Spring. A time of renewal and growth. Flowers begin to bloom and trees regain their leaves. In our annual Spring Duets series we celebrate this sense of spring by creating new encounters between musicians we hold in high regard. Whether they are young heroes, internationally acclaimed performers, improv veterans or unique outsiders, together they take on the challenge of creating a new sound.
Jasper Blom & Līva Dumpe – tenor sax & vocals/piano
Tenor saxophonist Jasper Blom will perform as a duo with the talented vocalist Līva Dumpe. The Latvian singer is currently making waves in the blossoming Amsterdam jazz scene. She has graduated cum laude from Conservatorium van Amsterdam, where Jasper Blom is a teacher and coordinator of the saxophone faculty. Blom has won the prestigious Boy Edgar prize and is renowned as a flexible tenor player and a versatile composer.
Nabou Claerhout & Tijs Klaassen – trombone & double bass
Two young, talented band leaders, one Flemish and one Dutch: trombonist Nabou Claerhout was born in Antwerp and has previously performed on our stage with her quartet N∆BOU. Currently she’s part of Tijn Wybenga’s AM.OK. Tijs Klaassen is earning recognition as a reliable sideman and band leader. He has regularly performed on our stage, in bands such as Lucas Santana Quintet, Motet by Mo van der Does, and his own Tijs Klaassen Quintet.
Dimitar Bodurov & Anton Eger – piano & drums
Born in Bulgaria and currently settled in Amsterdam, jazz pianist Dimitar Bodurov remains fascinated by traditional songs and melodies from his native country, which he incorporates in his compositions. He previously performed on our stage with his own trio, and he’s in high demand as a sideman. Swedish drummer/composer Anton Eger operates on the intersection between stadium rock and modern jazz. His recent album Æ features appearances by, among others, Petter Eldh, Niels Broos, and Otis Sandsjö. Last October, Eger played here as part of the Marius Neset Quintet.
Kika Sprangers & Teis Semey – alto sax & guitar
Saxophonist Kika Sprangers and guitarist Teis Semey can easily by classified as leaders of the new generation of jazz musicians. In 2022, Semey was artist in residence at North Sea Round Town. Like Kika Sprangers, he plays in Tijn Wybenga’s AM.OK. In 2021 he released his most recent album Mean Mean Machine. Kika Sprangers performed at every major Dutch jazz venue with her quintet and her Large Ensemble. In 2021 she received the Rogier van Otterloo Award. Her album Mind’s Eye earned glowing reviews in Dutch newspapers such as Trouw and de Volkskrant.
Ernst Reijseger & Mario Forte – cello & violin
Ernst Reijseger is known for his exceptional approach to the cello. Classically trained, but free improvising, playing the cello not just with a bow, but also like a guitar, double bass or percussion instrument. He made his international breakthrough with his musical contributions to the films of Werner Herzog. Now he forms a duo with his kindred spirit on violin, Mario Forte, who has traveled the world all of his life, taking influences from everywhere. He previously worked with Mark Feldman and Richard Bona. With Ernst Reijseger he explores everything from baroque to jazz to americana. Their collaborative project is called Fata Morgana.