OR '98 IN PARIS We just got word that singer/composer David LINX and pianist/composer Diederik WISSELS were nominated for the '98 Djangos d'Or in France. The winners will be announced on June 18 '98, during the Djangos d'or Night that will take place at Paris Salle Pleyel and probably be broadcasted by French TV. Also present, but on stage, will be Belgian Djangos d'Or winners '98 Chris JORIS (perc.) and Fabrizio CASSOL (sax). (May 15, 98)

A PHILIP CATHERINE INTERVIEW ON RTBF RADIO, MAY 25 On May 25 '98, between 15:00 and 16:00, RTBF Radio 1 will broadcast an exclusive interview of guitarist Philip CATHERINE made by Didier MELON. (May 14, 98)

DAVID LINX / DIEDERIK WISSELS : NEW CD "BANDARKAH" Singer/composer David LINX and pianist/composer Diederik WISSELS have released their new album for the French Label Bleu. Titled "Bandarkâh" (LBLC 6006), it features saxophonist Fabrizio CASSOL and French musicians such as bassist Marc BERTAUX, percussionist Mino CINELU and drummer Tony RABESON. A CD single is also available under the title "Think about a way to stay/I Recall" (Label Bleu LBLC6606BIS). (May 13, 98)

JACK VAN POLL/MICHEL HERR RECORD 14 BELGIAN JAZZ THEMES Dutch pianist Jack VAN POLL and Belgian pianist Michel HERR have been associated by producer Hans KUSTERS for a recording of 14 Belgian jazz themes, past and present. The ryhthm section is composed of well known Dutch musicians, bassist Hein VAN DE GEYN and drummer Hans VAN OOSTERHOUT. The CD, to be released in the fall on September Records under the title "A Tribute to Belgian jazz" (5120) will present compositions by René THOMAS, Bobby JASPAR, Jack SELS, Philip CATHERINE, SADI, Ivan PADUART, Nathalie LORIERS, Jeanfrançois PRINS, Peter PACKAY, Toots THIELEMANS, Francy BOLAND, Bert JORIS, as well as by Michel HERR and Jack VAN POLL themselves. (May 13, 98)

Jam & Barbecue at JAZZ8, Spy JAZZ8, rue haute 8, 5190 Spy (071-78 42 71) announces : May 20 (Ascension) all day long barbecue, Crêpes, oldies (78 tours) and other good music Saturday, May 23, at 20h a jam with PARANA Quartet (Vincent ROMAIN (g), Nicolas KUMMERT (s), Vincent NOIRET (b), Lionel BEUVENS (drs). Admittance at 50 Frs. (May 8, 98)

TOOTS : NEW CD "CHEZ TOOTS" Harmonica and guitar player Toots THIELEMANS has just released "Chez Toots", a new album of French popular songs and themes (Piaf, Brel, Legrand, Satie,...) accompanied by a rhythm section that includes pianist Bert VAN DEN BRINK (NL), bassist Hein VAN DE GEYN (NL) and drummer André CECCARELLI (F). He also has a few guests, a.o. Shirley HORN, Diana KRALL, Dianne REEVES, and guitarist Philip CATHERINE. (BMG 01005 82160 2). (May 6, 98)

SUMMER JAZZ FESTIVALS : FIRST INFOS We have collected infos about several summer festivals : the established ones like Gaume Jazz, Gouvy, Europ' Jazz Contest Hoeilaart, etc..., but also new ones like Eben-Emael, Bilzen, Ciney. See our Festivals Page for the latest program updates. (May 1, 98)

JAZZ CLINIC "JAZZ AU VERT" : JULY 23 - 29 Organized by the Belgian Jazz Musicians Association Les Lundis d'Hortense, the annual jazz clinic "Jazz au Vert" will take place between July 23 and 29 at "La Marlagne" in Wépion, near Namur. All details are available in our Jazz Education Page (in French). Infos : (32-2) 219 58 51, fax : (32-2) 219 14 36. (April 30, 98)

