JAZZPORTRETTEN

First edition of the large scale series of video portraits of important Dutch jazz musicians. Screening as part of the 40th anniversary of The Bimhuis, in collaboration with Dutch Jazz Archive and NPO Cultura.

The Dutch Jazz Archive has initiated a series of video portraits of important Dutch jazz musicians. The premiere of the first episodes will take place at the Bimhuis, as part of its 40th anniversary. The portraits are filmed by director Jan Kelder, known for his documentaries on Piet Noordijk, John Engels and Rita Reys. For this series he has already made recordings with Theo Loevendie, Ado Broodboom, Roefie Hueting, Ack van Rooyen, John Engels, Willem van Manen and Jacques Schols. The plan is to register a good part of living Dutch jazz history by portraying several dozens more..

One of the founders of the Bimhuis, Willem van Manen, is the subject of the first video portrait. The trombone player became known for his ensembles Springband and Contraband. He has also gained recognition as an important organizer and supporter of modern jazz in The Netherlands. The second portrait features Jacques Schols, in the 1950s and 60s the double bassist of Holland’s most famous hard bop combo The Diamond Five. He also accompanied many famous artists, both national and international and in both avant-garde and mainstream jazz.

In due time all episodes will be available through the NJA website and they will be broadcast by digital television channel NPO Cultura. The series is financially backed by several sponsors including NPO and the transnational jazz research project Rhythm Changes.