BaarsBuisDeman is an ensemble capable of a seemingly infinite sonic palette, from the lowest tuba-low to the highest shakuhachi-high and most of the sounds in between. The trio plays compositions by Ab Baars—whimsical, lyrical, and unruly—as well as spontaneous open improvisations. The result is acoustic jazz full of humour, grace and sudden feints, with an occasional nod to the jazz book, and the spirit of reinvention throbbing throughout.

In addition to his long-term memberships of the ICP Orchestra, his own trio, and the duo with composer/viola player Ig Henneman, Ab Baars is always developing new initiatives. He has had a strong musical relationship with trombonist Joost Buis. As a duo, they released the album Moods for Roswell, dedicated to trombone master Roswell Rudd. That duo has now expanded to a trio, with the addition of Belgian tuba player Berlinde Deman. She is mainly known from Flat Earth Society, and she recently appeared on the album Secular Psalms by trumpeter Dave Douglas. On this recording she can also be heard on the serpent, a medieval predecessor to the tuba. On both instruments, Deman offers a colourful addition to Baars’s compositional framework.

‘A chamber jazz ensemble with a compact marching band attitude, sprinkled with free improvisation magic dust. Just when you think BaarsBuisDeman will zig, they zag’ (All About Jazz).

Ab Baars clarinet/shakuhachi/tenor sax, Joost Buis trombone, Berlinde Deman tuba/serpent