LES LUNDIS D'HORTENSE's CONCERT DURING BRUSSELS JAZZ MARATHON '98 The Belgian Jazz Musicians Association Les Lundis d'Hortense will once again organize a concert with Belgian bands on Sunday the 31st of May on the Brussels "Grand Place". 18:30 : SOMER / MANGEN Quartet Emmanuelle SOMER (oboe), Marc MANGEN (piano), Jarrod CAGWIN (drs), Roman KOROLIK (bass) 20:00 : Anca PARGHEL Quintet The Romanian singer with Paolo RADONI (gt), Gino LATTUCA (tp), Jean-Louis RASSINFOSSE and Bruno CASTELLUCCI (drs) 21:00 : Eric LEGNINI Quartet Eric LEGNINI (piano), Emmanuele CISI, Rosario BONACCORSO (bass) and Dré PALLEMAERTS (drs) (April 30, 98)

STEVE HOUBEN/JACQUES PIROTTON/STEPHAN POUGIN IN THE STUDIO Saxophonist Steve HOUBEN, guitarist Jacques PIROTTON and percussionist Stephan POUGIN are currently working on the recording of their first "bassless" trio CD, to be released by Igloo Records. (April 30, 98)

LIVE RECORDING AT THE CAFÉ DEN TURK, GHENT Laurent Blondiau (tr.) , Jeroen Van Heerzeele (ts.), Salvatore La Rocca (cb.), Hans Van Oosterhout (dr.) will be recording, live, for a new CD at the Café Den Turk. The sessions will take place on April 26 / 27 /28, on the 28th, VRT Radio 3 will record also. The sessions will start at 21h to 22h and from 22:30h to 23:30h. !! be on time, the concerts will be played behind closed doors. Late comers won't be alowed in during the gig. !! Entry is free but reservations are necessary! Call 09- 233 01 97 or fax 09-232 04 38 Café Den Turk Botermarkt 3, 9000 Gent. This initiative is for the launching of a new label named JAN. The CD will be relaeased coming October, 21st, under the title LIVE IN CAFÉ DEN TURK for the Jazzkroegentochtfestival. JAN intends to orient its activities toward jazzy music which is composed and played with love. Good luck and welcome. (April 24, 98)

A SPECIAL COMPOSITION, BY MICHEL HERR, TO BE PRESENTED AT THE LIEGE FESTIVAL Pianist/composer Michel HERR has composed a new piece for ACT BIG BAND, that will be played during the Jazz à Liège Festival on April 25th. The composition is a tribute to French author Marcel PROUST, in the context of the current "Marcel PROUST Season". The piece will feature the pianist himself and US saxophonist John RUOCCO, who will rejoin Félix SIMTAINE's big band for this concert. On this occasion, jazz fans will celebrate at the same time Félix's 60th birthday and the 20th anniversary of the band. (April 21, 98)

A UNIQUE TOOTS GUITAR CONCERT Toots THIELEMANS will give a special "guitar only" concert at the Archiduc in Brussels on Sunday April 26. A rare opportunity to listen at length to his guitar talents (Toots used to play the guitar long before his fame as harmonica player), supported by US pianist Kenny WERNER, Belgian bassist Nicolas THYS and Finnish drummer Jukkis UOTILA. The quartet or the duo TOOTS/Kenny WERNER will be around for a few more concerts. Infos : L'Archiduc : rue Antoine Dansaert 6, 1000 Brussels. Phone : 02/512.06.52. (April 21, 98)

RCL Jazz HASSELT Jazz lovers, in and around Hasselt, can tune in to radio RCL for a weekly jazz pgm. (April 19, 98)

FROM 'T UILEKOT TO OPATUUR : 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF A GHENT JAZZ CLUB ! On April 11, Tuur STURM CLERY celebrated at the same time his 50th birthday and 20 years in the business as a jazz club owner ! After the small 't Uilekot, Tuur moved to a larger place, that he called Opatuur, a jazz pub where he occasionally organizes jazz concerts on Sunday evenings, mostly duos and trios. A bunch of friends and musicians took him by surprize when they came to the club to celebrate the event on April 11 and jammed until late in the night : Philip CATHERINE (gt), Michel HERR (p), Ben SLUIJS (alsto sax), Peter HERTMANS (gt), Danièle COPUS (vocals), Marco VERPLANKEN (bass) etc... Tuur has for a long time gained sympathy from the musicians, whom he always treated right, a.o. with a ritual "spaghetti bolognese", offered before the gig. Congratulations and many more years in this jazz business ! If you happen to be in Ghent, check Opatuur, Citadellaan 17, 9000 Ghent. There always are good records to listen to, occasional live music on Sundays) and the boss, who also takes care of the bar, is a real jazz freak. Phone : 09/221-11-36. (April 12, 98)

