The best and most swinging big band of the Netherlands

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2 ABOUT THE JAZZ ORCHESTRA For many years, the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw has been considered to be one of the most exciting big bands in Europe exhibiting unique artistic quality of its own. The resulting national and international recognition has led to a wide range of performances, as far away as China, Japan, South Africa, Indonesia and South America. it has no stylistic limitations or prejudices and is continually growing and evolving. In large part due to its desire to connect through jazz with audiences of all ages and backgrounds as well as its artistic commitment to play music that is stimulating, openminded and focused on the here and now as well as tomorrow and beyond. The best and most swinging big band of the Netherlands In the Netherlands, the Jazz Orchestra has been the stable backbone of the jazz program at the Royal Concertgebouw the only concert hall in the world to feature a jazz big band alongside a classical orchestra. Breathtaking music is created under the inspiring leadership of artistic director Juan Martinez, chief conductor Dennis Mackrel, and conductor/arranger Rob Horsting, supported by a line up of 17 outstanding musicians. Firmly rooted in the great American big band tradition, the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw has developed its very own songbook of original compositions that accurately reflects the depth, character and unique strengths of its individual musicians much like the great signature orchestras of the past, such as the Duke Ellington Orchestra. And while the Orchestra is well grounded and very comfortable with the swinging tradition of the past, In addition to performing in prestigious venues like the Concertgebouw, it is equally comfortable playing on the big stages of major festivals like the North Sea Jazz Festival or the Java Jazz Festival as it is playing on smaller settings where it can stretch the boundaries of contemporary big band music in a more intimate setting. The Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw with its clear and characteristic sound is also well rooted in Dutch society. In collaboration with both national and local government agencies the Orchestra has been enthusiastically connecting broad audiences through jazz music. Cultural diversity, freedom, emancipation and youth are core values. Read more on and listen to our soundcloud national newspaper Algemeen Dagblad

3 Booking information Netherlands: Ms Jennie Duif Tel Outside Netherlands: Mr Danas Skramtai danas.skramtai@jazzorchestra.nl Tel Line up e up Artistic manager: Managing director: Chief conductor: Conductor/arranger: Juan Martinez Jan Bakker Dennis Mackrel Rob Horsting Saxophones: Joris Roelofs (lead) Jorg Kaaij Simon Rigter Sjoerd Dijkhuizen Juan Martinez Trumpets: Jelle Schouten (lead) Wim Both Ruud Breuls Jan van Duikeren Trombones: Jan Oosting (lead) Ilja Reijngoud Bert Boeren Martin van den Berg Rhythm section: Martijn van Iterson (guitar) Hans Vroomans (piano) Frans van Geest (double bass) Martijn Vink (drums) Marcel Serierse (drums)

4 CROSSROADS Music by Joris Roelofs, Martijn van Iterson, Ilja Reijngoud, Simon Rigter, Rob Horsting and Jorg Kaaij. Arrangements by Michael Abene, Vellu Halkosalmi, Rob Horsting, Dennis Mackrel, Henk Meutgeert and Ed Partyka. Crossroads a new international perspective on Dutch Jazz. Stretching the boundaries of contemporary big band music. The Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw is extending its limits, in more ways than one. The band developed its identity in the late 1990s with the bi-weekly concerts at the Amsterdam Bimhuis. Since then it has literally conquered the world, not only touring all over Europe but also playing in Latin America, South Africa, Indonesia, Japan and China. Musically, too, the band is evolving all the time. The starting point was the classic 1950s idiom, but from the beginning, the orchestra was challenged by guest soloists and composers from a wide range in jazz styles. Dennis Mackrel, Rob Horsting, Henk Meutgeert, and three international guest arrangers: Michael Abene and Ed Partyka (U.S.A.), and Vellu Halkosalmi (Finland). This CD is a breakthrough. Along with their future-oriented American colleagues of the Maria Schneider and Darcy James Argue orchestras, with this CD the Jazz Orchestra marks a new century in the development of the jazz big band. Written by Bert Vuijsje Written by Bert Vuijsje Jazz journalist and author of the books Rita Reys: Lady Jazz (Thomas Rap, Amsterdam, 2004) and Ado Broodboom trompet (In de Knipscheer, Haarlem, 2017). The album Crossroads is released in June 2018 and is available through webshop: The international distribution and marketing: Challenge Records International With the album Crossroads the Jazz Orchestra takes another step forward. Conducted by Dennis Mackrel and Rob Horsting (who has been arranging for the group since the beginning), the orchestra presents nine compositions by various band members, Martijn van Iterson, Joris Roelofs, Ilja Reijngoud, Simon Rigter and Jorg Kaaij, and Rob Horsting. The arrangements were written by Joris Roelofs

5 I DIDN T KNOW WHAT TIME IT WAS Big band and Hammond B3 a sensational synthesis From its inception, the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw has had the great honor of collaborating with some of the most celebrated and inspirational soloists from across the music spectrum. One such collaboration is with NEA jazz master and living legend, Dr. Lonnie Smith. While he is sometimes referred to as cult hero, the Sultan, devil and genius of the B3 Hammond organ, we simply and affectionately call him: The Doctor. During this particular collaboration, the good doctor mentioned that to perform with a big band was something he had dreamed of for many years. This concert was the fulfillment of that dream. It led to the album, I Didn t Know What Time It Was This live recording took place at the Bimhuis and it captures the essence of groovy jazz and funk-jazz classics, as performed by Dr. Lonnie Smith and the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw. It s always a pleasure to perform this music as it sweeps the audience off of its feet with hard grooving soul and jazz, combined with a blues and gospel feel. The Jazz Orchestra and Doctor Lonnie Smith

6 The Jazz Orchestra has an extensive track record of collaborations with world class guest soloists. Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw Piet Heinkade BR Amsterdam - The Netherlands T +31 (0) Find us also on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter and our soundcloud. Photography: Jelmer de Haas, Gemma Kessels Design: Studiobas.com

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