Guitarist Reinier Baas presents an elastic new band for his Princess Discombobulatrix Suite, commissioned by the North Sea Jazz Festival.

Each year, the North Sea Jazz Festival commissions a promising Dutch jazz composer to write a free composition. In 2015, the honor goes to guitarist Reinier Baas, known as the leader of ‘the hippest and most exciting jazz band in The Netherlands’ (de Volkskrant), The More Socially Relevant Jazz Music Ensemble. Especially for his new composition he founded an eclectic ensemble featuring renowned Dutch musicians.

In his composition, Baas wants to connect classical music with contemporary avant-garde jazz. For this purpose he looks for musicians that are not only adept in the art of improvising, a typical aspect of jazz music, but are also able to place themselves at the service of an orchestra’s sound. Baas lets himself be influenced by composers such as Stravinsky and Prokofiev, but also bands including The Ramones and A Tribe Called Quest and renowned improvisers such as Craig Taborn and Paul Motian.

The jury motivates its decision to award Reinier Baas the Composition Assignment as follows: ‘Reinier Baas makes clear musical choices and is able to hold attention continuously. He skillfully surprises with small gestures that make the listener wish to hear each of his pieces again.’

The Bimhuis restaurant is open prior to the concert from 6.30 til 8.30PM (reservations via 020-7882158). After the concert, the Bimhuis Café is open (free entrance).

1 SET

David Kweksilber, Joris Roelofs (bas)klarinet, Ben van Gelder altsax, Natanael Ramos trompet, Reinier Baas gitaar, Clemens van der Feen bas, Martijn Vink drums