With open-mindedness and skills SMANDEM. produces a diverse sound rooted in jazz traditions, but not adhering to stylistic boundaries or formal etiquette. Inspired by the likes of Herbie Hancock, Christian Scott and Wayne Shorter, as well as Travis Scott and Drake, SMANDEM. sails on musical energy. The collective strives to move forward and explore ways to merge their jazz background with contemporary popular music.
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 to write compositions for the big band. This resulted in the album The Jazz Influencers, and the eponymous concert series.
Ilja Reijngoud conductor, Latanya Alberto vocals, Marco Kegel alto sax, Jasper van Damme alto sax, Floriaan Wempe tenor sax, Sjoerd Dijkhuizen tenor sax, Juan Martinez baritone sax, Wim Both, Erik Veldkamp, Jan van Duikeren, Ruud Breuls, Ellister van der Molen trumpet, Jan Oosting, Maarten Combrink, Bert Boeren trombone, Martin van den Berg bass trombone, Rafael Sinay guitar, David van der Grinten piano/keys, Aâron Bouwman bass guitar, Kick Woudstra drums