AB BAARS SOLO

Ab Baars plays solo on tenor saxophone, clarinet and shakuhachi, the Japanese bamboo flute. Baars forms the essential link between the founders of New Dutch Swing, such as Misha Mengelberg and Han Bennink, and contemporary improvising musicians. Since the 1970s he plays in countless bands, collaborating with among others Steve Lacy, Ken Vandermark and The Ex. Since 1986 he is a composing member of the ICP Orchestra. As a solo artist he knows how to keep an audience’s attention as well with clear music, without superfluous notes.

Ab Baars’ recent solo album Time To Do My Lions lends its title from a poem by Anne Carson about the Japanese artist Hokusai, who by the end of his life began drawing a lion every morning to turn away anger, hoping for a peaceful day. The CD was recorded at the Bimhuis and received a 4 star review in Downbeat.

‘His work has always been smart and marked by meticulous care, but as he’s aged he’s increasingly channeled his ideas into concentrated, perfectly pitched excursions that focus on specific notions, without wasted notes’ (Downbeat).

The Bimhuis restaurant is open after the concert  from 4:30 until 7:30 PM (reservations via 020-7882158).