Dutch Jazz Collective shows how a new generation breathes fresh life into the big band tradition. Founded in Rotterdam by trumpeter Bart van der List and drummer Sander Smeets, the ensemble brings together musicians who met during their conservatory studies at Codarts Rotterdam. Their debut album Generations was a heartfelt tribute to the classic big band sound, featuring original compositions rooted in tradition.

For their second album United, DJC turns towards intricate, forward-looking compositions, without ever losing that unmistakable big band energy. For this project they collaborated with two heavyweight figures of the international jazz scene: trombonist and composer Ilja Reijngoud, and saxophonist Paul Heller (of the WDR Big Band), both of whom wrote new music especially for the occasion.

Bart van der List trumpet, Bram Hartwig trumpet, Niels van Willigen trumpet, Tom Ridderbeekx trumpet, Alex van Aabelen trombone, Sam Thomas trombone, Gregor Sperzel trombone, Berend van Gurp trombone, Mo van der Does sax, Donald Simoen sax, Jesse Schilderink sax, Frank Groenendijk sax, Emillio Tritto sax, Wouter van Deventer guitar, Robert Koemans piano, Cas Jiskoot bass, Sander Smeets drums, Nils van Haften conductor

Paul Heller tenor sax, Ilja Reijngoud trombone