RONY VERBIEST : JAZZ ACCORDEON CD Accordeon player (and saxophone player) Rony VERBIEST released a CD as a leader. A mixture of jazz, tango, etc, this "new musette" album also features Hendrik BRAECKMAN (gt) and Marco VERPLANKEN (bass). Flemish pop singer Johan VERMINNEN even joins them on "Les feuilles mortes" (Autumn leaves), which he sings in French. (April 12, 98)

PHOTO EXHIBITION "JAZZ A LIEGE FESTIVAL '97" From April 29 until June 6, photographer Jacques JORIS will present his photos covering the '97 edition of the Liège Jazz Festival. The exhibition will take place at the Maison du Jazz in Liège, rue sur les Foulons 11, B-4000 Liège. Infos : 04/221-10-11. (April 11, 98)

BELGIAN JAZZMEN ON THE PARIS CLUB SCENE Recently performed at the "Duc des Lombards" (Paris), with Paco SERI (drs), Flavio BOLTRO (tp), Stefano DI BATTISTA (sax), saxophonist Kurt VAN HERCK, pianist Eric LEGNINI, bassist Daniel ROMEO. Announced at the "Sunset" : April 27 & 28 : AKA MOON. David LINX (vocals) should participate with pianist Diederik WISSELS in a "Vocal Jazz Festival" that will take place between May 29 and June 11, '98. (April 11, 98)

NEW BIG BAND PROJECT Under the initiative of saxophonist Rony VERBIEST, a new big band may be created by a nice bunch of professional musicians, some of which were members of the now defunct BRTN radio Big Band (BRT Jazzorkest) led by the late Etienne VERSCHUEREN and Freddy SUNDER. Among them : Eric VERHAEGHE, Nick FISSETTE (tp), Marc GODFROID, Jan DE BAKKER (tb), Eddie DEVOS, Rony VERBIEST (sax), Bart DE NOLF (bass), Tony BAUWENS (piano), Tony GYSELINCK (drs), etc... We'll keep you posted. (April 11, 98)

MARRIAGES IN THE AIR Got married, on April 4th, in New York, Jeanfrançois PRINS and Judy NIEMACK. Announced coming wedding of Félix SIMTAINE and Viviane CRETEUR. (April 09, 98)

US BASSIST LINDSEY HORNER NOW LIVES IN BELGIUM American double bass player Lindsey HORNER, who has frequently been associated with Belgian saxophonist/composer Erwin VANN, has moved to Antwerp, from where he intends to expand his activities into the European scene. Lindsey had Erwin playing sax in his own quartet, that appeared as well in Europe as in the US, and Erwin had Lindsey playing bass in his own "Worlds" project. (April 07, 98)

LA MEDIATHEQUE : COMPLETE CATALOGUE NOW ON LINE http://www.lamediatheque.be/ is the URL of the "MEDIATHEQUE DE LA COMMUNAUTE FRANCAISE DE BELGIQUE", that rents records, CDs, cassettes, videos, CDRoms, etc... Good news for music lovers and collectors : the Médiathèque has now made its huge catalogue available on line. Their collections include hundreds of thousands of references, and their web site offers a search tool that will be a very precious help for anyone looking for information about artists and their productions. For example, if you are looking for jazz productions, go directly to the URL http://www.lamediatheque.be/Mediaquest/Mediaquest.htm#NonClassique. The search results will show the items found (albums, videos, etc...) with mention of the label, list of songs and participating artists. Another brilliant achievement from a unique cultural tool in Belgium. Don't miss it ! (April 06, 98)

WALLONIE-BRUXELLES MUSIQUES : NEW WEB SITE WALLONIE-BRUXELLES MUSIQUES (WBM), the organization that was created by the Ministry of Culture of the French part of Belgium to promote its musicians of all styles, announces the transfer of their web site to the new URL http://www.wbm.be The site offers professional infos on Belgian artists, producers, new CDs, news etc.. as well as international infos that may be of interest for Belgian musicians. E-mail : wbm@arcadis.be (April 06, 98)

