New band originated in the clubs Constellation (Chicago) and Zaal 100 (Amsterdam), breeding grounds for adventurous jazz and improvisation. City Links concert as part of 40 Years Bimhuis.

A new ensemble for listeners, but one with a considerable history for the musicians themselves. Constellation 100 is a continuation of the intensive contact between musicians from Amsterdam and Chicago. Both cities have thriving avant-garde music scenes and rich jazz histories. Sound-wise this group resembles early sixties Dolphy and Booker Little outfits. For energy, precision, playfulness and aesthetics this group is hinting at Charles Mingus. But bear in mind they also listened to John Kirby. And the Art Ensemble of Chicago is no stranger to them either.

The five members of Constellation 100 are known as groundbreaking players of their particular instruments. Moreover, they continue to seek collaboration with likeminded musicians from all over the world. Drummer Mike Reed directs two major Chicago platforms, the jazz club Constellation and the Pitchfork Music Festival. Cornet player Eric Boeren is the coordinator of Amsterdam venue Zaal 100. At the Bimhuis these musicians could be heard in many different bands, including Eric Boeren 4tet, Jason Adasiewicz’s Sun Rooms, Living By Lanterns and Mike Reed’s People, Places & Things.

BIMHUIS CITY LINKS is a concert series created especially for the 40th anniversary of the Bimhuis in 2014-2015. Since its foundation the Bimhuis has supported exchange between Amsterdam’s improvised musicians and similarly interesting scenes from other cities. The series has already highlight Berlin and London, complemented in the future by other dynamic cities and singular musicians.

The Bimhuis restaurant is open prior to the concert from 6.30 til 8.30PM (reservations via 020-7882158). After the concert, the Bimhuis Café is open (free entrance).

GREG WARD, ERIC BOEREN, JASON ADASIEWICZ, WILBERT DE JOODE, MIKE REED
AFTERWARDS DJ TIM PARSNIP AT THE CAFE
Greg Ward altsax, Eric Boeren cornet, Jason Adasiewicz vibrafoon, Wilbert de Joode bas, Mike Reed drums