Kaja Draksler and Loran Witteveen are the Young VIPs of 2015, the most promising talents composing original music according to programmers of Dutch jazz clubs. The two pianists present their own ensembles.

Each year the programmers of leading Dutch jazz clubs select the Young VIPs, the most promising jazz talents composing original music. For 2015 they’ve selected pianist Kaja Draksler. Loran Witteveen has won the Dutch Jazz Competition with his quintet, making him the other selected artist. For this month onwards they will tour The Netherlands as Young VIPs.

Pianist and composer Kaja Draksler was born in 1987 in Kranj, Slovenia. She moved to The Netherlands for her bachelor studies in jazz piano and master studies in classical composition. Kaja performed Europe, Egypt and The US in various formations. She has already released seven albums as a band leader/composer, including her solo album, which earned the following praise in Downbeat: ‘The young Slovenian pianist Kaja Draksler shows off a wealth of sturdy ideas and nonchalant technique on this stunning solo recording.’

Kaja will perform in two duos: Feecho and Cudars-Draksler Duo. In Feecho she will perform with Dutch drummer Onno Govaert. Together with guitarist Matiss Cudars she forms the other duo. Both duos play free improvisation. Feecho explores rhythms, while Cudars-Draksler departs from short motifs and melodies. The Young VIPs is a great opportunity for these musicians to examine the possibilities of their repertory. And even a trio might not be out of the question!

Loran Witteveen (1988) completed his master studies in jazz piano last summer. He studied with Harmen Fraanje among others. After winning the soloist prize in the Keep an Eye International Jazz Competition 2013 he got the opportunity to take lessons in New York, studying with big names such as Fred Hersch and Aaron Parks. Last year he won the Dutch Jazz Competition with his quintet and performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival.

The Loran Witteveen Quintet consists of Loran on piano alongside Toms Rudzinskis and Jasper van Damme on alto sax, Lennart Heyndels on bass and Pit Dahm on drums. The compositions are adventurous, playful and full of surprise. Among their sources of inspiration is 20th century classical music. From the jury report of the Dutch Jazz Competition: ‘Marvelous ensemble playing, delivering complex compositions entwined with melody lines in a relaxed live performance.’

Click here for a background article about the Young Vips by jazz journalist Vera Vingerhoeds.

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).

AFTERWARDS DJ RUMBARIDSKIN AT THE CAFE