STEVE HOUBEN/EMIL VIKLICKY'S CD NOMINATED AMONG 3 BEST JAZZ ALBUMS IN CZECH REPUBLIC. The CD Bohemia after Dark (PJ Records) that Steve HOUBEN (saxes, flutes, vocals) recorded with Czech pianist Emil VIKLICKY has been nominated to be included in the 3 best jazz albums of the year '97 in the Czech Republic. The winner is to be announced on April 14, '98. Infos : P&J MUSIC, PO Box 94, 12021 Praha 2 Phone : 420-2-6910581, Fax : 420-2-2517623 E-Mail : pjmusic@netforce.cz (April 06, 98)

FRANCOIS DESCAMPS : FIRST CD On April 2nd, guitarist/composer François DESCAMPS, who studied at the Berklee College of Music in the US, presented at the Travers the first CD of his project "Hamp digs ham". Released on the Lyrae label under the title "Moon Palace", it features Michel PARE (tp), Lode MERTENS (tb), Jeroen VAN HERZEELE (sax), Ben SLUIJS (sax), Daniel STOKART, Piet VERBIST (bass) and Koen LIECKENS (drs). (April 06, 98)

BABY BOOM Born to Bart DEFOORT and Françoise, a baby boy named Victor, on March 09 (April 04, 98)

ALLEMAN/LOVERI, IGNATZEK/PARGEL/RASSINFOSSE, EAST/WEST CONNECTION ON RTBF TV The jazz evening on RTBF TV La 2 on April 4 features some Belgian artists : 20:00 : Klaus IGNATZEK Trio : with the German pianist, Romanian singer Anca PARGHEL and Belgian bassist Jean-Louis RASSINFOSSE (recorded live at Liège Festival '93). 20:30 : The Fabrice ALLEMAN/Paolo LOVERI duo, respectively saxophonist and guitarist (recorded live at Théâtre 140 in '97). 21:10 : EAST AND WEST CONNEXION : with Polish musicians Zbigiew NAMISLOWSKY (sax), Jarek SMETANA (gt), Andrzej CUDZICH (bass) and Félix SIMTAINE (drums), recorded in Liège in '93. (April 3, 98)

DAVID LINX / DIEDERIK WISSELS : NEW CD IN APRIL Singer/composer David LINX and pianist/composer Diederik WISSELS have recorded their new album for the French Label Bleu. Titled "Bandarkâh", it will also feature saxophonist Fabrizio CASSOL and French musicians such as bassist Marc BERTAUX, percussionist Mino CINELU and drummer Tony RABESON. In the meantime, a CD single is already available under the title "Think about a way to stay/I Recall" (Label Bleu LBLC6606BIS). (March 28, 98)

DANIEL ROMEO : CD "LIVE AT SOUNDS" Electric bassist Daniel ROMEO released a fusion jazz CD titled "Live at Sounds", a live recording made at the well known Brussels jazz club. The other musicians are Kurt VAN HERCK (sax), Eric LEGNINI (keyboards), Bert GIELEN (organ), Martijn VAN AGT (electric guitar), Jan NIHOUL (vibes) and Patrick DORCEAN (drs). The CD is available from Sounds, rue de la Tulipe 28, B-1050 Brussels. Phone : 02/512.92.50. (March 28, 98)

FABRICE ALLEMAN QUARTET ON THE RTBF TV JOURNAL The Fabrice ALLEMAN Quartet will appear during the news of the RTBF TV Journal on Friday, March 27, at 12:45 and maybe in the evening as well. The band, with Fabrice ALLEMAN (sax), Michel HERR (piano), Jean-Louis RASSINFOSSE (bass) and for this occasion Stéphane GALLAND (drums) played a couple of numbers, and interviews of Fabrice and Jean-Louis were recorded, a.o. in the context of this weekend (March 28-29) "Festival des Lundis d'Hortense", that will take place in Brussels, at Theatre 140. (March 27, 98)

