16 musicians, 2 nights, 8 duos. The wonderful feeling of spring is something we always want to bring to our stage. That’s why we proudly present some really promising newly-formed duo’s. From rising stars to internationally renowned artists and from improv veterans to unique outsiders, they will join forces to challenge themselves and their audience with new sounds. The first night will feature the following duos:
Greetje Bijma & Raphael Vanoli – vocals & guitar
Legendary free jazz vocalist Greetje Bijma has been around the Dutch impro scene since the 80’s, always looking for new experiences. She has worked together with big Dutch names like Willem Breuker and Louis Andriessen. She will perform together with guitarist Raphael Vanoli. He is an innovative guitarist, who has made his own sound trough experimenting with electronics and deviating playing techniques. He is part of the well-known duo Knalpot and has worked together with Jameszoo, Asko| Schönberg and – just like Greetje Bijma – Louis Andriessen.
John Engels & Jan van Duikeren – drums & trumpet
Two really good friends playing together, what else do you need. Jan van Duikeren is one the best trumpet players in The Netherlands, well-known for his projects Fingerprint, JVVD4, Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw and collaborations with legends like Dr. John, Christian McBride, Joe Jackson and Dr. Lonnie Smith. He will have a musical conservation with friend and drumlegend John Engels. Currently 86 years old, John Engels is one of the biggest jazz musicians in the Netherlands. He performed with all-time greats like Stan Getz, Art Farmer, Ben Webster and Chet Baker. Jan van Duikeren released the album Dear John in 2016 with his quartet (John played drums), as an accolade to their friendship, followed by the praised album ‘Short Stories’ (2020) together with the Metropole Orkest Strings.
Alex Simu & Pascal Schumacher – clarinet & vibraphone
Romanian clarinettist, saxophonist and composer Alex Simu performs in various ensembles including Arifa, which performed at our stage on February 4. Besides performing music live he is also a film music composer. He received a Gouden Kalf for ‘Best Music’ for the film ‘Beyond Sleep’ in 2016. Vibraphonist, percussionist and composer Pascal Schumacher has worked together with Jef Neve and Francesco Tristano and has won prestigious awards like the Django d’Or and the ECHO Jazz Award.
Ben Wendel & Seamus Blake – bassoon & tenor sax
Two world-class saxophone players, both currently living in The Netherlands. Ben Wendel is a saxophonist, bassoonist and bass clarrinettist, known for his band Kneebody and collaborations with Prince, Snoop Dogg but also Antonio Sánchez en Tigran Hamasyan. Last November he performed at our stage with his current project, High Heart. Seamus Blake is an renowded saxophone player, has won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition and his played on six of the Grammy-nominated albums of the Charles Mingus Big Band. He has shared the stage with big names like John Scofield, Herbie Hancock, Ethan Iverson and Nate Smith.
Both night will be presented by Koen Schouten.