Henk Kraaijeveld Quintet
Henk Kraaijeveld vocals, Paul van der Feen alto sax, Daan Herweg piano, Tobias Nijboer double bass, Roberto Pistolesi drums
As a vocalist, Henk Kraaijeveld has secured a unique position within Dutch jazz. This is due to his warm voice and his imaginative vocal improvisations, but also to his captivating lyrics and melodies. For his new album Patches of Sky he has written most of the songs himself. In his renewed band he plays with, among others, acclaimed saxophonist Paul van der Feen.
For Kraaijeveld, the narrative character of music is essential, as well as its ability to connect people all over the world. ‘I am fascinated by our human need to be vulnerable and to be loved. I see this reflected in many current social developments, which I always try to relate to in my music’. Ten years ago, Kraaijeveld won the jury prize and the popular vote at the Dutch Jazz Vocal Competition. He has studied in New York with, among others, Peter Eldridge (New York Voices) and Phil Markowitz.
Jazzweekly (US) “Lots of great ideas, and ones that keep with the jazz tradition yet push forward. Look for this guy!”