JAZZ GOES TO THE BEAUX-ARTS The Philharmonic Society of Brussels, during it's annual press conference, has presented, today, the program for the season 98/99. In deviation from classical tradition, jazz is included and will feature foreign & Belgian jazz groups. The Belgian part will be represented by AKA MOON and a special project, titled "YOUNG LIONS AND OLD TIGERS OF BELGIAN JAZZ" featuring Paolo RADONI, Félix SIMTAINE, Pirly ZURSTRASSEN, Nicolas THYS, Laurent BLONDIAU, Phil ABRAHAM, Michel SEBA, Erwin VANN, Jean-Pierre CATOUL (March 24, 98)

ANDRE CHARLIER & IN FOLIO : NEW CD The France based group IN FOLIO, composed of Benoît SOURISSE (piano), Eric SEVA (sax), Marc-Michel LE BEVILLON (bass) and Belgian drummer André CHARLIER has released a new CD under the title "Papier Musique" (Siesta STA 980113). (March 22, 98)

FRED WILBAUX NEW QUARTET Pianist and composer Fred WILBAUX is soon presenting a new quartet with manu Hermia, Bart de Nolf, Bilou Donneux). Their 1st concert is scheduled for beginning May. check Fred's schedules. (March 22, 98)

DJANGOS D'OR '98 : FABRIZIO CASSOL & CHRIS JORIS. SPECIAL JURY PRIZE FOR JEAN WARLAND The Belgian Artistic Promotion of SABAM, the Belgian Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers, announces that the two Belgian DJANGO D'OR Prizes '98 go to saxophonist/composer Fabrizio CASSOL (a.o. a key figure of the AKA MOON band) and percussionist/composer Chris JORIS, leader of his own groups. Both musicians are very active on the Belgian and international scene. They will receive their prize on April 2nd (20:00) at the Brussels Salle de la Madeleine and will participate in the official Djangos d'Or ceremony that will take place in Paris (and that might also get broadcasted by French television). It was also decided to offer a special prize for his career achievements to bassist/arranger/composer Jean WARLAND. (March 17, 98)

TOOTS & MICHEL HERR, PHILIP CATHERINE TRIO IN ZAGREB Toots THIELEMANS and pianist Michel HERR just made a very successful appearance during the Zagreb Springtime Jazz Festival (Croatia), with a.o. British drummer Martin DREW, who currently is no less than Oscar PETERSON's drummer. Guitarist Philip CATHERINE is also to appear at the same festival in a week, in trio with the same Martin DREW and Dutch bassist Hein VAN DE GEYN. (March 16, 98)

AKA MOON : CD "LIVE AT VOORUIT" We've added one more AKA MOON CD to the '97 collection. It is called "Live at Vooruit" and has been released by Carbon 7 (C7 028). The trio is joined by drummers from Senegal under the direction of master percussionist Doudou N'DIAYE ROSE (March 17, 98)

TRIBUTE TO FÉLIX SIMTAINE, SPECIAL RADIO PROGRAM On Thursday, March 19, from 22h to midnight (FM90.2, Brussels area) radio Judaïca will present a jazz program devoted to drummer and big band leader Félix SIMTAINE. An exclusive interview and 85 mints. of music featuring Félix and his musical career, since 1954. Next month, Félix will turn 60 and there are some festivities in line, to mark his coming birthday: a special project, in sextet, during the festival of LUNDIS D'HORTENSE, on Saturday, March 28. festival of Liège, 2 appearances (guitar big band & Act Big Band), on April 24 & 25 (March 15, 98)

BOBO STENSON WORKSHOP Pianist Bobo STENSON will give a workshop on Friday the 13th, 98, at the Travers, during the daytime (14:00 ?). Fore more details, call the Travers (02/218.40.86) or try 02/242-16-10. (March 12, 98)

MORE "MIDIS DU JAZZ" The LUNDIS D'HORTENSE, the Belgian jazz musicians assosiation, has more noon concerts coming up at the Musée Charlier (Brussels). Next groups to perform will be : March 24 : Laurent BLONDIAU / Jeroen VAN HERZEELE Quartet April 7 : ALLEMAN/CHARLIER/SOURISSE Trio May 5 : Ivan PADUART Trio June 9 : Peter HERTMANS Trio. All concerts at 12:30. More details in the Lundis d'Hortense page : in English | en français. (March 9, 98)

