ICP ORCHESTRA
Thomas Heberer-trumpet, Wolter Wierbos-trombone, Ab Baars-clarinet, tenor saxophone, Tobias Delius-tenor saxophone, clarinet, Misha Mengelberg-piano, Mary Oliver-viola, Tristan Honsinger-cello, Ernst Glerum-double bass, Han Bennink-drums
The ICP, Dutch top ensemble of improvisation, is ‘always good for a surprise, that actually isn’t a surprise because surprises are a part of the ICP concept’, wrote the Austrian magazine Jazz-thetik. The European reputation of ICP Orchestra has been established for decades. After several tours in the United States and Canada, the orchestra ended up in the big band top five in the polls of Down Beat and the International Journalists Association this year. A unique achievement for a non-American formation. ‘Few bands run a gamut as broad as Holland’s ICP Orchestra, and none have ICP’s capacity to sound equally convincing with free and traditional structure.’ (Boston Globe). ‘Those who argue that the most interesting jazz these days is coming from Europe could point to Amsterdam’s ICP Orchestra as Exhibit A’. (Globe & Mail). ‘The ICP has character and a sublime ability to play together, with each other, against each other… Tremendous gamesmanship, backed by solid talent and a deep appreciation for obvious and abstract music, the hidden energies and how to let them sing. There is not another band on earth quite like this one.’ (Coda Toronto). Their repertoire consists of old and new work by Misha Mengelberg, possibly some of his versions of Duke Ellington and also new compositions by other group members.