Menu

Red light jazz BIM 50 jaar

Iman Spaargaren | Ian Cleaver

Celebrate half a century of BIM with bands led by Iman Spaargaren & Ian Cleaver, with Ben van Gelder, Jesse van Ruller & Han Bennink a.o.

Time to celebrate, with both young and established musicians who have performed with us during the past fifty years. All of them are connected to BIM, the union for improvising musicians that was founded in 1971. The BIMHUIS was related to this union, but became independent later on. Especially for the BIM-anniversary we present new music by two imaginative composers, Iman Spaargaren and Ian Cleaver. Each of them will perform with well-known players linked to the union.

Tenor saxophonist Iman Spaargaren presents his triptych, which represents the rise, growth, and fall of the European Union. At its core the composition uses acoustic instruments, including including a violin and recorder. The band will add contrast through improvisation and electronic effects. Orchestral sections with strong grooves interchange with dreamy soundscapes and raw free improv.

Trumpeter Ian Cleaver mixes American jazz with influences from the Dutch school of improvisation. His composition will be performed by an all-star intergenerational lineup, including guitarist Jesse van Ruller and drummer Han Bennink. Ian says: ‘This project stems from various sounds and melodies that I have taken in, in Amsterdam as well as in New York, where I currently live and study.’

Iman Spaargaren tenor sax/clarinet/electronics, Jasper le Clercq violin, Dodó Kis recorder, Paul Pallesen guitar, Yonga Sun drums.

Ian Cleaver trumpet, Ben van Gelder alto sax, Jesse van Ruller guitar, Jos Machtel double bass, Han Bennink drums