Chet Baker gave the whole room a lump in the throat
On 13 May 1988, American trumpeter Chet Baker (1929 – 1988) died after falling from the window of his hotel room at the Prins Hendrikkade in Amsterdam. A day later, I heard his music on the radio for the first time. His muted trumpet solo sounded emotional controlled and sincere. Baker’s androgynous singing voice gave […]
The richness and power of French chanson
The Concertgebouw’s small hall was sold out to the last seat on Tuesday 27th August 2024. Exactly at 8 pm the lights went out and a radiant Philippe Elan entered the stage. The ‘chanteur’, born in the deep south of France, was expertly accompanied in his versatile repertoire by pianist Grégor Bak. After many performances […]
Should the word ‘jazz’ be banned?
Multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Chief Adjuah dropped a bombshell in Rotterdam in July: ‘Jazz is a derogatory term and the North Sea Jazz Festival would do well to choose a different name,’ said the musician who went through life as Christian Scott until 2012. Famous musicians of the past like Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, John […]
North Sea Jazz Report 2024
Friday 12 July 2024 ‘Some festivals save the best act for last, we begin with it,’ said presenter Mijke Loeven preceding the concert by saxophonist Chris Potter, pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Jonathan Blake. The super quartet got off to a brisk start, but allowed more stillness and lyricism from some twenty […]
Egbert Derix: ‘Music is my goal’
In a tempo that proves discipline and a tirelessly creative spirit, pianist Egbert Derix records new albums at least once a year. His music has a timeless and universal nature yet is always recognisable. Derix has played with a wide range of musicians: Fish, Iain Matthews, Eric Vloeimans and John Helliwell, to mention just a […]
Robby Krieger’s improvised zest for life
Robby Krieger (1946), guitarist of the illustrious American rock band the Doors (1965 – 1971), shifts his musical course on his latest album. The Soul Savages’ gospel and soul influences enrich his guitar and sitar playing and give wings to the still pickless Krieger. In 2021, the guitarist completed his memoir in which he soberingly […]