Every new generation causes innovation in jazz. That is why the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw regularly invites young Dutch ‘jazz influencers’. This edition features leading musicians Kika Sprangers and Alistair Payne as guest soloists alongside the big band on stage with their own compositions.
In recent years, saxophonist Kika Sprangers has developed at lightning speed into a very complete musician. Velvet sound, sparkling tonal language, compellingness and stillness are core elements in her playing and compositions. She now has four albums to her name and performs with her quintet and Large Ensemble throughout the Netherlands and abroad. “Saxophonist Kika Sprangers brings out the best in sound and color” wrote Trouw about her latest album Mind’s Eye and labeled her as one of the great talents of the current generation.
Trumpeter Alistair Payne is a prominent name in the new wave of Dutch jazz. The Scottish-born musician is known for his distinct trumpet sound, out-of-the-box creativity and diversity of projects: from sideman in the Sun-Mi Hong Quintet to fully improvised music and sound exploration in duets with John Dikeman. After studying at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, he has developed as a composer and soloist with a wide and refreshing view of contemporary jazz.
The Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw is at the absolute top of the big bands in Europe. The orchestra won several Edison Awards and has performed with world class soloists such as Chick Corea, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Joshua Redman. In 2020, nine young jazz artists were commissioned tot write compositions for the big band. This resulted in the album The Jazz Influencers, and the eponymous concert series.