WORKSHOP : LET'S PLAY TOGETHER An original workshop, run by professional Belgian musicians, will take place during March at the cultural centre of Rossignol, rue Camille Joset, 1, B-6730 Rossignol. It is organized by JEUNESSES MUSICALES and the teachers are: Sylvain VANHOLMEN Fabrice MANCINI Gérard JOUFFROY Barry MC NEESE Thierry GUTMANN Olivier POUMAY Michel BISCEGLIA The workshop is for musicians at all levels, as of 16 years old, and will start on Friday march 20, 19h, to Sunday March 22, 17h. Participation 3.950 Bef. inclusive (board, meals, equipment). Info: Phone : (081)74 63 53 | fax: (081) 74 63 73 | E-mail jmn@arcadis.be (March 7, 98)

GINO LATTUCA BECAME FATHER Born to trumpetist Gino Lattuca and Valerie a baby girl, Laura, on March 3d. (March 6, 98)

PHILIP CATHERINE MEETS FREDERIC DEVREESE Philip CATHERINE did a concert in Ghent with the string orchestra "I FIAMINGHI" playing music written by himself and by Belgian classical composer Frédéric DEVREESE, the man who is also known for his symphonic film scores a.o. for André DELVAUX or Hugo CLAUS. The rhythm section was composed of bassist Hein VAN DE GEYN and drummer Hans VAN OOSTERHOUT. (March 4, 98)

JAZZ HOEILAART 20th ANNIVERSARY Jazz Hoeilaart intrn'l celebrates its 20th anniversary from 21st until 27th September. Besides to the traditional "Europ' Jazz Contest" (26-27 Sept.), the former laureates and soloists will be invited. With the support of the "Rand", an exhibition is being arranged "20 years jazz Hoeilaart Intern'l" and several guest-concerts. (March 3, 98)

QUETZAL NEW RELEASE : BRUNO CASTELLUCCI QUETZAL records announces the release on March 16th of Bruno CASTELLUCCI's fourth album on the label. The Cd "Line-up : John Taylor, piano - Bruno Castellucci, drums - Uli Beckerhoff, trumpet - Dieter Ilg, bass - Stan Sulzmann, sax tenor. "Lost & Found" features the CASTELLUCCI Quintet: John TAYLOR on piano, Stan SULZMANN on tenor sax, Dieter ILG on bass, Uli BECKERHOFF on trumpet, flugelhorn and Bruno on drums. Seven tracks including John TAYLOR's "Ambleside" and compositions by Uli, Stan and Dieter. The album was recorded at the Jet Studio in Brussels on August 18th, 1997. All Quetzal records are now distributed in the Benelux by CODA (011 85 84 80). (March 3, 98)

"THE TOOTS THIELEMANS STORY" : AN EXHIBITION AROUND TOOTS Between March 2nd and June 2nd, 98, an interesting exhibition centered on the personality of Toots THIELEMANS can be visited at the Brussels Zénith (upstairs, Place De Brouckère 33, B-1000 Brussels). It features unique documents (rare photos a.o. with Charlie PARKER, Dizzy GILLESPIE, George SHEARING, Stevie WONDER, Quincy JONES, Lennie TRISTANO etc, as well as posters, record covers, Down Beat Awards and much more) assembled by jazz journalist and collector Marc DANVAL. Besides Marc's collection, the exhibition also includes for the first time some personal archives of Toots himself. A must for the fans of the great harmonica and guitar player, and an opportunity to discover a large, typical Brussels café and game parlour, whose owner, Mr Philippe DEGEIN, is currently starting a live jazz policy on Fridays. Infos : Phone : 02/219.79.52, fax : 02/219.80.24. (March 2, 98)

THE STATUS OF THE MUSICIAN IN THE CENTER OF ATTENTION The status of the musician, and of the artist in general, in the French Community of Belgium, is a very sensitive issue that has been debated for years without reaching a satisfactory outcome. But in the next future, two colloquiums organized by political parties will be devoted to the problem : March 8, 98 (10:00-18:00): ECOLO : "Y a-t-il un statut dans la salle ?" : Théâtre 140, avenue E. Plasky 140, B-1030 Brussels. Infos : 02/218-09-02 March 14 (14:00-18:00) PARTI SOCIALISTE : Centre Culturel Le Botanique, Rue Royale 236, B-1210 Brussels. Infos : 02/548-32-80 (March 2, 98)

CHRIS JORIS : LIVE CD RECORDED AT JAZZ MIDDELHEIM '97 Percussionist Chris JORIS has decided to release on CD (Lyrae records) the recording that the BRTN made of his performance during the last edition of the "Jazz Middelheim" Festival in August '97. He was surrounded by Sam VERSWEYVELD (trumpet), Ernst VRANCKX (piano) and Kris MENTENS (bass). (Feb. 28, 98)

IVAN PADUART : NEXT CD IN THE MAKE Pianist/composer Ivan PADUART recently recorded his forthcoming CD in a Brussels studio, with US saxophonist Bob MALACH, Dutch bassist Hein VAN DE GEYN and drummer Hans VAN OOSTERHOUT. (Feb. 28, 98)

ERWIN VANN JOINS BLINDMAN QUARTET Tenor saxophonist Erwin VANN has been asked to be a member of the BLINDMAN QUARTET, the contemporary saxophone quartet. His engagement will be effective as of coming May. He will record one composition with the quartet for their new CD to be released by BMG Ariola Belgium in April. Thereafter the group which has a very full agenda will perform in theater productions and workshops in Germany, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Singapore, Brazil and probably Japan. (Feb. 26, 98)

BERT JORIS WRITES FILM MUSIC Bert JORIS, the trumpet player and composer, just completed the writing and the recording of the original soundtrack of the Belgian movie "Bal Masqué" (film director : Julien VREEBOS). The film is expected to come out in a few weeks and there is talk of a CD of the music, too. (Feb. 23, 98)

NEW JAZZ PROGRAM ON RADIO JUDAICA After long absence, Radio Judaica (FM 90.2) will resume its weekly jazz program (as of Thursday, February 26th). Every Thursday from 22:00 to midnight a program "JAZZ IN BELGIUM" will be presented by your web master (Ilan Oz), entirely dedicated to Belgian jazz (interviews, new releases, exclusivities, information...). (Feb. 17, 98)

LAURENT BLONDIAU NEW, 1st, CD ALBUM On Thursday, February 19th, trumpeter Laurent BLONDIAU and his quintet will present their 1st CD album "THE QUEEN OF THE APPLE PIE" in a concert at the DE WERF in Bruges. (Feb. 17, 98)

L'AME DES POETES : SPRING TOUR AND WORKSHOP IN WEST AFRICA L'AME DES POETES will be doing a tour of the French Cultural Centers in West Africa during next spring. The three musicians Pierre VAIANA (sax), Fabien DEGRYSE (gt) and Jean-Louis RASSINFOSSE (bass) will also be joined by Pirly ZURSTRASSEN (piano, composition) for a 10 day workshop on "jazz music and African dance" in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). (Feb. 16, 98)

SWEET AND HOT : A CLUB FOR JAZZ FANS AND RECORD COLLECTORS SWEET AND HOT defines itself as a "cercle d'étude et de propagation de la musique de jazz". Founded in '59, it is a group of jazz fanatics of the Brussels area that meets every Friday night to present conferences on jazz topics, illustrated by rare records. Infos : Claude BOSSERAY, place Quettelet, 3, B-1210 Brussels. Phone (32)(0)2/479-25-10. (Feb. 16, 98)

EMMANUELLE SOMER WORKSHOP Oboe player Emmanuelle SOMER is to give a workshop at the Brussels Travers from Feb. 22 thru 24. Infos : Phone : 02/218 40 86 or E-mail : travers@cyclone.be. (Feb. 13, 98)

J@ZZ@ROUND # 13 out Issue # 13 of the jazz magazine J@ZZ@ROUND is out. It can be found for free in most jazz clubs, record stores, etc. For subscriptions and for the table of contents of the current issue, see our J@ZZ@ROUND page. (Feb. 13, 98)

EDDY LOOZEN, ERIC THIELEMANS WITH BARRE PHILLIPS On the improvisers front : pianist Eddy LOOZEN and drummer Eric THIELEMANS play a few concerts with bassist Barre PHILLIPS. Check RTBF's calendar for details. (Feb. 8, 98)